Pricing the marquee early makes the rest of an outdoor event budget far easier to plan. The cost to hire a marquee shifts with its size, the ground it stands on and what goes inside, so a ballpark figure from a friend's wedding rarely matches your own quote.
This guide breaks down real starting prices for the structure marquees and pop up marquees we hire across Melbourne and surrounding areas, what changes the final cost, and the extras worth budgeting for.
In this guide
Marquee Hire Prices by Size
Clear span structure marquee hire starts at $375.00 (ex GST) for a 6m x 3m pegged marquee. The table below shows starting prices for popular sizes. All prices are in Australian dollars and exclude labour, delivery and GST.
| Marquee size | Floor area | Pegged | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6m x 3m | 18 sqm | $375.00 (ex GST) | $500.00 (ex GST) |
| 6m x 6m | 36 sqm | $750.00 (ex GST) | $950.00 (ex GST) |
| 6m x 9m | 54 sqm | $1,100.00 (ex GST) | $1,350.00 (ex GST) |
| 6m x 12m | 72 sqm | $1,450.00 (ex GST) | $1,750.00 (ex GST) |
| 10m x 6m | 60 sqm | $1,200.00 (ex GST) | $1,400.00 (ex GST) |
| 10m x 9m | 90 sqm | $1,750.00 (ex GST) | $2,000.00 (ex GST) |
| 10m x 12m | 120 sqm | $2,300.00 (ex GST) | $2,600.00 (ex GST) |
| 10m x 15m | 150 sqm | $2,850.00 (ex GST) | $3,200.00 (ex GST) |
| 10m x 21m | 210 sqm | $3,950.00 (ex GST) | $4,400.00 (ex GST) |
| 10m x 24m | 240 sqm | $4,500.00 (ex GST) | $5,000.00 (ex GST) |
| 10m x 30m | 300 sqm | $5,600.00 (ex GST) | $6,200.00 (ex GST) |
The table covers the most popular sizes. Both widths keep going in 3m bays, up to 6m x 36m and 10m x 33m, and every length is priced on the structure marquees page.
For smaller setups, markets and stalls, a 3m x 3m pop up marquee costs $150.00 (ex GST) pegged or $210.00 (ex GST) weighted. Pop ups can be joined in any 3m x 3m configuration to cover a larger area.
What Affects the Cost of Marquee Hire?
Four things shape your final marquee hire quote.
Size
Each 3m bay adds to the price, so the length of the marquee has the biggest effect on cost. Getting the size right for your guest numbers avoids paying for space you won't use.
Pegged or weighted
On grass, the marquee is pegged into the ground. On concrete, paving or other hard surfaces, it's held down with weights, which costs more. A 10m x 15m marquee is $2,850.00 (ex GST) pegged and $3,200.00 (ex GST) weighted.
Labour and delivery
Marquee prices don't include labour or delivery. Delivery charges depend on where in Melbourne or the surrounding areas your event is, so request a quote with your address for an exact figure.
Hire period
Standard hire rates cover 48 hours. Longer hire periods can be arranged, though a surcharge may apply.
Wedding Marquee Cost by Guest Numbers
The biggest factor in wedding marquee cost is your reception style. A seated dinner needs room for round tables, chairs and walkways, at about 1.5 sqm per guest. A cocktail-style reception, where guests stand and mingle with canapés, needs about 0.75 sqm per guest, so the same guest list can fit in a marquee around half the size.
| Guests | Seated reception | Cocktail reception |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 10m x 9m, from $1,750.00 (ex GST) | 6m x 9m, from $1,100.00 (ex GST) |
| 100 | 10m x 15m, from $2,850.00 (ex GST) | 10m x 9m, from $1,750.00 (ex GST) |
| 150 | 10m x 24m, from $4,500.00 (ex GST) | 10m x 12m, from $2,300.00 (ex GST) |
| 200 | 10m x 30m, from $5,600.00 (ex GST) | 10m x 15m, from $2,850.00 (ex GST) |
Prices shown are for pegged marquees on grass. These sizes cover guests and their tables only, and a dance floor, bar or buffet will add length. The marquee size guide walks through how to work out the extra space and the right size for your layout.
Not sure what you need for your event?
Send us your guest numbers and event details, and we'll put together a quote.
Extras That Add to the Price
Most marquee setups need furniture, flooring and climate control to make the space work. These are the extras most often added to a marquee hire quote.
| Extra | Price | Find it in |
|---|---|---|
| Round function table, 1.2m | $15.00 (ex GST) each | Tables |
| Dura trestle table, 1.8m | $13.00 (ex GST) each | Tables |
| Americana folding chair or Tiffany chair, white | $6.00 (ex GST) each | Seating |
| Snaplock dance floor | POA | Flooring and staging |
| Staging (300mm, 600mm or 900mm high) | POA | Flooring and staging |
| Synthetic grass, 12mm pile | $5.00 (ex GST) per sqm | Flooring and staging |
| Silk roof and wall lining | POA | Structure marquees |
| Column or jet fire heater with gas bottle | $85.00 (ex GST) each | Heating and cooling |
| Industrial pedestal fan | $75.00 (ex GST) each | Heating and cooling |
| Cocktail bar package | From $65.00 (ex GST) | Packages |
For POA items, contact us with your event details for a quote.
How to Keep Marquee Hire Costs Down
A few planning choices can bring your marquee hire quote down without cutting corners on the day.
- Size it accurately. Work out the space you need from your guest numbers and layout before you enquire, so you're not paying for empty bays. The marquee size guide shows how.
- Choose a grass site if you can. Pegged marquees cost less than weighted ones, so a lawn is cheaper to cover than a paved area of the same size.
- Compare widths. A 6m x 12m marquee covers 72 sqm for $1,450.00 (ex GST) pegged, while a 10m x 6m covers 60 sqm for $1,200.00 (ex GST). Check which shape gives you the area you need for less.
- Look at packages. Bar, table, marquee and ceremony packages bundle the basics into one booking, like the Trestle Package 1.8m at $35.00 (ex GST) with a table, fitted cloth and chair.
- Ask about bulk rates. Discounted rates are available on bulk table orders, so mention your numbers when you enquire.
- Fit your event into the standard hire period. Hire rates cover 48 hours, and longer periods may attract a surcharge.
FAQs: How Much Does a Marquee Cost to Hire?
How much does marquee hire cost in Melbourne?
Structure marquees start at $375.00 (ex GST) for a 6m x 3m pegged marquee and go up to $6,800.00 (ex GST) for a 10m x 33m weighted marquee. A 3m x 3m pop up starts at $150.00 (ex GST).
How much does a wedding marquee cost?
For 100 seated guests with a dance floor, bar and buffet, a 10m x 21m marquee starts at $3,950.00 (ex GST) pegged. Chairs, tables, flooring and other extras are added on top.
How much does party hire cost in Melbourne?
Party hire prices in Melbourne depend on what you need. Adult chairs start at $2.50 (ex GST), trestle tables at $13.00 (ex GST), and pop up marquees at $150.00 (ex GST), while packages start at $35.00 (ex GST).
Does the marquee price include delivery and setup?
No. Marquee prices exclude labour, delivery and GST. Delivery charges are based on your event location, so ask for a quote for your area.
How long do I get the marquee for?
Standard hire rates cover a 48 hour period. If you need it longer, let us know when you book, as a surcharge may apply.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes. Reserving your items takes a deposit of $50 or 20% of the order, whichever is greater.
For questions about payment options, delivery and booking, visit our FAQs page.
What Goes Into Your Marquee Hire Price
Your marquee hire cost comes down to the size you need, whether it is pegged or weighted, labour and delivery to your site, and the length of the hire period, plus any extras you add.
Prompt Party Hire is a family owned business with more than 20 years in event hire, and we look after delivery, setup and pick up across Melbourne and surrounding areas, including Craigieburn and the northern suburbs. Planning a wedding, backyard party or market stall? Browse the event gallery to see finished setups.
