Why Marquee Pricing Is Never a Simple Answer
If you are planning an event in London, one of the first questions that comes up is always the same.
How much does marquee hire cost?
It sounds like a simple question, but in reality, it rarely has a simple answer. Prices can vary significantly depending on the type of event, the number of guests, the location, and the level of setup required.
To give a clearer and more honest picture, we spoke with John Shepherd from Marquee Hire London. With years of experience delivering events across the capital, John shared real examples from recent projects and explained what clients can realistically expect to pay in 2026.
As he put it early on, “Two events with the same number of guests can end up costing very different amounts. It all comes down to the details.”
Q: John, what do marquee hire prices actually look like in London right now?
John Shepherd:
The easiest way to think about it is in ranges.
For a small event, you might be looking at anywhere between £700 and £2,500. For something more standard, say 60 to 100 guests, you are usually in the £2,000 to £5,000 range. Larger events and weddings can go from £5,000 up to £10,000 or more.
London is naturally more expensive than other parts of the UK. There is more demand, higher labour costs, and often more complicated logistics.
People often expect a fixed price, but the reality is that everything depends on what you need. Even two events with similar guest numbers can end up very different in cost depending on setup, access, and extras.
A Real Example: North London Garden Wedding (July 2025)
John Shepherd:
A good example would be a wedding we did in North London last July.
It was held in a private garden and had around 110 guests. The couple wanted something that felt elegant but still relaxed. They were not going over the top, but they did want a proper setup that would look right for a wedding.
We installed a 6m by 18m marquee, which gave them enough space for dining, a small dance floor, and a bar area.
The setup included full flooring, interior lining, warm lighting, and furniture. We also had to consider access carefully because the garden entrance was quite narrow, which made the installation more time consuming.
In total, the marquee side of the event came to just over £9,200.
It was a great example of a mid to high range wedding. Not excessive, but done properly.
Q: What made that wedding cost what it did?
John Shepherd:
There were a few key factors.
First was the size. With 110 guests, you need enough space for tables, movement, and service areas. That immediately puts you into a larger structure.
Second was flooring. For weddings, flooring is almost always essential. It improves comfort and gives the whole space a more finished feel.
Lighting also plays a big role. Basic lighting is relatively affordable, but once you start creating atmosphere with warmer tones or feature lighting, it adds to the cost.
Then there was access. The tighter the access, the longer the setup takes. In London, that is quite common and it does have an impact on pricing.
A Smaller Event: Anniversary Party for Josh and Laura
John Shepherd:
On the other end of the scale, we recently did an anniversary party for a couple called Josh and Laura.
This was a much simpler setup. Around 35 guests in their back garden. They just wanted cover in case of rain and a comfortable space to sit and relax.
We used a 4m by 6m marquee with no flooring and basic lighting.
The total cost came to around £450.
That is a good example of how marquee hire can be very affordable if you keep things simple. It does not always have to be a large or complex setup.
Q: So what is the biggest factor that affects price?
John Shepherd:
If I had to narrow it down, I would say three things.
Size, extras, and location.
Size is obvious. More guests require more space, and that increases both materials and labour.
Extras are where costs can really move. Flooring, lighting, heating, and furniture all add up depending on what you choose.
Location is especially important in London. Access, parking, and time restrictions can all increase the amount of work involved.
If you understand those three factors, you understand most of how marquee pricing works.
A Larger Setup: Summer Street Festival in Marylebone
John Shepherd:
A completely different example would be a summer street festival we worked on in Marylebone.
This was a large public event with several hundred attendees throughout the day. Instead of one marquee, we installed multiple structures for food vendors, seating areas, and covered walkways.
The challenge with an event like this is not just the size, but the logistics.
We had limited access hours, strict timing, and had to coordinate with local authorities. Everything had to be installed and removed within a very controlled schedule.
The total cost for the marquee setup was just under £9,000.
That reflects the scale of the event, but also the complexity. Large events in central London often involve more planning and more labour than people expect.
Q: What are the hidden costs people do not expect?
John Shepherd:
Flooring is usually the biggest one.
People often assume it is included, but it is not always part of the base price. Depending on the size, it can add several hundred pounds.
Power is another. If there is no direct power source, you may need a generator. That adds both equipment and fuel costs.
Heating is also important, especially outside of peak summer. Even in spring or early autumn, it can get cold in the evening.
Then there are toilets. For larger events, especially in outdoor locations, you often need to arrange portable facilities.
All of these things are standard parts of an event, but they are not always considered at the start.
Q: Is marquee hire cheaper than a venue in London?
John Shepherd:
In many cases, yes, but it depends on how far you go with the setup.
A traditional venue in London can easily cost between £8,000 and £12,000 or more, particularly for weddings.
With a marquee, you have more flexibility. You can scale the setup to match your budget.
If you already have access to a garden or outdoor space, it can be a very cost effective option.
That said, if you add every possible extra, the costs can become similar. It really comes down to how you design the event.
Q: What would you recommend for someone planning their first event?
John Shepherd:
Start with your guest numbers.
That gives you a clear idea of the size you need, and everything builds from there.
Then think about how you want the space to feel. Do you need seating, a dance area, or catering space?
It is also important not to overcomplicate things. You can create a great event with a simple, well planned setup.
And finally, speak to someone early. Getting proper advice at the start helps avoid unexpected costs later.
Q: What kind of budget should people realistically expect in 2026?
John Shepherd:
As a general guide:
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Small events are usually between £300 and £1,500
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Medium events tend to fall between £2,000 and £5,000
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Weddings are typically £4,000 to £8,000 or more
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Larger events can range from £5,000 up to £12,000 or higher
Those ranges cover most of what we see.
The important thing is that there is always flexibility. You can adjust the setup to suit your budget.
Final Thoughts from John Shepherd
Every event is different, and that is what makes marquee hire so useful.
You are not working within the limits of a fixed venue. You can design the space around your event, your guests, and your budget.
The key is to understand what you actually need and build from there.
As John puts it, “It is not about spending more, it is about spending in the right places.”
Get a Tailored Quote
If you are planning an event in London and want a clear idea of what it will cost, the best step is to get a tailored quote based on your specific requirements.
Speak to a specialist, explain your event, and get advice that is relevant to your setup.
That way, you can plan with confidence and avoid any surprises along the way.