It’s the first thing most people want to know, and the one thing most marquee hire websites won’t tell you. So let’s skip the “get a quote” runaround and talk actual numbers.
Marquee hire costs in London depend on a few things — how big the marquee is, what you put inside it, and where it’s going. But you can get a solid idea of what to expect before you pick up the phone.
Here’s what marquee hire typically costs in London in 2026, based on real pricing.
What Does Marquee Hire Actually Cost?
The biggest factor is how many people you’re hosting. Here’s a rough guide:
| Event Type | Typical Guests | Estimated Cost |
| Small garden party | 20–40 | £600 – £1,500 |
| Medium private event | 50–100 | £1,500 – £4,000 |
| Large wedding or party | 100–200 | £4,000 – £9,000 |
| Large corporate event | 200+ | £9,000 – £20,000+ |
These prices cover the marquee structure itself. The extras — flooring, lighting, furniture, heating — are where the final number can shift, and we’ll break those down below.
What Affects the Price?
There’s no single price for marquee hire because no two events are the same. But these are the main things that move the number up or down.
Size
This is the biggest cost driver. A 6m x 6m marquee for 30 guests is a very different job to a 15m-wide structure for a 200-person wedding. More space means more materials, more transport, and a longer install.
A quick rule of thumb: seated dining needs about 1.5 square metres per guest. A standing reception can fit 20–30% more into the same space.
Flooring
If your marquee is going on grass, gravel, or uneven ground, you’ll probably want flooring. Options range from basic carpet (£300–£600) through to raised wooden flooring for sloped sites (£800–£2,000). It depends on the area you need to cover and how level the ground is.
For a garden party in summer on flat grass, you might skip it entirely. For a winter wedding, proper flooring makes a big difference.
Lighting
Any event that runs into the evening needs lighting, and it’s one of the things that changes how a marquee feels more than anything else.
Fairy lights and festoon lighting typically cost £100–£400. Chandeliers and full LED packages run from £400 up to £800 for larger setups. Most people land somewhere in the £200–£500 range.
Heating
London weather is what it is. If your event is between October and April, you’ll want heating. Even in September, evenings can get cold enough that guests notice.
Heaters typically cost £150–£600 depending on the size of the marquee. For most medium-sized events, expect around £200–£350.
Furniture and Extras
Tables, chairs, dance floors, bar areas, stage platforms — these add up. A basic furniture package for 100 guests (round tables, chairs, linen) might cost £600–£1,000. Add a dance floor and you’re looking at another £300–£800 depending on size.
The benefit of getting these from your marquee supplier is that everything arrives on one truck and one team handles the lot.
Worked Example: 120-Guest Wedding in London
Numbers always make more sense with a real example. Here’s what a fairly typical 120-guest wedding marquee might look like:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Marquee structure (clear span, 9m x 18m) | £3,500 |
| Wooden flooring | £1,000 |
| Lighting (fairy lights + chandeliers) | £500 |
| Heating | £300 |
| Tables and chairs (120 guests) | £800 |
| Dance floor | £400 |
| Total | £6,500 – £7,000 |
Your event will be different — maybe you don’t need a dance floor, maybe you want a bar setup instead. But this gives you a realistic starting point rather than a vague “prices start from” that doesn’t actually help.
What’s Usually Included in the Hire Price?
Most marquee hire companies in London include the basics as standard: delivery, installation, the marquee structure itself (roof, side panels, framework), safety anchoring, and collection after the event.
Everything else — flooring, lighting, heating, furniture, décor — is typically quoted separately or offered as part of a package. Always ask for a full breakdown so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
When Should You Book?
For summer events — especially weddings — book 3–6 months ahead. Peak season runs from May to September and the popular weekends go first.
For corporate events and winter parties, you can often get away with shorter notice, but 6–8 weeks is a sensible minimum. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you have on dates and setup.
Why London Can Cost a Bit More
London marquee hire tends to cost more than the national average, and there are practical reasons for that. Access is often trickier — narrow streets, parking restrictions, limited loading areas. Some venues need council permits. Delivery windows might be restricted to certain hours.
None of this is a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing that a garden in Kensington isn’t the same job as a field in Hertfordshire, even if the marquee is identical.
Want a Proper Quote?
The prices on this page are genuine estimates, not bait figures designed to get you on the phone. But every event is different, so the best way to get an accurate number is to tell us what you’re planning.
Get in touch with your date, location, and rough guest numbers, and we’ll give you a straight quote — no pressure, no chasing.