There’s something utterly enchanting about a marquee wedding. Perhaps it’s the soft ripple of canvas beneath an open sky, or the way fairy lights flicker like fireflies long after dusk. Whatever the reason, marquee weddings are fast becoming a beloved choice for couples seeking an experience that blends elegance, intimacy, and a sense of boundless possibility.
From rolling countryside estates to wildflower meadows tucked away in rural Yorkshire, a marquee offers the freedom to create a wedding that is uniquely your own. There’s no echo of past parties in the walls, no faded carpet beneath your feet. Just a blank canvas and a beautiful landscape, waiting to be transformed into a celebration of your love.
In this guide, we’ll take you through every detail, from the practical to the poetic, so you can plan your perfect marquee celebration with confidence, creativity, and joy.
What is a Marquee at a Wedding?
A wedding marquee is more than a structure; it’s a statement of style, a sanctuary of love, and a celebration of freedom. Far from a simple tent, a marquee is an elegant, architectural canvas that becomes the heart of your wedding day.
Unlike traditional indoor venues, marquees are infinitely adaptable. They can be pitched on the manicured lawns of a stately home or in a family garden where memories already live. They invite the outdoors in, letting sunlight stream through their billowing sides by day and casting a warm, golden glow from within by night.
With a marquee, you’re not bound by rules or tradition. You're free to imagine your day as you wish it to be, rustic, regal, romantic, or rebellious. It is your space, your story, told under canvas.
Why Choose a Marquee Wedding?
Freedom of Location
A marquee allows you to choose the setting that sings to your heart. Perhaps it's a windswept field where you first walked hand in hand, a garden filled with childhood laughter, or a quiet hillside overlooking a valley of wildflowers. A marquee can be erected in the place that means most to you, allowing every moment of your day to be steeped in personal meaning.
Tailored to You
From floor plans to flower garlands, lighting to linens, a marquee gives you the power to shape every detail. Unlike fixed venues, there’s no need to conform to someone else’s vision. Whether you're dreaming of a champagne bar, a Moroccan lounge corner, or a dining space lit by chandeliers, a marquee gives you the flexibility to design your day your way.
Atmosphere and Experience
There’s a certain magic that unfolds in a marquee. The way candlelight dances against the canvas walls, the scent of fresh-cut grass underfoot, the stars that blink into view as the evening draws in; it all combines to create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and dreamlike.
The Allure of Yorkshire
Nowhere do marquee weddings quite like Yorkshire. With its patchwork of heather-strewn hills, ancient woodlands, and grand country estates, this region offers an extraordinary backdrop for your celebration. From the wild romance of the Moors to the honeyed charm of the Dales, a Yorkshire marquee wedding is nothing short of unforgettable.
Can You Legally Get Married in a Marquee in the UK?
The short answer is yes, but with a few elegant flourishes of fine print.
In England and Wales, legal marriage ceremonies must take place in a licensed structure. While a marquee is not always considered a permanent structure, some venues offer licensed outdoor areas where a marquee can be pitched and used for a legal ceremony.
Your Options:
Choose a venue with a licensed outdoor structure or licensed grounds where a marquee can be set up.
Opt for a celebrant-led or symbolic ceremony in your marquee, with the legal paperwork completed beforehand at a registry office.
For many couples, this dual ceremony approach creates the perfect balance, a legal moment shared quietly, followed by a sweeping, romantic celebration under canvas with loved ones.
Be sure to speak with your local registrar and venue to understand what’s possible. And remember: a marriage is made in the hearts, not the paperwork.
Marquee vs Marriage Hall: What’s the Difference?
A traditional marriage hall offers convenience, predictability, and an all-weather guarantee. But a marquee offers something else entirely; it offers magic.
Atmosphere & Aesthetic
Where a hall has fixed walls and patterned carpets, a marquee offers uninterrupted skies and the fragrance of open air. It's the difference between a function and a fairytale.
Creative Freedom
Marriage halls come with packages and limitations; marquees come with possibilities. From floral ceilings to midnight lounges, every corner of a marquee is yours to imagine.
Cost Considerations
While some assume marquees are more expensive, that’s not always the case. With the right planning and experienced providers like Malton Marquees, you can create a luxurious celebration that matches your budget beautifully.
Types of Marquees: Which Style is Right for You?
The type of marquee you choose sets the tone for your day. Here’s a guide to the most romantic options:
Clear Span Marquees
Modern, modular, and free from internal poles
Ideal for large guest numbers and high-spec styling
Transparent roof options let the stars shine through
Traditional Pole Marquees
Billowing canvas, central poles, and soaring peaks
The epitome of English country wedding romance
Beautiful with fairy lights and floral hoops
Stretch Tents
Sculptural, organic shapes
Ideal for boho, beachy, or festival-style weddings
Adaptable to different weather and terrain
Tipis
Cosy, atmospheric, and perfect for rustic celebrations
Warm lighting, fire pits, and Nordic charm
How Big Should Your Wedding Marquee Be?
Size truly does matter when it comes to comfort, flow, and ambiance.
What Size Marquee Do I Need for 100 Guests?
Seated meal with space for a dance floor: 12m x 24m
Without dance floor: 12m x 18m
Add extra space for bar, lounge, or stage
What Size Marquee Do I Need for 150 Guests?
Seated meal, bar, dance floor, and lounge: 12m x 30m+
Remember to allow for generous circulation space. You want guests to flow, not squeeze, between tables, the bar, and the dance floor.
Our team can help you visualise the layout with plans, ensuring every square metre is filled with elegance and ease.
How Many Tables Do I Need for 150 Guests?
Let’s talk table math, romantic, we promise.
5ft Round Tables: Seat 8–10 guests comfortably. You’ll need approx. 15–18.
6ft Trestle Tables: Seat 6–8 per side, depending on layout. Around 12–14 tables should suffice.
But numbers are just the start. Think about:
Table decor and centrepieces (they take space!)
Walkways and dancing areas
A focal point, like the couple’s table or a dramatic floral installation
A well-planned layout is the difference between chaos and charm.
What to Wear to a Marquee Wedding
The dress code for a marquee wedding is equal parts sophistication and seasonal whimsy.
For Guests:
Summer soiree: floaty fabrics, floral prints, linen suits
Autumn charm: velvet jackets, jewel tones, layering
Shoes: wedges, block heels, or stylish flats that won’t sink into the earth
For the Couple:
Brides: Gowns with flowing silhouettes, detachable trains, or whimsical lace
Grooms: Relaxed tailoring, waistcoats, or even tweed for countryside chic
Tip: Have a shawl, umbrella, or chic cover-up on hand for cool evenings or a surprise drizzle.
Planning Your Marquee Wedding: The Essentials
Creating a seamless marquee wedding requires thoughtful planning.
Venue Access & Ground Conditions
Ensure the site is level and well-drained
Access for supplier vehicles and delivery vans
Nearby parking for guests
Power & Lighting
Generator hire is usually essential
Lighting options: chandeliers, uplights, festoon strings, or fairy lights
Consider ambient vs task lighting
Flooring Options
Natural grass for laid-back charm
Coconut matting for rustic warmth
Wooden flooring or carpet for elegance and comfort
Toilets
Luxury trailer units with lighting, mirrors, and running water
Ensure they’re positioned discreetly yet accessibly
Catering & Food Prep
Allow space for a catering tent with water and power
Inform caterers early of the layout and site conditions
With the right team, like Malton Marquees and their trusted local suppliers, these details fall beautifully into place.
Working with Wedding Suppliers
Suppliers make your vision real. But marquee weddings need a certain savoir-faire.
Top Tips:
Choose suppliers who’ve worked in marquees before
Ask about their power and weather requirements
Ensure all timings are coordinated around build-up and breakdown
At Malton Marquees, we can recommend tried-and-true Yorkshire suppliers who know exactly how to work with the rhythm of an outdoor wedding.
Styling Your Marquee: Decoration Ideas & Trends
Ah, the romance of styling. Here’s where your vision takes flight.
Florals
Hanging flower clouds above tables
Meadow-inspired aisle arrangements
Floral hoops suspended from central poles
Lighting
Fairy lights across the ceiling canopy
Statement chandeliers
Candles in lanterns or glass votives for golden twilight magic
Tablescapes
Velvet runners, hand-lettered menus, vintage glassware
Seasonal colour palettes from blush to burgundy
Other Ideas
Lounge areas with vintage furniture
Boho chill-out corners with rugs and low cushions
Your marquee is a blank canvas; make it yours.
Hosting a Marquee Wedding at a Stately Home
Imagine exchanging vows beneath an ancient oak, then dining beneath the stars with a stately home glowing in the background.
Stately homes offer:
Landscaped gardens perfect for marquees
Onsite accommodation for guests
Stunning photography backdrops
Historic romance woven into every wall
Combine the best of heritage and imagination by pairing a marquee with a country estate.
Final Checklist for Planning a Marquee Wedding
Choose your dream location
Select your marquee style and size
Secure experienced suppliers
Confirm power, lighting, toilets
Style with vision and flair
Create a wet weather plan
Enjoy every magical moment
Want A Marquee Wedding?
A marquee wedding is not just an event; it is an expression of your story, set against the sky, shaped by love, and remembered forever.
Whether your dream day is barefoot in a meadow or draped in candlelight beside a grand estate, Malton Marquees is here to bring your vision to life. With decades of experience and a deep love for Yorkshire's landscapes, we craft celebrations that are as unforgettable as the love stories they honour.
Planning your dream marquee wedding in Yorkshire? Let’s begin the journey. Contact us today and let us help you write the next chapter of your love story.
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