Wedding Marquee Hire Guide

Do you know your clearspan from your tipi?  Your sperry from your stretch?

Have you even heard of a petal pole?

Soft side, hard sides, little hats, gable ends, suspended floors, reveals, guttering, links… the choices for marquee hire can be overwhelming.

We are here to help with our easy guide to the main wedding marquee styles and structures.

CLEARSPAN MARQUEES

Clearspan or frame marquees give you complete flexibility.  Built from aluminium frames with soft canvas sides, you’ll certainly be familiar with this style of wedding marquee.  There are no internal poles and they can be built the perfect size and layout for your guest numbers.

With so many different options to personalise the design and layout, they are perfect for any style of wedding. Flexible on width and length and with no ropes, these wedding marquees can fit in the tightest of spaces. There are options for glass or see-through window walls and clear roof, solid doors and built in catering areas.  You can even have the toilets inside!

With suspended flooring options, these marquees can be built on any surface including slopes.  Being in this type of marquee means that you have no concerns over the Great British weather.  Fully carpeted and perfectly level, clear span maximises space and can allow for open sides as well as complete protection from the elements.

Entrance porches, decking, hidden dancefloors, starcloth ceilings, balconies, different leg heights, colourful linings and carpets; there is so much choice for your wedding with this style of structure.

What to see a clearspan in action?

Find out more about Amy & Ed's marquee wedding. Built on a steep slope, a clearspan marquee was obvious choice to take advantage of the views and stunning setting.

Click here to see their story

POLE TENTS

Sperry tents, petal pole, sailcloth, there are lots of different names for traditional style pole tents. Each have their own unique styled features.

A relaxed marquee with woven matting or a hard boarded floor, these structures have sides which can be put up and down quickly depending on the weather. Wooden support poles provide natural internal sections and can be made into beautiful features. The canvas and optional window walls allow lots of light through making them light, airy and romantic.

Ideal for venues with level, flat lawns. Traditional pole tents are perfect for when you want to keep the party all in the same space.

TIPIS

Ideal for festival style weddings, rustic or woodland weddings, bohemian (boho) weddings, or even snug winter weddings, tipis have an intimate style. In the winter they are cosy and in the summer the sides can be up for open, light and airy feel.

Tipis are modular so you can link multiple tipis together to create bigger structures and different sections for dining, dancing and chillout.

Woven matting flooring is waterproof and the wooden poles look beautiful covered in pealights. You can even have real, indoor fires for the ultimate chill out area.

STRETCH TENTS

Suitable for any theme, if you are after an al-fresco party, these are definitely worth considering. More of a glorious sun-shade than a traditional marquee.

Stretch tents are supported by tension so don’t have large structural framework.  They can pop up and down quickly, so are great for wet weather covers.  Flooring is can be added for a more complete feel.

Interlinking tents can create unique spaces, from large dining areas to small reception bars, practical catering areas to coverings for outdoor bars.  Fill them with comfy cushions to create intimate chill-out zones.

How Do We Decide Which Marquee is Right For Us? 

So now you know all about the main types of marquee wedding structure out there, all you have to do is decide which on is right for you!

When recommending the right marquee for your wedding, we take into account everything from your style, your budget, the time of year, the location, access and ground conditions.

We also take the time to find out more about you.  Who you are, your hobbies, interests, lifestyle, and what really makes you tick! It’s these things that are as important as any of the practicalities.

Whatever your preferred style, all our wedding planning services include a free initial consultation to help you decide.

Talk to us

Book your FREE consultation now to find out how we can help you on your wedding planning journey.  Just give us a call or drop us an email and we’ll chat through the details. 

Find out more about how we can help you create your perfect wedding day