Marquee size & layout guide

Use this quick guide to choose the right structure for your guest numbers and style of event. Every site is different — we’ll fine-tune during a free site visit.

Traditional pole marquee

Classic lines, central king poles and natural canvas aesthetics. Perfect for country weddings and summer parties on grass.

Typical sizes & capacities (dining, reception, ceremony)
Size (m) Seated dining Evening reception* Ceremony seating
12 × 1270–90120–140120–150
12 × 18100–130160–200180–220
12 × 24140–170220–260240–300
12 × 30180–220280–340320–380
  • *Reception assumes dining tables cleared or a dedicated dance bay with 12’×12’–18’×18’ dance floor.
  • Add 3–6m bays for bars, lounge, or catering annex. Window walls and entrance porches available.

Clearspan frame marquee

Versatile, no internal poles — great for level or mildly uneven ground; can be weighted on hardstanding. Ideal for winter builds and precise layouts.

Typical sizes & capacities (dining, reception, ceremony)
Width Length Seated dining Evening reception* Ceremony seating
9m15–24m80–140150–220150–220
12m15–30m120–220200–340220–380
15m18–36m180–320300–500+350–600
  • *Reception assumes dedicated dance bay (e.g., 18’×18’) and bar/lounge zone.
  • Options: glass walls, clear roofs, cassette flooring, hard floor & carpet, heaters, solid doors.

Planning your layout

Dining layouts

Rounds: 5’6” seats 10–11; 6’ seats 10–12. Allow ~1.6–1.8m per table plus aisles. Banqueting: trestles at 76cm wide; allow 60–75cm per guest and 1.8–2.0m per row spacing.

Dance floor & band

For 120 evening guests, start at 16’×16’. Add 12–16m² for band/DJ and a buffer to separate from dining.

Circulation & service

Keep clear 1.2–1.5m aisles to bar/loos. Allow a discrete catering entrance and consider a 3–6m catering annex.

Head table & features

Top table of 8–12 needs ~6–8m run. Add space for stage, photo area, lounge furniture, cake table and welcome signage.

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