How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wedding Marquee in New Zealand?
Planning a marquee wedding in New Zealand? Here’s what to know about costs, styles, and smart ways to make your outdoor celebration unforgettable.
Contents
Why Couples Choose a Marquee Wedding
The True Cost of a Marquee Wedding: An Overview
Factors That Influence Marquee Hire Costs
Understanding Marquee Types and Price Ranges
What’s Usually Included in Marquee Hire
Furniture, Styling, and Décor: The Finishing Touches
Realistic Budget Examples for NZ Marquee Weddings
How to Maximise Your Marquee Budget
Weather, Location & Logistics ,What to Consider
Why Hire From Lucy’s Events
Final Thoughts
Why Couples Choose a Marquee Wedding
There’s something unmistakably magical about a marquee wedding. The soft light filtering through the canopy, the gentle rustle of linen, the way you can design every corner exactly as you imagine it, marquees give you complete creative freedom.
In New Zealand, marquee weddings have become a signature choice for couples wanting an elegant, outdoor celebration that still feels intimate and personal. Whether it’s a backyard gathering in Tauranga, a coastal ceremony in the Coromandel, or a countryside reception in the Waikato, a marquee provides a blank canvas that can be styled to suit any theme.
Unlike fixed venues, you’re not limited by walls, décor, or capacity; you build your dream space from the ground up. But with that freedom comes a common question: how much does it really cost?
The True Cost of a Marquee Wedding: An Overview
Hiring a marquee for your wedding isn’t a one-size-fits-all expense. The cost can range from $2,000 for a small, simple setup including labour and delivery to $15,000+ for a full luxury structure with flooring, lighting, and furniture.
Here’s a general guide to what you might expect in New Zealand:
Small weddings (30–50 guests): around $2,000–$4,000
Medium weddings (80–120 guests): around $4,000–$8,000
Large weddings (150+ guests): anywhere from $8,000–$15,000+
These ranges usually include the marquee itself, installation, basic flooring, and lighting. Furniture, décor, and extras are typically additional, but they’re what truly transform a marquee into a warm, inviting space.
Factors That Influence Marquee Hire Costs
Every wedding is unique, and so is every marquee setup. Several factors determine how much you’ll spend:
1. Size and Guest Count
This is the most obvious cost factor. Marquees are priced per square metre, so the more guests you have (and the more space you want for dining, dancing, or lounging), the higher the total hire cost.
A good rule of thumb:
1.5–2m² per guest for seated dining
Add extra for dance floors, bars, or lounges
2. Marquee Type
From romantic pole marquees to clear-roof structures, the style you choose directly affects price (see next section for a breakdown).
3. Flooring
Grass setups are the most affordable, but if you want a finished wooden floor, carpet, or elevated decking, that can add $10–$25 per square metre.
4. Lighting & Power
Fairy lights, chandeliers, and festoon lighting can add several hundred dollars ,but they’re also one of the biggest mood enhancers. You’ll also need to consider power sources for catering, music, and heating.
5. Delivery & Setup
Costs vary depending on the distance from your hire company and site accessibility. Hard-to-reach rural locations can add extra labour and transport costs.
6. Furniture, Tableware & Styling
Often priced separately, these items define your aesthetic. Think timber trestle tables, linen, bentwood chairs, bar leaners, or lounge furniture.
7. Seasonality
Spring and summer weekends are peak season, so prices can be higher, or availability more limited. Booking early can help you secure the best rates.
Understanding Marquee Types and Price Ranges
Different marquee styles create completely different atmospheres and budgets. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Traditional Pole Marquees
Elegant, romantic, and timeless, perfect for classic garden weddings.
Best for: 50–200 guests
Look: sweeping canvas roof, central poles, soft lines
Cost: from $22–$35 per m²
2. Clearspan Marquees
A modern favourite with no internal poles, offering full flexibility and a clean finish.
Best for: medium to large weddings
Look: open interior, ideal for dance floors and large dining areas
Cost: from $25–$40 per m²
3. Stretch Tents
Organic and contemporary with sculptural curves that suit outdoor settings.
Best for: casual, boho, or coastal weddings
Look: free-flowing shape, great in natural landscapes
Cost: from $20–$35 per m²
4. Tipis or Sperry-Style Tents
Statement-making and atmospheric, often with timber poles and natural materials.
Best for: rustic or luxe bohemian weddings
Look: warm, textured, and distinctive
Cost: from $40–$60 per m²
What’s Usually Included in Marquee Hire
Most marquee hire packages include:
Structure delivery and installation
Basic lighting (string or festoon)
Sidewalls or clear panels
However, many couples upgrade to add:
Wooden or white flooring
Chandeliers, pendant, or fairy lighting
Heating or cooling systems
Linens and draping
Coordinated furniture packages
It’s worth discussing with your supplier whether you’d prefer a turnkey package (everything included) or to build your own combination piece by piece. Lucy’s Events, for instance, offers flexibility for both, whether you just need the marquee or want full styling coordination.
Furniture, Styling, and Décor: The Finishing Touches
Once the structure is up, furniture and styling make it come alive. This is where most couples begin to personalise the space.
Dining Setup
Tables & chairs: $20–$40 per guest
Linens, glassware & tableware: typically $10–$20 per person
Decorative extras: floral runners, candles, place cards, signage
Lounge & Bar Areas
Lounge settings: $300–$600 each
Bars & leaners: $200–$400
Rugs, plants, and accent décor: $100–$300
Lighting & Atmosphere
Fairy or festoon lighting: $200–$800
Chandeliers or pendant lights: $150–$400 each
Uplighting or spotlights: $100–$300
It’s often these smaller details, like soft textiles, lighting, and mixed seating, that make a marquee wedding feel intimate and warm rather than purely functional.
Realistic Budget Examples for NZ Marquee Weddings
To give you a sense of scale, here’s how a few common setups might look:
Intimate Garden Wedding (40 guests)
9x9m pole marquee with basic flooring
Simple trestle tables and bentwood chairs
Fairy lighting & bar leaner
Approximate total: $3,000–$4,500
Classic Countryside Celebration (100 guests)
10x20m clearspan marquee with wooden floor
Dining setup with full place settings
Lounge area & festoon lighting
Approximate total: $6,000–$9,000
Luxury Coastal Wedding (150+ guests)
19x30m sailcloth marquee with draping, flooring, and chandeliers
Bar, lounge zones, styled décor, and premium furniture
Approximate total: $10,000–$15,000+
Remember, these aren’t fixed quotes, they simply illustrate what various levels of styling and size might add up to. Most couples in NZ find their marquee and hire costs represent 20–30% of their overall wedding budget.
How to Maximise Your Marquee Budget
If you’re working to a set budget, a few thoughtful choices can go a long way:
Prioritise structure and comfort. Invest in a quality marquee and flooring, you can simplify elsewhere.
Choose versatile furniture. Pieces that transition from ceremony to reception (like shared lounge sets) reduce double hire.
Share hire items. If your venue hosts multiple weddings that week, ask if you can share setup or delivery costs.
Book early. Prices and availability tighten quickly for summer weekends.
Bundle with one supplier. Hiring marquee and furniture from the same company can save on logistics and coordination.
Lucy’s Events specialises in cohesive marquee and furniture packages, so everything arrives and fits seamlessly, no mismatched tones or missing pieces.
Weather, Location and Logistics; What to Consider
1. Weather Backup Plans
Even in summer, New Zealand weather can be unpredictable. Always plan for rain, wind, and heat:
Include sidewalls and secure anchoring
Consider portable heating or fans
Check for shade if using clear roofs
2. Site Preparation
Flat, even ground is ideal, but many NZ locations (especially rural ones) need minor levelling or matting. A site inspection ensures proper fit and anchoring.
3. Accessibility
Think about supplier access for trucks, power needs, and proximity to restrooms. If your site is remote, additional logistics costs may apply; it’s best to discuss this early in planning.
Why Hire From Lucy’s Events
At Lucy’s Events, every marquee setup is more than just a structure, it’s the beginning of your celebration.
With years of experience in wedding and event hire, the team ensures every detail is thoughtfully planned: from the first layout sketch to the final candle lit on your reception tables.
You can choose from a range of marquee styles, elegant pole marquees, clearspan structures, and intimate stretch tents, all paired with coordinated furniture, lighting, and décor that reflect your personal style.
Lucy’s offers flexible packages to suit your vision and budget, with delivery and setup throughout the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and beyond.
Explore Marquee Hire →
Browse Furniture Hire →
Final Thoughts
A marquee wedding isn’t just about hiring a tent, it’s about creating an atmosphere. It’s where laughter echoes against fabric walls, where your guests dance under strings of lights, and where every detail feels authentically yours.
Costs vary, yes, but what you’re really investing in is flexibility, beauty, and the chance to make your day truly your own.
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate garden party or a grand countryside affair, Lucy’s Events can help bring it all together, seamlessly, beautifully, and stress-free.