Do you have any questions?
Our FAQs page has you covered with everything you need to know about hiring a marquee with us—from booking and setup to sizing, logistics, and beyond.
We’ve collected the most commonly asked questions to help make your planning process smooth, simple, and stress-free.
What top tips can you offer us in choosing a Marquee?
Is a Marquee Right for Your Special Day?
If budget is not a constraint, a marquee could be the perfect choice for your wedding if:
You have a meaningful location in your life where you’ve always dreamed of getting married.
You’re looking for a venue that can be fully tailored to reflect your unique style and vision.
You’re excited to be involved in every aspect of your day, from theming and décor to furniture and ancillary services—many of which may not be flexible at traditional venues like hotels. A reputable marquee company will be happy to guide you through these choices.
You want the flexibility to adapt the size and layout of your space as your guest list or plans evolve.
You have confidence in your marquee supplier—look for one who responds promptly, welcomes questions, has relevant experience, and is happy to provide references.
Where do we cover with our Marquee & Accessory Hire?
We Deliver Across West Kent, Sussex, Surrey & South London
Planning an event? Our Marquee hire service covers West Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and parts of South & South West London. Simply use our postcode checker on the [Delivery page] to confirm if we can pitch at your location.
Whether you’re hosting a wedding, birthday, or an intimate celebration with friends, we’re here to help bring that wow factor to your special occasion.
Call us now on 01403 785751 to speak with one of our friendly advisers and discuss your specific requirements.
What style should I chose?
Choose from Five Marquee Styles to Suit Any Occasion
We offer a range of marquee styles to suit gatherings of all sizes and styles—from intimate celebrations to large weddings:
1. Gazebos – Ideal for Small Gatherings
Perfect for garden parties or casual get-togethers, our gazebos range from 3m x 3m to 6m x 3m.
2. Premium Marquees – For Parties & Smaller Weddings
Ideal for 16th, 18th, 21st birthday celebrations or more intimate weddings.
3. Clearspan Marquees – For Larger Weddings & Events
Our traditional Clearspan marquees offer spacious, unobstructed interiors. Choose between 6m, 9m or 12m widths, with lengths up to 36m. Ideal for larger weddings and events.
4. Trapeze Marquees – For a Unique Look
Stylish and eye-catching, these marquees come in two sizes: 20ft x 30ft and 30ft x 40ft. The largest size can seat up to 170 guests for a formal meal.
5. Stretch Tents – The Ultimate in Flexibility
Our newest marquee style, the stretch tent, offers a sleek and modern alternative. Configure it to suit your event—fully open or with 1 to 4 sides down for added shelter and atmosphere.
Finish Your Marquee with the Perfect Extras
Once you’ve chosen your marquee, you can customise it further with optional additions including dance floors, flooring, furniture, heating, lighting, linings, and toilets.
What size should my Marquee be?
Getting the Size Right for Your Wedding Marquee
With many years of experience in sizing wedding marquees, we understand the importance of ensuring there is enough space to comfortably accommodate all your guests throughout the day and evening—especially in the event of bad weather when everyone may need to be inside at all times.
By discussing your guest numbers for both the day and evening, and gaining a clear understanding of how the marquee will be used—whether it’s for a ceremony only, ceremony followed by drinks, dinner and dancing, or dancing only—we can recommend the right size and layout for your event.
We usually suggest keeping the dance area clear throughout the event. This allows it to be used flexibly, for example as a ceremony space, drinks reception area, or buffet station. Trying to use the entire marquee for dining and then clearing it for dancing can result in tight space—particularly in poor weather—which may affect the comfort and overall enjoyment of your guests.
Our goal is to ensure the layout works for you, whatever the weather, so your day runs smoothly and your guests feel relaxed and welcome.
How much will a Marquee cost me?
How much will a marquee cost?
The cost of a marquee can vary widely depending on a number of factors—size, style, location, duration, and any additional items you may need. Every marquee is individually priced to suit your specific requirements, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
To make things easy, we’ve created a Marquee Cost Calculator page where you can build your own quote and receive it instantly by email. You can also add extras like flooring, furniture, lighting, and heating to get a full picture of your options.
Tip: Keep an eye out for our winter deals, available from October through April!
How to Book Your Marquee or Pop up Gazebo…
Important Information Before Booking
Space Requirements
Before booking your marquee, please measure the area where you plan to pitch it.
You must allow at least 1 metre of clearance around the entire perimeter to safely secure the marquee or pop-up gazebo.
How to Book
To make a booking or discuss your event, you can:
- For Gazebos and Furniture you can now book online .
- For Marquees, receive a FREE quotation online 24/7 using our New Cost Calculator.
Call us on
01403 785751to discuss your requirements.
Visit our Coolham depot Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Site Visits
For all Marquee bookings we recommend a site visit to make sure the size you require will fit in the space you have provided.
Available Monday to Friday, between 10:00 and 16:00
Site visits cost £20.00, which is refundable if you go ahead and book a marquee or gazebo with us.
Marquee Planner
To check to see if your marquee will fit in the space you have please use our Free Marquee Planner.
Simply enter in your postcode and it will give you options to layover your chosen marquee in your garden.
You can also select furniture & other accessories, to see if it will fit in the size of Marquee chosen.
When will the Marquee/ Gazebo be installed and taken down?
When will the marquee be installed and taken down?
We aim to be as flexible as possible to suit your event and venue. The timing for installation and removal depends on your specific circumstances:
At a venue: If the marquee is being set up in a car park or shared space, the venue may require installation the day before and removal the day after your event.
At home: If you’re hosting in your garden and want extra time for decorating or personal touches, we can usually install the marquee a few days in advance.
After the event: Many clients now opt to keep the marquee up for an extra day to host a relaxed post-event gathering—something we’re more than happy to accommodate when possible.
All arrangements are subject to availability, but we’ll work closely with you to find the best solution.
Can I heat the Marquee?
Most marquees are heated using indirect heaters positioned outside the structure. These heaters blow warm air through ducts into the marquee and are thermostatically controlled for consistent temperature management.
We tailor the number of heating units provided based on the marquee size, time of year, and weather forecast. This approach ensures that your marquee remains comfortably heated, whatever the season.
What Light can I have in the Marquee?
Create the Perfect Atmosphere with Our Lighting Options
We offer a wide range of lighting effects to suit any mood or occasion, all available from our own stock. Options include:
Colour-changing LED entertainment lighting
Fairy lighting for a soft, whimsical glow
Festoon lighting for a warm, vintage vibe
Uplighters to enhance ambiance and structure
Brass chandeliers for a touch of elegance and tradition
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a lively celebration, or something in between, we have the lighting to bring your marquee to life.
Can you supply Furniture & table ware?
Furniture, Linen & Tableware
We typically supply tables and chairs directly as part of our marquee packages. For linen, tableware, glassware, and other finishing touches, we work closely with a number of trusted suppliers who deliver high-quality options to suit a range of styles and budgets.
If you prefer to organise your own furniture or tableware, that’s absolutely fine—we’re happy to offer guidance and recommendations to ensure everything fits seamlessly within your marquee layout.
Can I open the walls if the weather is good?
Opening Panoramic Windows & Removable Walls
Yes, the PVC panoramic windows can be opened, and the process is quick and straightforward. We’re happy to show a member of your wedding party or event team how to do it on the day.
For our Espree marquees, the walls are attached to the canopy using Velcro, making them easy to remove or adjust as needed. This gives you added flexibility for ventilation, access, or creating an open-sided space during your event.
Can I have a Marquee anytime of the year?
Marquees – Suitable All Year Round
There’s no reason why marquees can’t be used throughout the year. With proper planning and the right equipment—such as heating and flooring—they can provide a comfortable and stylish setting in any season.
Between October and April we offer a WINTER PACKAGE DEAL that includes the Marquee Hire, Hard Flooring, Lighting & heating at discounted prices.
However, it’s important to consider weather conditions and site-specific factors. For example, if the location is particularly exposed to prevailing winds or severe weather, we strongly recommend having a Plan B in place as a sensible contingency.
Where can I erect a Marquee?
A marquee can be installed in a wide variety of locations. However, the ideal site is flat, level, grassy ground with good vehicle access—this is not only the most straightforward option but also the most cost-effective.
That said, we can still accommodate more challenging sites. With the use of specialist flooring systems and trackway, we can overcome many common issues such as uneven terrain or limited access. Please note that in such cases, additional costs may apply.
Our team is committed to working with you to provide a marquee solution that meets your needs. In most cases, a quick site visit is all that’s needed to assess the feasibility and advise on the best setup for your chosen location.
Can I attach the Marquee to our House?
Placing a Marquee or Gazebo Near Your Home
Where there are no obstructions, it’s often possible to position a marquee or gazebo very close to your home, including directly adjacent to doors or patio doors. If a direct connection isn’t feasible, a 2m or 3m covered walkway can usually be installed to seamlessly bridge the gap between the house and the marquee.
To ensure the best fit and optimal placement, we highly recommend a site visit. This allows our team to assess the area and confirm the most practical and attractive setup for your event.
Will the Marquee damage my grass?
Our marquees are designed to be lawn-friendly and should not cause any lasting damage. While the flooring may leave temporary indentations, the grass typically recovers quickly once the marquee is removed.
If the marquee is in place for several days, you may notice the grass beginning to yellow due to lack of sunlight. However, this is usually temporary, and the lawn should bounce back within a short period with normal watering and sunlight.
Do I need a separate electric source?
Our lighting and heating systems use very little electricity and can typically be powered from a nearby house or building.
However, if you’re planning to have a live band, DJ, or caterers using equipment like electric urns or ovens, you may need a generator to handle the extra power load.
We’ll go over all of this during your site visit, where we’ll check for suitable power sources and help you determine exactly what’s needed to keep everything running smoothly.
Do you hire Toilets?
Toilet Hire for Your Wedding
We can arrange luxury toilet facilities for your wedding through trusted suppliers we’ve worked with for many years. For weddings with up to 150 guests, we typically recommend a 3 + 1 trailer, which includes:
3 ladies’ cubicles
3 gents’ urinals
1 gents’ cubicle
This setup provides a comfortable experience for guests and helps to minimise queuing during peak times.
For smaller weddings, a more compact trailer is available, though it may result in some waiting at busy moments. We’re happy to discuss the options with you and provide tailored advice to suit your event size and budget.
Are you able to send me a plan of my set up?
Marquee Layout Planning & 3D Visualisation
Yes, we can provide you with a detailed plan of your marquee layout—and in many cases, even a 3D CAD drawing to help you visualise how your marquee will look on the day.
You’re also welcome to use our Marquee Planner Tool, which allows you to overlay the marquee and interior layout onto the specific area where you plan to pitch your marquee. This is a great way to explore different layouts and configurations in advance.
Our team is happy to assist you with design ideas and recommendations to make the most of your space.
Do I need a separate bar area?
Bar Areas & Layout Options
Simple bar counters can usually be incorporated into the main function area of the marquee without any issue. However, if you’re planning a feature bar or a more elaborate setup, you may wish to allow for additional space.
This can be designed as a dedicated bar and chill-out area, giving guests a relaxed space to enjoy drinks and socialise away from the main dining or dancing areas. We’re happy to help plan the layout to ensure everything flows seamlessly.
How does my caterer operate?
Catering & Kitchen Areas
Most caterers will require a dedicated ‘behind the scenes’ space to prepare and serve food efficiently. The size of this area can vary depending on your menu and the specific needs of your caterer.
The most cost-effective and practical solution is to extend the marquee and install an internal partition to create a designated kitchen area. If space is limited along the length of your marquee site, it’s often possible to add a kitchen section to the side of the structure instead.
We’re happy to work with your caterer to ensure the layout meets all their requirements while maintaining a smooth flow for your event.
Do you decorate the Marquee?
Interior Decoration & Styling
All of our marquees can include a pleated ivory lining, creating an elegant and neutral backdrop for your event. Any additional décor or theming—such as floral arrangements, lighting features, or bespoke styling—is typically organised by the client.
We’re happy to recommend professional decorators who can help bring your vision to life. However, in our experience, many brides and clients prefer to take a hands-on approach, often involving family and friends to create a personal, meaningful atmosphere.
Whether you’re working with professionals or planning a DIY setup, we’ll ensure the marquee is ready and set up to support your design.
Can I use the marquee after the event?
Yes, you’re welcome to use the marquee the next day. Typically, we pitch on Fridays and take down on Mondays, so you’re free to use the marquee throughout the entire weekend. Often, our clients combine events—celebrating a son’s or daughter’s birthday on Friday and then hosting a family gathering on Sunday. Why not make the most of the marquee and enjoy it to its fullest?
Can I get Married in the Marquee?
Yes—marquees can now host all types of ceremonies, including those led by celebrants, religious leaders, and registrars. Many couples choose to complete the legal formalities at a registry office beforehand, then enjoy a full ceremony in the marquee on the day of their celebration.
If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, we can also allow extra space within the marquee’s layout so that the ceremony can be moved inside in case of bad weather. We’ll work closely with you to make sure your day goes smoothly, rain or shine.
How far in advance do I need to book?
When Should I Book My Marquee?
It can be difficult to give a definitive answer on how far in advance you should book, as availability varies throughout the year. Peak summer dates tend to get booked quickly, but most marquee companies—ours included—are equipped to service multiple weddings each weekend.
If you’ve received a quote and are considering a specific date, it’s a good idea to stay in touch with us. We can let you know if that date starts to fill up and give you the opportunity to secure it before it’s fully booked.
For early spring or late autumn events, availability is often more flexible and bookings can sometimes be made at much shorter notice.
Can I make changes to My booking once it is confirmed?
- Yes, absolutely! Our office staff are here to guide you through the entire process. You’re welcome to add or remove items from your booking—subject to availability at the time of your request. If your booking includes items or services from third-party suppliers, there may be some limitations, but we’re always happy to liaise with them on your behalf to see what’s possible.
Payment
- We take all American Express, Visa, Master Card, Visa Debit cards as well as cash.
- You can also pay directly into our bank account at no charge. Our bank details will be found at the bottom of your invoice.
- If your Marquee/Gazebo booking is more than 30 days in advance we can take a 20% down payment to reserve your equipment and then the balance is required 4 weeks prior to your event.
- If your hire is 30 days or less, we do take Full Payment at the time of booking as this reserves your equipment for your event.
How long have you been established ?
We’re a small, local, family-run business established in 2011. Based in the South East of England, we’ve built a strong reputation for reliability, quality, and personal service.
We’re VAT registered and hold £10 million public liability insurance for your peace of mind. Over the years, we’ve successfully pitched thousands of marquees and gazebos for weddings, private parties, and corporate events of all sizes.
In addition to marquee hire, we also provide camping equipment hire. Since 2016, we’ve proudly supplied camping tents for The R&A’s Open Camping Village, which accommodates up to 2,500 guests during The Open Golf Championship.