Unlike how many marquees used to be - these days, marquees are a seriously stylish wedding venue option. Whether you're having an intimate gathering or a large, lavish wedding reception, a marquee is the perfect choice. They can also be decorated to suit any style or budget of wedding.
If you're hoping to have a small, intimate ceremony in your chosen venue in East London but wish to invite lots more guests for the reception, marquee venues are ideal for you, as lots of smaller venues tend to offer space for a marquee reception outside. It may be that your venue has a permanent marquee on their grounds, or there’s simply space for you to choose your own to hire. In this case, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from in East London. Will you hire a classic English marquee with roll up sides, or maybe a festival-style yurt or tipi? Many venues or marquee companies allow you to add your own personal touch to your chosen marquee to put your own stamp on it.
Having your wedding reception in a marquee venue is the perfect choice if:
- You want a big space for lots of wedding guests
- You want to marry in a outdoor space, such as a garden or woodland
- You want to add your own stamp to the venue you're getting married in
- You have a back up plan if the weather is inclement
Frequently Asked Questions - Marquee Weddings
Will my wedding venue put up my marquee for me?
Please speak to your chosen venue about what they include in the price of hiring their 'marquee wedding venue.' In some cases, the venue will only charge you for the hire of the grounds, and then you’ll have to arrange the marquee separately with a marquee hire company. Your wedding venue may have recommended marquee suppliers for this, so be sure to check with them.
In other cases, your wedding venue in East London may have a permanent marquee in the grounds, or one that is in use throughout the summer month, for example. This may be a simpler choice if you don’t want to arrange your wedding marquee directly.
Make sure you’re clear as to the costs of your marquee hire and any set up fees before you sign your venue hire contract to avoid confusion and unexpected costs later down the line!
If I'm having a winter wedding, can I still have it in a marquee?
Yes! Many people may think that marquee weddings are suitable for spring or summer only, but marquees can work very well for autumn and winter weddings too! The difference is that you won’t be able to roll the sides of the tent up (which is generally an option in the warmer months), and that you’ll have to provide extra heating for your guests to keep your marquee warm. Getting married at a marquee wedding venue in winter gives you the option to decorate it how you wish and make it as wintery as possible. Adding fair lights and lanterns is one of many ideas.
What options do I have if the weather's bad on the day?
Most marquees in East London should be able to withstand wind and rain. If the weather is forecast to be too bad for a marquee wedding (could be a storm), you will want to have a backup plan, which could be an indoor space to get married. Discuss your wet weather plan with your wedding venue to ensure you’re prepared for any poor weather conditions.
Can we have a civil ceremony in a marquee in East London?
No. According to the law, you have to hold your civil ceremony in a permanent fixed structure, which doesn't include marquees. One way to get around this is to have your ceremony over the threshold of a doorway. This way, your guests can be seated in the marquee while you are technically indoors. Another option you have is to have the wedding reception in the marquee after having your main ceremony in a nearby church or a room in the main venue.
What’s the best way to decorate a marquee?
Marquees are usually a completely blank canvas, which is great for couples who would like to add their personal touch. Hanging decorations such as bunting, paper lanterns and pom poms are very visually effective in marquees. Lighting options such as fairy lights and chandeliers can also help set the mood for your evening reception. On the tables, consider taller arrangements - they can help fill the space and look fantastic spread across your dining space.