Planning an event in a marquee offers flexibility and creativity that few traditional venues can match. From elegant weddings to corporate celebrations, marquees give you the freedom to design a space that reflects your personal style and event needs. However, one aspect that often causes confusion for couples and planners alike is pricing.
Understanding what affects your marquee hire price—and what that price actually includes—is essential if you want to make the most of your budget without compromising on quality or comfort.
In this article, we’ll walk through the key factors that influence marquee hire costs, explore what’s typically included in a standard package, and highlight optional extras that can enhance the experience but add to the final bill.
Whether you’re just starting to plan or comparing quotes, this guide will help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.
The Type of Marquee: More Than Just a Tent
One of the most significant influences on price is the type of marquee you choose. A contemporary Clear Span marquee, for example, is a versatile structure with no internal poles, allowing for open-plan layouts ideal for large weddings or corporate gatherings. These marquees, such as those offered by Carron Marquees, can be built to custom sizes and adapted for various weather conditions, but their engineering and scalability mean they tend to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum.
Clear Span Marquees: Flexible and Modern
In contrast, Traditional Canvas marquees bring a completely different character to an event. With natural cotton fabric and exposed wooden poles, they exude a charming, vintage aesthetic that’s well-suited to countryside weddings and summer garden parties. While their material lends a softer, breathable environment, traditional canvas marquees can be more susceptible to weather and therefore may require additional consideration for flooring or heating.
Traditional Canvas Marquees: Rustic Elegance
For those who want the best of both worlds—classic looks with durability—Traditional Baytex marquees, made from PVC sailcloth, offer resilience and a sleek appearance, as seen in Carron Marquees’ Baytex range.
Baytex Marquees: Classic Style with Durability
Smaller events or supplementary spaces may benefit from Chinese Hat marquees, often used as stylish reception areas, cocktail spaces, or entrances. While more affordable, these still require planning for comfort and design, and you can see examples of their versatility here.
Chinese Hat Marquees: Compact and Versatile
Size, Layout and Duration: Scaling Up the Costs
Marquee size naturally impacts price. Larger marquees not only require more materials but also demand additional labour and setup time. The layout itself—such as the inclusion of partitioned zones for dining, dancing, or lounging—can increase both complexity and cost.
The duration of hire also plays a key role. While some events require a one-day setup and teardown, many weddings now span multiple days. A Friday installation with a Monday breakdown might be ideal for couples who want time to decorate or enjoy a relaxed post-wedding brunch, but that extra time adds to the hire cost, especially in labour and logistics.
The Event Location and Site Conditions
Beyond marquee type and size, the event location has a direct influence on pricing. Remote venues, narrow access roads, sloped or uneven ground, and soft grass areas all require additional planning and potentially more equipment or groundwork.
Professional providers like Carron Marquees typically conduct site visits to assess access, measure the space, and evaluate the condition of the ground. This step is essential to avoid unforeseen challenges and ensures the quote you receive is tailored and accurate.
Seasonal Demand and Peak Pricing Periods
Just like any event service, marquee hire is subject to seasonal demand. The peak months—May through September—are especially popular for weddings and summer parties, so prices are generally higher during this time. Booking in off-peak months like October or March may result in lower marquee hire prices, but these months often require additional heating or weatherproofing solutions.
Flexibility with your date can have a significant impact on your total cost. If you’re open to shoulder-season dates or weekdays, you may find better availability and pricing.
What Does a Marquee Hire Price Typically Include?
A marquee hire quote should be comprehensive—but it’s important to understand what’s actually bundled into that price.
Flooring and Lighting Options
Most packages include basic flooring to provide a safe, level surface for your guests. Depending on your preferences and event requirements, flooring can range from coir matting, carpeted wooden flooring, or even a raised floor system. Each comes with different visual and practical benefits, and the more premium the choice, the higher the cost.
Lighting is typically a standard inclusion, with options like chandeliers, fairy lights, uplighters, and festoon lighting adding both ambience and functionality. Custom lighting schemes for specific zones like a bar or dance floor may be priced additionally.
Furniture and Tablescapes
A basic furniture package will likely include tables and chairs, but the specific style and quantity can vary. Carron Marquees offers a range of table and chair options suited to various event aesthetics—from rustic wooden sets to formal banqueting layouts. Be sure to confirm what’s included in your quote and whether you’ll need to hire additional pieces such as lounge seating, cocktail tables, or bars.
Heating and Power Supply
For events during the cooler months, marquee heating is essential. Most providers include portable, thermostatically controlled heaters as part of their packages—or will offer them as add-ons. Generators are often necessary for powering lighting, sound, catering equipment, and other infrastructure, especially at remote or countryside venues.
Interior Linings and Finishing Touches
Interior linings give marquees their finished, elegant look. Standard ivory linings are commonly included, transforming the interior from functional to beautiful. Additional décor like draping, swags, or themed styling elements may be available for an extra fee.
Optional Extras That May Affect the Price
While marquee hire packages are fairly comprehensive, optional extras give you the ability to customise the space fully—but they can also significantly increase the price.
Toilets and Washroom Facilities
Luxury toilets are essential for events held at private or undeveloped locations. These self-contained restroom units offer comfort, style, and convenience far beyond standard portable toilets.
Dance Floors and Staging
If you’re planning to dance the night away, you’ll also need to factor in a dance floor and possibly a stage for the band or DJ. These can be simple parquet squares or fully elevated platforms with integrated lighting.
Lounge Areas and Additional Structures
Chill-out areas and separate zones—such as lounges, cocktail tents, or even catering annexes—can enhance your event, especially for longer affairs. Often, these are created using smaller structures like Chinese Hat marquees, seamlessly attached to the main marquee or set nearby.
Professional Planning Support
Many couples choose to bring in a professional planner to help with logistics, décor, and coordination. Companies like One Six Events provide experienced planners who can manage everything from layout and décor to vendor coordination, saving time and avoiding costly errors.
Maximising Value Without Sacrificing Style
The best way to stay within budget is to prioritise clarity. Request a fully itemised quote that outlines every aspect of the hire—structure, labour, transport, VAT, and optional extras. This allows you to compare different providers fairly and identify where the value lies.
Booking early gives you more choice and access to seasonal deals, especially for popular weekends. And don’t underestimate the value of a site visit. This step ensures your chosen layout works with the site conditions and helps avoid costly last-minute adjustments.
While price is important, consider the reputation and transparency of your marquee provider. The cheapest quote isn’t always the best if it leaves you managing multiple suppliers or scrambling to source essentials last minute.
Conclusion: Understanding and Owning Your Budget
Your marquee hire price will vary based on several interconnected factors: the marquee type, event location, time of year, layout, and included amenities. Once you understand what’s typically included—and how optional extras can enhance or inflate your budget—you’ll be in a stronger position to plan confidently.
A well-chosen marquee provider will guide you through each step, from the initial consultation to the final takedown. With the right planning, your marquee can become a bespoke, beautiful space that reflects your event’s style without unexpected costs.
For an even deeper dive into planning your event budget, visit The Ultimate Marquee Wedding Cost Guide to explore real examples and helpful budgeting tools.
