Planning a marquee wedding in Cornwall gives you complete freedom — but it also means you’re effectively creating a venue from scratch. Unlike traditional wedding venues, nothing is included by default, and every element must be planned, timed, and coordinated carefully.

As a Cornwall-based wedding planner specialising in marquee weddings, I’ve created this ultimate checklist to help couples understand what’s involved and avoid common (and costly) oversights. Whether you’re early in the planning process or approaching your wedding date, this checklist will help you stay organised and stress-free.

Before You Start: Is a Marquee Wedding Right for You?

Marquee weddings are perfect for couples who want flexibility, privacy, and a truly personal celebration. They work beautifully across Cornwall’s countryside, coastal locations, and private estates.

However, they do require:

More planning than a venue-based wedding
A realistic budget for infrastructure
Professional coordination

If you love the idea of a bespoke wedding but want it to run smoothly, planning is everything.

Marquee Wedding Checklist: Cornwall Edition

1. Site & Permissions

Permission from landowner

Site access for large vehicles

Suitable ground conditions

Space for marquee, catering, toilets, and generators

Event insurance and any required notices

Cornwall’s terrain and weather mean site choice is critical. What looks perfect in summer can behave very differently after rain or wind.

2. Marquee & Flooring

Correct marquee size for guest numbers

Flooring suitable for uneven or soft ground

Sidewalls and entrances planned

Clear plan for layout (tables, dance floor, bar)

A professional marquee supplier will advise, but coordination is key to ensure the layout works with catering, power, and guest flow.

3. Power, Lighting & Generators

Generator sized correctly for total power load

Separate power for catering equipment

Internal and external lighting

Backup power contingency

Power planning is one of the most common problem areas for marquee weddings. This is where a marquee wedding planner in Cornwall becomes invaluable.

4. Catering & Bar Setup

Catering tent or kitchen area

Water supply and waste disposal

Refrigeration and cooking equipment

Bar structure, staffing, and licensing

Caterers often have specific requirements — these must be planned early and integrated into the site layout.

5. Toilets & Guest Comfort

Luxury portable toilets

Lighting to and from facilities

Clear signage

Accessibility considerations

Toilets should be close enough for convenience, but discreetly placed to preserve the overall look and guest experience.

6. Weather Contingency Planning (Essential in Cornwall)

Flooring to prevent mud

Heating for cooler evenings

Shaded areas for hot weather

Wind protection and sidewalls

Cornwall’s weather is part of its charm — but planning for all possibilities is non-negotiable.

Floral by Howie and the Flowers Cornwall

7. Furniture, Styling & Practical Details

Tables, chairs, and linens

Dance floor

Bar furniture

Fire safety equipment

Even if styling isn’t your focus, practical layout and spacing matter hugely for comfort and flow.

8. Supplier Coordination & Timings

Delivery schedule for all suppliers

Build and breakdown timeline

Clear access routes

On-the-day contact list

Marquee weddings often involve multiple days of setup. Without coordination, delays and clashes are common.

9. Wedding Day Timeline

Ceremony timing

Catering service schedule

Speeches and entertainment

Evening transition planning

A well-managed timeline allows the day to unfold naturally without guests noticing the logistics behind the scenes.

10. On-the-Day Management

Supplier supervision

Troubleshooting

Timeline management

Discreet problem-solving

This is where couples truly benefit from hiring a Cornwall wedding planner — so they can enjoy the day rather than manage it.

Why This Checklist Isn’t Enough on Its Own

This checklist gives you clarity — but execution is everything. Marquee weddings rely on experience, foresight, and calm decision-making on the day itself.

As a marquee wedding planner in Cornwall, my role is to:

Anticipate problems before they arise
Coordinate suppliers seamlessly
Ensure the day runs smoothly, whatever the weather

Most couples only plan one marquee wedding. I plan them for a living.

Planning a Marquee Wedding in Cornwall?

If you’re planning a marquee wedding in Cornwall and want expert support with logistics, coordination, and calm on-the-day management, I’d love to help.

Get in touch with Caroline Griffiths Wedding Planner to discuss how I can support you — from early planning through to the final dance.

Want to read more? Why not take a read of this blog How to Plan a Stress-Free Marquee Wedding in Cornwall: Tips from a Professional Wedding Planner

The Ultimate Marquee Wedding Checklist for Cornwall Couples

Before You Start: Is a Marquee Wedding Right for You?