What are these types of marquees?

The Capri marquee was originally created and manufactured in California before first appearing in the UK during the 1990s. With its sweeping arches and elegant profile, this style of marquee quickly gained popularity, offering event hosts a stylish alternative to the more traditional marquees commonly used at the time.

As demand for distinctive and visually impressive marquees grew, the Capri design became a firm favourite for weddings, parties and outdoor celebrations. Its open, flowing shape creates a bright and welcoming space, making it particularly well suited to modern events where atmosphere and appearance are just as important as practicality.

Our marquees are inspired by this original Capri concept but incorporate a number of improvements and refinements developed over many years of real-world use. Through our experience supplying marquees for countless weddings, garden parties and special occasions, we have adapted the design to better suit the UK climate and the practical needs of contemporary events.

The result is a range of marquees that retain the striking and elegant appearance of the original Capri design while offering enhanced durability, stability and functionality. These carefully refined marquees provide a beautiful and reliable setting for weddings and celebrations, combining visual impact with the dependable performance expected from professional event marquee hire company

FAQ's

Do they come with sidwalls?

With every installation of our marquees, we include a combination of clear and white sidewalls as part of the standard marquee setup.

These sidewalls are fitted during installation as a matter of course, as they play an important role in helping the marquee provide protection from wind and rain while still allowing plenty of natural light to enter. The clear panels are particularly effective, as they help maintain views of the surrounding garden or countryside while ensuring guests remain comfortable inside the marquee.

Unless specifically requested otherwise, the sidewalls will always be installed when we erect our marquees. While they can technically be removed, we generally recommend leaving them in place so the marquee performs as intended, particularly in the unpredictable UK weather.

That said, the sidewalls used with our marquees are designed with flexibility in mind. On warm days they can easily be pinned back or rolled open to create a more open and airy feel inside the marquee, allowing fresh air to circulate while still giving you the option to close them again quickly if the weather changes.

This ensures the marquee provides the ideal balance of comfort, practicality and protection throughout your event.

How big are they?

We offer these marquees in two standard sizes. The larger option measures approximately 9m x 12m, while the smaller version is approximately 9m x 9m.

Both sizes provide a generous, well-proportioned space that works beautifully for a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations.

For bigger occasions, it is very common for us to join multiple marquees together to create a larger, continuous structure. By linking units side by side, we can build a space that comfortably accommodates dining areas, dance floors, bars and seating, while still maintaining the elegant look and feel of the individual marquees.

This modular approach also allows us to tailor the layout to suit your guest numbers and the available space at your venue, creating a bespoke setup that works perfectly for your event.

Are they same as stretch tents?

In a word, no. They are tension tents.

Stretch tents are made from elasticated fabric, which allows them to be shaped and configured in a variety of ways. However, the main drawback is that they generally don’t come with proper sidewalls to protect guests from the elements.

While it is possible to set them up in a configuration that provides more enclosure, once you reach that point you may as well opt for a traditional marquee, which offers far better weather protection and practicality.

How robust are they?

They stand up extremely well to both wind and rain, as the sidewalls fit neatly and securely into the curved arches, creating a tight seal that helps keep the weather out and the interior comfortable for guests. This design not only improves stability in challenging conditions but also provides a more polished and enclosed feel compared to many other temporary structures.

Over the years, we have also incorporated a number of practical improvements and refinements to the original American design. These enhancements were developed specifically to address some of the shortcomings found in earlier versions, resulting in a structure that is stronger, more weather-resistant, and better suited to the demands of events in the UK climate. The result is a marquee that combines proven design with thoughtful upgrades to deliver reliability, comfort, and peace of mind for your event.

Do they feel roomy inside?

Very much so. The centre poles stand at over 4 metres high, creating a wonderfully spacious interior. Unless your guest list happens to be made up entirely of NBA basketball players, no one will need to duck under the arches. In fact, most people are more likely to comment on how open and airy the space feels than worry about bumping their head!

Do they have guy ropes?

No, they don’t.

Although they do share the use of internal support poles, similar to the many variations of the traditional pole tent, there is a key difference in the way the structure is supported.

Traditional pole tents typically rely on external guy ropes and stakes around the perimeter to maintain their shape and stability. Our marquees, however, are designed without the need for these external guy ropes.

This creates a much cleaner appearance and allows the structure to be positioned more easily within a space, without ropes extending out into the surrounding area.

Do the internal poles get in the way?

When we first began hiring out these types of marquees over 23 years ago, it was a question we regularly put to our clients. At the time, they were still relatively new to the UK, so we were keen to understand how people felt about the design and whether they would consider alternatives or additional options.

The response we received was overwhelmingly clear. Time and time again, clients told us that they loved the distinctive style and elegant appearance of the marquee just as it was. In fact, the answer was such a consistent and resounding “No” that we quickly realised the original concept was exactly what people were looking for. Ever since then, it has remained a firm favourite for weddings, parties and special events.

Can they be setup on hard surfaces?

The structural integrity of the marquee is achieved by securing it firmly to the ground using steel stakes that are driven into the surface during installation. These stakes anchor the structure in place and provide the stability needed to ensure the marquee performs safely and reliably throughout the event, even in typical British weather conditions.

In theory, it would be possible to replace these ground stakes with heavy ballast weights when installing on hard surfaces such as patios, concrete or tarmac.

However, the amount of weight required to provide the same level of stability would be extremely substantial, making the process both logistically difficult and prohibitively expensive.

For this reason, we generally only install these marquees on grass or other suitable ground where the stakes can be safely and securely driven into the surface.

This method ensures the structure remains properly anchored while also allowing for a more straightforward and efficient installation.

Do you need to do a site visit?

A site visit is not usually necessary. In most cases we are able to provide a quotation and plan the installation based on the information you provide about the location and available space.

However, a site visit can be helpful in certain situations. For example, if you are unsure whether the marquee will comfortably fit in the space available, if there are low-hanging trees or other obstacles, or if the access to the site is particularly tight or awkward, it may be useful for us to take a look beforehand to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of installation.

That said, if you would simply prefer to meet us on site and talk things through in person, we are always more than happy to do so.
It can be a great opportunity to discuss layout options, positioning and any additional equipment you may be considering, helping to ensure everything is perfectly planned for your event.

Do you provide ancillary equipment?

In addition to the marquee itself, we also provide a comprehensive range of ancillary equipment to help you create a fully equipped and beautifully presented event space. Whether you are planning a wedding, party or special celebration, these additional items allow us to tailor the marquee to suit your exact requirements and ensure everything works seamlessly on the day.

Our range of equipment includes generators to provide reliable power where required, along with a selection of tables, including both round dining tables and traditional trestle tables to suit different layouts and seating plans. We also offer chairs in a variety of styles, allowing you to choose an option that complements the overall look and feel of your event.

To enhance both comfort and appearance inside the marquee, we can provide carpeting as well as dance floors for evening celebrations. We also supply bars, lighting, and staging, which are ideal for speeches, live music or entertainment.

For a decorative finishing touch, we also offer silk foliage decorations that are designed to wrap elegantly around the marquee arches, helping to create a softer and more atmospheric setting, particularly for weddings and formal occasions.

For a complete list of all available items, along with further details and pricing, please visit our Accessories page on the website.

What electrical supply do I need?

If you are only using the lighting that we supply with the marquee, the power requirements are very minimal. In most cases, a single standard household socket is all that is needed to run the lighting comfortably.

Ideally, this would be an outdoor socket located close to where the marquee is being installed. However, if you don’t have an outdoor power point available, this is usually not a problem. We can simply run the power cable from an indoor socket, typically by passing it carefully through a nearby window or doorway.

When d0 you setup and takedown?

As around 99% of the events we provide marquees for take place at the weekend, our installation schedule is planned accordingly to ensure everything is ready well in advance of your event.

We generally begin setting up from Wednesday onwards, with many wedding marquees typically installed on Wednesday or Thursday. This allows plenty of time for the marquee to be fully erected, dressed and prepared before the celebrations begin, and also gives you the opportunity to arrange any additional elements such as table settings, decorations or catering.

Once the event has finished, we usually return to dismantle the marquee on Sunday or Monday, depending on the timing of the event and access to the site. This approach helps keep the process smooth and stress-free for our clients, ensuring the marquee is in place with plenty of time before the event and removed promptly afterwards.

Is smoking allowed in the marquees?

In a word, no. Unfortunately, smoking inside the marquee is not permitted. The carpet we install as part of the setup is not disposable, and experience has shown that when smoking is allowed, some people inevitably treat the carpet as an ashtray. This can lead to burns and damage that are very difficult to repair.

To help keep the marquee looking clean and presentable for your event, we ask that guests step outside the structure if they wish to smoke. This simple approach helps protect the flooring and maintain the overall appearance of the marquee throughout the celebration.

If cigarette burns or similar damage do occur to the carpet, we do unfortunately have to apply a cleaning or replacement charge to cover the cost of the damage. For that reason, we strongly recommend keeping smoking outside the marquee area.

Do you setup the tables and chairs?

No, we don’t normally place the chairs around the tables during setup. Instead, we leave them neatly stacked in small piles inside the marquee. The main reason for this is that many of our clients like to experiment with the layout once the marquee is in place, often moving tables slightly to achieve the exact arrangement they want for their event.

By leaving the chairs stacked, it gives you the flexibility to adjust the positioning of the tables without having to move large numbers of chairs at the same time. This makes it much easier to fine-tune the layout so that everything fits comfortably within the marquee and suits the flow of your event.

Our general advice is to wait until the tables are fully dressed before placing the chairs around them. Once tablecloths, centrepieces, place settings and any other decorations are in position, you will have a much clearer idea of the final layout. At that point, adding the chairs is quick and straightforward, and it helps ensure everything looks tidy, balanced and exactly as you intended for your celebration inside the marquee.

Do you hire out toilets?

No, this isn’t a service that we provide directly. However, over the years we have worked alongside a number of excellent suppliers within the events industry and would be more than happy to recommend companies that can assist.

Through our experience at weddings, parties and other celebrations, we have built up a network of reliable professionals who regularly work within marquees and are familiar with the practicalities of setting up and delivering services in this type of environment. This means we can point you in the direction of trusted suppliers who have a good reputation and a proven track record.

If you would like a recommendation, just let us know and we will gladly suggest companies that can help with what you need. We are always happy to share our experience and help make the planning of your event as straightforward as possible.

Do you provide an itemised quote?

Every quote we provide is fully itemised so you can clearly see exactly what is included.

We believe in a completely transparent pricing policy, which means there are no hidden costs or unexpected extras added later in the process. Each element of the hire is listed individually, allowing you to understand precisely what you are paying for and making it easier to adjust or customise the package to suit your event.

Our quotations also include the full setup and dismantling of the marquees as part of the price. This means our experienced team will deliver, install and secure the marquees in advance of your event, ensuring everything is properly erected, safe and ready for use. After the event has finished, we will return to carefully dismantle and remove the structures, leaving the site tidy.

By including these services within the quote from the outset, you can plan your event with confidence, knowing the price you have been given already covers the complete marquee installation and removal process. This straightforward and transparent approach is something many of our clients appreciate, as it helps make organising an event far simpler and more predictable.