The Ultimate Guide to Planning A Bespoke Marquee Wedding That Wows Your Guests

“Planning a marquee wedding offers couples the freedom to create a truly bespoke celebration,” says luxury wedding planner Susie Evans, who brings over 15 years’ experience designing high-end events across the UK and Europe. But with that freedom comes a unique set of challenges — from selecting the right structure to building your marquee venue from the ground up (yes, literally).

Whether you're imagining a classic sailcloth tent in the countryside or a striking glass pavilion, we turned to Susie for expert advice on every aspect of planning a marquee wedding — from budgeting and marquee styles to key supplier questions and marquee wedding inspiration for decor.

Susie's passion lies in transforming estates, gardens, and wild outdoor spaces into unforgettable wedding venues, often collaborating with top-tier suppliers to deliver high-end wedding experiences that feel both effortless and extraordinary. Whether it’s a three-day celebration with a festival finale or a sleek glass structure overlooking a European landscape, she brings her signature blend of precision and creativity to every event. So, if you're planning a marquee wedding that’s personal, polished, and packed with unforgettable details, Susie’s expert advice is the perfect place to start.

A wedding marquee is a temporary structure, often a beautifully styled tent, designed to host your big day wherever you choose. Whether nestled in the grounds of a private estate, pitched in a family garden, or set against rolling countryside views, marquee weddings offer a flexible, open-plan alternative to traditional wedding venues. They can range from classic canvas to modern clearspan designs, and often come with the freedom to tailor everything from flooring to lighting and layout.

A marquee wedding truly gives you so much design control. As luxury wedding planner Susie Evans explains, “Marquee weddings hold a special place in my heart because they offer unmatched creative freedom. It’s like a blank canvas, letting you design a setting that’s completely unique and truly reflects the couple’s personality, vision, and style.” She goes on to explain that this flexibility means you can transform any space — whether it’s your cherished family garden or a grand estate — into the most magical and unique backdrop for your big day.

While marquee weddings offer many advantages, like any wedding venue, there are practical considerations to keep in mind. To help you weigh up both sides, Susie shares her insights into the benefits and challenges involved in planning marquee weddings:

According to luxury wedding planner Susie Evans, marquee weddings offer a level of customisation that few traditional venues can match, allowing couples to create a truly bespoke celebration. Here are just some of the many advantages marquee weddings offer:

• Complete Personalisation: "You get to tailor every single detail, from the layout and décor to the lighting and flooring, so it perfectly fits your wedding vision," says Susie.
• Exclusive Use: "Unlike traditional venues, you won’t have to worry about time limits or sharing the space with other parties. The marquee is entirely yours for the day."
• Location Flexibility: Marquees can be set up almost anywhere — whether it’s your cherished family home, a stunning countryside estate, or even a spot with incredible sea views.

While holding a marquee wedding is truly exciting, Susie shares that “it demands meticulous preparation because you’re essentially creating your venue from scratch.” This is where having a comprehensive wedding planning checklist becomes invaluable. When planning your marquee wedding, she advises couples to carefully consider the following challenges:

• Logistics: “Unlike traditional venues, marquees require infrastructure to be brought in, including catering equipment, lighting, heating, and toilets,” highlights Susie.
• Weather Dependency: While planners can prepare for rain or wind with covered walkways, heaters, and flooring, marquee weddings still involve working with outdoor conditions, especially in the UK.
• Costs: “A marquee wedding can often be more expensive than a traditional venue due to the need to hire everything from scratch, from furniture to power generators.”

“Planning a marquee wedding is quite different from organising an event at a traditional venue like a hotel or exclusive wedding venue space, and it requires a different approach,” says Susie. “You get the freedom to customise every detail, from seating plans to décor, which is really exciting but also means there’s a lot to think about.” To help you out, here’s Susie’s wedding coordinator checklist outlining the key factors to keep in mind when planning a marquee wedding:

Marquees are essentially a blank canvas, allowing couples to create a completely bespoke celebration," says Susie. Yet she adds that this often means sourcing and installing everything yourself or hiring specialised services. "Planning a marquee wedding demands a more detailed design process, as every element — such as furniture, lighting, flooring, and even toilets — needs to be brought in and set up."

Marquee weddings often require specialist technical planning, so thinking through all the details is key to ensuring a seamless experience on the day. "From sound systems for speeches and live entertainment to lighting that sets the perfect mood, everything must be installed and powered on-site," notes Susie. Catering also typically requires a fully operational kitchen setup, which adds another layer of logistics and cost.

Planning a marquee wedding involves building the venue from scratch, which means longer setup and breakdown times, and coordinating multiple suppliers simultaneously. "Extra site visits might be necessary to finalise layouts and infrastructure needs, making meticulous planning and clear communication essential," says Susie.

And don’t overlook the importance of the seating plan when organising your marquee wedding seating plan . Susie points out that one of the major advantages of celebrating your special day in the marquee is the freedom to design your table layout exactly as you wish. Whether you opt for round tables, long banqueting rows, or a creative combination, marquees can be tailored to suit your vision.

Having an experienced planner is essential for coordinating the logistics, anticipating potential challenges, and ensuring the day runs smoothly. As Susie says, “When planned well, marquee weddings deliver a truly bespoke, unforgettable celebration that perfectly captures each couple’s story and vision.”

When planning a marquee wedding, one of the first — and most exciting — decisions is choosing the type of structure. “The variety of marquee styles available ensures there’s something to suit every aesthetic and vision,” says Susie, adding, “The marquee structure you choose sets the tone for the entire celebration.” From sleek glass pavilions to romantic sailcloth tents, today’s marquee options cater to every wedding style and season. Here’s Susie guide to the most popular types, and what makes each one stand out:

“Clearspan marquees are incredibly versatile and perfect if you want to personalise every inch of your wedding space,” says Susie. Despite the name, ‘clearspan’ refers to the clear internal span — meaning no internal supports — rather than transparent walls or ceilings (although you can certainly opt for clear panels to maximise views and natural light). Typically constructed in 3-metre sections, they can be tailored in both length and width to suit your guest list and location.

• Features: Built with strong aluminium frames and no interior poles or external ropes, these structures offer full layout flexibility and reliable weather protection.
• Aesthetic: Neutral and modern — ideal for full customisation with draping, florals, and lighting.
• Sizes: Scalable from intimate weddings of 30 to large-scale celebrations of 500+ guests.
• Best for: Couples looking for a highly adaptable, weatherproof blank canvas.

The grand pavilion marquee, also known as a conservatory or orangery style marquee, exudes regal charm with its graceful arches and sumptuous interiors. “Glass marquees are showstoppers — elegant and weatherproof, they bring the outdoors in while offering full comfort,” says Susie. They’re the perfect choice for couples dreaming of a wedding that feels timeless and effortlessly luxurious, creating an unforgettable setting for any celebration.

• Features: Solid glass walls and ceilings supported by metal frames; often designed to create a seamless flow between inside and out.
• Aesthetic: Sleek, contemporary, and ultra-luxurious — perfect for glamorous weddings.
• Sizes: Scalable for guest lists ranging from around 80 to large-scale celebrations.
• Best for: High-end weddings where style, scenic views, and comfort are equally important.

Often thought of as the ‘quintessentially British’ marquee style, traditional pole tents are perfect if you're planning a marquee wedding with a romantic, countryside twist. With their elegant peaks, classic guy ropes, and exposed wooden poles, they bring that nostalgic ‘village green’ charm to life. “Traditional pole tents are a beautiful choice for couples embracing a more natural or vintage-inspired aesthetic,” says Susie. The internal poles can be dressed with flowers or foliage, or even made into a focal point with a circular bar built around them. Just one thing to remember: these structures must be pitched on grass, as they rely on stakes to stay secure.

• Features: Classic canvas tents supported by central wooden poles and secured with ropes and stakes.
• Aesthetic: Soft, romantic, and timeless, with nostalgic countryside charm.
• Sizes: Best for medium to large weddings, typically 100 to 300 guests, though central poles can influence space planning.
• Best for: Garden-style weddings with an English country feel.

For a marquee wedding that exudes a cosy, rustic vibe, tipis are hard to beat. Originally known as Kåtas and inspired by traditional Swedish design, these cone-shaped tents are built to withstand the elements all year round. “Tipis offer a sense of intimacy and warmth — they create an atmosphere that’s instantly inviting,” says Susie. In summer, the sides of giant hat tipis can be lifted to reveal sweeping views, while in winter they transform into snug hideaways with firepits, soft lighting, and reindeer hides. Smaller Kungsörnen tipis make charming bar areas or chill-out zones and can be seamlessly linked to larger structures for more space and flow.

• Features: Cone-shaped canvas tents with timber frames, often linked together for larger groups.
• Aesthetic: Cosy, rustic, and perfect for festival-style or boho weddings.
• Sizes: Ideal for smaller weddings of 50–100 guests, though interlinked tipis can accommodate 200+ or more.
• Best for: Relaxed, outdoorsy celebrations with character and charm.

“Stretch tents are great when you want to embrace the setting and avoid anything too formal,” says Susie. These free-form, sculptural tents create a sleek, outdoor-living feel that’s perfect for couples who want to make the most of their surroundings. They’re incredibly versatile and work brilliantly as stylish covers for any of your creative wedding ceremony ideas, drinks receptions, or even the main celebration.

• Features: Free-form, stretchy fabric structures that can be shaped over uneven terrain or unusual spaces.
• Aesthetic: Minimalist, organic, and contemporary, with a natural flow.
• Sizes: Modular and highly flexible, stretch tents can cover intimate parties of around 40 guests or expand to suit 200+ guests.
• Best for: Outdoor weddings where the landscape takes centre stage.

When planning a marquee wedding, it’s hard to beat the effortless elegance of a sailcloth or Sperry tent — these tents instantly elevate the look and feel of your day. Originally designed for upscale celebrations in the Hamptons and Palm Beach, these marquees feature semi-translucent sailcloth canopies and hand-milled wooden poles, creating a relaxed, timeless atmosphere. “There’s something magical about a sailcloth tent catching the evening light,” says Susie. “It brings a real sense of occasion while still feeling romantic and laid-back.”

• Features: Made of light, semi-translucent sailcloth fabric stretched over tall wooden poles.
• Aesthetic: Breezy, elegant, and luminous — especially at golden hour or under fairy lights.
• Sizes: Suitable for weddings from 80 up to 250+ guests, depending on layout and style.
• Best for: Summer or coastal weddings with relaxed yet elegant styling

According to the luxury wedding planner Susie Evans explains, deciding on the right marquee structure is “all about balancing your vision with the practical needs of the day — the location, your guest numbers, the season, and, of course, the look you’re aiming for."

Location and terrain of the marquee site also influence the choice of wedding marquee structure. If your chosen site's terrain is uneven or unusually shaped, adaptable options like stretch tents work beautifully with challenging ground. Meanwhile, framed structures such as clearspan or glass marquees require a more level surface but offer excellent weather protection and versatile layouts.

Weather and seasonality must never be overlooked, says Susie: “If you're planning a marquee wedding in the UK, it’s crucial to consider heating, cooling, and waterproofing.” She notes that winter weddings often require heaters and flooring, while summer celebrations should prioritise good ventilation or shade. “A solid contingency plan is essential — even in July.”

And last but certainly not least, your wedding aesthetic or theme will strongly influence your choice of marquee structure. As Susie explains, “Some tents, like sailcloth or Sperry, have limitations when it comes to large or heavy décor installations. Their canvas roofs look stunning, but you can’t suspend floral chandeliers or lighting rigs the way you can in a clearspan marquee.” So, for couples envisioning bold floral displays, dramatic lighting, or statement hanging installations, a framed clearspan marquee with greater weight capacity is often the better option. On the other hand, if you’re dreaming of a relaxed English garden vibe, Susie recommends a sailcloth tent: “The way the light filters through during the day and glows at night is simply magical.” And for those wanting to make a striking style statement, glass marquees offer a sense of contemporary luxury. “With sleek, modern lines and transparent walls, they blend effortlessly with the landscape and are perfect for couples seeking that wow factor.”

“Finding the right marquee supplier is about more than just aesthetics,” says luxury wedding planner Susie Evans. “It’s about professionalism, reliability, and ensuring your vision is brought to life seamlessly.” To avoid unnecessary stress and ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day, Susie recommends asking these essential questions upfront:

1. Can you share photos or case studies of previous weddings? Look for a marquee portfolio that matches your wedding theme and scale.
2. What marquee styles and sizes do you offer?  Make sure their options fit your guest numbers, wedding vision, and location.
3. Do you provide flooring, wall panels, or ceiling linings?  These elements impact guest comfort and visual appeal, and are especially important in unpredictable weather.
4. What’s included in the quote? Confirm whether delivery, setup, takedown, heating, generators, and lighting are covered to avoid hidden fees.
5. How long does installation and dismantling take? This affects access to the marquee venue and coordination with other suppliers.
6. Can your structure support heavy florals, chandeliers, or lighting rigs? Weight limits vary, so get clarity early if planning large floral installations and decor.
7. How do you handle tricky sites or bad weather during setup?
8. Will someone from your team be onsite on the wedding day? Having a team member on-site helps troubleshoot and ensures smooth operations.
9. What’s your contingency plan for emergencies, like power cuts or structural damage? It may seem unlikely, but having a clear protocol offers real peace of mind.

When speaking with potential marquee suppliers, Susie advises couples to watch for warning signs. “If any answers are vague, that should raise red flags,” she says. Other concerns include poor communication, slow responses, overpromising without a detailed plan, and, most importantly, a refusal to provide a written contract. “By asking the right questions early and prioritising transparency, you’ll find a marquee supplier who doesn’t just provide a beautiful structure for your day,” Susie explains, “but delivers it with the professionalism and care your wedding deserves.”

She also highlights a practical detail often overlooked but crucial: managing your wedding gifts. When planning a marquee wedding, especially on a private estate or at an exclusive venue, Susie recommends asking your supplier or venue where you can safely store your wedding gifts on the day. “One aspect that can make things easier for couples planning a marquee wedding, " says Susie, "is having a wedding registry. With a registry, you don’t need to worry about organising a separate space for gifts, as guests can select items you truly want and need. This simplifies the process, so you can focus on other parts of your wedding without the stress of managing physical gifts.”

The cost of a marquee wedding can vary significantly depending on the size, location, and the level of customisation you’re aiming for. Typically, planning a marquee wedding requires a larger budget than traditional venues because you’re building everything from the ground up, including flooring, power, furniture, and even toilets. As Susie Evans explains, “Unlike a hotel or a permanent venue, everything for a marquee wedding has to be brought in — from lighting to toilets to generators — so it’s a bigger logistical and financial commitment.”

When it comes to decorating a wedding marquee, luxury planner Susie Evans believes it’s all about storytelling, imagination, and personalisation. “Marquees are a blank canvas — and that’s where the magic lies,” she explains. “You can completely transform the space to reflect your style, whether it’s whimsical, elegant, rustic or ultra-modern. That’s what makes them so unique — the freedom to create something genuinely one-of-a-kind.”

One of Susie’s most memorable marquee weddings was a three-day celebration at Euridge Manor, brought to life with a romantic ‘Secret Garden’ theme. “The entire event was designed as an immersive experience that took guests on a journey — from a whimsical welcome dinner to a refined main reception, and finally culminating in a high-energy festival party,” she says.

“What set this marquee wedding apart was the level of creativity and narrative,” Susie adds. “We incorporated hidden pathways, surprise performances, and intricate floral installations to bring the theme to life.” The result was an enchanting, multi-sensory experience — and a perfect example of how thoughtful design can turn a marquee into something unforgettable.

For couples planning their wedding marquee décor, Susie recommends starting with a strong theme or atmosphere. “A clear creative direction helps guide every decision, from colour palettes and textures to lighting and layout,” she explains. Establishing this foundation is essential for a cohesive and meaningful marquee celebration.

Susie also encourages couples to use the marquee structure itself as part of the design. “Internal poles can be wrapped in foliage or turned into eye-catching features like circular bars or floral towers,” she notes. These creative touches turn practical elements into visual highlights.

And last but not least, to enhance flow and visual interest, she recommends creating distinct zones within the marquee, such as separate lounge, dining, and dance areas. And when the natural surroundings are part of the appeal, embracing the outdoors can elevate the entire experience. “Glass marquees offer both elegance and transparency for a bespoke celebration,” Susie adds. “They provide the ultimate in luxury by blending beautifully with the landscape.”

Susie Evans is an award-winning, luxury wedding planner who specialises in delivering truly bespoke marquee weddings in family homes and luxury wedding venues in Surrey, Sussex and across the UK. To learn more about her bespoke marquee wedding design service, visit the website at susieevans.co. You can also follow her wedding planning studio on Instagram at @susieevans.co. All photos provided courtesy of Susie Evans.

The Wedding Present Company is a bespoke wedding gift list experience; couples come to us seeking the extraordinary. We offer a tailored and completely personalised wedding registry experience free of charge. Our team goes above and beyond to help you create a wedding list that is unique to both of you and full of items that you will love and use for a lifetime.