Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, but one of the most important is choosing the right location. A marquee wedding gives you the freedom to design your day exactly how you want it. From the layout to the backdrop, it’s a versatile option that allows you to host your celebration somewhere personal, beautiful, and entirely your own. But one question we get asked all the time is: where can you actually put a marquee for a wedding?
At Ohana Marquees, we specialise in marquee hire in York and throughout the wider Yorkshire region. Over the years, we’ve helped couples create unforgettable weddings in gardens, on farmland, in grand estates, and even in places they never thought possible. The beauty of a marquee is that it can go almost anywhere with enough space and the right conditions. While there are a few things to consider before confirming your location, you don’t need to limit yourself to a typical venue. Whether you’re working with a private plot, a hired space, or a family garden, we’ll guide you through the best options to make it all happen.
Hosting a Wedding in Your Own Garden or Family Property
For many couples, the idea of getting married at home or at a family home is incredibly special. It brings a deep sense of meaning to the day and allows you to feel completely relaxed in a familiar setting. A marquee is a brilliant way to make this possible, turning a garden or plot of land into a bespoke wedding venue. We’ve helped numerous couples in York and beyond transform back gardens, fields and courtyards into magical spaces for their big day.
The main consideration for a garden wedding is space. It’s not just about whether the marquee will fit, but also about allowing enough room for suppliers to set up and for guests to move around comfortably. Our team at Ohana Marquees always arranges a site visit to check the ground, access points and layout before going ahead. We’ll take into account any slopes, trees or buildings and advise on the best way to position your marquee. Even if the ground isn’t perfectly flat, options like stretch tents can work brilliantly. With the right planning, a wedding in your own garden can feel both luxurious and deeply personal.
Using Farmland or Open Fields for a Rural Setting
Yorkshire is filled with beautiful rural spaces, and many of our clients choose farmland or open countryside as their marquee site. If you or a family member has access to a field, this can be a brilliant way to host a large wedding with stunning views and a peaceful setting. Even rented fields or paddocks can work, provided permission is granted and access is available for suppliers and guests.
Farm weddings have a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere, and marquees fit perfectly into this environment. Our Celeste Marquees and stretch tents in particular look right at home in these open-air settings, with their natural curves and wooden poles blending beautifully with the surrounding landscape. The wide, open views give your photographer plenty to work with, and you’re free to style the space however you like.
One thing to keep in mind is logistics. In more remote or rural areas, we help clients plan around practical needs such as power, lighting, water and toilets. As part of our service, we can recommend trusted suppliers and coordinate the setup to ensure your day runs smoothly from start to finish.
Hiring Land from a Venue or Private Landowner
If you love the idea of a marquee wedding but don’t have suitable land of your own, there are plenty of locations you can hire specifically for this purpose. Many estates, farms, and private landowners across Yorkshire offer spaces for marquee weddings. These sites give you the beauty of a rural or private setting without the responsibility of maintaining the land yourself.
Some venues even offer a mix of options, such as allowing you to use a lawn or paddock for your marquee while still providing access to facilities like toilets, parking and accommodation. This can offer the best of both worlds — a flexible marquee wedding in a practical setting. Over the years, we’ve worked with a wide range of landowners and wedding venues across York who are happy to host marquee weddings, and we’re always happy to suggest options if you’re unsure where to start.
When you hire land for a marquee, we’ll usually conduct a site visit alongside the landowner to make sure everything is suitable. Our team will then take care of the marquee installation with minimal disruption to the surroundings, allowing you to focus on planning the day itself.
Public Spaces, Parks and Heritage Locations
Some couples are drawn to the idea of getting married in a public or historic location, such as a park, museum, or listed property. While these venues aren’t always associated with marquee weddings, many do allow outdoor events with the right permissions and planning. In York, there are a number of heritage venues and public gardens that offer wedding hire, and we’ve worked closely with these spaces to provide discreet and respectful marquee setups.
When considering a public space, the first step is always to contact the organisation or council that manages the site. They will have their own rules and requirements, which may include insurance, access limits, noise restrictions or specific layout guidelines. It’s important to allow extra time for permissions and approvals, as these can sometimes take a few weeks to confirm.
With the right coordination, a marquee in a public or heritage space can be breathtaking. You get the benefit of a beautiful location and the ability to design a bespoke layout inside the marquee. We’ve seen clients use Clear Span Marquees to create sophisticated spaces for dining and dancing, while others prefer stretch tents for open-air events with a softer, more relaxed feel.
Coastal and Waterside Wedding Locations
Yorkshire has some of the most picturesque coastal and riverside spots in the UK, and these locations make for stunning wedding settings. A marquee pitched near a lake, river, or beach offers breathtaking views and a calm, peaceful backdrop for your celebration. At Ohana Marquees, we’ve worked on waterside weddings that range from intimate ceremonies by the river to full wedding weekends near the coast.
The main thing to consider with a coastal or riverside marquee is the exposure to the elements. Wind, salt air and changes in weather all need to be factored in. That’s why we carry out detailed site checks to assess conditions and recommend the best style of marquee and anchoring system. For breezier locations, Clear Span Marquees offer strength and shelter, while stretch tents can be adjusted to create wind breaks without spoiling the view.
We also consider access for guests and suppliers, as these locations can sometimes be more remote or tricky to reach. With careful planning and our experienced team managing the setup, you can enjoy a waterside marquee wedding that feels like a true escape.
Venue Partnerships and Flexible Outdoor Spaces
Many modern wedding venues now offer flexible outdoor spaces that are perfect for a marquee. These might include gardens, terraces, or lawns specifically designed for outdoor celebrations. Venues that don’t offer traditional indoor receptions often provide marquee hire as part of their package, or allow couples to bring in external marquee providers like Ohana Marquees.
This arrangement can be a great solution for couples who want the elegance of a formal venue but with the creativity and freedom of a marquee wedding. The venue may already have power, water, toilets and other facilities, which helps simplify planning and reduce extra costs. You’ll often find that the venue has a preferred setup area or platform already prepared for marquee installation, making the process quicker and easier.
We regularly partner with venues across York who welcome marquee hire as part of their offering. We take care of the full installation and breakdown while liaising with the venue team to ensure everything is coordinated. If you’re unsure whether your chosen venue allows marquees, we’re always happy to look into it for you and offer practical advice.
Things to Consider When Choosing Your Marquee Site
While the possibilities for marquee locations are broad, there are a few practical details to bear in mind to make sure everything goes smoothly. Firstly, think about access. The marquee team will need enough room to bring in equipment and set everything up safely. If the location is remote or tight, we’ll work with you to find a solution.
Secondly, assess the ground. It doesn’t need to be perfectly flat, but major slopes, soft ground or areas prone to flooding can make setup more difficult. If needed, we can advise on ground protection, matting or temporary flooring to keep things level and accessible.
Thirdly, consider your guest experience. Think about toilets, parking, lighting and pathways. Are there nearby facilities, or will they need to be brought in? These practical details can impact your choice of location but are easily managed with early planning and the right team in place.
Finally, don’t forget about permissions. Always get written permission to use private land, and consult local authorities if you’re considering a public site. It may seem like a lot to think about, but that’s where we come in. At Ohana Marquees, we guide you through every step and ensure your chosen location is suitable and ready for the big day.
A Marquee Can Go Where Your Imagination Takes You
One of the greatest joys of choosing a marquee for your wedding is the freedom it offers. You’re not limited to pre-built venues or fixed spaces. Instead, you can choose somewhere that holds meaning, offers a spectacular view, or simply fits your personality. Whether it’s your childhood garden, a windswept field, a local estate, or a hidden gem by the river, the possibilities are endless.
At Ohana Marquees, we’re proud to offer marquee hire in York and beyond, supporting couples as they bring their wedding dreams to life in their ideal setting. With the right planning, expert advice and a flexible approach, there’s no reason your wedding marquee can’t be exactly where you want it to be.
If you’re ready to explore your options or just need a bit of guidance on where to begin, we’d love to help. Wherever you’re thinking of placing your marquee, let’s work together to make it the perfect place to say “I do.” Contact us today.
