From increased capacity to flexible decoration options, marquee weddings are a popular venue choice for many reasons. Plus, if you want to reap the benefits of an outdoor wedding, with the security of a roof over your head, then our list of the best marquee wedding venues in the UK is exactly what you need.
If you’ve always dreamed of getting married outside, then hiring a marquee wedding venue is a good idea. They allow you to make the most of a venue’s spectacular location - whether it boasts stunning grounds and gardens or is flanked by lush rolling hills - while taking away the stress of having to worry about poor weather on your special day. In fact, when planning an outdoor wedding, we’d always recommend making sure your wedding venue can accommodate a marquee, so you have a plan B if it rains.
Wedding marquees come in many different forms. Some are permanent fixtures all year round, giving guests plenty of space and creative control to personalise this blank canvas option as they please. While other venues offer in-house wedding marquee hire, or the option to rent one from an external supplier and erect it within their grounds.
Finally, while marquees are available in a variety of different shapes and sizes, one of the benefits of hiring a marquee wedding venue is they offer ultimate flexibility when it comes to space, and can accommodate larger groups of people – perfect if you’re planning a big wedding.
Convinced that a marquee is right for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best wedding venues in the UK that offer marquee weddings, from big billowy canopies to casual and quirky options.
Hever Castle, Kent
What: When your grounds are as beautiful as the ones at Hever Castle, it would be blasphemy not to offer an outdoor wedding option. Luckily, the team at this historic wedding venue are well-versed in hosting marquee weddings, which are hosted on its Winter Garden Lawn with spectacular views of the castle. The private lawn is perfect for larger weddings, with capacity for up to 600 guests.
Where: Hever, TN8 7NG
Enquire now: Hever Castle
Leeds Castle, Kent
What: If the idea of having a castle in the backdrop of your wedding photos makes you swoon, then we recommend making an enquiry at Leeds Castle. Despite the name, this venue is actually located in Kent, and is an exceptional choice if you’re looking to host a large number of guests. Marquee weddings at Leeds Castle are specifically for more than 200 guests, hosted on the Cedar Lawn, and can be personalised to suit your needs with table settings, floral displays and live music.
Where: Maidstone, ME17 1PL
Enquire now: Leeds Castle
Oakley Hall, Hampshire
What: Oakley Hall’s Garden Pavilion is a permanent marquee able to host up to 350 guests. This one’s a little more modern than your standard tent, with built in LED lights and a sound-system, as well as a private bar, kitchen, terrace and car-park. If you're after a tried-and-tested marquee with every facility you could possibly need, then this is the ticket.
Where: Rectory Road, Basingstoke, RG23 7EL
Enquire now: Oakley Hall
Wasing Park, Berkshire
What: Wasing Park cleverly offers the best of both worlds with this extended marquee option. The Castle Barn is fitted with a floating stretch tent that can be erected over the terrace, allowing guests to enjoy alfresco evening food all year round. It also boasts an outdoor kitchen and a fire pit for late night dining options with a difference.
Where: Wasing Estate, Aldermaston, RG7 4NG
Enquire now: Wasing Park
Downham Hall, Essex
What: For larger weddings, the beautiful marquee at Downham Hall is its biggest function space, able to cater for up to 110 for a wedding breakfast. It features a fully stocked bar, dance floor area and flexible seating, and can be adapted for all weathers. In the summer, the sides can be opened to provide views of the moat, while in winter the marquee can be heated to provide a cosy sanctuary away from the elements.
Where: Castledon Road, Downham, CM11 1LG
Enquire now: Downham Hall
Tan House Newland, Gloucestershire
What: On the hunt for a quirky wedding venue? Tan House Newland is both brilliant and barmy, with its stone-built barn, tipi bell tents and endless outdoor entertainment, including a hot tub, wood-fired pizza oven and kamado egg barbecues. It offers lots of spectacular tent options, including an incredible tipi in the courtyard complete with fake zebras and palm trees.
Where: Laundry Lane, Newland, GL16 8NQ
Enquire now: Tan House Newland
Painshill Park, Surrey
What: Painshill is an 18th-century garden set amongst 158 acres of Surrey countryside. The venue is licensed for both civil and partnership ceremonies, so once you've tied the knot under its Gothic Temple, head to the Amphitheatre Lawn for drinks, photos and a wedding breakfast in its marquee.
Where: Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1JE
Enquire now: Painshill Park
Hamswell House, Somerset
What: Hamswell House is an exclusive use venue, meaning that when you book a marquee wedding here, yours will be the only celebration on site for the whole day. Surrounded by 50 acres of gardens and private land with breathtaking panoramic views, its sit-down capacity is 200 guests, so there's no need to hold back with your guest list! You’ll have the day before to style it exactly as you want it, but twinkling lights, lanterns and festoons all come highly recommended.
Where: Hamswell, Bath, BA1 9DG
Enquire now: Hamswell House
Trewornan Manor, Cornwall
What: This secluded venue is just a short drive from Padstow, Rock and Port Isaac, and set within 25 acres of manicured gardens and lawns. While the charming manor house is great for intimate ceremonies, Trewornan Manor can cater for up to 280 guests with a marquee in its surrounding gardens. The venue is also licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies, so you can host everything under one roof if you like.
Where: Wadebridge, PL27 6EX
Enquire now: Trewornan Manor
Iscoyd Park, Shropshire
What: The marquee at Iscoyd Park is a permanent fixture that’s available to hire all year round. It’s also the largest space at this beautiful venue, able to host up to 160 guests for your wedding breakfast. It’s designed to work with any theme or decoration you desire, and features large glass doors that open out onto the terrace and gardens.
Where: Whitchurch, SY13 3AT
Enquire now: Iscoyd Park
Trunkwell House, Reading
What: Trunkwell House has hosted over a thousand weddings in its time, ensuring couples are placed in the most experienced of hands when planning their nuptials. For larger celebrations, it boasts a beautiful Venetian-inspired marquee set in its manicured gardens for up to 350 guests. For those who have their own style and theme in mind, the marquee can easily be personalised to suit your vision.
Where: Beech Hill Road, Beech Hill, RG7 2AT
Enquire now: Trunkwell House
If you have your heart set on getting married outdoors, these stunning country house wedding venues across the UK boast beautiful gardens and grounds.