How to Hire a Wedding Marquee in Manchester (Costs, Suppliers & Top Venues)
Planning a wedding in Manchester gives couples endless options, from glamorous hotels to rustic countryside barns. But for many, the dream is a completely personalised celebration under canvas — a wedding marquee. Flexible, stylish, and suitable for everything from garden gatherings to lavish Asian weddings, marquees offer a blank canvas to bring your vision to life.
Still, many couples find themselves asking the same questions: How much does wedding marquee hire in Manchester cost? Which suppliers are reliable? Where can I host a marquee wedding in or around the city?
This guide covers everything you need to know about wedding marquee hire in and around Manchester — including typical costs, trusted suppliers, and the best venues that allow marquees.
Why Choose a Wedding Marquee in Manchester?
Unlike fixed venues, a marquee gives you the freedom to create a completely bespoke setting. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand reception for 300 guests or a cosy garden wedding, a marquee can be tailored to your size, theme, and budget.
Other benefits include:
Flexibility – Choose your own décor, caterers, and layout.
Scenic locations – From Cheshire countryside estates to private gardens in Greater Manchester.
Capacity – Scale up or down depending on your guest list.
Unique atmosphere – No two marquee weddings look the same.
Compared to hotels or banquet halls, marquee weddings often feel more personal and less restrictive, making them a popular choice across the North West.
How Much Does Wedding Marquee Hire in Manchester Cost?
One of the biggest questions couples have is about cost. The price of hiring a wedding marquee in Manchester varies depending on size, style, and extras.
Average marquee hire prices:
Small garden marquee (20–40 guests): £500–£1,200
Medium marquee (80–150 guests): £1,500–£3,500
Large wedding marquee (200+ guests): £4,000–£8,000+
Extra large marquee: £5,000–£12,000+
We also offer clearspan marquee’s which provide a smaller setting with a clear open space inside. Our guide to wedding marquees has all the information you need to choose which marquee is best suited to your wedding.
Additional costs to consider:
Flooring (Matting, Wooden Flooring or Grass)
Lighting (fairy lights, chandeliers, uplighting)
Heating or generators
Furniture hire (tables, chairs, linens)
💡 Pro tip: Ask for all-inclusive packages to avoid hidden extras. Many suppliers in Manchester offer bundled pricing covering marquees, furniture, and lighting. WIth Posh Frocks and Wellies you can customise your quote as you go to create your perfect tailored experience.
Types of Wedding Marquees Available
When choosing a marquee, the style matters just as much as the size. Manchester suppliers typically offer several options:
Clearspan marquees – The most popular choice. Large, versatile, and with no interior poles, giving you an open layout.
Tipis & yurts – Perfect for boho or festival-style weddings. Great for summer evenings.
Stretch tents – Contemporary and chic, with flowing lines that create a modern look.
Traditional pole marquees – Classic white canvas marquees with central poles, ideal for countryside venues.
Pagoda marquees – Small, stylish structures for garden receptions or cocktail areas.
Each type creates a different vibe — from rustic romance to sleek modernity.
How to choose the right supplier:
Check availability early (12–18 months in advance for summer weddings).
Look at reviews and testimonials.
Ask about insurance and contingency plans for bad weather.
Compare packages and what’s included (flooring, heating, décor).
Best Wedding Marquee Venues in & Around Manchester
Not every venue allows marquees, so choosing the right location is crucial. Some of the best marquee-friendly venues near Manchester include:
Cheshire countryside estates (e.g. Knutsford, Wilmslow, Altrincham) – Perfect for large luxury marquees.
Trafford and Stockport gardens – Great for smaller marquee setups with easy city access.
Private estates & farms around Greater Manchester – Rustic, flexible spaces ideal for tipis and stretch tents.
Manchester outskirts (Bury, Rochdale, Bolton) – Offer scenic backdrops and lower venue hire costs compared to city centre locations.
Always confirm with the venue whether they allow external marquee suppliers or require in-house partners.
Additional Services You Might Need
Hiring the marquee is just the start. Most couples also need a range of supporting services:
Furniture hire – Tables, chairs, bars, and lounge furniture.
Dance floor hire – Essential if you’re planning a lively reception.
Lighting – Fairy lights, chandeliers, or LED uplighting to set the mood.
Heating & generators – Especially important for winter marquee weddings in Manchester.
Portable toilets – For larger outdoor setups without facilities.
Catering partnerships – Some suppliers work with local caterers to provide full packages.
Bundling these services with one supplier can save both money and stress. Posh Frocks and Wellies offers a wedding planning service to save you the stress of individually planning all the services yourself.
Tips for Hiring a Wedding Marquee in Manchester
To make the process smoother, keep these practical tips in mind:
Book early – Summer marquee suppliers in Manchester often get fully booked a year in advance.
Have a backup plan – Weather in Manchester is unpredictable; check contingency options for rain or high winds.
Check permits – Some venues and councils require permission for temporary structures.
Visit past setups – Ask suppliers for photos or arrange to see their marquees at other weddings.
Conclusion
A wedding marquee hire in Manchester gives you the chance to create a truly unique and personal wedding day. With flexibility in design, a wide choice of suppliers, and stunning venues across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, marquees are an excellent choice for couples wanting something special.
From understanding costs to choosing the right supplier and venue, early planning is key. Whether you’re dreaming of a bohemian tipi wedding or a luxury clearspan marquee with chandeliers, Manchester has the expertise and locations to bring your vision to life.
Start by researching marquee suppliers, comparing packages, and booking your venue well in advance. That way, you’ll have everything in place for an unforgettable marquee wedding celebration.