How Much Does a Marquee Wedding Cost in the UK?
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
If you’re considering a marquee wedding, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: how much does it actually cost?
Whether you’re planning a wedding at home, in a garden, or on family land, a marquee gives you the freedom to create a completely bespoke day. But because everything is built from the ground up, costs can vary depending on your space, guest numbers, and the level of finish you’re looking for.
This guide will walk you through realistic pricing, what’s included, and what to expect when planning a marquee wedding in the UK.
Average marquee hire cost in the UK
For most weddings, marquee hire typically starts from around:
£4,000 – £6,000 for smaller weddings
£6,000 – £9,000 for medium-sized weddings
£9,000+ for larger or more bespoke setups
This usually includes the marquee structure along with key elements such as flooring, lighting, and basic furniture.
What’s included in marquee hire?
Most marquee packages are designed to provide a solid foundation for your day.
Typically, this includes:
Flooring (woven or wooden)
Lighting (such as festoon or fairy lights)
Tables and chairs
Dance floor
Heating (if required)
From there, everything can be tailored to suit your style, layout, and overall vision.
What does a marquee wedding cost in total?
While marquee hire is a key part of your budget, it’s important to consider the full setup when planning a wedding at home or on private land.
A realistic total budget for a marquee wedding in the UK is:
£10,000 – £15,000 for a smaller, well-planned wedding
£15,000 – £25,000 for a medium-sized wedding
£25,000+ for larger or more bespoke celebrations
This includes not just the marquee itself, but also the infrastructure and finishing touches needed to create a complete wedding setting.
Typical cost breakdown
Every wedding is different, but a rough guide to additional costs might look like:
Marquee & core package: £5,000 – £10,000
Power & generator: £600 – £900
Luxury toilet hire: £700 – £1,200
Catering tent / service space: £500 – £1,000
Catering: £20 - £100 per person
Lighting upgrades & styling: £500 – £3,000+
These elements vary depending on your location, guest numbers, and how you want your day to look and feel.
How guest numbers affect cost
Your number of guests is one of the biggest factors influencing your overall budget.
More guests typically mean:
A larger marquee
More furniture and layout complexity
Increased infrastructure
For example:
50 guests → smaller, more intimate setup
100+ guests → larger marquee with more structured layout
150+ guests → fully bespoke setup with multiple areas
Is a marquee wedding more expensive than a venue?
This is one of the most common questions.
The honest answer is:👉 It can be similar in cost — but offers far more flexibility.
With a traditional venue, many elements are fixed within a package.With a marquee wedding, you’re building everything around your vision.
This means:
You control where your budget is spent
You’re not restricted by venue rules
You can prioritise what matters most to you
For many couples, the ability to create a completely personal wedding makes it incredibly worthwhile.
Why couples choose a marquee wedding
Beyond cost, couples choose marquee weddings for the experience.
Getting married somewhere meaningful
Creating a fully bespoke day
Having complete control over layout and flow
A more relaxed and personal atmosphere
Especially for weddings at home or on family land, it offers something no venue can replicate.
How to budget for a marquee wedding
A simple way to approach your budget is:
Start with your marquee and core structure
Add essential infrastructure (power, toilets, catering space)
Layer in styling and finishing touches
Working with an experienced marquee company helps you plan efficiently and avoid unnecessary costs.
Final thoughts
A marquee wedding is an investment, but it offers a level of freedom, flexibility, and personalisation that traditional venues simply can’t match.
With the right planning and support, it allows you to create a wedding that feels completely your own — whether that’s in your garden, on family land, or in a space that means something special to you.
Thinking about a marquee wedding?
We specialise in creating bespoke marquee weddings across Lancashire and the North West, particularly at home and on family land.
👉 Get in touch to discuss your plans or request a tailored quote
📞 07498 210450
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