# Tipi Hire for Weddings and Events
Walk into a well-dressed tipi on a summer evening and it is immediately clear why they have become one of the most requested structures for weddings. Tall spruce poles, a high canvas ceiling, natural rope and timber details throughout — the interior has a warmth and atmosphere that no rectangular marquee can produce. It feels considered. It feels like somewhere.
We hire Nordic tipis for weddings and private events across Sussex, Surrey, Kent, and the broader South East. They are beautiful in summer and genuinely effective in autumn and winter, with the right heating specification. Multiple tipis can be joined to create the capacity required for larger events, and the linked interior becomes something quite remarkable.
Who it's for
Tipis are most often chosen for:
- Weddings where the feel and atmosphere of the space is a primary consideration — not simply a backdrop, but part of what makes the day what it is
- Couples who want something with genuine character without the formality of a country house venue
- Private parties and significant celebrations where creating a real sense of occasion is the brief
- Events on farmland, meadow or estate settings where the natural surroundings and the structure complement each other
Tipis are not the right structure for every event. If maximum seated capacity at the lowest cost per head is the priority, a clear-span structure will serve you better. If the quality of the space matters as much as its size, a tipi is worth serious consideration.
Sizes and capacities
Nordic tipis are available as individual units and in linked combinations. A standard single 5-pole tipi has an internal diameter of approximately 8m. Common configurations:
| Configuration | Approx area | Seated dinner (approx) | Standing (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 × 5-pole tipi | ~50m² | 40–50 | 70 |
| 2 × 5-pole linked | ~120m² combined | 80–100 | 140 |
| 3 × 5-pole linked | ~180m² combined | 120–150 | 210 |
| 1 × 9-pole tipi | ~130m² | 80–100 | 130 |
Capacities are approximate and depend on furniture layout, dance floor size, and catering setup. The circular form of a tipi suits a round-table layout particularly well. We produce a floor plan at the quotation stage to confirm what is achievable for your specific event.
Pricing
Tipi hire is priced by the number of units, event specification, and hire duration. As a guide:
- A two-tipi linked setup for a wedding (five-day hire, flooring, interior lining, power and lighting) typically falls in the range £[X]–£[X]
- A single tipi for a smaller event or secondary space starts from £[X]
The natural interior of a tipi reduces the need for heavy lining or extensive dressing. Many clients find the overall styling budget lower than for a clear-span structure at a comparable guest count.
Frequently asked questions
Are tipis warm enough for autumn and winter events?
Yes, with the right heating. Tipis are well insulated by design — the canvas is substantial and the high central peak helps with air circulation. For events from October onwards, supplementary heating is recommended. We can include a wood-burning stove, which is both functional and beautiful in the tipi setting, or conventional space heating depending on the event brief. We have delivered tipi events in November and December. The structure handles it well.
Do tipis need level or hard-standing ground?
Not necessarily. Tipis are designed for field conditions, and the central pole configuration makes them adaptable to gently sloping or irregular ground in a way that a clear-span frame is not. Good vehicle access and adequate clearance for the pole height are the main requirements. We will assess the site on the initial visit.
How do multiple tipis connect?
Nordic tipis are designed to link. Connected tipis share a covered join — a canopied passage between the two entrance openings — creating a single continuous covered space. The join can work as an informal entrance, a bar area, or a throughway between spaces. Three or more tipis can be linked in a row. We will sketch the configuration for your site at the quotation stage.
Related marquee types
- Clear-span marquee — the practical choice for larger seated events where interior flexibility matters most
- Traditional pole marquee — shares something of the warmth and natural feel of the tipi, in a different structural form
- Dome marquee — another structure with real presence; better suited to intimate or secondary-space applications
Gallery: tipi weddings and events across Sussex and Kent. View the gallery →
