Stretch Tent or Marquee? How to Choose for Your Event
Planning a wedding, party or corporate event outdoors, and not sure what kind of tent you need? You're not alone. Most of our customers start out comparing a traditional marquee with a stretch tent, and many aren't sure how they differ.
Here's an honest guide to help you decide. If you'd rather talk it through, tell us your date, guest numbers and venue and we'll recommend what fits.
The short answer
A traditional marquee is a rigid frame with a fixed shape. A stretch tent is a flexible fabric structure that we shape to fit your space, your garden or your field. If your venue has uneven ground, trees, slopes or awkward corners, or you want a softer, more modern look, a stretch tent is often the better fit.
Stretch tent vs traditional marquee
| Stretch tent | Traditional marquee | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Shaped to suit your space and layout | Fixed rectangular frame |
| Uneven ground | Copes with slopes and uneven ground | Usually needs a level site |
| Look and feel | Soft, flowing and modern | Structured, traditional pitched roof |
| Layout | Flexible, with options for walls, doors and open sides | Set by the frame |
| Set-up | Typically 2 to 3 hours, installed and taken down for you by our experienced rigging team | Often longer for larger frames |
| Cost | Hire from £660 inc. VAT. See our price list below. | Depends on size and extras |
When a stretch tent is a great choice
- You want a modern, relaxed look for a wedding, garden party or festival.
- Your site is sloped, uneven or tucked between trees, buildings or other obstacles.
- You want to choose how open or enclosed the space feels, with clear panels, canvas sides or open sections.
- You'd like one company to look after the tent, the extras and the installation.
When a traditional marquee may suit you better
If you specifically want a classic pitched-roof look or a fully rigid structure, a traditional marquee may be what you're after. If you're unsure, ask us. We'd rather tell you honestly what suits your event than sell you the wrong thing.
Which size do you need, and what does it cost?
Our 2026 hire prices for each tent size. All prices include VAT at 20%. Flooring, lighting and extras are priced separately (see below), and your final quote depends on your location and the extras you choose.
| Tent size | Capacity (seated / standing) | Hire price (inc. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 x 5m Extra small | ~24 / ~35 | £660 |
| 7.5 x 10.5m Small | 40 / 60 | £900 |
| 15 x 10.5m Medium | 80 / 120 | £1,920 |
| 21 x 7.5m Medium | 80 / 120 | £2,040 |
| 22.5 x 10.5m Large | 110 / 180 | £2,760 |
| 21 x 15m Large | 160 / 240 | £3,480 |
| 30 x 10.5m Large | 160 / 240 | £3,480 |
| 31.5 x 15m Extra large | 240 / 400 | £5,040 |
Not sure which is right? Tell us your guest numbers and layout and we'll advise.
What's included, and popular extras
Every hire includes full installation and takedown by our experienced rigging team, all poles, rigging and equipment, and advice on layout, sizing and site requirements.
Flooring, lighting, furniture and other extras are added to suit your event, so we look after everything in one place:
| Extra | Price (inc. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Matted flooring | From £132 (extra small) to £960 (extra large), depending on tent size |
| Festoon lighting package | From £72 (extra small) to £432 (extra large), depending on tent size |
| Lime washed Chiavari chair with ivory seat pad | £6.00 each |
| Circular banquet table, 5ft | £21.60 each |
| Trestle table, 6ft | £14.40 each |
| Log barrel | £48 each |
| Fire pit (dome), 0.9m | £48 |
| Patio heater, including a full bottle of gas | £192 each |
| 4 x 4m wooden dance floor | £504 |
| 4.5 KVA silent petrol generator | £144 |
You can also add walls and doors, including clear panels, canvas sides and easy-access doorways, to suit the weather and the feel you want.
Common questions
Are stretch tents waterproof?
Stretch tents are made from waterproof fabric, and you can add clear or canvas walls and doors to suit the weather on the day. See our walls and sides.
Can you put one up on a slope or uneven ground?
Often, yes. That's one of their biggest advantages. Send us your venue details and we'll advise on layout, sizing and site requirements.
How long does set-up take?
Typically 2 to 3 hours. Our experienced rigging team installs and takes down the tent for you, so there's nothing for you to organise on the day.
How far in advance should I book?
Summer dates are popular, so the best way to secure your preferred date is to enquire early. Tell us your date and we'll check availability.
How much does a stretch tent cost to hire?
Our hire prices start from £660 inc. VAT for our extra small tent, rising to £5,040 inc. VAT for our largest. Flooring, lighting and extras are added on top, and your final quote depends on your location and what you choose. See the price tables above, or ask for a tailored quote.
Which areas do you cover?
We cover Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, Bristol, Bath and Worcestershire, and also work across Somerset, Hereford, Cardiff, Oxford and Birmingham. We're based in Winchcombe.
Do you do weddings?
Yes. Take a look at our wedding stretch tents, or see more of your questions answered on our FAQ page.
Get your tailored quote
Tell us your date, guest numbers and venue and we'll come back with a quote tailored to your event.
Abi Nicholls - We had a beautiful stretch tent set up for our post-wedding garden party at Sudeley Castle. It looked absolutely gorgeous and framed the surroundings really well whilst providing shade and shelter from the Cotswolds breezes. Assemble Stretch Tents were wonderful to work with, so helpful and extremely efficient. Thoroughly recommend!