If you’re planning an event in the Wiltshire countryside, whether it’s a wedding, a family celebration or a school speech day, marquee hire is likely high on your list. But one of the first questions people ask is a simple one. How much does it cost? And what do you actually get for that price?

The truth is, marquee hire costs can vary quite a bit depending on what you need. So let’s walk through it all, from the basics to the extras, to help you plan your budget with confidence and clarity.

Typical Marquee Hire Prices in Wiltshire

Typical Marquee Hire Prices in Wiltshire

Let’s start with a ballpark idea. For most countryside events in Wiltshire, marquee hire prices typically begin around £1,800 to £2,500 for smaller setups suitable for 60 to 80 guests. For medium weddings or parties of around 100 to 150 guests, you might expect to pay somewhere between £3,000 and £6,000. For larger weddings, corporate functions or multi-day events, the cost can range from £6,000 up to £10,000 or more.

Of course, these are broad ranges. The final price depends on factors like marquee size, layout, location, and the level of customisation involved. For example, a simple clear interior layout will cost less than one with bespoke flooring, pole caps, lighting, and custom window walls.

At White Horse Marquees, prices are always tailored to your event. They do not offer off-the-shelf packages because every celebration is different. Instead, they work with you to design a marquee that fits your style, setting, and budget.

What Affects the Cost of Hiring a Marquee?

Guest Numbers

The number of guests is the starting point for pricing. More people means a larger structure, more tables and chairs, additional lighting, and possibly extra flooring or chillout areas. A marquee for 80 people will be very different from one for 150.

Time of Year

Summer is peak season, especially between May and September. During this period, marquee suppliers are in high demand across Wiltshire and the wider South West. Booking for these months may carry premium rates, and you’ll need to secure your date well in advance. Events in spring or autumn may offer more flexibility and slightly lower costs.

Location and Access

The beauty of Wiltshire is in its rolling fields and scenic countryside. But some locations may require additional logistics. If your event is on sloped land, or if access is limited, it may take more time and equipment to build your marquee safely. This can affect the price slightly, especially if extra crew members are needed.

Marquee Style

Not all marquees are created equal. A traditional canvas marquee offers a completely different feel to a modern frame tent. Canvas structures tend to offer more character and romance, with wooden poles and elegant features that suit countryside weddings beautifully. They also tend to be more labour-intensive to install, which can influence the cost.

If your setting is more compact or exposed, a pavilion or frame tent may be a better fit. These are just as versatile and stylish but can be quicker to erect and adapt well to tighter spaces.

Custom Features

This is where marquee hire really becomes exciting. You can create a completely unique space that reflects your style. White Horse Marquees offers a range of extras including:

  • Beautiful window walls that frame countryside views
  • Wooden floors for a solid, polished finish
  • Festoon or fairy lighting for evening ambience
  • Elegant pole caps and green finials
  • Lining and colour themes to match your flowers or stationery

These optional details can be scaled to suit your budget. Some clients want something minimal and timeless. Others go all out with a wow-factor marquee interior. It’s your call.

What’s Included in a White Horse Marquees Package?

White Horse Marquees takes a fully bespoke approach. That means no cookie-cutter packages, no generic layouts, and no pressure to upgrade to things you don’t need.

Each quote includes:

  • Your chosen marquee style and size
  • Setup and takedown by an experienced crew
  • Advice on layout, orientation, and ground suitability
  • Core elements like matting, lighting, and structural poles
  • Optional extras clearly listed so you can add or remove as needed

They can also liaise with your wedding, party or corporate suppliers to make sure everyone is aligned on access times and event logistics. The goal is to make the marquee a seamless part of your event, not a stressful last-minute challenge.

Traditional Canvas Marquees vs Other Options

It’s worth highlighting what makes a traditional canvas marquee different. These structures are handcrafted, using natural materials and breathable fabrics that create a beautiful atmosphere. They look stunning in photos, especially when paired with rustic tables, floral arrangements, and outdoor backdrops.

Canvas marquees also feel different. They soften light, breathe with the air, and blend into the countryside in a way that plastic-sided options simply can’t match. For couples planning a wedding with a romantic or nostalgic feel, canvas is often the clear winner.

That said, not every setting suits canvas. That’s why White Horse also offers a selection of pavilions and frame tents, which are ideal for trickier sites or when a more modern look is preferred.

Getting a Bespoke Quote for Your Wiltshire Event

No two events are ever the same, and neither are the quotes. That’s why White Horse Marquees encourages clients to get in touch early. You don’t need to know every detail. Even a rough idea of your date, guest numbers, and location is enough to get started.

From there, the team can guide you through options, suggest sizes, and offer price ranges that make sense for your event. If your plans are flexible, they may even be able to recommend dates with better availability or offer savings by combining deliveries in your area.

A good quote should always be transparent. You’ll know what’s included, what’s optional, and what your final cost might look like. It’s not about upselling. It’s about helping you build something special, without any surprises along the way.

Marquee Hire or Venue Hire: Which Costs More?

Marquee Hire or Venue Hire: Which Costs More?

This is a common question, and the answer depends on what you value. Venue hire can seem cheaper at first glance, especially if it comes with catering or furniture included. But with marquee hire, you are paying for complete freedom.

You choose the view. You choose the layout. You decide when suppliers can set up and when the music stops. You are not locked into fixed menus, bar prices, or rigid time slots. That flexibility is priceless for many clients.

And with the right planning, marquee hire can absolutely compete with venue hire on cost. Especially if you are hosting the event on family land or combining it with a holiday rental in the countryside.

Plan Early and Ask Questions

The best advice? Start early and ask lots of questions. White Horse Marquees loves working with clients who want to create something personal and memorable. Whether it’s a wedding with 200 guests or a garden lunch for 30, they are always happy to offer ideas and advice.

By giving yourself time to plan, you’ll avoid last-minute decisions and rushed compromises. That means more confidence in your budget, more freedom to design your space, and more joy on the day itself.

Ready to Plan Your Marquee Event?

Whether you are just beginning to explore options or already have a date in mind, now is the perfect time to start the conversation.

White Horse Marquees combines decades of experience with a love of local Wiltshire settings. From traditional charm to practical advice, they’re here to help you plan with ease.

Planning a countryside wedding or celebration in Wiltshire? Get a bespoke marquee hire quote from White Horse Marquees today.