The best marquee hire in Canberra

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Where are the best marquee hire companies in Canberra? Photo: File.

Anyone who has lived in Canberra for more than a year knows that the weather can be pretty unpredictable. Even during weeks of dry, sunny days, there may be a day or two with torrential rain or powerful winds. This can become quite the hurdle when planning an outdoor event – so why not consider hiring a marquee?

A marquee is a great addition to an outdoor event. They offer much-needed shade on bright sunny days, can be fitted with fans or heating to combat temperatures, and can even provide space for hot food to be prepared and served on-site. So, whether it’s for a wedding, birthday party, or family reunion, a reliable marquee hire company that delivers quality products for an affordable price is paramount.

To help make the big day run as smoothly as possible, we’ve done a bit of research to find the best marquee hire companies in the region. In this article, we’ll give a quick breakdown of some of the most important traits to look out for in a marquee hire company, as well as a guide to some of Canberra’s best.

What makes a great marquee hire company?

Not exactly sure what to look for in a marquee hire company? No worries. To start, keep an eye out for the following traits:

  • A range of sizes. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or larger-scale event, the best marquee hire companies in Canberra have the perfect range of coverings.
  • Affordable prices. No one likes to be ripped off, and hosting events can be costly. Look for a marquee that is competitively priced and within the event budget.
  • Reliable. When it comes to hosting an event, one minor misstep can snowball into a disaster. The best marquee hire companies are reliable in delivering what they promise. Read through previous client experiences to get an idea of the company’s repertoire.
  • Quality products. As with most products, quality is absolutely key. The best marquees can stand up to minor weather events and provide ample coverage for all guests.

The best marquee hire companies in Canberra

RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Barlens

The team at Barlens understands that events are special and important to the client. That’s why Barlens goes above and beyond to ensure its event hire services provide a positive experience. Barlens' marquees cater to all groups - from 40 people up to 200 or more. Its passionate staff are experienced in ensuring comfort and quality.

As Google reviewer Alyssa Audsley wrote about their experience with Barlens, "Amazing customer service and quality of product and delivery. So easy to deal with and made my wedding so stress free and easy, thank you!"

Event Marquees

For more than two decades, Event Marquees has delivered extensive, market-leading marquee and shade cover solutions to the Canberra region. Offering both white and clear roofing and walls – as well as white or wooden flooring – customers can customise any marquee to suit the look and feel of their event.

As Hannah Jenkins writes in their Facebook review, "Awesome experience - friendly & efficient staff, super professional, & the marquee looked fantastic."

Extreme Marquees Canberra

Extreme Marquees Canberra boasts a huge range of gazebos and marquees that can be custom printed for events, adding an extra level of attention-grabbing colour and excitement.

If print is not desired, Extreme Marquees Canberra also offer gazebos and marquees with plain tops and walls that come in a range of colours along with many accessories.

As Jeremy Winer writes in their Google review, The last 2 marquees we bought were strong and durable. The team coordinated and delivered ahead of a tight schedule. I don't look anywhere else now.”

McHugh Hire Canberra

McHugh Hire boasts itself as Canberra’s #1 party hire company, guaranteeing its quality and prices cannot be beaten. It provides rental party equipment to the Canberra and Queanbeyan region, and can deliver anything on the website. McHugh Hire Canberra's marquees come in a variety of sizes and styles, from a standard 6mx3m gazebo tent to a 10m marquee with walls and arched windows.

As Google reviewer Tammie Horton writes, The team at McHugh Hire Canberra were very professional. No request was too difficult.”

Are you planning an event or celebration and are looking for more ways to take it to the next level? Check out our articles on the best wedding photographers, best birthday cakes, and best bands for bookings and events in Canberra for some useful information.

Your experience with marquee hire in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback, if you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you hired a marquee in the Canberra region for an event you were hosting? Who did you pick? Share your experience in the comments area below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run power to my marquee?

Yes! Caterers, DJ, heating and lighting all require power, so running electricity to your marquee is crucial to your event being a success. The marquee hiring company will be able to help you supply the marquee with power and electricity and provide all the necessary equipment to do so.

What sizes do marquees come in?

Marquees come in a wide variety of sizes, and deciding on which size is right for you depends on how many guests you are expecting at your event. A standard 6mx14m marquee has a seated capacity of 30-100, while a 6mx20m has a seated capacity of 50-130. Talk to your marquee supplier and get their professional opinion on what size will be right for you.

What’s the difference between a marquee and a gazebo?

The two main differences between a marquee and a gazebo are size and intended use. While gazebos are much smaller outdoor structures that are usually found in home gardens and backyards, a marquee is a structure that is used to shelter guests during a large event.

Where would be a good location to set up a marquee in Canberra?

If you’re intending on hiring a marquee for your event in Canberra, you’ll want to look for a location that is flat and sheltered. Weston Park has some locations that are sheltered by trees and have gorgeous views out onto Lake Burley Griffin, or you could try Glebe Park in the CBD, which is very flat, central, and rarely experiences strong winds.

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