Marquee Hire
Looking for marquee hire in Whakatane, Ohope, Opotiki, or the wider Kawerau area? Eastern Bay Weddings features trusted marquee hire services that offer a range of stylish and practical options for weddings and events. Marquees provide a versatile, customisable space perfect for outdoor celebrations—whether you're planning a beachfront ceremony, a garden reception, or a rural gathering. With weather-resistant designs and sturdy construction, they offer comfort and protection in all conditions. Many providers also offer flooring, lighting, and decorative extras to suit your theme and guest count. Browse our listings to find the right marquee hire service in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and create a memorable setting for your special day.
More about Marquee Hire in the Eastern Bay
Hiring a marquee for your wedding in the Eastern Bay gives you the freedom to create a unique and flexible venue tailored entirely to your style. Whether you're planning a beachside ceremony in Ohope, a rural reception in Opotiki, a garden celebration in Whakatane, or a community gathering in Kawerau, marquee hire services let you bring your wedding vision to life in virtually any setting. Marquees offer a perfect balance of elegance and practicality, protecting your event from unpredictable weather while opening up countless layout and styling possibilities.
From classic white peaks to modern clear-span structures, marquee companies in the Eastern Bay of Plenty provide a variety of styles, sizes, and setups to accommodate everything from intimate weddings to large-scale celebrations. With professional setup, flooring, lighting, and custom décor options, a marquee can become the showpiece of your wedding day.
Types of Marquees Available for Weddings
The Eastern Bay’s marquee providers offer a wide range of options to suit every couple’s budget, guest count, and creative vision:
Traditional Pole Marquees
Known for their elegant peaks and classic look, pole marquees are ideal for garden weddings and rustic settings. They require soft ground for anchoring and offer a charming, romantic atmosphere.Clear-Span Marquees
These frame-supported structures don’t require internal poles, making them perfect for modern weddings with open layouts and unobstructed views. They’re great for both urban and rural locations and can be installed on various surfaces.Stretch Tents
Flexible and contemporary, stretch tents create a relaxed, stylish vibe. Often used for cocktail receptions or beach weddings, they work well in irregular or tight spaces and offer organic, flowing shapes.Sailcloth Tents
With translucent fabric that glows beautifully at night, sailcloth tents are ideal for coastal or country weddings. They’re often chosen for their aesthetic appeal and soft, natural light.Pagoda or Canopy Marquees
Smaller and modular, these are great for use as entrances, bars, chill-out lounges, or catering spaces to complement your main marquee.
What’s Included with Marquee Hire
Hiring a marquee from local Eastern Bay suppliers often includes much more than just the tent. Many companies provide full packages and end-to-end service:
Delivery, Installation & Removal
Professional teams transport, assemble, and dismantle your marquee so you don’t have to worry about a thing.Flooring Options
Choose from matting, carpet, hardwood flooring, or even custom dancefloors to create the right feel and function.Lighting Solutions
From romantic fairy lights and chandeliers to elegant uplighting and festoon lighting, lighting packages enhance both practicality and ambiance.Weather Protection
Sidewalls, heating, fans, and additional coverings help manage heat, cold, wind, or rain, ensuring comfort in all seasons.Furnishings and Accessories
Many marquee companies also supply tables, chairs, bars, linen, décor elements, and even floral backdrops to complete the setup.
Advantages of Choosing a Marquee Wedding in the Eastern Bay
Flexibility of Location
Marquees allow you to host your wedding almost anywhere — from a farm in Opotiki to a beach reserve in Ohope or a private backyard in Whakatane.Custom Layouts
Unlike fixed venues, marquees can be designed around your preferences, guest numbers, and event flow. From lounge areas to dining and dance zones, you can arrange the space as you like.Indoor-Outdoor Flow
With roll-up sides and optional awnings, marquees create seamless flow between your event and the natural surroundings.Scenic Backdrops
Marquees showcase the Eastern Bay’s natural beauty — ocean views, rural vistas, or native bush — turning the landscape into part of your décor.Venue Availability and Cost
If traditional venues are fully booked or beyond budget, a marquee provides an excellent alternative that can be just as stunning and more adaptable.
Marquee Hire Services Across the Region
Whakatane
As one of the Eastern Bay’s central towns, Whakatane is home to several marquee hire specialists who offer full packages, including furnishings and logistics. Rural locations around Whakatane also make ideal marquee wedding venues.Ohope
Ohope’s beaches and reserves are perfect for marquee setups with sea views. Suppliers familiar with the area can help navigate council permits and environmental requirements.Opotiki
With its open farmland and relaxed pace, Opotiki is ideal for couples wanting a rustic or countryside marquee wedding. Providers often include transportation to more remote locations in their service.Kawerau and Surrounds
While smaller, Kawerau’s community spaces and parks can be transformed into event-ready venues with the right marquee, lighting, and décor hire.
Things to Consider When Hiring a Marquee
Ground Conditions
Ensure the site is level, accessible for vehicles, and suitable for anchoring or flooring installation.Weather Plans
Always plan for sun, wind, or rain. Opt for additional side walls or heating in colder months, and consider shade and ventilation for summer events.Permits and Permissions
Check with your venue or local council if you need permits for marquee placement, especially on public or conservation land.Access to Power and Water
Discuss with your provider about the availability of generators, water supply, and other utilities for lighting, catering, and entertainment.Insurance
Ask whether your marquee hire includes damage or cancellation insurance, or if this needs to be arranged separately.
FAQs – Marquee Hire for Weddings in the Eastern Bay
How far in advance should I book my marquee?
It's best to book at least 6 to 9 months before your wedding, especially if you're getting married during peak season (spring and summer).
Can I customise the inside of my marquee?
Absolutely! Marquees are a blank canvas, allowing you to choose colours, themes, floral installations, table layouts, and more.
Are generators and lighting included?
Most hire companies can supply generators and a wide range of lighting solutions, either as part of the package or as add-ons.
Do I need a professional to set it up?
Yes — marquee installation requires trained professionals to ensure safety, structural integrity, and correct placement, especially in high-wind or coastal zones.
What happens if the weather is extreme?
Most marquee structures are designed to withstand wind and rain, but always consult your provider for backup options or contingency plans.
Can I host both ceremony and reception in one marquee?
Yes. Many couples opt for a full wedding day under one roof by transforming the marquee layout between ceremony and reception.
Elevating Your Wedding with a Marquee Setup
Using a marquee for your wedding is more than just a practical solution — it’s a creative opportunity. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Create Zones
Define different areas like a dance floor, lounge, bar, or kids’ space to improve flow and guest experience.Use the Outdoors
Let the surrounding landscape shine with clear sides or an open marquee that frames your scenic location.Invest in Lighting
Lighting makes a huge difference in creating mood — consider combining fairy lights, festoons, and coloured uplighting.Coordinate Styling with Nature
Match your décor and florals to the natural setting, whether that’s coastal, rural, or bush-themed.Add Extra Touches
Include luxury portable bathrooms, mobile bars, or food trucks to enhance the guest experience and reduce venue strain.