Marquees often used to be a cheap venue option whereas these days, marquees are a seriously stylish wedding venue option. They can be decorated to match your wedding theme perfectly, and can accommodate everything from intimate weddings to huge reception parties.
Many wedding venues include a marquee option for their outdoor space, so if you’re dreaming of a smaller ceremony with a larger reception, this could be the ideal option for you. 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 Wiltshire. Will you hire a classic English marquee with roll up sides, or maybe a festival-style yurt or tipi? Most marquees are a blank canvas so you are able to add your own personal touches to it, including the flooring, colour scheme and choice of dance floor.
If you're thinking about having your wedding at a venue with a marquee in Wiltshire, they're perfect for you 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
FAQ's - Marquee Weddings Wiltshire
Will my wedding venue put up my marquee for me?
Every wedding venue differs when it comes to what's included in the price. Some venues will just offer a space for the marquee to go and others will provide the tent 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 Wiltshire 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?
Definitely! If you provide a little extra heating and don't mind not being able to roll up the sides, a marquee is perfect for a winter wedding! 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. To make your marquee feel magical in the winter months, you can add fairy lights and sparkling decor. That's one of the perks of having a blank canvas!
What will I do if it rains or is too windy?
Most marquees in Wiltshire 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 Wiltshire?
If you're wanting to get married in a marquee, you are unable to hold the physical legal civil ceremony in the marquee itself according to the law. 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.
How can I use venue decor to make the most out of my marquee wedding in Wiltshire?
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 pom poms, lanting, fairy lights and seasonal bunting are a great choice. Lighting options such as fairy lights and chandeliers can also help set the mood for your evening reception. You will want some decor for the tables. In a marquee, it's best to go for more extravegent centre pieces to fill up the large space available. You could go for a tall vase with flowers in to match your theme.