If you’re planning a birthday party, wedding, corporate function or outdoor event, one of the first questions is usually: how much does it cost to hire a marquee in Melbourne?
As a general guide, DIY marquee hire in Melbourne can start from around $140 including GST, while professionally delivered and installed marquee hire typically starts from around $1,650 including GST, plus transport.
The final cost depends on the size and style of marquee, whether you install it yourself or use a professional installation service, and any additional furniture or equipment required.
At Instant Marquees in Moorabbin, we offer both DIY marquee hire and complete delivery, installation and removal services across Melbourne.
Typical marquee hire costs in Melbourne
As a broad guide, you can expect to budget:
| Hire type | Typical price range |
| DIY instant marquee hire | Around $140 to $250 incl. GST |
| DIY outdoor umbrella hire | Around $95 to $120 incl. GST |
| Professionally installed marquee event | From $1,650 incl. GST + transport |
| Larger clear-span structure marquee | Around $1,650 to $5,500+ incl. GST + transport |
Our standard marquee and umbrella hire pricing covers up to six days, which gives customers plenty of time to organise their event without having to collect and return equipment on the same day.
How much does a marquee cost for a backyard party?
For a smaller birthday party, barbecue or family gathering, DIY marquee hire is usually the most economical option.
A small to medium instant marquee generally costs between about $140 and $250 including GST for up to six days.
Several marquees can also be joined or positioned together to create separate covered areas for guests, food, drinks or entertainment.
DIY equipment can be collected from our Moorabbin warehouse and returned after the event.
How much does an installed marquee cost?
For larger parties and events, many customers prefer to have the marquee professionally delivered, installed and removed.
At Instant Marquees, professionally installed events have a minimum order value of $1,650 including GST, with transport charged separately according to the event location and delivery requirements.
Installed marquee costs then increase depending on the amount of covered space required and the type of marquee selected.
For larger events using engineered clear-span structures, budgets can range from around $1,650 to more than $5,500 including GST, before transport and any additional event equipment.
What affects the price of marquee hire?
The biggest factors are:
- Size: The more covered space required, the higher the cost.
- DIY versus installed: Collecting and installing an instant marquee yourself is considerably cheaper than professional delivery and installation.
- Marquee type: Instant marquees are generally the most economical option, while engineered clear-span structures are designed for larger and more substantial events.
- Event location: Transport costs for installed events vary according to distance and the vehicles required.
- Furniture and additional equipment: Tables, chairs and outdoor umbrellas can all be added to an event setup.
- Surface: Marquees need to be safely secured using either pegs or appropriate weights depending on the site.
Instant marquee or clear-span structure?
For most backyard parties, community events and smaller functions, an instant marquee is usually the most cost-effective choice.
For larger events, weddings, corporate functions and occasions where a larger uninterrupted covered space is required, a clear-span structure marquee may be more appropriate.
Clear-span structures cost more, but provide a larger and more substantial event space without internal support poles.
Is DIY marquee hire cheaper?
Yes.
If you are comfortable collecting, setting up and returning the marquee yourself, DIY hire can cost less than $250 including GST for many common marquee sizes.
For customers who prefer us to take care of delivery, installation and removal, professionally installed event packages start from $1,650 including GST plus transport.
How much should I budget for marquee hire in Melbourne?
For a simple backyard party, a budget of $150 to $500 may be sufficient if you are using DIY marquees and only require a relatively small covered area.
For a professionally installed party or event, budget from around $1,650 plus transport.
For larger functions requiring substantial clear-span structures, furniture and multiple covered areas, the total cost can extend to several thousand dollars.
The best way to establish an accurate price is to consider:
- how many guests you are expecting
- whether they will be seated or standing
- how much of the event needs to be undercover
- your event location
- whether you want DIY or professional installation
- whether you also require tables, chairs or umbrellas
Marquee hire from Instant Marquees Melbourne
Instant Marquees has been supplying marquees, outdoor umbrellas and event equipment to customers across Melbourne for parties, corporate events, schools and clubs and major outdoor events.
Our Moorabbin location makes DIY marquee hire particularly convenient for customers throughout Melbourne’s bayside and south-eastern suburbs, while our installation teams service events across metropolitan Melbourne.
If you tell us your event date, location, approximate guest numbers and the type of event you’re planning, we can recommend an appropriate marquee setup and provide an accurate quotation.
Instant Marquees Melbourne
Moorabbin, Victoria
DIY marquee hire from around $140 incl. GST
Professionally installed events from $1,650 incl. GST + transport
