Unlike how many marquees used to be - these days, marquees are a seriously stylish wedding venue option. Marquee weddings are a great choice, whether you're having a huge wedding celebration or a small, intimate reception.
Venues who have marquee space in the grounds are perfect for couples who would like a small marriage ceremony but would like to invite more guests in the evening. 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 West 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:
- Space for lots of guests is needed
- You want to marry in a outdoor space, such as a garden or woodland
- You want a blank canvas wedding venue where you can add your own personal touch
- You'd like to have a small ceremony but a large celebration for your wedding reception
Frequently Asked Questions - Marquee Weddings
Will my wedding venue put up my marquee for me?
If you’re choosing a wedding venue that offers marquee weddings as an option, you’ll need to ask them directly whether the hire cost includes the marquee itself. 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. If your chosen venue doesn't have their own marquee, they will often have recommended suppliers that you're required to use. Get in touch with them to ask about this before you research and find your own marquee supplier.
In other cases, your wedding venue in West 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.
Some venues that offer their own marquee will charge extra for the use and setup of it. Please make sure you check with them beforehand if they will add an extra cost for this.
Are marquees still suitable for getting married in the winter months?
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 will I do if it rains or is too windy?
Most marquees in West London should be able to withstand wind and rain. However, you will want a second plan for if there's storms on your wedding day. It's likely most venues will have an indoor area for you to have your wedding reception. 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 West London?
The law states that civil ceremonies must take place in a permanent and fixed structure in order to be legally binding. Unfortunately, this tends to rule out marquees, even ones that are set up all year round. 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. However, what many couples choose to do is have their civil ceremony in the venue itself before heading to the marquee for the reception.
Inspiration on venue decorations for a marquee wedding in West London.
It's so easy to add your personality to your wedding venue when getting married in a marquee. This is because you start with a blank canvas so can decorate the space however you wish. Hanging decorations such as lanterns and bunting are a great option. 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.