Yurt Hire.
Do you want your celebration to stand out from all of your friends?
Whether you are looking for a large event yurt for your wedding, party or special celebration or a small alternative to a regular event tent for your garden party - we've got you covered!
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Our yurts have been used for beautiful weddings and luxury engagement parties as well as significant birthdays. In fact our yurts have even featured in blockbusting films.
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We cover the counties of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and surrounding areas. Our stunning event yurts offer a luxury alternative to many traditional marquees out there.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
The following information will give you the lowdown on what size yurt would suit your wedding or event best. Help you check out what comes included in your yurt hire. How long your yurt hire will last and what is involved in setting up and taking everything down after the event. You can also see what furnishings we have to offer, to make organising all aspects of your celebration a breeze.
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So let's get started...
Yurt sizes.
We have three yurt sizes perfect for your wedding, event or special celebration. The great thing about our yurts is that you can "pod" them together if you want a bigger space.
40ft Yurt - The Grand Pavilion.
This is our flagship yurt and has wowed many guests in weddings and events.
The Grand Pavilion Yurt is an impressive 40ft diameter, equivalent to approximately 12 meters. This Yurt has a maximum seated capacity of 144, though we recommend an optimum of 120, so it is perfect for larger gatherings.
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The "Pavilion" style to this yurt - by this we mean the extra height design - makes these yurts really stand out from anything else, even other yurts. Nothing can quite describe the feeling you get when inside one of these beautiful yurts. The combination of the handmade wooden frame, natural canvas and the extra height of the upper dome, creates an unforgettable experience.
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Another great thing about the yurts is that their guy ropes come straight down to the ground, which allows them to fit in many places other structures can't. Without the need for a guy rope allowance this means they are really well suited to garden parties or weddings held at a family home.
34ft Yurt - The Pavilion.
Exactly the same style as the Grand Pavilion Yurt just smaller, making it perfect for a more intimate gathering or significant celebrations like birthdays or engagement parties.
The Pavilion Yurt stands at 34ft diameter, approx. 10 meters with a maximum capacity of 96 seated, although we feel that 80 is optimum.
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As we've already mentioned with no guy ropes this yurt is a great option for many homes with a reasonable sized garden, but without having to have a field. If you are unsure however we are more than happy to conduct a site visit to measure things out and give no obligation guidance and advice where needed. We have a handy blog post about where you can pitch your marquee, if you are looking for location ideas.
24ft Yurt.
This small yurt is a great little tent with so many possibilities.
24ft in diameter, which is approximately 7 meters across. Maximum capacity seated is 40, making it an ideal choice for birthday parties, anniversaries, christenings or naming ceremonies.
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But.. it comes into it's own when podded onto one of the larger yurts. When you "pod" together any of our yurts it enables you to have designated areas which helps enormously when gently controlling the flow of guests or shutting off an area until later in proceedings.
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The 24ft yurt works brilliantly as a welcome, reception area at weddings where guests enjoy a glass of fizz and canapés. Only to be later taken through into the main event yurt.
Real Yurt Wedding.
Watch Emma & Alex's beautiful Yurt wedding at The Gardens At Polehanger, captured by Andrew Collin Photography
What is included in our yurt hire?
A site visit, where needed can be carried out to assess suitability of the site and positioning. If your venue of choice is somewhere we have worked regularly then this isn't necessarily needed, but we are happy to meet you there to discuss any options face to face.
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Full setup and dismantling and installation of any associated equipment hired from ourselves.
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All our yurts come with matting flooring included as standard. Occasionally you may decide that you want a different feel inside so you can ask to remove the matting which can reduce the cost, but we would suggest that this is only recommended if the site has a good grass. However ultimately, this is up to you.
how long do we have the yurt for?
The standard hire period is 3-4 days. In most cases this usually means setup on Thursday and dismantling on Monday, but it can vary depending on other hires we may have. Essentially we want to give everyone time to allow yourselves and other suppliers to access the yurt to install any decoration, styling or floristry you wish to add.
It is important to find out if your venue has any constraints due to planning rules or commitments to other hires. The earlier we know this the easier it is to work with you and your venue to find the best solution regarding setup and takedown of the yurts.
What about furniture and lighting?
Furniture:
We have lots of wooden furniture which compliments the natural look of the yurts well. Our pine trestle tables are well maintained so that minimal decoration is needed for place settings to look great. Table cloths are certainly not essential, it all just depends on what sort of look and feel you want to create for dining in the yurts.
Seating options include benches or folding wooden chairs. Again both are solid wood and do not require any cover or sash unless this is something you want to add yourselves. Benches work well for 8 people per table and chairs allow for 6 per table.
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Lighting:
When we send you a quote we will add a standard package which contains enough lighting to light your chosen yurt adequately. This package includes festoon lighting around the ring beam of the yurt and up-lighters at floor level to create ambiance. The up-lighters have the ability to be set as different colours or change colour with the beat of music, which is great for later in the evening.
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We are able to offer the additional lighting option of fairy lights in the upper dome of the Pavilion Yurts. This can really elevate the nighttime look and is a popular add on for our clients. We can also install outdoor lighting as an additional extra, just ask us about how we can help you. We have some commonly used setups, but are always happy to create what works for your individual wedding or event.
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It is important to mention that neither our furniture or lighting is a must have, if you do not need it, you don't have to hire it. Or if you want a specific furniture look you may wish to source these from another supplier, which is absolutely fine.
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We have a whole host of additional furnishings and extras such as dance floors, bars and chill-out furniture which we have a dedicated page.
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You may want to add another structure to enhance the setup of your day. If you don't want to 'pod" another yurt then why not consider a Stretch Tent as an additional canopy or maybe a Tipi gin bar or chill out space.
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Joining Yurts together - podding.
Podding yurts is when we join them together. It can be really useful when you want a bit more space for your wedding or event and don't want to include that 'area' within the main function space. Or if you don't want to move things around later in the evening to allow space for a band and dancing.
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The following are just some examples of how the yurts could be used.
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Grand Pavilion & 24ft Yurt - Using the Grand Pavilion as the main dining tent and the 24ft as a separate bar area.
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Grand Pavilion & Pavilion Yurt - Main dining the Grand Pavilion and a bar, band and dance floor in the Pavilion.
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Grand Pavilion, Pavilion & 24ft Yurt - With all three this can allow for a dining area, bar/band area and a chill-out space.
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Pavilion & 24ft Yurt - Main wedding breakfast in the Pavilion and bar and drinks reception in the 24ft yurt.
If you are looking for something a bit bigger, head over to our Pole Marquee page to see our fabulous selection. Alternative or add on spaces such as Stretch Tents are a great option. Or head back to our tent hire​ page see what else we can provide.
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We have some handy blog about budgeting for your dream wedding, take a look to get some ideas to help you plan.
DID YOU KNOW?
Our Grand Pavilion Yurt featured in the film Bridget Jones's Baby - yes they get married and party in our Grand Pavilion. Actually they used two different yurts of ours for filming. Our first ever large yurt and the one we have today.
If you've got this far, you must love Yurts as much as we do so we have some, what we think is, really interesting information about their history and build techniques below. If you think they are beautiful but aren't interested, we get that too. So no need to continue, just send us an email to let us know how we can help with your event.
Want to KNOW about the history of YUrts?
The Yurt: A Timeless Nomadic Shelter The yurt, an iconic and ingeniously designed shelter, has a rich history that dates back centuries and has been integral to the nomadic way of life across vast regions of the world. Its enduring design and adaptability continue to captivate people's imaginations and offer a unique glimpse into the ingenuity of ancient cultures. Origins in the Steppes of Central Asia (Approx. 3,000 years ago) Origins can be traced back to the nomadic tribes of Central Asia, particularly the Mongols and Turkic-speaking peoples. These resourceful communities needed portable, durable, and efficient dwellings that could withstand the harsh climates of the region, which included extreme temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snowfall. The word "yurt" itself is of Turkic origin, meaning "dwelling place" or "home." These circular, tent-like structures were crafted using a framework of wooden lattice walls and a collapsible wooden frame. The lattice walls, called "kerege," provided stability and allowed for easy assembly and disassembly. The wooden frame, called "uni," supported the conical roof, which was traditionally covered with felt made from the wool of their livestock. Nomadic Lifestyle and Adaptability The nomadic lifestyle of Central Asian tribes required them to move frequently in search of grazing lands for their herds. The yurt's remarkable adaptability was a key factor in its enduring popularity. Nomads could dismantle and transport these structures easily, allowing them to set up camp quickly in new locations. This mobility was crucial for their survival and ensured that their shelter could be taken wherever their herds roamed. Spread Across Eurasia The design and practicality of the yurt led to its spread across Eurasia, particularly among the Mongols and Turkic peoples. Over time, variations of the yurt emerged, each influenced by the local culture and environment. For example, in Mongolia, where the climate is more extreme, yurts are often built with thicker walls and additional layers of insulation to withstand harsh winters. Yurts Beyond Central Asia As popularity grew, it extended beyond Central Asia. In the 13th century, during the height of the Mongol Empire, yurts were introduced to parts of Europe and the Middle East. Marco Polo's writings even mentioned the use of yurts in the court of Kublai Khan. In more recent history, yurts have gained attention in the West for their unique aesthetics and practicality. They are often used as glamping accommodations, eco-friendly homes, and alternative living spaces. Their versatility and low environmental impact have made them appealing to modern-day adventurers and environmentally conscious individuals. The Yurt Today Despite modern advancements in construction and technology, the yurt remains an enduring symbol of nomadic culture and innovation. Its design principles, emphasizing portability, stability, and efficient use of resources, continue to inspire architects and designers worldwide. Today, they are not only used by nomadic communities but have found their place in a variety of contexts, from eco-tourism to sustainable housing solutions. The yurt's history is a testament to the resourcefulness and adaptability of ancient nomadic cultures. This portable, circular shelter has stood the test of time, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity while maintaining its essential characteristics. As the world continues to change, the yurt remains a symbol of resilience, practicality, and the enduring spirit of nomadic life.
Get Geeky with us about yurt building techniques?
Traditional steam bending techniques have played a crucial role in crafting wooden structures like yurts. One of the primary woods used for this purpose is ash, known for its flexibility and strength when properly treated. 1. Wood Selection: Ash Wood: Ash wood is favored for steam bending due to its unique combination of characteristics. It has straight grain patterns, which allow for consistent bending without excessive grain runout or splitting. Additionally, ash wood has good tensile strength and flexibility, making it suitable for bending without breaking. 2. Harvesting and Preparation: Seasoning: Before the steam bending process begins, the ash wood must be properly seasoned or dried. This helps reduce the wood's moisture content, making it more pliable and less prone to cracking during bending. 3. Steam Bending Process: Creating Steam: The first step in the steam bending process involves creating steam. This is typically done by placing the wood in a steam chamber or box. The chamber is heated, and steam is generated, surrounding the wood and raising its temperature. Soaking: Once the wood reaches the desired temperature, it is soaked in the steam for a specified amount of time. The heat and moisture combination softens the lignin, a natural polymer in wood, making it more flexible. Bending: After sufficient soaking, the wood is removed from the steam chamber and immediately placed in a bending jig or form. This form dictates the desired shape of the wood. As the wood cools and dries, it retains the curved or bent shape of the jig. 4. Jig Design: Customized Forms: For yurt construction, the bending jig or form is customized to create the specific curved components needed, such as rafters, wall lattice, and the circular framework of the yurt's roof. Each component requires a different jig to achieve the desired shape. 5. Cooling and Setting: Natural Cooling: As the bent wood cools, it gradually sets into its new shape. It's important to allow the wood to cool naturally and slowly to prevent cracking or warping. 6. Final Shaping and Joinery: Trimming and Joinery: Once the wood has completely cooled and set, any excess material is trimmed, and joinery is applied as needed. For yurts, this includes the attachment points for roof rafters, wall lattice, and door frames. 7. Preservation: Sealing and Coating: To protect the wood from environmental factors such as moisture, insects, and decay, it's common to apply a finish or sealant. Traditional methods may involve using natural oils or waxes to enhance durability. 8. Assembly: Yurt Construction: The bent and treated ash wood components are then assembled to create the yurt's framework. This involves joining the various parts together to form the circular structure of the yurt, including the roof and wall sections. Traditional steam bending techniques using ash wood have been refined over centuries and continue to be a vital part of crafting wooden structures like yurts. This process combines the natural properties of ash with the controlled application of heat and moisture to achieve the desired shapes, allowing for the creation of durable and beautiful wooden shelters.