Marquees For Funerals, Wakes & Memorials
Funeral and Wake Marquee Hire
At Crystal Marquee Hire, we understand that arranging a funeral, wake or memorial can be an exceptionally difficult and emotional time. Our role is to make organising the marquee as straightforward and stress-free as possible, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Established in 1978, our family-run company has decades of experience providing funeral and wake marquees across Surrey, London and the Home Counties. We can help you create a private, comfortable and respectful space where family and friends can come together to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one.
Whether you need a small marquee in a private garden or a larger structure for a well-attended memorial, our experienced team can recommend a suitable size, layout and range of equipment for the occasion.

Marquees for Funerals, Wakes and Memorial Services
A marquee can provide additional space when a home, funeral venue or community building cannot comfortably accommodate everyone expected to attend.
Funeral and wake marquees can be installed in a range of suitable locations, including:
• Private gardens
• Family properties
• Funeral venues
• Church or community grounds
• Hospitality venues
• Private estates
• Suitable outdoor spaces

The marquee can be used for refreshments after a funeral, a formal wake, a celebration of life or a separate memorial gathering. It can also provide extra covered space alongside an existing building, allowing guests to move between indoor and outdoor areas.
Every gathering is different. Some families require a simple and understated covered area, while others need seating, heating, lighting and catering facilities. Crystal Marquee Hire will listen to your requirements and help you choose an appropriate setup without adding unnecessary complications.

A Respectful and Straightforward Planning Process
We appreciate that funeral arrangements may need to be made within a relatively short period. When you contact us, we will ask a few practical questions to understand what is required.
These may include:
• The proposed date and location
• The approximate number of guests
• The space available for the marquee
• Whether guests will be seated or standing
• The expected duration of the gathering
• Catering and refreshment requirements
• Whether lighting, flooring or heating will be needed
• Access to electricity, water and toilet facilities
You do not need to have every detail decided before speaking with us. Our team can explain the available options and recommend a practical setup based on the location, guest numbers and time of year.
Free Site Visit and Marquee Assessment
Crystal Marquee Hire provides a free, no-obligation site visit. This enables our team to measure the available area, assess access and identify anything that may affect the installation.
During the visit, we will consider:
• The size and shape of the available space
• Ground conditions and changes in level
• Vehicle and installation access
• Trees, paths, flowerbeds and other obstacles
• Proximity to the house or main venue
• Guest entrances and walkways
• Space for catering and other facilities
• Access to power and water
Following the assessment, we can recommend the correct marquee size and suggest an appropriate layout. We will then provide an itemised quotation so that you can clearly understand what has been included.
What Can Be Included with a Wake Marquee?
A funeral or wake marquee can be kept simple or equipped as a complete reception space. Crystal Marquee Hire offers a range of practical and decorative options, including:
Marquee flooring
Flooring provides a stable and comfortable surface for guests, particularly during wet weather or when the ground is soft or uneven.
Interior linings
Ivory linings can soften the appearance of the structure and create a calm, understated setting suitable for a funeral reception or celebration of life.
Tables and chairs
We can help you determine the appropriate number and arrangement of tables and chairs. Seating can be provided for all guests or arranged in selected areas for those who may need it.
Lighting
Suitable lighting can keep the marquee welcoming and safe, particularly for winter funerals, evening memorials or gatherings held on darker days.
Marquee heating
Heating can be included during colder weather to ensure that the marquee remains comfortable for guests throughout the gathering.
Additional facilities
Where required, we can arrange generators and toilet facilities through trusted subcontractors. We can also recommend other event suppliers, including caterers.
If elderly guests or people with limited mobility will be attending, please let us know during the planning process. We can factor entrances, flooring, seating and the distance to other facilities into the proposed layout.
How Many People Can a Funeral Marquee Accommodate?
The number of people a marquee can accommodate depends on its dimensions and how the interior will be used.
A standing reception generally requires less space per guest than a fully seated gathering. Additional room may also be needed for refreshments, serving tables, floral arrangements or a display of photographs and personal memories.
Rather than relying on a general capacity figure, our team will recommend a marquee based on the expected attendance and the type of gathering you are planning. If exact numbers are uncertain, we can discuss a practical layout that provides flexibility.
Can a Wake Marquee Be Attached to a House?
Depending on the property, available space and access, a marquee may be positioned next to a house or existing venue. This can make it easier for guests to move between the building and the covered reception area.
The suitability of this arrangement will need to be assessed during the site visit. Door positions, ground levels, drainage, access routes and the structure of the property can all affect where the marquee can safely be installed.
If a direct connection is not possible, we can discuss alternative positions that keep the marquee convenient and accessible.
How Quickly Can a Funeral Marquee Be Arranged?
We understand that funeral and wake marquee hire is often required at relatively short notice. Availability will depend on the date, location, marquee size and equipment required, but we will always explain what can realistically be arranged.
Contacting us as soon as the funeral or memorial date is known gives us the best opportunity to assess the site and prepare an appropriate proposal.
Funeral and Wake Marquee Hire Across Surrey and London
Crystal Marquee Hire is based in Horsley, near Leatherhead, placing us in a strong position to provide funeral and wake marquees throughout Surrey, London and much of the Home Counties.
Our team regularly supplies marquees for different types of private and public gatherings. With more than four decades of hands-on experience, we understand the importance of arriving when agreed, working respectfully and ensuring that the marquee is ready before guests and other suppliers arrive.
Speak to Crystal Marquee Hire
If you need a marquee for a funeral, wake, celebration of life or memorial service, please contact Crystal Marquee Hire. We will listen to your requirements, offer practical advice and, where appropriate, arrange a free site visit.
Our aim is to provide a comfortable and dignified space while making the planning and installation process as straightforward as possible for you and your family.
