For couples, a marquee wedding is all about the setting: sailcloth canvas, wooden poles, and open views. For venue managers and estate owners, it’s about protecting the ground beneath it.
Hosting a large event on historic property comes with risks, from damaged grass and crushed roots to hit utility lines.
Over the years, we’ve built up a strong reputation with some of the nation’s most prestigious venues. Here is how we protect venue grounds from start to finish.
1. Comprehensive pre-event planning & risk prevention
Protecting historic grounds starts long before we arrive on site. It’s all in the planning:
- During our very first call, we ask about the specific site layout, access routes, and potential obstacles
- We follow up the initial discussion with an on-site inspection to walk the ground and identify any localised risks
- Before any build begins, we issue a formal ‘permit to work’
By thoroughly investigating all potential challenges well in advance of a build, we prevent problems during an event week which are often expensive and carry the risk of serious injury. We actively work to avoid both at all costs.
2. Keeping heavy equipment off turf
Heavy machinery on soft ground can cause deep ruts and lasting soil damage. To keep grounds pristine, we take extra care with how every piece of gear moves across the sites we work on:
- We keep heavy transport strictly on driveways and hard surfaces whenever the ground is soft
- We will carry equipment by hand, even over hundreds of metres if required, to protect the grass and prevent tire tracks
- We bring all our gear in from the rear of the site to ensure the front lawn remains untouched and in pristine condition ready for guest arrivals
Together, these steps ensure grounds stay flawless before, during, and long after an event.
"Original Marquees left the site clean and tidy after the installation and very tidy after taking down...it was as though the marquee had never been there!"
3. Scanning for underground utilities before staking
Historic estates often have hidden infrastructure close to the surface, from Victorian drainage to modern fibre cables and tree roots.
Before driving any stakes into the ground, our team takes two specific steps:
- We work with venue groundskeepers and estate managers to map underground services, and we can use our own CAT scanners to confirm exact locations when there is uncertainty
- If an area can’t be staked due to tree roots or other obstacles, we recommend making minor adjustments to the marquee's position rather than risking underground damage. Sometimes this is just a reorientation or shifting the marquee across a few fee
4. Clear-up and fast lawn recovery
A successful event shouldn't leave the venue with long-term repairs.
When packing down, our team removes every stake, lifts all trackways, and sweeps the area for small hardware. Because we protect the soil throughout the build, the grass recovers quickly, allowing venues to host back-to-back events without costly lawn restoration.
"The guys were a pleasure to have around and take exceptional care of their tents and the site. They hugely put my mind at rest!"
Trusted across UK heritage venues
Whether setting up on the Ranger's Lawn at Cornbury Park or working within the protected grounds of Sudeley Castle, we apply the same care to every property.
Couples get a clear, beautiful space for their wedding, and estate managers get complete peace of mind.
Planning a marquee event on a private estate or venue?
Contact our team to discuss your site requirements.
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