Planning a Marquee Wedding at Home in Ireland
A marquee wedding on private property in Ireland – whether at a family home, garden, or land you own - is often seen as the most personal way to get married. Couples imagine flexibility, freedom from venue rules, and a celebration that truly feels like theirs.
And while that can be true, it’s important to be very clear about one thing upfront: a private-property marquee wedding is the most logistically complex type of wedding you can plan in Ireland.
This guide is written specifically for couples planning a marquee wedding at their own home or private land, not at an established venue. The planning, costs, and responsibilities are fundamentally different – and understanding that early will save you stress, money, and last-minute panic.
Photo credit: Ivana Patarcic
Why Marquee Weddings on Private Property Are Often Misunderstood
Many couples assume:
“We already have the location”
“We won’t be paying venue hire”
“It must be simpler and cheaper”
In reality, hosting a home marquee wedding in Ireland means you are temporarily turning a private site into a fully operational wedding venue - and then dismantling it again.
Everything a venue usually provides behind the scenes must be brought in, coordinated, powered, and supervised by you (or your planner).
The Reality: You Are Building a Wedding Venue From Scratch
For a private-property marquee wedding, you must provide all infrastructure, including:
Electricity and generators
Water supply
Waste management
Toilets
Access for suppliers and guests
Ground preparation and flooring
Lighting inside and outside the marquee
Catering facilities
Staff areas
Emergency and service access
None of this exists by default on private land, and none of it is optional. This is where many marquee wedding budgets in Ireland quietly expand.
💬 Related article: How to Set a Realistic Wedding Budget in Ireland
Catering at a Home Marquee Wedding is a Major Operation
Caterers cannot operate from a domestic kitchen or “make do”.
For a marquee wedding on private property, you will need:
A separate kitchen marquee
Commercial catering equipment
Refrigeration
Prep and plating areas
Hot water supply
Power on dedicated circuits
Waste and grease disposal
Clear access routes for deliveries and staff
This is one of the biggest cost items for marquee weddings in Ireland and one of the most commonly underestimated. Catering is also one of the first suppliers that needs to be locked in for marquee weddings.
Image credit: Ivana Patarcic
Irish Weather: You Need More Than a Rain Plan
Weather planning is critical for outdoor and marquee weddings in Ireland, especially on private land where there is no permanent backup space.
You must plan for:
Cold – particularly in the evening
Heat – marquees warm up quickly
Rain – including ground saturation and access issues
Wind – which affects marquee stability, doors, and noise
Every major decision should have a Plan A and a Plan B:
Flooring
Heating or ventilation
Furniture layout
Ceremony positioning
Guest flow and transitions
The Biggest Difference Between Venues and Private Property
Venues operate as well-run systems. They have teams, processes, and experience.
Private-property marquee weddings do not.
There is no venue manager checking deliveries, monitoring generators, or managing timing unless you appoint someone to do it.
This is why:
A wedding planner is strongly advised
A wedding day coordinator is essential, not optional
Without professional oversight, couples or family members end up troubleshooting power issues, supplier delays, or layout problems on the wedding day itself.
💬 Related: Why Some Couples Have a Terrible Time on Their Wedding Day – And How to Avoid It
Private-Property Marquee Wedding Checklist (Ireland)
Site & Ground Preparation
Level, stable ground
Drainage plan
Correct marquee size for guest count and layout
Marquee style (clearspan, tipi, pole, etc.)
Flooring throughout
Covered walkways if needed
External lighting for paths and access
Power & Utilities
Primary and backup generators
Fuel supply and monitoring
Distribution boards and cabling
Separate catering circuits
Water supply
Waste and recycling plan
Catering Setup
Kitchen marquee
Full catering equipment list
Refrigeration
Prep and service zones
Staff access routes
Breakdown and cleanup plan
Toilets
Adequate number for guest count
Comfortable, well-lit units
Clear signage
Servicing during the event
Handwashing facilities
Furniture & Tableware
Tables and chairs
High-quality linens
Cutlery
Crockery
Glassware
Bar counters and back bar
Bar equipment
Staffing
Caterers
Waiting staff
Bar staff
Cleaning crew
Security (often required)
First aid
Overnight supervision if the marquee remains onsite
Guest Experience Mapping: Where Home Marquee Weddings Win or Lose
Private properties don’t have built-in wayfinding or guest flow.
You must plan:
Arrival and parking
Clear welcome points
Where guests know to go first
Easy-to-find toilets
Signage throughout the site
Lighting as daylight fades
Smooth transitions between ceremony, drinks, dinner, and dancing
A marquee wedding should feel intentional and effortless for guests – not confusing or uncomfortable. Someone needs to be responsible for managing this flow on the day.
🛠️ If you don’t have a planner/coordinator, this will be a very helpful tool: Wedding Day Coordination Guide
Image credit: Lima Conlon
Lighting, Heating & Ventilation Are Functional Essentials
For marquee weddings on private property, these are not decorative extras.
You need:
Practical lighting inside the marquee
Pathway and safety lighting outdoors
Heating sized correctly for the space and season
Ventilation for warmer days and full dance floors
Comfort directly affects atmosphere, energy, and how long guests stay engaged.
Is a Private-Property Marquee Wedding in Ireland Right for You?
A marquee wedding at home in Ireland can be extraordinary if:
You understand the logistical reality
You plan infrastructure before aesthetics
You budget realistically
You have professional oversight on the day
It is not automatically cheaper.
It is not simpler than a venue wedding.
It is not something to manage casually.
Takeaway
If you are planning a marquee wedding at home, you are effectively opening a wedding venue for one weekend only. Plan it that way, and it will be exceptional.