Marquee vs. Traditional Wedding Venues: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing your wedding venue, the options can feel endless. From grand hotels to rustic barns, there’s something for every couple. But if you’re looking for a celebration that feels truly personal, creative, and unforgettable, a marquee wedding might just be the perfect fit. More and more couples are stepping away from conventional venues and embracing the freedom of marquees. In this blog, we’ll look into why outdoor weddings are starting to take over the stage.

What Classes As A Marquee Wedding?

Before we go into the reasons why marquees are becoming a popular venue for weddings, what do we mean by a ‘marquee wedding’? There are many marquee and tent companies that give couples the flexibility of putting up a temporary structure at their choice of outdoor venue. As long as there is plenty of space, flat land and permission, they can have a perfect setting for their wedding ceremony under the cover of a marquee while having the beautiful location just past the canvas. Marquee weddings take place in a large marquee or tent – still officiated as the ceremony would be in any other location.

Many weddings also combine the two and have the wedding ceremony taking place at a traditional venue like a church then have the reception in a marquee. However, we are seeing an increase of weddings that take place solely outdoors.

Why Choose To Have A Marquee Wedding?

At Prickly Pear, we talk to many couples looking to tie the knot under the canopy of one of our stretch tents. If you’re in the early stages of planning your wedding, here are some reasons why couples choose to have their wedding hosted in a marquee.

A Blank Canvas for Your Vision

One of the most exciting things about a marquee wedding is the freedom to create something completely unique. Traditional venues often come with fixed layouts, styling limitations, and décor that may not match your vision. A marquee, on the other hand, is a completely blank canvas. Whether you’re dreaming of a boho-chic lounge space, a rustic country vibe, or a sleek modern celebration, you get to design it all from the ground up.

Choose Your Own Location

Marquees allow you to choose a location that’s meaningful to you. Want to get married on your family’s farm? A favourite locale in a rural home retreat? A stunning coastal viewpoint? With a marquee, the choice is yours. You’re not tied to a venue’s availability or layout. You can pick the perfect spot and build your dream setting from scratch.

Total Control Over suppliers

Many traditional venues have a list of preferred suppliers, which can limit your options. Marquee weddings offer the freedom to choose your own caterers, florists, entertainers, and even bartenders. This gives you full control over the experience you’re creating and lets you support local businesses or trusted professionals you already love.

Celebrate Without Worrying About the Public

Marquees, especially on private land, usually allow you to set your own timeline. If you want to dance into the early hours or enjoy a late-night bonfire, you can do it. Just make sure to be respectful of neighbours and check local noise guidelines.

Seamlessly Indoor-Outdoor Vibes

Marquees let you enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while still offering shelter and comfort. Open sides, clear roofs, and views of the surrounding landscape give your wedding that airy, relaxed feeling, without the risk of being caught out by bad weather. It’s the perfect balance between nature and structure.

Unforgettable Atmosphere

There’s something magical about celebrating under a marquee. Maybe it’s the soft glow of fairy lights, the intimacy of a custom-built space, or the way it feels like your own private world. Guests often say marquee weddings feel warmer, more relaxed, and more memorable than traditional venue events.

More Guest Flexibility

Unlike set venue capacities, marquees can be sized to fit your guest list. Whether you’re hosting a small, intimate ceremony or a large celebration with hundreds of guests, the space can be tailored to suit. This is especially helpful if your numbers change late in the planning process.

How to Get Started With Planning An Outdoor Wedding

Planning a marquee wedding takes more coordination. You’re essentially creating a venue from the ground up. But that journey can be incredibly rewarding. From choosing the layout to seeing the structure come to life, it’s a creative, collaborative experience. As with all planning, it’s a challenge to know where to start. If you think you have a venue in mind to put up the tent, your next step is reaching out to a marquee company to get quotes. Many venues will help with their trusted companies who they’ve used in the past, but shopping around is always a good idea. Our top tip is to contact local companies first. Costs will be more competitive as there will be less travel needed for the company to reach the destination and they will be in the vicinity to handle any issues you may have.

FAQs

What is a marquee wedding?

A marquee wedding is a celebration held in a temporary structure (usually a tent or canopy), often set up in a garden, field, or private property. It offers flexibility in terms of location, size, and design.

What are the benefits of having a marquee wedding?

Customisation: Design the layout, decor, and theme from scratch.
Location freedom: Host your wedding in a place meaningful to you.
Capacity control: Easily accommodate large or small guest numbers.
Privacy: More secluded than many traditional venues.

Do I need planning permission for a marquee?

Generally, you don’t need planning permission if it’s up for less than 28 days. However, it’s best to check with the local council, especially for larger or more complex setups.

What types of marquees are available?

Frame marquees: No internal poles, great for open space.
Pole tents: Elegant with peaks and swooping lines.
Stretch tents: Flexible and modern, good for uneven terrain.
Tipis or yurts: Rustic and unique style for boho themes.

What do I need to hire besides the marquee?

Often needed extras include:

Flooring and staging
Tables, chairs, and linens
Lighting and sound systems
Heating or cooling
Toilets (portable or luxury loos)
Power supply (generators)
Catering tent

Can I get married legally in a marquee?

As long as the location is licensed, you can get married in a marquee. Speak to the venue owners first about whether or not they are licensed for weddings.

Do marquee companies help with planning?

Many marquee hire companies offer event coordination, or work closely with wedding planners to help you bring everything together seamlessly. At Prickly Pear, we do our best to handle as much of the setup as possible. Everything that you need under our canopy, we can help source. We understand just how stressful wedding planning can be and we are here to help.

Is a Marquee Wedding Right for You?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that reflects your personality, gives you creative control, and offers an unforgettable atmosphere, a marquee might be your perfect match. It’s your chance to throw out the rulebook and create something completely original, one that your guests will be talking about for years to come.
Looking to get some inspiration? Why not contact us for some insights about our stretch tent weddings? At Prickly Pear, we can shape our tents around your dream wedding.

Simply reach out to our team and we can talk all about your outdoor wedding. If you’re looking for a quote, get in touch here or pick up the phone and call us on 01172 872962