Garden Marquee Hire

Will a marquee fit in my garden?

Most gardens can accommodate a marquee, but you need to measure properly. The marquee itself needs flat ground, plus extra space around it for guy ropes (1-2m on each side for pole marquees) or weighted feet (clearspan marquees don't need guy ropes and work better in tight gardens).

Measure your usable garden area — the flat part, not including flower beds, ponds, or slopes. Then subtract 2m from each side for access and guy ropes. What's left is your maximum marquee footprint.

How much does garden marquee hire cost?

A garden marquee for 50 guests starts at around £500-£800 for a basic frame marquee (structure only, no floor or furniture). A fully dressed marquee with flooring, lighting, heating and furniture for the same capacity is £2,000-£4,000.

Smaller garden marquees (20-30 guests) can cost as little as £300-£500 for structure only. The cost per guest decreases as the marquee gets larger, so bigger events are more cost-efficient per head.

Which type works best in a garden?

Ground and access

Grass is ideal — stakes go straight in. Patios, concrete or decking need weighted feet (sandbags or water barrels) instead, which costs extra. Slopes up to about 5% can be levelled with adjustable legs and internal flooring. Anything steeper may need groundwork.

Access is the thing most people forget. The delivery vehicle needs to get within reasonable distance of the setup area. If your garden is only accessible through the house or a narrow side gate, tell the supplier before booking — it affects setup time and cost.

Power and lighting

A domestic socket can handle basic festoon lighting and a small speaker. Anything more — heating, catering equipment, a full lighting rig — needs either a heavy-duty extension from your consumer unit or a portable generator. Your supplier can advise based on what you're planning.

Do I need permission?

For a temporary marquee on your own private garden, you generally don't need planning permission. Most councils allow temporary structures for up to 28 days. If you're in a conservation area or listed building, check with your local planning department first.

If you're selling alcohol, you need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) from your local council. This costs £21 and needs to be submitted at least 10 working days before the event.