Find a Marquee Hire Company near you
The average rating for Bark Marquee Hire Companies is 4.86, based on 40,963 reviews
5/5
based on 40,963 reviews
Have an occasion coming up that you’d like to hire a marquee for? Read our handy guide to find out how much your marquee hire will cost you, depending on your requirements.
A marquee is a large canvas structure used as an outdoor event space, particularly for functions such as wedding receptions. Marquees come in all shapes and sizes and can either have clear or opaque sides. Rather than just being a large tent, the inside of a marquee is intricately designed. It may feature everything from a dance floor to formal seating, depending on the type of event.
The average cost of hiring a marquee can vary widely. The average marquee hire cost can vary widely. The true cost will depend on the size of the marquee, whether the marquee is lined or not, as well as any internal additions you require, such as seating and lighting.
| Average cost (in total) | £1,800 |
| Minimum cost (in total) | £700 |
| Maximum cost (in total) | £3,455 |
Before you pitch that marquee (or, in this case, pay someone to do that for you!), you’ll need to consider your usage requirements and how these will impact the overall marquee hire cost:
Size of the marquee
Location
The number of guests
Seating type
Flooring
Lighting
Heating
Toilets
Internal decorations
When it comes to marquee hire in the UK, the biggest cost driver will always be size, as you'll pay for the amount of time it takes to pitch the marquee. Here's a breakdown of average costs based on the size of the marquee:
| Size of marquee | Highest average price | Lowest average price |
| 4m x 6m | £625 | £250 |
| 6m x 8m | £900 | £350 |
| 6m x 12m | £1,450 | £450 |
| 9m x 12m | £1,870 | £700 |
| 9m x 27m | £3,315 | £1,500 |
| 21m x 15m | £5,065 | £1,900 |
Prices shown are for structure hire including basic setup. Additional costs for lining, flooring, furniture, lighting and other features apply.
If you're on a budget, the good news is that the smaller marquees start at a reasonable £250 for basic structure-only hire. Plus, there’s always the option of ditching the formal seating, which will allow for more guests to fit into a smaller marquee size.
On the other end of the scale, large marquee hire can cost up to £5,000 to hire. This typically won’t include fixtures, fittings, furniture or premium finishes. However, most marquee hire companies do offer packages that make the cost much more affordable.
Remember that the cost for a lined marquee will be 15-25% more than an unlined marquee. Lining provides a more elegant, finished appearance with better insulation and is essential for formal events like weddings. The more features you add, such as carpet flooring (£7-£12/m²), premium lighting, heating, furniture and generators, the more expensive the total cost will be.
Like most services, your location will impact the overall marquee hire cost. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that marquee hire prices are highest in London, with prices reaching up to £1,200 for a 9m x 12m marquee.
| Location | Marquee hire average cost (9m x 12m) |
| Midlands | £700 |
| Scotland | £700-£900 |
| North East | £700-£800 |
| North West | £800-£900 |
| South East | £900-£1,000 |
| South West | £800-£1,000 |
| London | £1,200 |
Prices shown are for basic structure hire. Regional variations are influenced by transport costs, labour rates and local market competition.
It’s always handy to have an idea of how many attendees will be taking shelter under your marquee. As a general guide, marquees can host between 24 and 300+ guests depending on the seating type and marquee size. A small 4m x 6m marquee would seat around 24 guests, and a 9m x 27m marquee would seat up to 225 guests. There can be between £1,650 and £4,800 difference in price from the smallest to the largest marquees most companies offer, which will all depend on how many guests need to fit in it and what level of finish you require.
Top tip: Standing receptions allow significantly more guests in the same space. It’s useful if you're on a tight budget or want to maximise capacity for part of your event (such as a drinks reception before seated dining).
The number of guests isn’t the be-all and end-all. That’s because it also depends on whether you will be using round tables to seat your guests or if you plan on having a standing buffet instead.
If you are having a standing buffet, you’ll be able to fit more guests into the marquee, versus formal seating with round tables. The type of event you are hosting will help you determine which would be more appropriate.
Keep in mind that if you are having tables and chairs, you'll also need to factor in the cost of hiring them too. Tables typically cost £5-£10 each, while chairs range from £1.50-£3.50 each, not including any chair covers or sashes (which add an extra £2-£5 per chair).
It’s not always necessary to hire flooring to go inside your marquee, especially at festivals or other more casual events. However, for formal occasions or if you require a dancefloor, then it’s an additional expense to keep in mind. After all, the bride and groom can’t have their first dance on a muddy patch of grass!
Marquee flooring can include coir matting, carpet with a plastic underlay, a plastic hard floor or a dance floor. The cost will, of course, depend on the overall size of your marquee and the type of flooring you choose. On average, you should expect to pay between £150 and anywhere up to £1,500 for marquee flooring, with most customers spending £400-£800 for a mid-sized marquee with decent-quality flooring throughout.
| Basic coconut/coir matting | £150-£400 (depending on size and style) |
| Carpet flooring | £7-£12 per m² |
| Hard plastic flooring | £8-£12 per m² |
| Hardwood flooring | £10-£15 per m² |
| Dance floor only | £100-£800 (depending on size and style) |
If you intend on using your marquee at night, then you’ll also need to invest in some lighting, which usually can be done as part of the hire package. The lighting type can vary from uplights to chandeliers. It can also be a nice touch to add lighting above the dancefloor, too, or even opt for special effect lighting. On average, lighting will cost between £150 and £600, with most couples opting for a mid-range package around £250-£350 that includes ambient uplighting, festoon lights and a feature piece such as a chandelier or dancefloor lighting.
Remember that even on warm summer evenings, it can still get pretty cold at night! Heating your marquee will ensure the comfort of your guests. Heaters cost between £50 for a basic electric fan heater and up to £150 for a fuel-powered patio heater or blow heater. If you are having the event at home, it’s also good to keep in mind the cost of running your heaters too.
Don’t allow your guests to get caught short! If the event is in a field in the middle of nowhere, then you’ll need to provide toilets. Portable toilets cost around £140-£300 each, whereas luxury portable toilets cost between £250 and £400 each to hire. Though it may work out cheaper to hire several toilets as part of a package deal with your marquee provider. It’s advisable to have as many toilets as you can afford/have room for, especially if the event is both remote and large.
The finishing touches can make all the difference to your marquee. For example: table covers, flowers, drapes, balloons, fairy lights, etc. The cost of these will depend on what the item is and how much you require. Though you can save money here by decorating the marquee yourself.
If you are planning a special occasion, a marquee can act as an extension of a building or provide shelter if the event will be held outdoors. It’s always a great option, especially as you can never guarantee the weather, even in summer. Marquees also offer a level of intimacy that can sometimes be lost in large buildings. Everything will be constructed and taken care of for you, adding that professional touch to your event.
When considering marquee hire in the UK, it's worth noting that they provide exceptional flexibility compared to traditional venues. You can choose your own caterers, decorators and entertainment without venue restrictions, often resulting in better value overall.
Protect your guests from the elements and wow them with stunning decor when you hire a marquee for your event. Check out Marquee Hire near you with Bark. Whether your event is a family celebration, a festival or even a corporate meeting, we’ll connect you with the best local professionals for the job.
Large marquee hire for events accommodating 200-300+ guests typically costs between £1,900 and £5,065 for structure-only hire. For example, a 21m x 15m marquee (seating 300 guests) ranges from £1,900 to £5,065, whilst a 9m x 27m marquee (seating 225 guests) costs £1,500 to £3,315. Complete packages including flooring, furniture, lighting and heating can range from £8,000 to £20,000+, depending on specifications and finishes.
Marquee hire prices are influenced by several key factors. The size of the marquee is the biggest cost driver. Location also plays a role, with London typically costing around 40% more than areas such as the Midlands or Scotland. Whether the marquee is lined or unlined affects pricing too, with lining usually adding 15–25% to the total cost.
Time of year matters, as peak season (May to September) can increase prices by 10–20%. Additional features will further raise the overall cost. These can include flooring (£150–£1,500), lighting (£150–£600), heating (£150–£650), furniture (£400–£1,000), and toilet hire (£400–£1,200).
To reduce marquee hire costs while maintaining quality, there are several strategies to consider. • Book during the off-peak season (October–April), when prices are typically lower. • Opt for a standing reception, which allows you to fit more guests into a smaller marquee. • DIY your decorations to cut styling costs. • If permitted, source your own furniture instead of hiring it. • Choose an unlined marquee for more casual events. • Compare packages from multiple providers to find the best value. • Finally, select a venue with existing facilities, such as toilets and power, to reduce additional hire costs.
Standard marquee hire costs typically include: • The marquee frame and PVC covering. • Basic assembly and installation. • Standard delivery within 20–30 miles. • A 3-day hire period, covering setup, the event day and takedown. • Basic windows and doors. • A standard 2.3m leg height. Additional costs usually apply for: • Lining (£100–£500). • Flooring (£150–£1,500). • Furniture (£400–£1,000 for 100 guests). • Lighting (£150–£600). • Heating (£150–£650). • Generators (£200–£900). • Toilets (£400–£1,200). • Extended delivery distances. Always clarify exactly what’s included in your quote before booking.
Yes, marquee hire prices vary significantly by region. For a 9m x 12m marquee, the Midlands, Scotland and North East offer the most competitive rates at £700-£800, while London commands premium prices up to £1,200. The South East costs £900-£1,000, whereas the South West and North West range from £800-£1,000. Regional variations reflect transport costs, labour rates and local market competition. It’s worth noting that remote working and flexible providers can help level these differences.
For large marquee hires, booking timelines are crucial. Peak season events should be booked 6-12 months in advance due to high demand and limited weekend availability. Off-peak events can be booked 3-6 months ahead and often secure 10-20% discounts. Last-minute bookings (under 6 weeks) may incur rush fees and have limited availability, particularly for larger marquees. Wedding marquees should be secured 9-12 months in advance, while corporate events may have more flexibility with 3-6 months' notice.
The average rating for Bark Marquee Hire Companies is 4.86, based on 40,963 reviews
5/5
based on 40,963 reviews
