Short answer: probably not. If you’re putting a marquee up in your garden for a wedding, birthday, or party, and it’s coming down within a few days, you almost certainly don’t need planning permission.

But “probably not” isn’t the same as “definitely not,” and there are a few situations where things get more complicated. Here’s what you actually need to know.

The Simple Version

Marquees are classed as temporary structures. If it goes up for a few days and comes down again after the event, it’s not treated the same as a permanent building. No planning application needed.

This covers the vast majority of private events — garden weddings, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, summer parties. You’re fine.

When You Might Need Permission

There are a handful of situations where it’s not quite that straightforward.

It’s Staying Up for Weeks or Months

If a marquee is going to be in place for an extended period — say, several months for a commercial use — your local council may treat it as a semi-permanent structure. At that point, you could need planning permission.

For a normal event that’s up for a few days? This doesn’t apply.

It’s on Public or Council-Managed Land

Putting a marquee in a public park or on council land is a different story. You’ll need permission from the local authority, usually through an event permit or by working with the venue’s management team.

Most established outdoor venues in London already have a process for this, so it’s usually a form and a fee rather than a planning application. But you do need to arrange it in advance.

You’re in a Conservation Area or Near a Listed Building

Parts of London fall within conservation areas, and some properties are listed buildings. The rules can be stricter here — not necessarily because you can’t put a marquee up, but because you might need approval from the local planning authority or the property owner first.

If you’re hosting an event at a historic venue or estate, the venue team will usually know what’s needed and handle the approvals. If it’s your own property in a conservation area, a quick call to your local council’s planning department will tell you where you stand.

You Might Not Need Planning Permission — But You Might Need a Licence

This is the bit people often miss. The marquee itself might not need permission, but what’s happening inside it might.

If your event includes live music, a DJ, alcohol being sold (not just served), or entertainment running past 11pm, you’ll probably need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) from your local council.

A TEN is straightforward to get. You apply to the council at least 10 working days before the event (though giving more notice is always better). There’s a small fee — currently £21. It covers events for up to 499 people and up to 168 hours.

A few things to know about TENs in London:

Noise matters. London councils take noise complaints seriously, especially in residential areas. If your event runs late, keep the volume reasonable and let your neighbours know in advance. It’s not a legal requirement, but it avoids problems.

There are limits. A premises can only have a certain number of TENs per year (typically 15). If your venue has already used its allocation, you may need a different arrangement.

The council can object. Environmental health or the police can raise concerns. It’s rare for private garden events, but it can happen, usually around noise or public safety.

Safety Isn’t Optional

Planning permission and licences aside, the marquee still needs to be safe. This isn’t a regulation you have to worry about yourself — it’s what your marquee supplier should be handling as standard.

Any reputable company will make sure the structure is properly anchored (or weighted on hard ground), uses fire-retardant materials, has safe electrics, and can handle the wind conditions for your site. If someone’s quoting you a price and not asking about ground conditions or access, that’s a red flag.

Practical Things Worth Checking

Even when no formal permission is needed, there are a few practical things that can trip people up in London:

Parking and delivery access. If the delivery vehicle needs to park on a public road for loading, check whether you need a temporary parking suspension from the council. In some London boroughs this is required.

Shared access. If you share a driveway or access route with neighbours, let them know. A large vehicle blocking access for a few hours can cause friction if it’s unexpected.

Leasehold properties. If you’re in a leasehold property, check your lease. Some leases have clauses about erecting structures — even temporary ones — in the garden.

Residents’ associations and managed estates. Some London housing estates have management companies that need to approve events or large deliveries. A quick email beforehand avoids hassle on the day.

So, Do You Need Permission?

For a marquee in your garden for a few days? No. No planning permission needed.

For a marquee on public or council land? Yes — you’ll need an event permit.

In a conservation area or listed property? Possibly — check with the council or venue first.

For an event with music, alcohol sales, or late-night entertainment? You’ll need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN), which is separate from planning permission.

For a long-term or commercial installation? Possibly — speak to the council.

Still Not Sure? We Can Help

We install marquees across London every week and we’re familiar with the practical side of what’s needed in different boroughs. If you’re not sure whether your event needs any permits or approvals, ask us when you get in touch. We’ll point you in the right direction.