A marquee is a large tent structure you rent for outdoor events

A marquee is a temporary fabric structure — essentially a very large tent — that you set up for a single event and then take down. It has a metal or wooden frame covered in canvas or vinyl, open sides (usually), and a roof. People rent them for weddings, garden parties, corporate events, festivals, and any outdoor gathering where you need shelter from weather or shade from sun.

The word "marquee" is used differently in different places. In the United States, it usually means a large tent. In the UK and Australia, "marquee" is the standard term for what Americans might call a "party tent" or "event tent". The structure itself is the same: you rent it by the day or weekend, a crew delivers and sets it up, and they remove it when the event ends.

Marquees come in different sizes, measured in feet or metres of length and width. A small one might be 20 by 30 feet (roughly 6 by 9 metres). A large one for a wedding with 200 guests might be 40 by 80 feet (12 by 24 metres) or bigger. The rental company will help you choose the right size based on how many people you expect and what you plan to do inside.

Key Takeaways

  • Marquee rental costs vary widely depending on size, location, season, and how long you need it — a weekend in summer costs more than a weekday in winter.
  • You typically need to book several weeks in advance during peak season (spring through early autumn), though off-season dates may be available with shorter notice.
  • The rental price usually covers delivery, setup, and removal, but flooring, heating, lighting, and catering equipment often cost extra.
  • Weather protection is the main reason to rent a marquee, but it also gives you a defined space, privacy, and the ability to control temperature and lighting.
  • Rental companies usually require a deposit to hold your date and a signed contract that spells out what happens if you cancel or the weather forces changes.

How marquee rental pricing works

Marquee rental cost depends on several things: the size of the tent, how many days you need it, what time of year, and where you live. A small marquee for a weekend garden party in winter might cost £500 to £1,500. A large marquee for a summer wedding weekend could cost £3,000 to £10,000 or more. These are rough ranges — your actual quote will depend on your location and the rental company.

The base rental price usually includes the tent structure itself, delivery to your site, setup by the rental crew, and removal after the event. It does not usually include the ground it sits on (you need a flat, level space), flooring inside the tent, heating, lighting, or tables and chairs. Each of these costs extra. A wooden floor might add £500 to £2,000. Heating or air conditioning can add £300 to £1,500 depending on the season and size. Lighting and electrical work can add £200 to £1,000.

Peak season — typically May through September in the Northern Hemisphere — costs more than off-season. A weekend in July costs significantly more than the same tent on a Tuesday in February. If you have flexibility with your date, choosing a quieter time or a weekday can lower the cost. Some rental companies offer discounts for longer rentals (a full week rather than a weekend) or for booking further in advance.

What to check before you book

Before you sign a contract, confirm what the rental price includes and what costs extra. Ask whether the quote covers delivery and setup at your specific location — some companies charge extra if your site is far from their depot or difficult to access. Ask about the ground conditions: if your garden is sloped or soft, you may need ground reinforcement or special bases, which costs more.

Check the cancellation policy. Most companies require a non-refundable deposit (often 25 to 50 percent of the total cost) to hold your date. If you cancel, you lose that deposit. Some companies offer weather-related cancellation insurance or will reschedule your event to another date if bad weather makes setup impossible. Read the contract carefully to understand what counts as "bad weather" and what your options are.

Ask about insurance. Some rental companies carry liability insurance that covers damage to the tent itself, but not damage caused by your guests or damage to your property. You may need your own event insurance to cover injuries or accidents. The rental company can usually tell you what their insurance covers and what you need to arrange separately.

Timing and availability

Marquee availability depends on the season and how far in advance you book. During peak season (spring and summer), popular dates book up weeks or months ahead. If you want a marquee for a June or July weekend, booking in January or February is common. For a winter event, you may be able to book just a few weeks out.

When you contact a rental company, they will ask for your preferred dates and the size tent you need. They will tell you whether those dates are available and give you a quote. If your first choice is booked, they may suggest nearby dates or a different size. Once you agree on price and terms, you sign a contract and pay the deposit to hold the date. The balance is usually due a week or two before the event.

If your event date is flexible, ask the rental company which dates are cheapest or most available. Weekdays and shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October) often have better availability and lower prices than peak weekends.

What happens on setup day

The rental company will arrange a specific time window for delivery and setup — usually a day or two before your event. A crew of two to four people will arrive with the tent sections, frame, and any extras you have rented (flooring, heating, lighting). They will assemble the frame, stretch the fabric over it, find it to the ground with stakes or weights, and install any electrical or heating equipment.

Setup typically takes two to four hours depending on the tent size and complexity. You should be present to show the crew where you want the tent positioned, where you want the entrance, and where any electrical outlets or heating units should go. Once setup is complete, the crew will walk you through the tent, show you how to operate any equipment, and explain what to do if problems arise during your event.

After your event ends, you contact the rental company to arrange removal. A crew will return, disassemble the tent, pack it up, and haul it away. This usually happens the day after your event or within a few days. You should inspect the ground before they leave to make sure it is clear of debris.

Marquee alternatives for smaller events

If you need shelter for a small gathering, a marquee may be overkill or too expensive. A pop-up gazebo or when ready canopy — a small fabric structure on a metal frame that you can set up yourself — costs £50 to £300 to buy or £20 to £50 to rent for a day. These work for 10 to 30 people and protect against light rain and sun, but offer no sides and minimal weather protection.

A party tent (sometimes called a "frame tent" or "event tent") is smaller than a marquee but works the same way — you rent it, a crew sets it up, and they remove it after. These typically range from 20 by 20 feet to 30 by 60 feet and cost less than a full marquee. They are good for smaller weddings, corporate picnics, or garden parties.

If you have access to an indoor space — a community hall, church, hotel ballroom, or restaurant private room — that eliminates weather risk entirely and often costs less than a marquee plus heating and lighting. The trade-off is less flexibility on date and time, and you are bound by the venue's rules on catering, decorations, and guest count.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is underestimating the size you need. A marquee that feels spacious when empty feels cramped once you add tables, chairs, a bar, a dance floor, and 150 people. If you are unsure, ask the rental company how many people fit comfortably in different sizes, and choose one size larger than you think you need.

Another mistake is not checking ground conditions. If your garden is sloped, boggy, or has tree roots, the tent may not sit level or securely. Tell the rental company about your ground before you book so they can advise whether you need reinforcement or a different setup.

A third mistake is forgetting about weather in your contract. If rain or high winds make the event unsafe, what happens? Can you reschedule? Do you lose your deposit? Read the cancellation and weather clauses carefully and ask questions if they are unclear.

Finally, do not assume the rental price includes everything you need. Confirm in writing what is included (tent, delivery, setup, removal) and what costs extra (flooring, heating, lighting, tables, chairs, catering equipment). Get a full itemised quote before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up a marquee on a slope or uneven ground?

Most marquees need relatively level ground to sit safely and securely. If your site is sloped, the rental company can use adjustable legs or ground reinforcement to level it, but this costs extra and may not work for very steep slopes. Tell the company about your ground conditions when you get a quote so they can advise whether it is possible and what it will cost.

What if it rains during my event?

A marquee with a roof and closed sides will keep rain out. If you rent an open-sided marquee (common for summer events), rain will come in the sides. Ask the rental company whether they can add side panels or walls if rain is forecast. Some companies offer weather insurance that covers the cost of rescheduling if conditions are unsafe.

Do I need permission from my local council to put up a marquee?

Rules vary by location. Some councils require a permit for temporary structures, especially if the marquee will be up for more than a few days or if you are charging admission. Contact your local council planning department before you book to check whether you need a permit. The rental company may be able to help with this.

Can I use a marquee for a wedding if I do not have a garden?

Yes. Marquees can be set up in parks, fields, car parks, or any flat open space you have permission to use. You will need to arrange access and parking with the landowner. Some venues (farms, estates, country clubs) rent their land specifically for marquee events and handle permissions for you.

How far in advance do I need to book a marquee?

For peak season (May to September), booking two to three months ahead is common. For winter or weekday events, a few weeks may be enough. Contact rental companies as soon as you have a date in mind — they can tell you what is available and how far ahead you need to book for your specific date and size.