Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Tents: Styles, Costs, and Expert Tips

These days, wedding tents are about way more than shielding your guests from the elements; they’re an blank canvas that you can transform into any space you desire, whether you’re hosting in your parents’ backyard or on a wide open field. When planned thoughtfully, tents can provide luxury, atmosphere and countless decorating possibilities. “There’s a certain kind of beauty in a tented wedding, and that’s freedom,” said the event producer Marcus Ellory. “It’s an opportunity to make a venue that is yours from the very beginning and to make every single aspect reflect what’s important to you.”

Here’s everything you should know before you rent a wedding tent, from the size and style to the materials and costs, as well as what to consider when dealing with permits, setup and weather plans.

How Much Do Wedding Tents Cost?

Although tents can appear to be a saving over traditional facilities, the costs can be extensive. “It seems like people are under the illusion that they’re going to save money, but you’re starting with a venue that you have to build,” Ellory says. That includes the electricity, climate control, lighting, restrooms and all furnishings.

A simple tented installation could cost $50,000 to start, but more complex constructions cost from $200,000 to $500,000 on average. How much you spend will often depend on your headcount, location and design wishes.

Popular Tent Types

Here, planner Lydia Wren and tent designer Rosa Lennox discuss the pros and cons of the most popular tent types:

Sailcloth Tents

• Elegant and budget-friendly
• Constructed with a canvas, and wooden poles
• Perfect for garden or beach weddings
• Need to be staked; comes with clear plastic sidewalls if that’s necessary

Frame Tents

• Open inside - no center poles
• Secured by stakes or weights
• Include draping, florals and customizable design Staffing + Over-time These are optional services.
• Option of white or clear tops, and sides

Clear Span Structure Tents

• Heavy-duty, weather-resistant, and ideal for elaborate décor
• Ideal for high-wind areas and most formal occasions
• More expensive than standard frames

Greenhouse (Conservatory) Tents

• Walls are transparent and with black metal framing
• Showcase natural scenery beautifully
• Minimal need for interior draping

Choosing the Right Tent

The right tent will depend on the size of your wedding and its intended aesthetics, as well as any location or weather concerns. “Choose a good blank that is the best to fit your guest count and your décor,” adds Lennox.

Try not to just go with the lowest price. “If you are in a windy area, you need to choose a tent style that can handle the elements,” Wren says. And for longer term use we recommend frame and clear span tents as these are more durable than sailcloth.

When asking for quotes, please clearly specify your event date, location, and if there is site access to prevent any surprises.

Things You Need to Know Before Renting a Tent

Setup Timeline:

Tents don’t just pop up in a couple hours; they can take days. “We always begin to build a week ahead,” says Lennox. “Some builds are over a week and consist of dozens of crewmembers, heavy equipment and large trucks.”

Number of Tents Needed:

In a tented wedding, all sorts of different structures can be needed: reception, ceremony, catering, vendor prep, restrooms, and so on. Imagine not just the main tent but paths, lighting and a weather contingency space.

Safety and Grounding:

Anchoring is vital. “Staking is the most secure, but if that’s not possible, you will need heavy concrete weights,” Lennox says. Ground protection is also to be added to your quote for turf or asphalt protection.

Utilities and Comfort:

You’ll want power (most likely from generators), restrooms, and temperature control. If you want to give a speech and dance, use quiet generators! And don’t overlook power for vendors during the set-up week.

Is a Tent Wedding Right for You?

Yes, if:

• You’re weather-flexible and have a good rain plan
• You’re using a full-service wedding planning, and…
• You are looking to have a completely non traditional immersive wedding space

No, if:

• You’re stressed by weather uncertainty
• You’re not going to hire a planner

Tented weddings are ideal for creative couples who want a blank canvas. With careful planning and the right team, they offer a dramatic, one-of-a-kind celebration guests will never forget.