How much does a wedding tent rental cost?
How much does a wedding tent rental cost?
$800 – $3,000 total cost to rent
Average wedding tent rental cost
The average wedding tent rental costs $800 to $3,000, depending on the tent size and whether you add flooring, liners, or other accessories. Outdoor tents are best for weddings and receptions held during mild seasons, but heaters, fans, or tent walls can help if you’re having a winter or summer wedding.
| National Average Cost | $1,900 |
| Minimum Cost | $100 |
| Maximum Cost | $25,000 |
| Average Range | $800 to $3,000 |
Cost of a wedding tent rental by size
The total cost of a wedding tent rental depends on its size and the number of guests that will fit in it. Small tents for intimate cocktail hour parties cost less than large tents for a sit-down dinner. Renting a tent costs about $1 per square foot.
| Tent size (square feet) | Number of guests | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| 300 – 800 | 20 – 50 | $300 – $800 |
| 800 – 1,500 | 50 – 100 | $800 – $1,500 |
| 1,500 – 3,000 | 100 – 200 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| 3,000 – 5,000 | 200 – 350 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
Wedding tent rental cost factors
The following factors affect the total cost of wedding tent rental:
Tent type: Pole tents are square or rectangular and stake into grassy areas. Frame tents have rigid frames and suit harder surfaces. High peak tents—also called marquee or cross-table tents—have a more elegant appearance. Pop-up tents are smaller and best for photo booths or bars.
Tent size: The bigger the tent, the more the rental will cost. Plan for about 15 square feet per guest.
Table size & shape: Large tables take up more space than small ones, meaning you’ll need a larger tent. If you’re trying to save money on a tent, consider using rectangular tables instead of circular ones.
Setup fee: Some companies charge a setup fee of up to $1,000 for extremely large tents.
Save money on flooring by installing a small dance floor instead of covering the entire tent space.
Additional costs
The following table shows the cost of accessories and extra factors to consider when renting wedding tent supplies. Keep in mind that most of these are optional, and you can pick and choose what you want according to your budget.
| Item | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Tent liner | $400 – $1,000 |
| Flooring | $300 – $2,000 |
| Lighting | $50 – $3,000 |
| Heaters / fans | $100 – $300 each |
| Side walls | $400 – $700 |
| Tables, chairs, & linens | $500 – $4,000 |
| Catering tent | $250 – $1,500 |
| Generator | $500 – $1,300 |
| Porta potty | $75 – $125 each |
Liner: Tent liner fabric costs $400 to $1,000 to rent and comes in several different colors to match your theme. The fabric cascades down the tent wall, making it appear more elegant.
Flooring: Adding tent flooring costs $300 to $2,000, depending on the material and whether you cover the whole floor or just a dance floor section. Flooring helps level uneven ground and protects shoes from dew or mud.
Lighting: Renting wedding tent lighting costs as little as $50 for basic lights to as much as $3,000 for chandeliers and custom fixtures.
Heating & cooling: Adding heaters or fans costs $100 to $300 each, depending on the tent size. Be sure to check the weather beforehand and let your rental company know if you’ll need a heater or fan as far in advance as possible.
Side walls: Renting a tent with walls costs $400 to $700 more on average. Tent walls are made of opaque fabric, clear plastic, or fabric with windows. Walls help provide protection from wind, cold weather, and rain.
Catering tent: Adding a small catering tent to your rental package costs $250 to $1,500 and gives your caterers extra space to prepare plates and store dirty dishes.
Dining packages: Renting tables, chairs, and linens costs $500 to $4,000, depending on the location and number of guests.
Generator: Renting a generator costs $500 to $1,300 and is essential for powering lights, heating or cooling, and DJ equipment.
Porta potty: Renting a porta potty costs $75 to $125 each per day and may be necessary if your venue doesn’t have accessible restrooms.
Tips for planning a tent wedding
Planning a wedding can be stressful and expensive. Follow these tips if you’re trying to save money on a tent rental:
Have your wedding during a time of year when temperatures are mild. Winter weddings require tents with side walls, full flooring, and heaters. Summer weddings usually need fans.
Hold your wedding during the day to save money on lighting and avoid higher formal dinner costs.
Use rectangular tables to fit more people into a smaller tent, as opposed to round tables that take up more space.
Ask if your rental company offers any discounts for renting other items from them, such as tables, chairs, linens, or lighting.
Wedding tent rental FAQs
What is the best month to have a tent wedding?
The best month to have a tent wedding is September, but that depends mostly on your location and climate. July and August are the hottest months of the year and may be uncomfortably warm. Winter and early spring months are often either too cold or rainy.
Where can I find a wedding tent rental?
You can find a wedding tent rental from reputable online sources or local wedding service companies. If you decide to buy a tent instead of rent, you may be able to find affordable options online or at popular stores like Home Depot.
How many heaters do I need for my wedding tent rental?
You may need 1 to 3 heaters for your wedding tent, depending on the weather, heater output, and tent size. On average, you’ll need one heater per 1,500 to 2,000 square feet. If you decide to use patio heaters, they’ll provide a 10- to 12-foot diameter of warmth per heater.
Getting estimates from wedding tent vendors
Before hiring a wedding service company near you, follow these steps:
Compare several prices from reputable tent companies.
Confirm that they have a business license and insurance.
Read company reviews on Fash and Google.
Avoid extremely low estimates, which usually indicate low-quality tents.
Ask for a detailed, written estimate.
Ask if they charge a deposit or any additional fees.
Questions to ask wedding tent rental companies
Consider asking the following questions to help you choose the best wedding tent rental company:
Are delivery, setup, and breakdown included in the total tent rental cost?
How long will I have the tent for?
Does the tent require any permits? Is that included in the rental cost?
Is this tent completely weatherproof?
What is your company’s cancellation policy?
Do you accept last-minute orders?
What size would you recommend for my wedding? How do you calculate that?
Are the side walls, flooring, or lights included?
Do you offer any discounts for renting tables, chairs, or linens from you?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.