The "Land First" Principle
The definitive workflow for planning is Land First, Structure Second. The physical characteristics of the site — drainage, slope, soil type, and access width — dictate the feasibility of the structure.
Booking a 12m-wide clearspan marquee before confirming the site often leads to cancellation fees when it's discovered the access gate is only 2.5m wide, or the "flat lawn" has a significant slope.
Speak to Marquee Companies Early
Reputable suppliers maintain lists of suitable paddocks, estates and farms. They can assess whether a potential site will work in terms of slope, drainage, access and power options — before you commit.
Land Types and Their Trade-offs
Private Domestic Gardens
Pros: Sentimental value, zero hire cost, the ultimate "at home" feeling. Guests stay overnight easily if there's accommodation.
Cons: High risk of damage to manicured lawns (requires trackway protection). Noise disputes with neighbours in residential Home Counties zones like Guildford or Sevenoaks. Space is often tighter than it appears once guy ropes are factored in.
Access challenges: London suburb gardens may require smaller vehicles, parking suspensions, timed deliveries and strict load-in/load-out plans to avoid upsetting neighbours.
Dry-Hire Venues with Marquee Lawns
Pros: Best of both worlds. Many offer established water connections, hard-standing for toilets, and sometimes 3-phase power — significantly reducing infrastructure costs. Parking, toilets and basic amenities may be included.
Cons: Rental fees (£1,000-£4,000) and potential restrictions on preferred suppliers. Some have noise curfews.
Key question: What coordination does the venue provide? A "venue coordinator" protects the venue (unlocking doors, noise monitoring) but may not cue the bride or manage your suppliers. Clarify this before booking, or budget for your own on-the-day coordinator.
Greenfield Sites (Farmer's Fields)
Pros: Total seclusion, panoramic views of the Chilterns or Downs. Space for ambitious layouts. Often no noise restrictions if neighbours are distant.
Cons: Zero infrastructure — you're building from scratch. High risk of mud (clay soil in the London basin). HGV access can be problematic on single-track country lanes.
Sourcing: Platforms like Land for Events or direct negotiation with landowners. Your marquee company may have established relationships.
Typical cost: £1,000-£4,000 for field rental in Home Counties.
The "Last Mile" Problem: Heavy Logistics
A marquee wedding requires delivery of heavy equipment by large vehicles:
- Marquee: 7.5-tonne or 18-tonne rigid lorries
- Generators: 4x4 towing vehicle
- Toilet trailers: Wide and difficult to maneuver
- Catering/fridge trailers: Large vans or trucks
Access Requirements
- Gate width: Minimum 3.0m wide
- Turning circles: Vehicles need space to turn; they cannot reverse down a mile-long single-track lane safely
- Ground stability: In wet weather, heavy lorries sink into soft grass
- Trackway: Aluminium temporary road panels, £1,000+ per install, essential for soft ground
Home Counties: Location Considerations by Area
I work across the Home Counties regularly. Each area has its characteristics:
Berkshire: Good mix of private estates and farm venues. Windsor area has strict access and noise considerations. Some excellent dry-hire options with marquee lawns.
Surrey: Affluent residential areas mean noise-sensitive neighbours. Plenty of large private gardens but access through suburban streets can be challenging.
Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire: More rural options with easier access. Chilterns provide stunning backdrops. Clay soil means drainage/flooring planning essential.
Hampshire & Cotswolds: Beautiful countryside settings with rolling hills. Mix of private estates and established marquee venues with excellent facilities.
Related reading: Crafting a unique wedding venue experience
Site Evaluation Checklist
When viewing potential land, assess:
- Access: Gate widths, lane widths, turning space, weight restrictions
- Ground: Slope (needs to be level or near-level), drainage, soil type
- Utilities: Distance to water, any existing power supply
- Neighbours: Proximity, likely noise concerns, relationship with landowner
- Parking: Where will 50-150 cars go? Is the field adjacent or do guests walk?
- Footprint: Measure actual usable space — guy ropes, toilet placement, catering tent all need room
- Overnight: Security during setup days, equipment storage
Download the Location Scouting Guide
Full site evaluation criteria, access requirements checklist, and questions to ask landowners.
Get Free GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Do we need planning permission for a marquee?
Generally no, as marquees are temporary structures. However, you may need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) from the local council if selling alcohol, and the landowner should inform their insurance. For very large or long-duration setups, check with the local planning authority.
What if our garden is too small?
Consider hybrid options: use the house for catering/prep and a separate field for the marquee. Or look at dry-hire venues that offer marquee lawns with some infrastructure. Don't force a too-large structure into a too-small space — guy ropes and access need room.
How do we find farmer's fields for hire?
Platforms like Land for Events list available land. Your marquee company likely has relationships with landowners in your area. Local wedding planners know hidden options. Sometimes simply asking in local community groups or farms near your desired location yields results.
What about parking for guests?
This is frequently underestimated. 100 guests might mean 60-80 cars. Grass fields work in summer but turn to mud in rain. Consider trackway for car park areas, or arrange shuttle buses from a hard-surfaced car park. Always brief guests on footwear expectations.