If you are thinking about planning a marquee wedding in Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds where you can really stamp your personality on your big day and need to get to grips with what it might cost, you’re in the right place. This guide provides an estimated breakdown of marquee wedding costs for a guest list of 120.
The Right Site
£0 - £25,000+
The ideal marquee site should be a flat, grassy area with easy access. Bonus points for access to water. If you're not hosting the wedding on land belonging to family or friends, you will need to find a venue that allows marquees. Some stunning options in Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds include Newington House, Cornwell Manor and Barnsley House. If you’re renting a site, be sure to factor in this cost.
Marquee
£8,000 - £18,000+
The type of marquee you choose will set the tone for your day and impact your budget. Options range from a tipi, stretch tent, a traditional pole marquee, metal framed marquee, Sperry, yurt or my longed for glasshouse. Check out this guide that shows all the different marquee styles. Your marquee provider will typically include flooring, lighting and furniture options with add-ons like heating, lounge and outdoor seating, dance floors and stages available for an additional cost.
Power and Toilets
Generator £800 - £2,000
Toilets £850 - £1,500
You’ll need a generator to power the kitchen tent, bar fridges and provide lighting and power for your entertainment. A minimum of a 50KVA generator will be needed, the hire company or marquee provider will provide a disruption board and cabling to where you want the sockets located. Make sure you are aware where the fuse board is. There are now lots of different toilet unit options from a posh trailer unit to a quirky shepherd hut.
Catering
£100 - £250 per person
75% of guests say the food is the most memorable part of a wedding so getting the catering right is crucial. Your caterer will need a separate catering tent (minimum size: 6m x 9m) equipped with hobs, ovens, hot cupboards and tables for plating plus good overhead lighting. These items are typically hired in and you should also, factor in crockery, cutlery, glassware and linen - your caterer or wedding planner can guide you through available hire options.
DRINKS
£2,500 - £8,000
A huge advantage of a marquee wedding is the flexibility to provide your own favourite drinks at cost price. You can either hire a bar company or ask your caterer about service options. You'll need a bar structure, a fridge trailer for chilling drinks plus glassware and staff to serve. Plan for reception drinks, table wine, toast drink and evening bar options.
Decor and Flowers
£5,000 - £20,000
Décor costs can vary significantly based on your vision and budget. Hanging floral installations look amazing in marquees and bring the space alive and you can inject your personalities and wedding colours. Lighting elements can also be upgraded to include chandeliers and you may wish to bring a stylist on board.
ENTERTAINMENT
£2,000 - £10,000+
Entertainment options are endless and should reflect your style. If you love live music, book an incredible band. Other options include DJs, close up magicians, live artists or even fireworks or drone displays.
PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER
£2,500 - £10,000+
Most couples hire a photographer and an increasing number opt for both a photographer and videographer to capture every special moment. There are photographers and videographers in many different styles and budgets.
TOTAL ESTIMATE
A luxury marquee wedding in 2025 could cost anywhere from £50,000 to £100,000+ depending on your guest count and your vision. Embarking on planning a marquee wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. I specialise in creating marquee weddings across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds and would love to work alongside.
Contact me to schedule a complementary discovery call and we can discuss all the areas you need to think about for a marquee wedding and together bring your vision to life.