6 Wedding Tent Styles for a Beautiful Chicago Wedding (With Pictures)

wedding tent style high peak wedding tent with string lights

This list of wedding tent styles is perfect for couples planning a beautiful outdoor wedding. The ideal tent does more than just provide shelter from the unpredictable weather! It checks off a number of boxes and provides the perfect back drop for the style of each unique wedding day.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Tent Style

Wedding Tent Style

Wedding tents are available in a variety of styles that provide the perfect setting that fits with other details. A high peak tent adds a touch of drama, while a festival tent is the perfect wedding tent style for a casual wedding picnic.

Amount of Room for Supports

All wedding tents need supports that hold it up; there is variation in the type of supports and how much room is needed around the outside of the tent for supports. Frame tents, for example, need little room for staking. This makes them perfect for weddings where the tent is placed against a building or adjacent to a pool or space where there is not much room for supports. Frame tents also have the ability to be supported by weights.

Interior Space

Some tents require quite a few center poles, while others provide quite a bit of unobstructed room. Couples can get the right wedding tent by contacting a tent rental company with a few details, such as their wedding date, tent dimensions, and details about the venue.

Lighting and Décor

While it may seem a bit premature to think about tent décor, the desired décor does play a part in choosing the right wedding tent. High peak tents allow plenty of room for elegant or whimsical lighting, such as chandeliers or bright-colored paper lanterns.

Types of Wedding Tents

There are a variety of wedding tent styles available for couples who want the perfect outdoor ceremony and reception.

clear tent at outdoor wedding in chicago

Clear Tent

A clear-toped tent offers couples shelter from the elements and a view of the outdoors. These wedding tents are perfect for couples who want guests to enjoy the beauty of their scenic venue in the comfort of a tent. Clear tents are available in a variety of sizes and can be installed over a variety of surfaces, including decks, patios, and driveways.

white paper lanterns in wedding tent with neutral wedding decor

Frame Tent

Frame tents are able to be supported with a weighting system and require little area around the tent for staking. They can also be installed over a variety of surfaces, such as decks, patios, or parking lots. These tents have no center poles, making them ideal for unique spaces such as decks, pool decks, and other solid surface areas. They can also be installed adjacent to a building, giving couples more space for a backyard wedding, a wonderful cocktail space next to a pool, or an amazing area for mingling out of the sun or rain.

white tent with bright centerpieces

High Peak Tent

High peak tents offer just what the name implies: majestic peaks and elegant lines. With high peaked cathedral ceilings, these wedding tents can be elegantly paired with chandeliers and other dramatic lighting for a regal atmosphere. In addition to high ceilings, the tent also offers limited interior obstruction to ensure that there is plenty of space for mingling and dancing.

festival tent

Festival Tent

Festival tents offer a whimsical atmosphere perfect for a wedding picnic. These tents are striped in a variety of colors and can be paired with a casual dining set up for a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. To complete the experience, couples should also consider yard games, cotton candy machines, and huge grills for a full line-up of family fun.

wedding reception tent at lakeside wedding

Pole Tent

This classic wedding tent is what most people think of when they picture a wedding tent. Pole tents provide an elegant look for guests both inside and outside of the tent. These tents are available in a variety of tent widths and can easily be expanded to the right length. Pole tents can be equipped with lighting and décor that coordinates with other wedding details.

marquee tent wedding tent style

Marquee Tent

Marquee tents are typically used as walkways. These wedding tents make a wonderful first impression as an entrance or transition between two different areas. Marquee tents make a big impression as a clear tent or when paired with beautiful linens for an elegant effect.

Other Tent Rentals

In addition to a wedding tent, couples may need to rent other items off their outdoor wedding checklist:

Wedding Tent Resources

18 Amazing Outdoor Wedding Decor Ideas (With Pictures from Real Chicago Events)

How to Plan an Amazing Outdoor Wedding

The Only Backyard Wedding Checklist You Need

5 Backyard Wedding Ideas

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