# Bell Tent Hire
There is a particular quality to arriving at a wedding and finding a field scattered with white bell tents. The combination of the canvas, the surroundings, and the clear understanding that someone has thought carefully about how their guests will feel — it sets a tone. Bell tents are, in one sense, a practical solution to overnight accommodation. In another sense, they are one of the most considered things you can provide.
We hire bell tents for weddings across Sussex, Surrey and Kent. They suit events where the outdoor setting is not a compromise but a deliberate choice — where the meadow, the woodland, or the garden is as much a part of the occasion as the marquee.
How they are used
Bell tents have two distinct applications, and we offer both.
Glamping accommodation for wedding guests is the most common use. A cluster of bell tents beside the main marquee means guests can stay on site — which changes the rhythm of an evening in a way that nothing else quite does. The option to carry the party on, to wake up in the same setting, to have breakfast in the field: these are things guests remember.
Intimate event spaces — bell tents make beautiful bars, cloakrooms, chill-out spaces, and children's dens alongside a main structure. A single tent dressed simply with lanterns and cushions becomes a place guests gravitate towards.
Bell tent packages
We offer several levels of specification for glamping accommodation.
Base
Bare canvas interior with groundsheet and central pole. The starting point for clients who want to dress the tents themselves, or who are working with a styling team.
Comfort
Persian rug, floor mattress with bedding, Moroccan lantern, and simple bedside surface. A considered, comfortable space without excess.
Honeymoon suite
An antique iron bed with quality linen, rose petals, a reindeer fur throw, Persian rug, and Moroccan lanterns. Designed for the couple's first night and for their closest guests who deserve something a little more.
Sizing
Standard bell tents are available in 4m and 5m diameters:
| Size | Floor area (approx) | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 4m | 12m² | Accommodation for 2–4; intimate seating area |
| 5m | 20m² | Accommodation for 4–6; small event or lounge space |
Multiple tents in a cluster create a natural flow between covered spaces. We plan the layout in relation to the main marquee and the site topography so the overall arrangement feels considered rather than incidental.
Pricing
Bell tents are priced per unit, by package level and hire duration. As a guide:
- A single 5m bell tent in the base specification for a weekend event starts from £[X]
- A cluster of six tents for a wedding weekend (comfort specification, Friday–Sunday) typically falls in the range £[X]–£[X]
Frequently asked questions
Are bell tents warm enough for a summer night in the UK?
For a summer event, yes — the canvas breathes and the enclosed space is comfortable with the door sealed. For events in early spring or late autumn, additional sleeping bags or liners are advisable, and we will recommend this at the planning stage. We do not hire bell tents for outdoor sleeping in winter.
How far from the main marquee can the bell tents be positioned?
There is no fixed rule — placement depends on the site. We typically position them close enough to the main event space to feel part of the same occasion, but with enough separation to feel like a distinct area. On most wedding sites, 30 to 60 metres from the main structure is common. We produce a layout plan at the quotation stage.
Do guests need to do anything special to find their tent?
No — we recommend simple wooden numbers or signs on each tent, which we can provide. Combined with a site map at the welcome table, guests find their accommodation without difficulty.
Related marquee types
- Tipi — another structure with warmth and natural materials; well suited as the main event space alongside bell tent accommodation
- Stretch tent — a contemporary structure that pairs well with bell tent clusters for a festival atmosphere
- Traditional pole marquee — the classic canvas main structure for a wedding with bell tent accommodation
Gallery: bell tent events across Sussex, Surrey and Kent. View the gallery →
