Are you dreaming of a marquee wedding? Marquees offer a unique and elegant setting for your special day, and they can be adapted to suit any budget. But how much does a marquee wedding actually cost? In this article, we will explore the factors that can affect the cost of a marquee wedding, and we will provide tips for saving money.
Here at Peacock and Bow, we understand that hiring a marquee for your wedding can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the cost of hiring a marquee. We’ll explore what usually is and isn’t included in marquee hire fees. We’ve also provided a handy guide to our own pricing so you can work out how much you want to spend on your dream marquee wedding.
What is the average cost of a marquee wedding in the UK?
The average cost of a marquee wedding in the UK is £20,000. However, the cost can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the marquee, the number of guests, the time of year, and the location.
Here is a breakdown of the average costs for a marquee wedding in the UK.
Marquee hire: £5,000-£10,000
Furniture: £1,000-£2,000
Linens: £500-£1,000
Lighting: £500-£1,000
Sound system: £500-£1,000
Decorations: £1,000-£2,000
Catering: £5,000-£10,000
Entertainment: £1,000-£2,000
Staffing: £1,000-£2,000
Insurance: £500-£1,000
What factors can affect the cost of hiring a wedding marquee?
Marquee location
The cost of a marquee wedding can vary significantly based on where you choose to have your wedding. The cost will vary depending on what sort of wedding you’re envisioning.
If you’re a pair of bohemian babes planning a festival style marquee wedding, you can choose a beautiful rural site, such as farmland or woodland. This can be fairly cost effective, with venues charging as little as £2500 for the day. We love Woodland Hollow in Bedfordshire for a perfect wilderness wedding.
If you’re dreaming of a more opulent affair you can go for a historic home such as Holywell Hall in Lincolnshire. Venues in popular or prime locations will generally be more expensive with prices ranging from £10,000 to as much as you can and want to pay for your big day.
If you have a large enough garden or own suitable land that you want to hold your marquee wedding on, you can save a significant amount.
You will need to make sure the site is accessible for suppliers and guests. Think about your guest’s fancy footwear and take steps to make sure it doesn't get ruined! Heel stoppers and overshoes are good options. The site will also need to be level and free of any overhead obstacles like trees or low wires.
At Peacock and Bow we always carry out a site visit so we can plan for the best marquee design to suit your needs.
Our marquee giving English country garden party energy at Holywell Hall. Photo credit - Holly Clark Photography
Marquee type
The hire costs of different types of marquees can vary greatly depending on the size, style, and features of the marquee. But, in general, clearspan marquees are the most affordable option, followed by stretch tents.
Our traditional pole and canvas marquees are at the higher end of the scale. This is down to the premium quality of the materials and the unique details and features. Although, some larger frame marquees and clear span marquees can work out more expensive due to their size and complex design. Pagoda marquees are often lower in price due to their smaller size and simplicity. Whereas, stretch tents and tipis can vary depending on materials, size and customisation.
Here is a table of average approximate hire costs per day for different types of marquees (emphasis on the word ‘approximate’):
Type of marquee | Size | |
Clearspan marquee | 6 x 12 metres | £600 - £800 |
Clearspan marquee | 9 x 18 metres | £1000 - £1200 |
Clearspan marquee | 12 x 24 metres | £1400 - £1600 |
Stretch tent | 6 x 12 metres | £700 - £900 |
Stretch tent | 9 x 18 metres | £1100 -£1300 |
Stretch tent | 12 x 24 metres | £1500 - £1700 |
Traditional marquee | 6 x 12 metres | £800 - £1000 |
Traditional marquee | 9 x 18 metres | ​£1200 - £1400 |
Traditional marquee | 12 x 24 metres | £1600 - £1800 |
Small tipi | 6 metres diameter | £850 - £1000 |
Medium tipi | 8 metres diameter | £1100 - £1250 |
Large tipi | 10 metres diameter | £1400 - £1500 |
Giant tipi | 12 metres diameter | £1750 - £2000 |
These approximate prices are for the marquee only. Read on for details of Peacock and Bow’s marquee hire fees and what’s included.
Marquee size
The size of the marquee you choose will impact the cost. Larger marquees will generally be more expensive than smaller ones.
You’ll want a big enough marquee to avoid it feeling cramped. You’ll need to have plenty of space for everyone to mingle under the cover of the canopy, in case the weather isn't on your side.
At Peacock and Bow we offer a variety of marquees that accommodate between 30 and 260 people. So, you’re sure to find the right size marquee or marquees for your special day.
Guest numbers
The number of guests you plan to invite will not only determine the size of marquee you hire, but it will also affect the cost of seating, catering, and any other aspects of the wedding that are priced per head. Even down to the little details such as wedding favours.
Photo credit - Claire Collinson photography
Customisation
Most marquee hire companies include a basic package of furnishings in their marquee hire cost. More elaborate lighting, furniture, and other customisations can push up the overall cost.
Keep reading for more details on exactly what is included in our marquee hire prices and the additional costs of any extras we offer.
Services
Some marquee companies offer packages that include various services, such as catering, entertainment, lighting, sound systems, and more. While this can be convenient it may cost more than sourcing these services yourself. A package can also limit your choices, which is a shame when the beauty and appeal of a marquee wedding is that you can make it whatever you want it to be.
Here at Peacock and Bow, we take care of the logistics and remove as much stress and admin from your wedding planning journey as possible. But, we leave the fun stuff to you. We’re more than happy to offer our guidance at no extra charge. We also have a wide range of contacts in the industry, so we can connect you with some outstanding suppliers who will deliver your dream wedding.
Time of year
Peak wedding season, typically spring and summer, may mean higher costs compared to off-peak seasons. The time of year that your wedding is taking place can affect prices by as much as £5000.
We operate from April to September. Our prices never vary and our quotes are consistent for all our clients.
Tips for saving money on a marquee wedding
As you can see, the cost of a marquee wedding can add up quickly. However, there are a number of things you can do to save money, such as:
Hire a marquee in the off-season: Many marquee hire companies offer lower prices in the winter months
Choose a smaller marquee: The smaller the marquee, the less it will cost to hire.
Have a smaller wedding: The fewer guests you have, the less it will cost for everything, including the marquee
Do your research: Get quotes from several different marquee hire companies before making a decision
Be flexible with your date: If you're flexible with your wedding date, you may be able to get a better deal on the marquee hire
DIY: If you're handy, you can save money by doing some of the decorations yourself
By following these tips, you can save money on your marquee wedding without sacrificing the quality of your event.
What’s included in the cost of hiring a marquee for a wedding?
The marquee
Well duh! Yes, unsurprisingly, the cost of hiring a marquee for your wedding, will include a marquee. If it doesn’t, then both the marquee hire company and your judgement are questionable!
We’ve already been through the average costs of different types of marquee above. So, here’s a table showing our hire charges for each of our pole and canvas marquees.
Marquee size | Marquee capacity | Price range |
12 x 42 metres (40′ x 136′) | 200 – 260 | £15,000-£16,000 |
12 x 34 metres (40′ x 112′) | 140 – 220 | £13,000-£15,000 |
12 x 27 metres (40′ x 88′) | 120 – 160 | £12,000-£14,000 |
9 x 30 metres (30′ x 100′) | 100 – 140 | £10,000-£12,000 |
9 x 23 metres (30′ x 76′) | 60 – 100 | £9,000-£11,000 |
7.3 x 18.3 metres (24' x 60') | 30 - 60 | £5,000-£6,000 |
Pavilion marquee | n/a | £1,500-£2,500 |
These guide prices are for a hire period of at least two full days. They are inclusive of our bespoke hand built bar, matted flooring, internal fairy lights and flying lights above the canopy, tables, chairs, dance floor, and staging.
Marquee extras
Perhaps you’re looking to create the ultimate party space by hiring more than one marquee. Maybe you want to elevate the marquee entrance or make the most of your outside space. It could be that your caterers need their own space to work their magic. In any of these scenarios you should have the option to modify your marquee with extra structures.
Here are the solutions we offer along with costs and whether each item is included in our marquee hire price.
Item | Measurements | Price | Included in marquee hire price |
Service Tents | 6 x 6 or 9 x 6 metres | £650 - £900 | No |
Cloakroom | n/a | £3,200 | No |
Spill Out Area | n/a | £370-£770 | No |
Portico | n/a | £1200 | No |
Connecting tunnel | n/a | £450 | No |
Marquee furniture
Even if you’re having a standing buffet style wedding breakfast, you’ll still need some seating and tables so guests can take a break from the dance floor.
Most marquee hire companies will include basic seating and tables in their overall hire fee. But if you’re looking for something more luxurious or decorative for guests to park their derrieres, there may be an additional cost. This table shows what type of furniture we can provide along with costs and whether or not it's included in our marquee hire price.
Chairs | Price per item | Measurements | Seats | Included in marquee hire price |
Wooden Folding Chairs | £5 | n/a | 1 | Yes |
Chiavari Chairs | £6 | n/a | 1 | No |
Cross Back Chairs | ​£7 | n/a | 1 | No |
Seat Pads | £3.80 | n/a | 1 | No |
Tables | ​ | ​ | ​ | ​ |
Round Tables Small | £12 | ​5' diameter | 8 - 10 | Yes |
Round Tables Large | £14 | 6' diameter | 10 - 12 | Yes​ |
Standard Trestle Table | £12 | 6′ x 2’ | 6 (3 each side) | Yes |
Wide Trestle Table | ​£15 | 6′ x 3′ | 6 (3 each side) | No |
Wide Rustic Trestle | £20 | ​6′ x 3′ | 6 (3 each side) | No |
Marquee decor
When you hire a marquee for your wedding, you’re giving yourself carte blanche to create any type of space you can dream of. That means getting creative with decorations, which can have a big impact on how much you want to spend. The beauty of our pole and canvas marquees is that they look simply stunning with minimal additional decor. They also look fabulous styled up to the top of the king pole!
Most marquee hire companies will provide the basics, such as linens and lighting, and will have other options available for an extra fee.
This table lists the decorative items we provide. But, we love to hear your ideas, even if they’re not covered here. We will always help you dream up and source the perfect marquee decor for your wedding.
​Item | Price | Measurements | Included in marquee hire price |
Flower rings | £80 | 1.8 metre diameter | No |
Mirror ball | £280 | 60cm | No |
12x Giant Shepherds Crooks | £65 | n/a | No |
​Reveal curtain | £780 | For use in our 12m marquees | No |
Marquee lighting
As mentioned above, most marquee hire companies will have a basic lighting package included in their marquee hire price. Ours includes our unique flying lights that hang above the canopy, creating an unforgettable skyline when the sun goes down.
A huge bonus of the pole and canvas marquee is that the natural properties of cotton canvas make for light, bright, airy spaces during the day. Then, as night falls the marquee takes on an ambient lantern glow as light radiates through the canopy. This is one of the main reasons we partnered with Wills Marquees who use canvas exclusively.
Another pole and canvas pro over other marquees is that the simplicity of the flat canvas ceiling, void of any fussy linings or metal beams, lends itself perfectly to projected lighting effects that bring the whole tent to life and creates an irresistible party atmosphere.
Here are the lighting options we offer at Peacock and Bow.
Item | Price | Included in marquee hire price |
Flying lights | £370 | Yes |
Fairy lights | £370 | Yes |
White festoon lights | £425 | No |
Perimeter lights | £185 | No |
Projected lights | POA | No |
Marquee flooring
If you want proper festival vibes you can forgo flooring all together, but you may have to allow wellies in the dress code. Most marquee hire companies understand that there’s rustic charm and then there’s wading through mud and ruining your best threads. So, usually basic marquee flooring, such as coir matting, is included in the marquee hire price.
We find that our clients love the natural look of marquee matting and often choose it over more ‘luxurious’ options. However, if you want to ramp up the glamour, you can pay extra for wooden boards and carpet for your guests to hot foot it to the bar across.
Below are the flooring types we offer. It's worth noting that our matting is polypropylene matting, made from recycled plastic. It is washable and durable meaning it looks brand new at every event and it’s great for the environment as it reduces waste. It also retains the aesthetic appeal of natural coir matting so it's perfectly suited to rustic and vintage weddings.
​Flooring type | ​Measurements | Price | ​Included in marquee hire price |
Entrance Walkway | n/a | £65 | ​ |
Marquee Matting Flooring | Custom fit for 12 metre (40′) marquees | £800-£1200 | Yes |
Marquee Matting Flooring | Custom fit for the 9 metre (30′) marquees | £650-£850 | Yes |
Wooden Boarded Floor with optional carpet | n/a | POA | No |
Auckland Oak Dance Floor Large | 5.5 x 6.5 metres 150-250 guests | £780 | No |
Auckland Oak Dance Floor | 4.5 square metres up to 150 guests | £580 | Yes |
Catering
Some marquee companies offer catering services as part of their packages. This might include food, drinks, and waitstaff.
Catering tends to be where you can save money by hiring a marquee over holding a wedding at a venue that does its own catering. With venues, you’ll often find that the drinks are pricey or they may charge a high corkage fee. With a marquee you have the freedom of choosing your own caterers and either doing the bar yourself, or outsourcing to bartending wizards like the team at The Cocktail Club.
We prefer to leave the food and drinks to the experts, but we know plenty of them and can always put you in touch with the crème de la crème of wedding caterers and bartenders. We do have a very special offering in this area however, in the beautiful full or half moon shapes of our bespoke hand crafted bars. Made by the skilled hands of Mr Peacock and Bow himself, these bars are one of a kind and make a gorgeous statement feature in your marquee.
Item | Price | Included in marquee price |
​Round Oak Panelled Bar | £850 | No |
Crescent Oak Panelled Bar | £500 | Yes |
Marquee utilities
Depending on the time of year of your wedding you may need to think about heating. You will definitely need a power supply for any event at any time. Most marquee hire companies will be able to provide this but usually at an extra cost. This is because there are many options when it comes to marquee utilities. What works best for you depends on many factors such as the location of your wedding and the power needs of your caterers and entertainment.
For more information check out our article How can I power my marquee wedding or event. Here are the utilities we offer.
​Item | Price | Supplies included | Included in marquee hire price |
Generator | £960 - £1200 | Cables, sockets, fuel | No |
Heater | £480 | Fuel | No |
Marquee toilets
Portable toilet facilities are sometimes included in marquee hire packages, although you might want to opt for more upscale options at an additional cost.
We don’t include loos in our marquee hire prices as we prefer to offer you the flexibility of choosing your own or using your venue’s facilities if suitable. For a more indepth bathroom briefing, take a look at our article Restful restrooms - your guide hiring our luxury loos with your pole and canvas marquee. Here is our list of loos.
Toilet type | Price | Included in marquee hire price |
​Luxury trailer loos | £900 - £1000 | No |
Shepherd hut loos | POA | No |
Entertainment and sound
Some marquee hire companies do offer sound systems for hire. That might include a PA system, speakers and a microphone. You might want to take this option if you’re planning on compiling your own playlist and playing it off your laptop or phone. You’d probably want to rope in one of your more extroverted guests (there’s always one!) to MC.
We don't have this equipment available for hire as we have found that most of our clients prefer a live band or a DJ, or both. What we do have to offer is a choice of staging so that everyone can enjoy the entertainment. It's also worth noting that our crescent oak panelled bar can double as an excellent DJ booth
Item | Size | Price | Included in marquee hire price |
Staging Large | 20 x 12 feet, suitable for 5-8 piece band | £650 | No |
​Staging | 16 x 8 feet, suitable for a 4 piece band | £450 | No |
Other marquee wedding hire costs to consider
Wedding planners
Some large marquee hire company’s packages might include a wedding coordinator to help plan and execute the event. While we don’t offer this service ourselves we have a lot of experience of working with wedding planners and have built an excellent reputation within the space for our reliable and trustworthy work ethic.
Marquee wedding insurance
You can get specific tent and marquee insurance that includes hired in equipment cover and public liability insurance. It is important to check the terms and conditions of your contract with your marquee hire company and determine whether they will hold you responsible for the equipment or if they will take on the responsibility themselves. Another option is to buy marquee insurance as an added premium of around £50 on top of standard wedding insurance.
Like many other reputable marquee hire companies, we offer a damage waiver fee. This means we will cover the marquee and equipment under our own insurance. The damage waiver is 5% of the client’s total hire charge.
If a client decides against this option then we ask that they have their own insurance to cover up to £60,000. This is because when the marquee and equipment is with them it is their responsibility.
We hope this breakdown has given you some insight into the cost for a marquee wedding. You now have a rough idea of what to expect before approaching marquee hire companies for quotes. Do get in touch if you would like us to put together a quote for your marquee wedding.