How Much Space Do You Need for a Marquee Wedding?
- Andrea Stephenson-Hemmings
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Planning a marquee wedding offers an exciting opportunity to create a completely bespoke event. From layout and lighting to decor and dining, you’re in control of every detail. But one of the most common questions we hear at Fletcher Marquees is: "How much space do I actually need?"
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to work out the ideal marquee size for your big day, helping you avoid cramped corners or wasted space. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a grand affair, we've got you covered.
Why Marquee Weddings Are Perfect for Flexible Guest Numbers
One of the biggest advantages of choosing a marquee wedding is its flexibility. Unlike traditional venues, a marquee can be tailored to your exact number of guests, your ideal layout, and even the feel you want to create – whether that’s relaxed and rustic or modern and luxurious.
Because marquees are modular, you can increase or reduce the space to suit your needs. Hosting 50 guests? A cosy, intimate setup is totally doable. Expecting 300? No problem. The key is knowing what space you’ll need for each element of your wedding.
Marquee Wedding Size Guide: What Fits Where?
As a general rule of thumb:
Seated guests (with round tables): allow 1.2–1.5 sqm per person
Seated guests (with long trestle tables): allow 1–1.2 sqm per person
Standing guests (e.g., evening-only guests): allow 0.75 sqm per person
Dance floor: allow 0.5 sqm per dancing guest
Here’s a rough guide for total marquee size:
Guest Count | Round Tables | Trestle Tables | Plus Dance Floor/Bar |
50 guests | 75 sqm | 60 sqm | 100–110 sqm |
100 guests | 150 sqm | 120 sqm | 170–180 sqm |
150 guests | 225 sqm | 180 sqm | 250–260 sqm |
200 guests | 300 sqm | 240 sqm | 330–350 sqm |
This includes enough room for tables, chairs, some circulation space, and an average-sized dance floor.
Space Planning Essentials: Dining, Dance Floor & More
When planning your marquee layout, it’s not just about fitting everyone in – it’s about how the space flows. Here are the main zones to consider:
Dining Area
This is the main footprint. Choose between round tables (more sociable, need more space) and long trestle tables (compact, informal feel). Don’t forget room for servers to move between tables.
Dance Floor
Not everyone will be dancing at once, so you don’t need space for your full guest list. A 6m x 6m dance floor suits around 100 guests.
Bar Area
A bar tucked to one side works well, especially if it’s near the dance floor to keep the party flowing. If you’re having a full cocktail bar setup or want lounge seating nearby, add 10–20 sqm extra.
Stage or DJ Booth
Live band or DJ? You’ll need a raised platform or allocated area – typically 4m x 3m minimum for a DJ or small band.
Lounge or Chill-Out Zone
These are growing in popularity for weddings. A few sofas and coffee tables give guests a place to relax away from the dance floor. Allow 15–30 sqm depending on your guest count.
Catering Tent
This sits separately and should be factored into your total event footprint. Most caterers need around 6m x 6m or more, with access to power and water.
Do You Need Extra Space for a Bar, Stage or Chill-Out Area?
It’s easy to forget about these areas when you’re busy planning table plans and menus – but they make a huge difference to the comfort and flow of your event.
If you want:
A photobooth or selfie mirror: add at least 4–6 sqm
Games or interactive stations (e.g., sweet carts, cocktail trees): allow 3–8 sqm
Lounge furniture: each set (sofa + coffee table + chairs) needs about 10 sqm
It’s always better to go slightly bigger if in doubt. Nobody remembers a marquee for being a few square metres larger than needed, but they will remember feeling squashed or struggling to move around.
Don’t Forget the Toilets: Restroom Space & Placement
Toilet facilities are a vital part of any marquee wedding, especially if your site doesn’t have nearby indoor options. Luxury portable toilet units are the most common solution for weddings and can be just as elegant and discreet as the rest of your event setup.
How Much Space Do Toilets Need?
You don’t need to account for restroom space inside the marquee, but you do need a suitable nearby area that:
Is flat, well-drained, and accessible for delivery vehicles
Can accommodate the unit size (most luxury trailers are 5–7 metres long)
Is located close enough for convenience, but far enough to avoid odour or visual disruption
As a guide:
Up to 100 guests: 2 ladies’ cubicles, 1 gents’ cubicle + 2 urinals
100–150 guests: Add 1 extra cubicle for both ladies and gents
200+ guests: Consider multiple trailers or a larger combined unit
Power & Water Considerations
Some toilet units are self-contained, while others require access to power and water. We’ll work with your supplier to ensure all connections are planned into your site layout.
Site Access & Ground Conditions: What to Consider
The size of your marquee is only part of the equation. The site itself also plays a huge role:
Is the ground flat and level? A slope or uneven surface can limit how the space is used.
Is there enough space around the marquee? You’ll need clearance for guide ropes, stakes, and safe access.
What about access for vehicles? Our team needs space to deliver and set up equipment safely.
Drainage and weather protection: If the ground gets soggy, we may need to lay flooring or consider matting for guests.
We always recommend a site visit before finalising your layout. Our expert team can assess everything and recommend the best size and setup for your day.
Our Expert Advice for Planning the Perfect Marquee Layout
At James Fletcher Marquees, we’ve supplied hundreds of weddings across the North East , Yorkshire, Cumbria and beyond – from elegant countryside receptions to coastal celebrations. We bring more than just equipment; we bring experience, and practical know-how.
Here are our top wedding tips:
Start with your guest list and work backwards. You can’t plan your layout until you know your numbers.
Choose your table style early. It affects how many people fit per sqm.
Allow for movement. Guests, servers, and entertainment all need flow.
Factor in your extras. Don’t forget bars, chill-out zones, and surprises like fire pits or dance shows!
Be guided by the site. We’ll help you make the most of any location.
We also offer furniture hire, including everything from dining chairs and banquet tables to elegant lounge sets and stylish outdoor seating. We even provide dance floors and bars, for that finishing touch.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Marquee Wedding?
Let James Fletcher Marquees take care of the details – from expert layout advice to stunning furniture hire.
Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a large-scale wedding, we’ll help you create a space that looks beautiful and works seamlessly.
Contact us today to book a free site visit and get personalised recommendations for your perfect marquee setup.
