# Marquee Hire Costs Explained
Marquee hire quotes can look very different from one company to the next. Two quotes for ostensibly the same event can vary by thousands of pounds, and the difference is not always explained on the face of the quote. Understanding what drives the cost — and what a thorough quote should include — makes the comparison meaningful.
This guide walks through the main cost components, what affects them, how seasonality plays into the total, and what to expect from the payment process.
What drives the cost
The structure
The structure itself — the aluminium frame or the canvas and poles — is the first and most significant component. It is priced by type and size:
- Clear-span structures are generally the most expensive per square metre, reflecting the engineering and the material cost of a column-free frame.
- Traditional pole marquees are typically less expensive at equivalent sizes.
- Tipis sit in their own pricing category — the cost reflects the unit count and the distinctive material quality rather than the square metreage alone.
- Pagoda structures are priced per bay; dome structures and bell tents per unit.
Size, unsurprisingly, has the largest influence on cost. A structure suitable for 60 guests costs substantially less than one suitable for 160.
The hire duration
Most marquee companies quote for a standard hire period — typically five days for a weekend wedding, which covers the build day or days, the event day, and the breakdown. Longer hire periods incur additional cost. A full-week corporate event will be priced differently from a Saturday wedding.
The interior specification
This is where the range of costs opens up significantly. A bare structure with basic lining and coir matting is one price; the same structure with parquet flooring, a full lighting rig, chandeliers, and a bespoke bar configuration is another.
The main interior variables:
Flooring: coir matting is the most cost-effective option. Parquet, carpet, and astroturf each carry a premium, with parquet at the top of the range.
Lining: basic white or ivory draped lining is standard. Pleated or star-cloth lining costs more.
Lighting: festoon lighting and basic uplights are a standard expectation. A complex lighting rig with chandeliers, colour-changing LEDs, and a specialist installation will be quoted separately.
Furniture: tables and chairs are usually included at a base level. The style of chair (a simple folding chair versus a Chiavari) and the bar configuration both affect cost.
Climate control: heating and cooling add to the cost. For autumn and winter events, heating is a practical necessity rather than an option.
Power
Generator hire, where needed, is a significant line item. A generator sized for a full wedding load — catering equipment, lighting, PA, climate control — represents a meaningful cost. Where mains power is available and sufficient, this cost disappears. It is worth clarifying the power situation early in the planning process.
Travel and access
For events outside a company's core operating area, travel time and fuel add to the quote. Most companies include travel within their home region and add a surcharge for events further afield. Ask at the outset.
What a good quote should include
A clear, itemised quote is not a courtesy — it is what allows you to understand exactly what you are getting and to compare quotes from different companies fairly. It should list, separately:
- Structure type and size
- Hire period (build, event, breakdown dates)
- Flooring type and area
- Lining type and colour
- Lighting specification (type and quantity)
- Power source (generator or mains) and specification
- Furniture (tables, chairs, bar — type and quantity)
- Any optional extras discussed
- VAT, clearly stated
If a quote lumps these together or is vague about what is included, ask for the breakdown before proceeding.
Indicative price ranges
To give a broad sense of scale:
- A traditional pole marquee for 50–60 guests, weekend hire, standard interior: from £[X]
- A clear-span marquee for 100–120 guests, five-day wedding hire, full interior specification: £[X]–£[X]
- A clear-span marquee for 180–200 guests, full specification: £[X]–£[X]
- A tipi configuration for 80–100 guests, full specification: £[X]–£[X]
These are ranges rather than fixed prices. The variables above determine where within the range a specific event falls.
How seasonality affects pricing
Peak season — broadly May to September — commands the highest prices. Demand for marquees in this window is high; availability is limited; and the operational pressure on marquee companies is at its most intense.
Shoulder season — April, October, and occasionally November — is meaningfully less expensive for the same structure and specification. The trade-off is weather risk, which is real but manageable with the right heating and contingency planning.
Winter marquee events (November to March) are entirely feasible and increasingly popular. They require more investment in climate control, but the structure cost and availability are both favourable.
Deposits and payment
Most marquee companies work on a deposit-and-balance model. A typical structure:
- Deposit on booking: typically 20–30% of the total, due when the date is confirmed. This secures the date and the equipment.
- Second payment at a milestone: some companies take a second payment three to six months before the event, particularly for large events or significant interior specifications.
- Balance before the event: the remaining balance is due at a fixed point before the event — typically two to four weeks prior.
Ask about the payment schedule at the quotation stage and confirm it is reflected in the contract. A reputable company will also be clear about the terms for cancellation and any refund of the deposit if circumstances change.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there such a wide range in marquee hire quotes?
Quotes differ because events differ. A quote for a 100-guest wedding can range from £[X] to £[X] depending on the structure type, the interior specification, the hire duration, and the location. When comparing quotes, the only meaningful comparison is a like-for-like specification. Ask both companies to quote for the same structure, the same interior, and the same hire period.
Is VAT included in marquee hire quotes?
It should be, and it should be stated clearly. Most professional marquee companies are VAT-registered and will quote prices inclusive of VAT or show VAT as a separate line. If a quote does not mention VAT, ask.
What is not typically included in a marquee hire quote?
Catering, bar staff, floristry, entertainment, photography, and wedding coordination are virtually never included in a marquee hire quote — they are separate supplier arrangements. Some marquee companies include a generator as standard; others quote it separately. Toilets and welfare facilities are another common separate line item. Ask what is and is not included before treating a quote as a like-for-like comparison.
Talk to our team about costs for your event → or book a short call →