Since 2021, the laws surrounding outdoor weddings in the UK have been relaxed to allow couples a greater amount of choice when it comes to getting married. Now, if you’re looking to get married outside, or in a marquee surrounded by glorious countryside, you’re absolutely free to do so.
However, there are costs and considerations you need to be aware of when it comes to hiring a marquee for your wedding. In this post, we’ll take a look at the average cost of a wedding marquee, what factors can push that cost up, and why a marquee might not necessarily suit every venue.
As explored in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, couples spend an average of £4,200 on a wedding marquee. However, the bare bones of a marquee aren’t likely to provide you with a dream location for you to host your wedding ceremony, breakfast or evening reception. So, you’ll also have to budget for wedding decorations to ensure it’s personalised to your tastes and every bit as beautiful as you’d hope for your big day.
On top of the cost to hire the marquee, there are other costs to bear in mind:
Due to the differences in style and size – which can affect storage, set up, take down and transportation – not all marquees cost the same to hire. There are several types of marquee that are often used at weddings, with each type suitable for a slightly different purpose. Just some of the marquee types include:
For something a little different, you could even hire a circus tent to really make sure your wedding is remembered for a long time to come. In fact, Bigtopmania allows just that, with prices starting at £100 if you have a smaller budget. If you’re looking for something a little more modern but still just as unique, BAYA Hire provides incredible dome tents, with prices starting from around £4,600.
Despite there being so many choices available, the traditional marquee remains a firm favourite thanks to its versatility, large capacity and highly customisable interior space.
On top of the type of marquee you decide to go for, there are many other factors that mean the price you pay may begin to creep up (and up and up if you’re after a lot).
Some of the factors that can affect the cost include:
The average cost of a wedding venue is over double the cost of a marquee. Initially, it may seem like a no-brainer that a marquee is a more budget-friendly option than a traditional venue. Here are a few ways a marquee may be a cheaper option:
On paper, a marquee is a great option for couples with a smaller budget. But, before you start hammering tent pegs into the nearest field, there are additional costs to be aware of.
When speaking to your chosen vendor, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting for the price you’re quoted. If you’re after a marquee and it just fits within your budget, then check it includes everything you’re hoping for – otherwise, you could be in for an unwelcome surprise.
For example, not all marquees will be big enough for you, your guests AND catering, so will a second smaller marquee be required for the caterers? Similarly, what about a bar and a dance floor? Or lighting and heating? You may also need to hire a generator to make sure there’s power and toilets because…*ahem*. All of these additions will considerably bump up the cost, so if they’re needed make sure they’re factored into your budget before you hire your marquee.
For more information check out our post on the questions to ask your marquee hire company.
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And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding marquee, we’ve got plenty of money-saving tips to help you make your budget go further.