Marquee For Your Wedding on the Sunshine Coast: Sizes, Layouts and Expert Advice
If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding and picturing a beautiful marquee glowing under festoon lights… you’re my kind of couple.
I recently sat down with Joe Prideaux from Tipi Luxe to unpack all the important details about choosing the right Marquee For Your Wedding, especially if you’re creating your own Sunshine Coast Wedding Venue on private property. Because let’s be honest, most couples have never had to think about how many people actually fit inside a tent until they start planning a wedding.
I absolutely love photographing marquee weddings. The vibe is relaxed, romantic and intentional. It instantly brings everyone together. And as someone who had a tent at my own backyard wedding, I can tell you first hand, when the weather decides to sprinkle a little surprise on your day, you will be very glad you planned ahead.
But here’s the thing. Choosing the right size marquee is not just about what looks cute on Pinterest. It’s about guest numbers, layout, dance floors, weather, styling and how you actually want your wedding to feel.
So let’s break it down in a really practical way.
Marquee Sizing Guide for Weddings
If you’re in research mode and want fast facts, here you go:
How many guests fit in one tipi marquee?
• Seated dinner: approx. 70 guests
• Cocktail style: approx. 80 guests
Two connected tipis?
• Seated: around 120 guests
Three connected tipis?
• Seated: up to 180 guests
Cocktail weddings fit more people than seated weddings.
Can you join multiple tipis together?
Yes. They can be connected in different formations to create one large covered space.
Can you have separate areas inside?
Yes. Bar in one section, dance floor in another, dining in another. Very flexible.
What about flooring?
• Grass for a relaxed natural vibe
• Woven jute-look matting for wet weather
• Timber dance floors available
How long does setup take?
Around 2 hours per tipi, usually installed days before the wedding.
Keep reading if you want the why behind all of this.
Step One: Seated or Cocktail?
This is the first question you need to answer before choosing a Marquee For Your Wedding.
If you’re planning a formal seated dinner with long tables, you’ll need more space per guest. Tables, chairs and walking room all take up square metreage.
If you’re planning a cocktail style reception with scattered furniture and high bars, you can comfortably fit more people in the same structure.
This one decision changes everything when it comes to size.
What If You Have a Big Guest List?
One of the reasons I adore tipis is that you can connect them together.
Instead of one giant industrial looking tent, you can create multiple connected spaces. Think:
• Dining in one
• Bar in another
• Dance floor in another
It gives that beautiful festival feel. Warm, layered and intimate, even with a bigger guest list.
And visually, it photographs beautifully. The different zones create depth in your images, especially once the lights come on at sunset.
Let’s Talk Layout
Layout matters more than couples realise.
When you hire a Marquee For Your Wedding, you’re essentially building your own venue from scratch. That’s exciting. But it also means you need to think about flow.
Some popular layout ideas:
• Long banquet tables down the centre
• All dining in one tipi, dance floor in another
• Bar positioned at one end to anchor the space
• Open central dance floor surrounded by guests
The beauty of a marquee is flexibility. You are not locked into a venue’s fixed floorplan like many Sunshine Coast Wedding Venues.
You can create something that feels uniquely yours.
Flooring Options: Will I End Up With Muddy Heels?
This is such a common question.
If you have beautiful lawn and good weather, keeping the natural grass can look stunning. It blends seamlessly into private properties and hinterland backdrops.
If rain is a concern, woven jute-look matting is a great option. It looks natural but doesn’t absorb mud or drinks.
And for dancing? Timber dance floors are available and honestly, they look gorgeous against grass.
If it were me, I’d choose grass with a timber dance floor. Best of both worlds.
Styling and Hanging Installations
One of the biggest wow moments inside a marquee is overhead styling.
Most tipis come with festoon lighting already installed in a star pattern across the ceiling. And if you know me, you know I’m obsessed with festoon lights. Once the sun drops and they switch on, the whole mood shifts.
Florists and stylists can also create hanging installations from the centre peak. It draws the eye upward and makes the space feel luxe and intentional.
From a photography perspective, overhead styling and warm lighting create magic.
How Long Do Marquees Take to Install?
Usually around two hours per tipi, depending on the site and access.
And here’s something couples often forget.
You need buffer days.
• Install usually happens before the wedding
• Stylists and florists need access
• After the wedding, everything inside must be removed before pack down
When you’re booking a private property instead of traditional Sunshine Coast Wedding Venues, make sure you secure it for multiple days.
Bonus idea? Host a recovery breakfast under the marquee the next morning. Trust me, it’s a vibe.
Why Hiring Professionals Matters
I cannot stress this enough.
A Marquee For Your Wedding is not a DIY job. These structures are heavy, technical and weather rated. You want experienced professionals who:
• Match the size to your guest numbers
• Check site suitability
• Help with layout planning
• Understand weatherproofing
You are building a venue on your property. It needs to be done properly.
Marquee vs Traditional Sunshine Coast Wedding Venues
Here’s how they compare:
Marquee Wedding
• Total layout flexibility
• Private property or blank canvas locations
• Custom styling
• Festival or boho vibe
• Requires more coordination
Traditional Sunshine Coast Wedding Venues
• Built-in infrastructure
• Fixed layouts
• Less planning logistics
• Often in-house coordination
There is no right or wrong. It depends on your vision and personality as a couple.
If you’re outdoorsy, relaxed and love the idea of creating something from scratch, a marquee might be perfect for you.
Final Thoughts From Me
Every time I walk into a tipi wedding, I instantly feel the atmosphere. It’s warm, intimate and full of personality.
Choosing the right size Marquee For Your Wedding comes down to:
• Guest numbers
• Seated or cocktail
• Layout vision
• Weather planning
• Professional guidance
If you want to go deeper into this topic and hear more expert insights, you can listen to the full conversation on my podcast Pop The Question.
And if you’re planning a Sunshine Coast wedding and want someone who knows these setups inside and out, I would love to chat. I’ve photographed countless marquee weddings across the coast and hinterland and I know how to make them shine in your images.
FAQ: Marquee For Your Wedding
How do I choose the right size marquee for my wedding?
Start with your confirmed guest count and decide whether you are having a seated or cocktail reception. Then consult a professional marquee supplier who can assess your property and recommend the correct configuration.
How many guests fit in a tipi marquee?
One tipi fits approximately 70 guests seated or 80 guests cocktail style. Multiple tipis can be joined to increase capacity.
Can tipis be connected together?
Yes. Tipis can be joined in various formations to create larger connected covered areas suitable for 120 to 180+ guests.
Is a marquee wedding cheaper than Sunshine Coast Wedding Venues?
It depends. While venue hire may be avoided, you must factor in flooring, lighting, furniture, catering infrastructure and labour. Costs vary based on styling and logistics.
Do I need council approval for a marquee on private property?
In some cases, yes. This depends on size, duration and local regulations. Always check with your supplier and local council.
What flooring options are available for marquee weddings?
Grass, woven matting and timber dance floors are common options depending on weather and desired aesthetic.
How far in advance should I book a marquee for my wedding?
Ideally 9 to 18 months in advance for peak Sunshine Coast wedding season.
Are marquee weddings weatherproof?
Professional tipis and marquees are designed to handle wind and rain. However, flooring and layout should be planned accordingly.
Can I have hanging floral installations in a marquee?
Yes. Most tipis allow for overhead installations secured during setup for stylist use.
How many days do I need to hire a property for a marquee wedding?
Typically at least one day before and one day after your wedding for installation and pack down. More if styling is extensive.
Are marquee weddings suitable for hinterland properties?
Absolutely. They are popular for Sunshine Coast hinterland weddings in Maleny, Montville and surrounding areas.
Do marquee weddings photograph well?
Yes. Festoon lighting, timber poles and open layouts create beautiful warm imagery, especially at sunset and night.
Hear the Full Chat with Joe
If you’re currently planning your outdoor Sunshine Coast wedding and weighing up whether a Marquee For Your Wedding is right for you, I hope this blog helped, and to listen to the full episode, click here 👉 How To Choose The Right Marquee For Your Wedding
Planning an outdoor wedding?
If you’re building your own Sunshine Coast Wedding Venue with a marquee, you want a photographer who understands how these spaces flow, how the light falls at sunset under festoon lights, and how to capture that warm glow once the dance floor kicks off. I’ve photographed so many tipi and marquee weddings that I know exactly how to make them shine in your gallery. If you’d love relaxed, natural images that tell the full story of your day, click the button below and let’s chat about your wedding. I would absolutely love to be part of it.
📷You can view my packages here - Wedding Photography Packages
🎧 Want more wedding wisdom? See all Pop the Question episodes here
📘 Download my FREE Sunshine Coast Wedding Planning Guide - it’s full of local tips and insider advice to help you plan with confidence.
If you’re feeling excited about the idea of a Marquee For Your Wedding and want it done properly, go and chat to Joe and Nik at Tipi Luxe. They are the beautiful husband and wife team behind some of the most magical boho-style wedding receptions I see across the Sunshine Coast. From a single statement tipi to up to six seamlessly connected tipis, they transform private properties and wedding venues into warm, weather-proof celebration spaces that feel romantic and intentional. They specialise in full wedding weekends, festivals and events, so they truly understand how to create something unforgettable.
Instagram: @tipiluxe
Website: www.tipiluxe.com.au
👍 Keep up with Pop The Question & me, Lou O’Brien – Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer:
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Full show notes - https://www.imagesbylouobrien.com/pop-the-question
Episode Transcript
Lou (00:31)
If you're newly engaged and trying to work out what type of marquee or tent you want for your outdoor wedding, then this episode is for you. Today I'm chatting with Joe Prideaux, the owner of Tipi Luxe, alongside with his wife, Nicole. They are the brains behind the most magical boho Tipi weddings I see on the Sunshine Coast and beyond.
Joe and the Tipi Luxe team transform private properties and venues into warm weatherproof spaces that feel romantic, intentional, and just a little bit special. And as a wedding photographer, I absolutely love these Tipi's because they create an atmosphere instantly. They photograph beautifully and they bring people together and they give you the flexibility no matter what the weather does.
So Joe, really knows his stuff. So that's why I've got him on today. And when it comes to guest numbers, layouts, dance floors, choosing the right setup for your wedding, it actually matters. And it's not just all about being Pinterest ready. So today, I can't wait to talk to Joe to work out what is the right size marquee and tent for your wedding. So hi, Joe, how are you today?
Joe (01:45)
Hey Lou, I'm doing well thanks, have it yourself.
Lou (01:48)
Yeah, pretty good. ⁓ Joe has been very gracious this morning because when we have been setting up for this podcast, it took me a long time and he has a lot of patience. So I'm very grateful for that. So thank you for putting up with all of the technical difficulties, Joe.
Joe (01:49)
That's
Nah, all good, we got there in the end.
Lou (02:09)
Yeah. Now, Joe for people that don't know you and don't know Tipi Luxe tell us how you got into ⁓ wedding marquees and tents.
Joe (02:18)
Yeah, absolutely. So my wife, Nik and I, we're already involved in the wedding industry and we absolutely love it. And a bit over 12 months ago, the opportunity came up to purchase Tipi Luxe and it basically fit with what we're doing so well that we thought it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to really jump on it.
And ⁓ we haven't looked back since. been fantastic.
Lou (02:44)
Yeah, that's awesome. Yeah, I've been photographing with Tipi Luxe for many years, but I was so excited when you guys took it over because I think it's such a great addition to your business and I can't wait to see how it grows. It's going to be amazing.
Joe (03:00)
Absolutely, yeah, we're very excited for what the future holds for us there.
Lou (03:05)
Yeah, great. Can you tell us, ⁓ you have been doing it for a little while now, I'm sure you've got a pretty funny story about setting up a marquee. Is there anything that you want to share with us?
Joe (03:17)
Well, probably the best story is that I recently had a pretty bad run of food poisoning and I was getting ready to roll out for a 10 install and I had to call my lovely wife Nik and say look Nik today's the day you're gonna have to strap on your boots and go and set up a tent with the boys. So it was a good day all around. Nik did a really great job and ⁓
Lou (03:26)
Undyne.
Joe (03:42)
and stepped up to the call.
Lou (03:44)
Yeah, well you were curled up in a ball.
Joe (03:47)
Absolutely,
absolutely.
Lou (03:48)
my gosh, you poor thing. That would have been absolutely horrible. But I'm sure Nik just would have actually probably relished in the opportunity to see what it was like to work with your team.
Joe (04:01)
Absolutely, yeah, yeah, it was a good thing for her.
Lou (04:05)
Yeah. cool. OK, well, we're going to get into the episode and I'm going to ask you a series of questions in this one because I think it's really interesting. Personally, for me, I actually had a tent in our backyard wedding many moons ago when we got married and I absolutely loved having it. It absolutely made my wedding stress free because it did sprinkle a little bit on my wedding day and it didn't matter.
because we were all dry. So I'm going to ask you a few questions. So are ready?
Joe (04:36)
Yes, far away.
Lou (04:37)
Okay, so my first one, this was a question I was thinking of when I was getting married. So we had around 90 guests for our backyard wedding and it had to fit a specific size. So how do you know with a guest count what size tent you need?
Joe (04:52)
Yeah, look, it's a great question, Lou, and not many people have ever had to think about how many people could fit inside a tent. But look, a good starting point is to look at whether you're having a seated formal dinner or cocktail style. Obviously, you can fit in a lot more people if it is cocktail style. But look, for one tipi with a seated dinner, you're probably looking around 70 guests with cocktail maybe being more up around 80 people.
Lou (05:00)
Yeah.
Okay, that's pretty cool. And then, you, if I had like a big wedding, let's say I had 150 people, can you do that or is that not possible? How does that work?
Joe (05:27)
Yeah,
yeah, look, it's one of the things that I really love about a Tipis is you can actually join multiple of them together to create a bigger space. So essentially we can configure them in different ways as well. So you can have multiple in line, you can have a bit of a triangle formation and each Tipis obviously you increase the capacity whilst maintaining a nice undercover roofed area.
So if you were to join two tipis together, for example, you're looking more and 120 guests seated within three tipis up around that 180 guests and then you know more working at a cocktail style
Lou (05:53)
Yeah.
Okay, ⁓ I love the idea of having them connected together. It kind of gives that real festive, like festival feel.
Joe (06:15)
Absolutely.
And what it does do is it creates one large roofed area, but it can also have a different feel in each side, in each tipi So for example, you might have a bar down one end, a dance floor, and the rest is dining. You might have everything dining. But it gives you a bit of flexibility to kind of create different spaces within the one space.
Lou (06:38)
Yeah, that's good. That's so cool. Okay, well, that actually led on to my next question, which you've kind of already talked about was the flexible layout, because I wasn't really sure how that did work. But I love how you're just saying, you can do whatever you want, you can have the bar in one area, or you can have it in the middle, guests around. Is there something unique or different that you've seen with the layouts with the seating under a marquee?
Joe (07:04)
Yeah, look, a lot of people when we are joining Tipis's together will opt for like long tables down the middle. But that being said, some people will condense all the dining down to one Tipis. And as we mentioned, kind of have a dance floor area or bar area completely set aside in another Tipis, which is a great format as well.
Lou (07:25)
Yeah, cool. So in saying that, so when you have a dance floor area, I want to know actually what is on the floor? when you go in, it just on like the grass or what like what happens if it's raining? Am I going to have muddy feet? What's happening?
Joe (07:38)
Yeah.
Yeah, so we've got a few different options there. So on turf looks great. If you've got a nice lawn and the weather's looking good, it's a really nice vibe, of blends in seamlessly with the surroundings. If you're not opting for that or if it is looking like it could be a bit rainy, we do have a woven matting. It looks like jute, so it looks like a nice natural jute rug, but it's actually polyester so that
Lou (08:06)
Yep.
Joe (08:06)
it doesn't absorb mud or drink some things. So that can be a great option if you are a bit concerned or if maybe ⁓ the lawn isn't quite so nice.
Lou (08:14)
Yes.
Yeah, okay. that's a great idea. And what about a dance floor? Do you have like a proper dance floor or is that the jute floor?
Joe (08:23)
Yes, yes,
we do have timber dance floors as well. So yeah, it's a great option to both define the dancing area as well as make it a bit more robust and sturdy underfoot.
Lou (08:35)
Yeah, I love that idea. I'd probably go for the grass, like hoping, you know, fingers crossed it doesn't rain, have that grass flooring, but then have a nice timber dance floor. I think that would look really nice.
Joe (08:43)
Exactly,
that's very popular and yeah, the timber against the grass does make a nice contrast as well.
Lou (08:50)
Yeah. cool. Okay. Let me get on to my next little question here. this is one I would have done a few weddings where I've seen these beautiful hangings from like the Tipi's. How does that work? Like what's the ceiling height? What can I have there?
Joe (09:00)
Yes.
Haha.
Yeah, they really do set the scene. So I guess to paint a picture, we've already put, I guess, Festoon lighting in a bit of a star pattern inside the tipi. So typically the hanging installs will go above that. But yeah, if you're looking to do a hanging install, what we do is we attach a rope at the very top of the tipi when we're doing the install so that your florist or stylist can come in and basically they've hoisted up.
the arrangement in the middle. So it's a great way to, I guess, create a bit of visual spectacle inside the Tipis and, I guess, make it your own as well.
Lou (09:42)
I love that and the festoon lights. I am such a festoon lights girl. I love that lighting. just straight away when the sun starts to set and the lights come out, it's just so beautiful.
Joe (09:54)
Yeah, absolutely. It really sets a vibe in the tipis. They're quite a warm space already and then the festoon lights just really bring that extra little sparkle.
Lou (10:05)
Yeah, ⁓ pretty. Okay, let me have a look here. Actually, I have another question. I have seen you guys before behind the scenes like, you know, just finishing off some of the tipis and so on, but how long does it take you to set up the marquee?
Joe (10:21)
Yeah, it's a good question. It does depend on a few variables. Some areas are a little bit more tight and challenging. But typically we'll be on site for about two hours with a tipi. Obviously, if there's multiple tipis joined together, it will take a bit longer. But well and truly with inside half a day, we'll be in and out of the property having the tipi up.
but also still best to happen days before the wedding, day of.
Lou (10:45)
Okay, so if I was hiring a private property and I wanted to have a marquee put up, I need to kind of have a day's buffer at least before and a day's buffer after.
Joe (10:56)
Yeah, look, a lot of it will depend on how much styling, et cetera, is going into the Tipis and when that can be arranged. Day before is fine provided your stylist will have access that afternoon and that's enough time for them to work. And then on the other side of the wedding, we need everything to be outside of the Tipis or removed from the Tipis before we can drop it. So, yeah.
⁓
Lou (11:20)
so Joe, that's a really good point. So for couples that are planning their wedding and they're having a private property, they need to make sure that they have their property, not just for one night, especially, and not just for two, but probably having a couple of.
buffer days and hey, how amazing would it be that they get to actually have like a recovery breakfast the next day in it. But yeah, and then also to realize that when a marquee comes, there is so much that comes into a marquee afterwards with the styling, the florist, the caterers or whoever. So they all need to clear out for you, don't they?
Joe (11:39)
Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah, that's right. So the golden rule is first in last out for us. So yeah, certainly if you've got constraints around accessing things, just let us know and we'll work with you and make sure we can work in the schedule.
Lou (12:12)
Well, thank you for that. think we've got some really good, answers for our listeners out there when they're thinking about having a marquee for their wedding. So now I want to get into the fun part of our podcast, which is pop the question. So you're ready, Joe, we've got our trusty little camera here with our questions in here. And it is getting
Joe (12:32)
⁓
Lou (12:35)
bit empty. keep saying that but I need to get some more. But there's still a few there. Okay, you ready? Okay. okay. This one might have to come from a personal point of view because setting up my occasion not normally at a wedding. But let me know. This one here is, what is the best speech opener you've ever heard? So at a wedding,
Joe (12:41)
Yes.
yeah, look, one of my personal favorites, I think, is when the groomsman gets up to do his speech and he pulls out a piece of paper and he's really struggling, really having a tough go at it. And he says, ⁓ sorry, I can't read your handwriting. I'm going to do my own thing.
Lou (13:15)
It's a classic. Always good. love that one. Yes. Okay. That is perfect. Right. Well, before we go, Joe, I just want you to be able to give our listeners any extra special tips or actionable steps moving forward when they're booking a marquee for their wedding. So what would you like our listeners to know?
Joe (13:17)
Always, always way as well.
Yeah, absolutely. Look, it can be daunting, I think, you know, the prospect of securing a tent or marquee for your wedding. So I think it's pretty important to hire a professional. So we'll be able to help you match right size number of tents with the area and make sure it's all going to work. if there's any doubt, we'll come and do a side inspection, walk through it.
so you can talk about your vision. Because yeah, essentially you are building a wedding venue on your property. So it needs to be done right. So yeah, have a chat and we're more than happy to help out.
Lou (14:17)
Sounds good, yeah. Having that marquee whenever I go to a wedding that I'm photographing, as soon as I see it, it already sets the vibe. It's such a beautiful looking tent yeah, definitely hire professional people. Do not do this yourself. I mean, the poles themselves are so heavy. Yeah, you don't want to have any worries about them falling down or anything like that. So getting a professional is definitely the way to go.
Joe (14:33)
Ha
Absolutely.
Lou (14:46)
Now, Joe, if people want to find out a little bit more about Tipi Luxe can you tell us where they can find you on the socials?
Joe (14:52)
Yeah, absolutely. So easiest way is to jump on our Instagram, which is @tipiluxe which is T-I-P-I-L-U-X-E.
Lou (15:03)
Lovely, love that. Okay, well, I will also have all of Joe's details on my website, along with the show notes and more information. You can find that at imagesbylouobrien.com/pop-the-question And thank you everyone for listening today. And thank you so much, Joe, for coming and especially putting up with my technical difficulties earlier. But we finally got there and I'm so happy to chat with you.
Joe (15:24)
Ha
Thanks for having us, Lou. It's my pleasure and yeah, we'll be talking to you soon.
Lou (15:34)
Okay, bye.
Podcast link - How To Choose The Right Marquee For Your Wedding