Your wedding, but better: Why a pole & canvas marquee is the ultimate choice for free spirits with big style

Let’s face it, weddings have changed. These days, it's less about following traditions to the letter and more about creating a day that feels like you. If you’re looking for a venue that offers creative freedom, natural beauty and a truly unforgettable guest experience, hiring a marquee could be the best decision you make (besides saying “yes,” of course).

At Peacock and Bow, we provide luxury pole and canvas marquees for weddings that feel as magical as they look. Whether you’re leaning into tradition with a twist or going full-on quirky, a marquee gives you the space (literally and creatively) to build a celebration that’s totally unique.

In this guide, we’ll share 10 brilliant reasons to have a marquee wedding and exactly why it’s the ideal choice for couples who want flexibility, flair and a day they’ll remember forever.

1. Natural light makes your marquee wedding look magical

One of the best things about marquee weddings is how beautifully they interact with natural light. Our white canvas marquees act like giant lightboxes—creating that soft, glowy, “is this an editorial shoot?” lighting all day long.

We also use transparent roll-up walls that let the light flood in and frame your surroundings perfectly—whether it’s a field, a forest or your family garden. The result? Gorgeous, dynamic photos, and a mood that shifts beautifully from day to night.

2. Enjoy total privacy with an exclusive wedding venue

No shared lobbies, no background noise, no “we had to clear the room by 10.” With a marquee, you own your wedding space. It’s yours to fill with joy, laughter, questionable dance moves and one-too-many champagne top-ups.

And because hire usually lasts for a few days, you can turn your wedding into a whole experience. Think welcome drinks, firepit gatherings, next-day brunches. Wedding weekend, anyone?

3. No curfews, no limits: keep the party going

Let’s be honest—an 11pm curfew can be a buzzkill. With a marquee, you set the schedule. Want a sax player at midnight or espresso martinis at 1am? Do it.

Hiring a marquee means you’re not beholden to anyone else’s closing times, sound restrictions or stuffy rules. Just you, your people, and the freedom to party until the small hours.

4. Create a wedding that’s uniquely you

Marquees are the ultimate blank canvas. Whether your vibe is modern, vintage, boho, retro, glam, minimalist or maximalist—anything goes. And because there’s no existing décor to clash with, you’re free to build a look that’s all your own.

Want a disco ball over your dance floor? Done. Neon signs in the bar? Of course. Whisky barrels, macramé, pampas grass, chandeliers? You got it. We’ve seen it all.

Plus, you get to choose your layout. Reception space, dance-floor, bar, chill-out zones—it’s all flexible. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by choice, don’t worry. We’re here with expert styling ideas and hands-on help to bring your vision to life.

5. Choose the perfect marquee size for your guest list

Traditional venues often feel too small or too cavernous. A marquee is different: we tailor the size to your exact guest count, creating a space that feels intimate, but never cramped.

No awkward “sorry, your cousin’s plus one can’t come” convos. No worries about splitting the dancefloor from the bar. Just the right-sized space for the atmosphere you want.

6. Showcase your view and surroundings

Have a dreamy view? Let it be the backdrop. Our rollaway marquee walls mean you can embrace your surroundings, whether that’s rolling countryside, woodlands, or your family garden.

Even if the weather turns (classic British vibes), you can simply roll down the clear sides and stay toasty while still drinking in the view.

7. Choose your own caterer and menu

Forget set menus and soggy canapés. Hiring a marquee means you can choose exactly what you want to eat—and who cooks it. Whether it’s wood-fired pizza, a sit-down feast, street food trucks or a vegan tasting menu, you’re in control.

We’ve worked with plenty of trusted, sustainable caterers over the years—and we’d be happy to recommend some favourites.

8. A marquee wedding is always more memorable

Want your guests to be saying “that was the best wedding I’ve ever been to” for years? Then a marquee is the way to go. No two marquee weddings are ever the same—which makes yours feel truly personal and unforgettable.

You can go classic or offbeat. Keep it low-key or make it a full-on experience. Our signature Wills Marquees bring a handcrafted elegance to every event—and they’re exclusive to Peacock and Bow in our area.

9. Bring the outdoors in and keep the summer celebrations going

There’s nothing quite like an outdoor wedding done right. And with a pole and canvas marquee, you get all the benefits of nature, with none of the drawbacks (read: surprise downpours, sunburnt uncles, or rogue gusts).

Add fire-pits for toasty after-dark chats. Scatter lounge seating under the stars and create festoon-lit walkways that carry your guests from dinner to dancing like a scene from a rom-com. You’ve got endless space to play.

You can even add more marquees for a festival-style wedding or set up a glamping field. It’s the dream solution for couples who love nature, parties and a little extra sparkle.

10. Go green with a sustainable wedding venue

Sustainability is a huge consideration for modern weddings—and marquee weddings can be surprisingly eco-friendly.

Our marquees are handmade in Yorkshire using natural materials and traditional craftsmanship. We minimise transport by operating across Lincolnshire, Rutland, Notts, Cambs, Beds, Herts, London and nearby counties, and we partner with local suppliers wherever possible.

We also offer:

• Locally grown flowers with reusable flower rings

• Energy-efficient LED lighting

• Natural ventilation (no energy-zapping AC units here!)

• Reusable coir flooring and low-waste set-ups

  
  

Hosting your day in a beautiful, breathable marquee surrounded by nature? That’s a win for you and the planet.

Why choose Peacock and Bow for your marquee wedding?

We’re more than marquee suppliers, we’re your creative partners. We love helping couples push boundaries, honour traditions (just the good ones), and bring their big ideas to life.

Here’s what we offer:

• Free site visits and friendly, expert advice

• A curated selection of stylish furniture, lighting and decor

• A team that’s passionate, professional, and totally dedicated

• Optional on-the-day staff to keep things running smoothly

• The most elegant, sustainably made marquees in the UK

Ready to plan the marquee wedding of your dreams?

Whether you’re already in full planning mode or just starting to explore your options, we’d love to help you dream big and create something unforgettable.

Get in touch with us today to start your journey to a wedding that’s uniquely and unapologetically you.