Marquee facilities hire provides toilets and generators that make outdoor events usable, safe, and legally compliant. These systems are required when venues lack permanent utilities, which applies to most rural fields, private land, and temporary event spaces.
Toilets handle sanitation and guest comfort, while generators supply power for lighting, catering, heating, and entertainment. Without both, a marquee is just a structure, not a functioning venue. Around 60–70% of UK marquee events require at least one facility, and a typical 100-guest event spends £1,100–£1,800 covering toilets, generator hire, fuel, and delivery.
The key decision is simple: what does your venue already provide. Sites with existing toilets and mains power need no additional hire, while partial or empty sites require one or both. This prevents overspending on unnecessary equipment or, worse, under-planning and facing failures on the day.
Facilities usually account for 8–15% of the total marquee budget, yet they are often missed early in planning. Understanding requirements upfront ensures accurate budgeting, smooth logistics, and a better guest experience from the start.
What Portable Toilet Options Are Available for Marquee Events?
Portable toilets for marquee events fall into three main types: luxury toilet trailers, standard portable units, and disabled access toilets, each offering a different balance of cost, capacity and guest experience.
The right option depends on the type of event you are running and the level of comfort expected. Weddings and premium events usually prioritise guest experience, while corporate or casual events often focus on function and budget. The key decision is not just cost, but how noticeable the toilet experience will be to your guests.
Luxury Toilet Trailers
Luxury toilet trailers provide a high-end experience and are the standard choice for weddings and formal events.
These are self-contained bathroom units with flushing toilets, running water, mirrors, lighting and Heating, designed to feel closer to an indoor venue than a temporary setup. Interiors are typically finished in modern or wooden styles, making them suitable for premium events where presentation matters.
A 2-cubicle trailer comfortably supports 60–100 guests, while a 4-cubicle unit can handle 120–200 guests. This makes them suitable for most weddings without needing multiple units.
The main advantage is guest comfort. Toilets are clean, well-lit and easy to use, which avoids one of the most common complaints at outdoor events. The trade-off is cost and access, as trailers require enough space for delivery and positioning.
Typical cost ranges from £600 to £1,200 depending on size and location.
Standard Portable Toilets
Standard portable toilets are a budget option designed for practicality rather than comfort.
These are individual plastic units with a chemical flush system and hand sanitiser, but no running water or internal finishes. They are compact, easy to deliver and can be positioned almost anywhere, making them useful for sites with restricted access.
Each unit supports around 10–15 guests, so a 100-guest event typically requires 6–8 units. This allows you to scale exactly to your guest count without overpaying for unused capacity.
The advantage is cost and flexibility. However, the experience is noticeably basic, which makes them less suitable for formal events like weddings where presentation matters more.
Typical cost is £80–£150 per unit, or £500–£1,000 total for 100 guests.
Disabled Access Toilets
Disabled access toilets are required for events with 50+ guests and must be included regardless of event type.
These units are larger and designed for accessibility, with wider doors, grab rails and accessible sinks. Many also include baby-changing facilities, making them useful for families as well as guests with mobility needs.
One unit typically supports 50–100 guests and should be positioned closest to the marquee to ensure easy access. Unlike other options, this is not a style choice but a compliance requirement.
Typical cost ranges from £150 to £250 per unit.
In practice, most weddings choose luxury trailers for comfort, standard units are used for budget or large-scale events, and a disabled access toilet is always included for compliance.
How Many Toilets Do You Need for a Marquee Event?
Most marquee events require one toilet per 15–20 guests, adjusted for duration, alcohol and guest mix.
This ratio works as a baseline, but real-world usage often increases demand. Guest behaviour, event length and alcohol consumption all push usage higher, which is why relying only on guest count leads to under-supply and queues.
For typical events, numbers scale predictably. A 50-guest event needs around 3–4 toilets, 100 guests require 6–8, 150 guests need 9–12, and 200 guests require 12–15. These figures include at least one disabled access unit, which is required for events over 50 guests. Luxury trailers can reduce unit numbers, as a 2-cubicle trailer covers up to 100 guests and a 4-cubicle unit up to 200.
Duration increases demand. Events lasting more than 6 hours require around 20% more capacity, while overnight events move closer to one toilet per 10 guests due to repeated use.
Alcohol also increases usage by 20–30%. This is a key factor for weddings and parties, where fluid intake is higher and toilet visits are more frequent.
A realistic example shows the adjustment. A 120-guest wedding starts with 8 toilets based on the standard ratio. Adding 20% for duration and 20% for alcohol increases the requirement to around 11–12 toilets in total. Rounding up is essential, as shortages quickly create queues and impact guest experience.
What Generator Options Are Available for Marquee Events?
Marquee generators fall into two main types: silent generators for low-noise events and standard generators for budget setups, with size based on total power demand.
The choice depends on noise tolerance, available space and the total electrical load. Weddings and private events prioritise quiet operation, while larger sites can use standard generators positioned further away.
Silent Generators: Low-Noise Enclosed Event Power Units
Silent generators use enclosed, soundproofed designs that operate at around 60–65 decibels, which is comparable to normal conversation. This allows them to be positioned within 10–15 metres of the marquee without disrupting speeches, music or guest experience.
They typically range from 10–30 kW, with 15–20 kW suitable for most 100-guest events covering lighting, catering and sound. The main advantage is minimal noise and flexible positioning, making them the standard choice for weddings.
The trade-off is cost, with hire typically between £300 and £600, along with fuel costs depending on usage.
Standard Generators: Budget Open-Frame Event Power Units
Standard generators use an open-frame design and operate at around 75–85 decibels, which is significantly louder. To reduce noise impact, they must be positioned at least 30–40 metres away from the marquee.
They are more affordable, typically £150–£350, and are suitable for large sites where distance is not an issue. They are commonly used for corporate events, festivals or budget-conscious setups.
The limitation is space. On smaller sites, it is often not possible to position them far enough away, making them impractical despite the lower cost.
How to Calculate Generator Size: kW Power Requirements
Generator size is based on total power demand, not guest numbers. Every electrical item must be included, from lighting and sound systems to catering equipment and any additional infrastructure.
A typical 100-guest wedding requires around 15–20 kW once a safety margin is added. Smaller events may need around 10 kW, while larger events can require 25–30 kW depending on equipment.
A 25–30% buffer is essential to handle peak loads and prevent overload. Undersizing is a common mistake and can lead to power failure during the event.
Toilet & Generator Positioning: Location, Distance & Access Requirements
Correct positioning of toilets and generators ensures usability, reduces disruption, and prevents access or noise issues during the event.
Toilets should be placed close enough for convenience but far enough to remain discreet. A typical distance is 20–50 metres from the marquee, with disabled access units positioned closer at around 20–30 metres to ensure easy access. The route must be flat, well-lit and clearly signposted, especially for evening events. Poor placement leads to visibility issues, odour problems or accessibility complaints.
Generators require more careful positioning due to noise and safety. Silent generators can be placed 10–15 metres from the marquee without affecting the event, while standard generators must be positioned at least 30–40 metres away to reduce noise impact. On smaller sites, this often makes silent generators the only viable option.
Access is critical for both. Toilet trailers require wide, stable entry points for delivery vehicles, typically 2.5–3 metres clearance and firm ground. Generators also need level positioning, ventilation space and safe cable routing to the marquee. Long cable runs increase cost and risk, so positioning should balance distance with practicality.
Planning positioning early prevents common issues such as delivery failure, excessive noise, or unsafe layouts.
Marquee Facilities Hire Costs: Toilets, Generators & Budget Planning
Marquee facilities typically cost £1,000–£2,000 for a 100-guest event, covering toilets, generators, fuel and delivery.
Costs vary based on event size, location and equipment type, but most budgets follow a similar structure. Toilets and generators are often priced separately, with additional costs for fuel, transport and servicing.
Toilet Hire Costs: Luxury Trailers, Standard Units & Disabled Access Pricing
Luxury toilet trailers typically cost £600–£1,200 depending on size and specification, with 2-cubicle units covering up to 100 guests and 4-cubicle units covering larger events.
Standard portable toilets cost £80–£150 per unit, with a 100-guest event requiring 6–8 units, resulting in a total of £500–£1,000. These are more cost-effective but provide a basic experience.
Disabled access toilets cost £150–£250 per unit and are required for events with over 50 guests. This is a fixed addition rather than an optional upgrade.
Generator Hire Costs: Silent, Standard & Fuel Pricing UK
Silent generators cost £300–£600 for a typical weekend hire, with 15–20 kW units suitable for most 100-guest events. They are the standard choice for weddings due to low noise and flexible positioning.
Standard generators cost £150–£350, offering a cheaper option where space allows for distant placement. However, additional cable costs may offset some of the savings.
Fuel is usually charged separately, typically £80–£150 depending on generator size and runtime.
Combined Facilities Packages: Integrated Toilet + Generator Hire Deals
Some suppliers offer combined packages that include toilets, generators and setup in a single booking. These typically reduce total cost by 10–15% compared to hiring separately.
Packages also simplify logistics, as delivery, setup and collection are handled together. This reduces coordination issues and ensures compatibility between systems.
Hidden Facilities Costs: Delivery, Fuel, Servicing & Extras
Additional costs are often overlooked in initial quotes. Delivery typically ranges from £50–£150 depending on distance, while extended setups or difficult access may increase this further.
Fuel costs vary based on usage but are rarely included in base generator hire. Toilet servicing may also be required for longer events, adding additional charges.
Other extras include cable hire, lighting for toilet areas, and emergency call-out support. These smaller costs add up and can increase total spend by 10–20% if not accounted for early.
Marquee Facilities Hire Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Gloucestershire
Marquee Vision provides toilet and generator hire across Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Gloucestershire, with delivery, setup and collection handled as a single coordinated service.
Operating from Marlborough, the service covers a 50-mile radius, supporting rural estates, private gardens and event venues where facilities are not available on-site. Local knowledge directly improves setup quality, as ground conditions, access routes and site layout vary significantly across the region.
Regional considerations include:
- Wiltshire & Oxfordshire: Private land and estates often require full facilities hire
- Gloucestershire (Cotswolds): Narrow access routes and uneven ground require careful delivery planning
- Berkshire: More formal or residential venues where quiet generators and premium toilets are expected
Facilities are stationed alongside the Marquee Installation to ensure everything is operational before the event begins. Toilets are positioned for convenience without affecting the visual layout, while generators are placed based on noise, distance and cable efficiency.
A site assessment confirms:
- Access and delivery constraints
- Ground conditions and positioning
- Power requirements and generator size
- Layout and distances between elements
This prevents common issues such as poor positioning, access failures or underpowered generators.
Why Choose Marquee Vision for Facilities Hire? Integrated Solutions & Expert Service
Marquee Vision delivers integrated facilities hire with clear pricing, coordinated setup and reliable service across 500+ events.
Facilities are planned and delivered as one system rather than separate hires. This removes the need to manage multiple suppliers and ensures compatibility across all elements.
Every quote is fully itemised, covering:
- Toilets and quantities
- Generator size and type
- Fuel requirements
- Delivery and setup
This avoids unexpected costs and gives full visibility before booking.
Service is structured and responsive:
- Site visits within 48 hours
- Quotes delivered within 24 hours
- Full setup, testing and collection included
Equipment is maintained to commercial standards, with clean toilet units, reliable generators and backup availability during peak periods.
A recent 150-guest Gloucestershire wedding with no existing facilities was delivered using a silent generator, luxury toilet trailer and coordinated setup, creating a fully functional event space without relying on venue infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marquee Toilets & Generators
Do I need to hire toilets for my marquee wedding?
Yes, if your venue does not have suitable facilities, you need to hire toilets. Most marquee venues are blank spaces, and even venues with indoor toilets often cannot handle 80–150 guests, making additional hire necessary for capacity and compliance.
What size generator do I need for a 100-guest marquee wedding?
A 15–20 kW generator is suitable for most 100-guest weddings. This covers lighting, catering, and sound with a safe buffer, preventing overload and ensuring consistent power throughout the event.
How much do marquee toilets and a generator cost in the UK?
Typical cost is £1,000–£2,000 for a 100-guest event. This includes a luxury toilet trailer, generator hire, fuel and delivery, with final pricing depending on location and equipment choice.
Can you run a marquee wedding without a generator?
Yes, but only if the venue has sufficient mains power. Most outdoor venues do not provide enough capacity for catering and lighting, so generators are required in the majority of marquee weddings.
Where should toilets be positioned at a marquee event?
Toilets should be placed 20–50 metres from the marquee. This keeps them accessible while maintaining discretion, with disabled units positioned closer for easy access.
Are silent generators worth the extra cost for weddings?
Yes, silent generators are worth the extra cost for weddings. They operate at low noise levels and can be placed near the marquee without disrupting speeches or music, unlike standard generators.