9 Types of Wedding Tents For Your Big Day

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by
Jenna Clark
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Jenna Clark
The Knot Contributor
  • Jenna is a freelance writer for The Knot Worldwide, specializing in wedding traditions and planning.
  • In addition to The Knot Worldwide, Jenna contributes to other online publications including Insider, People, BuzzFeed and The Daily Beast.
  • Jenna graduated from Hofstra University with a major in public relations and a minor in creative writing.
Updated Sep 27, 2024

With so many types of wedding tents on the market, it may feel overwhelming when trying to decide which one you want to house your wedding ceremony or reception (or both). Luckily for you, we spoke with Kristy Barrett, Orlando, Florida-based wedding and event coordinator at Worry Knot: Weddings and Events, and Aimee Monihan, creative director at Destination Occasions to learn more about the different types of tents for weddings and how to plan a tent wedding.

Once you narrow down which wedding tent styles you'd like to incorporate into your special day, you can easily use The Knot Vendor Marketplace to search for tent rentals and tent rental companies in your hometown or the area in which you plan on getting married. All you have to do is click "tents" within the "rentals and equipment" section of the search engine. The Knot Budget Tool is another great resource to help you explore and compare wedding tent rental estimates.

    Whether you're looking for a bohemian-style wedding tent or one that allows additional air to pass through, we've compiled a comprehensive guide on popular types of tents for events that can help answer all of your questions on your wedding rentals checklist.

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      Sailcloth Pole Wedding Tent

      If you're hosting a nautical-themed wedding (without actually going ashore), a sailcloth pole wedding tent is a great option. "Sailcloth tents have a nautical feel with wooden poles and a distinct shape with high peaks," Barrett explains. "That said, they can create a romantic and stylish look to an event." Monihan adds that since sailcloth tents help create an elevated aesthetic, they are typically accompanied by higher price tags.

      Yurt

      If you're having a smaller wedding with a Western or bohemian theme, Monihan notes that yurts can be a viable addition. "These style tents have become a lot more popular as of late for more boho, mountain-based or Western-themed events," Monihan says. "Yurts typically have full lattice style wood walls that then have fabric attached to that and a full roof on top."

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      Glass Wedding Tent

      Glass wedding tents are suitable for couples looking to maintain a contemporary or modern feel (while letting in some extra light) during their celebration. However, due to the structure's delicate nature and lack of open connection points, you are unable to display certain wedding tent decorations, especially those that drape. "They are an event designer's dream to work with and look as good as it gets," Monihane says. "However, the price tag for these can start at around the $200,000 mark."

      Marquee Wedding Tent

      Monihan notes that marquee wedding tents provide an elegant look. Unlike other types of wedding tents, they combine elements of multiple others and do so in a way that allows for easy installation. Marquee wedding tents are typically made with durable fabric designed to withstand the elements and can be rented in both large and small sizes to match the size of your event.

      Clear Wedding Tent

      A clear wedding tent can provide you with the best of both worlds as it offers protection from the elements along with gorgeous views thanks to its transparent material. When thinking about how much to budget for clear tent rentals near you, $500 to $5,000 is the typical range. Just make sure to wear some sunscreen (especially if you'll be celebrating in a warmer climate) as sun rays can still shine through.

      Bohemian Wedding Tent

      Bohemian tents for weddings can serve as great accompaniments to a boho theme. Although many of the wedding tents that may be classified within this type are eclectic and usually heavily decorated with hanging lights, planters and other decor, they can be minimalistic, too. Their versatility is one of the biggest pros and reasons why many couples opt to rent these types of wedding tents.

      Stretch Tent

      This different type of wedding tent is suitable for celebrations of various sizes. "A stretch tent is a type of tent that's made from a single piece of material stretched over a frame of poles to create a structure," Barrett says. Although these tents tend to offer a good price value and a quicker set-up time, it is important to note that a stretch tent for a wedding typically isn't equipped to protect against stronger weather elements.

      Open-Air Tent

      Open-air wedding tent
      Photo: Jordan Maunder Photography,Rentals: Select Event Group

      Despite their name, open-air tents are designed in a way that can admit light (and air) while still providing protection against some lighter inclement weather elements. "These types of wedding tents are usually made of lightweight vinyl and are often rented for small backyard gatherings," Barrett explains. "The biggest con is the fact that they don't have sides, so if the weather gets nasty, you have no protection, but they are very inexpensive and great for smaller budgets."

      Frame Wedding Tent

      A frame wedding tent can be a great option if you're set to throw a larger wedding and want some extra coverage (and stability). "Frame tents are the most stable style because they don't need to be tied down or balanced on poles," Barrett says. "They are also sturdy in windy conditions and are designed to protect from sun and rain." Due to their durability, strength and extensive installation process (often carried out by a professional), you can expect to spend more for this type of wedding tent whether it be made from glass, plastic and/or metal.

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