Hiring a mini golf course for your wedding is one of the best ways I’ve seen to entertain guests of all ages. It brilliantly fills that often-awkward downtime between the ceremony and the reception with a bit of fun and laughter. It’s an amazing icebreaker that gets everyone mingling and creates a relaxed, memorable vibe that you just don't get with more traditional entertainment.
Why Mini Golf Is a Perfect Match for Your Wedding Day
These days, weddings are moving away from stuffy formalities and becoming much more about personal, experience-led celebrations. Couples want their guests to have a genuinely fantastic time, and that means finding activities that show off their personality. This is exactly where mini golf hire for weddings comes in, turning your day into a lively event people will be talking about for ages.
Think about that classic wedding lull—that hour or two after the "I do's" when you're off having photos taken. Guests are often left to their own devices, making polite but sometimes stilted small talk. A mini golf course completely changes that dynamic. It becomes a natural social hub, instantly giving people a low-pressure, engaging activity to dive into.
Bridging the Generation Gap
One of the trickiest parts of planning any wedding is finding entertainment that clicks with everyone, from the little ones to your great-aunt Susan. Mini golf nails this. It’s a game literally anyone can play, no matter their age or athletic ability.
- Kids are kept busy: It gives them something fun and structured to do, which is a lifesaver for parents.
- Friends get competitive: A bit of friendly competition is the perfect way to get your different groups of friends mixing.
- Older relatives can join the fun: It’s a gentle, accessible activity that grandparents can easily enjoy with their grandchildren.
This shared experience forges connections between guests who might never have spoken otherwise, creating a much warmer and more integrated atmosphere for the whole day.
Creating Authentic Photo Opportunities
Of course, you need the posed group shots, but let's be honest—the photos you'll treasure most are the candid ones that capture pure joy and laughter. A mini golf course is an absolute goldmine for these moments. Picture your dad's look of intense concentration as he lines up a tricky putt, or the spontaneous high-five between your mates from uni.
Mini golf provides a dynamic backdrop for your wedding album. It goes beyond static scenery, creating a story of fun and interaction that tells a much richer tale of your celebration.
These informal snaps are bursting with life and personality, adding a wonderfully playful dimension to your wedding photography. It's an entertainment choice that visually documents the happiness of your day.
The visual appeal of a well-designed course can also really lift your venue's aesthetic. A rustic wooden set looks incredible at a barn wedding, while a sleek white course can perfectly complement a more formal garden party. It’s more than just a game; it becomes an interactive piece of decor that makes your wedding stand out.
If you’re looking for more ways to keep your guests entertained, you can find a great list of unique wedding reception entertainment ideas to pair with your mini golf setup.
Will Mini Golf Work at Your Wedding Venue?
Before you get completely carried away with the idea of a whimsical nine-hole challenge, let’s get practical. You need to be sure your venue can actually accommodate it. A quick site assessment is your first job, and it’s the key to locking in your mini golf hire for weddings without any last-minute drama.
The good news is that most portable courses are built for flexibility. But knowing your space and its limits from the get-go will save you a world of logistical headaches later on.
The first thing to look at is the surface. Most hire companies are happy to set up on all sorts of ground, but each one has its quirks.
- Grass Lawns: This is the dream scenario. A reasonably flat, mown lawn gives that classic garden party feel and is the perfect playing surface. The supplier can just lay out the course, and it’ll look like it was always meant to be there.
- Hardstanding (Patios, Terraces, Car Parks): Also a brilliant option. Setting up on concrete or paving is perfectly stable and means you can bring the game closer to the main reception area, which is great for keeping guests involved.
- Indoor Spaces (Barns, Marquees, Halls): Don't rule out bringing the game inside! This is your ultimate wet-weather contingency plan. As long as you have the floor space, an indoor course guarantees the fun goes on, whatever the British weather decides to do.
If you’ve found the perfect spot but the ground isn’t quite right—maybe it's a bit bumpy or you want to protect the venue's flooring—you can always bring in a fake grass carpet. It’s a simple fix that creates an ideal playing surface just about anywhere.
Sizing Up Your Space
Next up: how much room do you actually have? While a huge, sprawling course is lovely, suppliers are masters of Tetris and can fit courses into all sorts of nooks and crannies. You don’t need a perfect, flat rectangle.
Don’t just measure the total square footage; think about the usable shape. L-shaped gardens, long narrow courtyards, or even spots with a few trees can often work beautifully. A good supplier can get creative with the layout to make the most of what you’ve got.
As a rough guide, a standard nine-hole course needs about 10 metres by 15 metres to feel comfortable, giving people enough room to swing a putter and move around between holes. If you’re tight on space, don’t panic. Many companies offer smaller packages or can arrange the holes in a more compact, non-linear layout. Just make sure you have your measurements handy when you first enquire.
Key Questions for Your Venue Manager
Once you've had a look at the space, it’s time for a quick chat with your venue manager. They are your best friend when it comes to a smooth delivery and setup. Go in prepared with a few specific questions to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Essential Logistics Checklist:
- Access for Delivery: How will the supplier’s van or small lorry get to the setup area? Are there any narrow gates, tight corners, or pesky steps that could cause a problem?
- Setup and Breakdown Times: What’s the earliest the supplier can arrive, and when do they absolutely need to be gone? This has to sync up with the venue's own schedule.
- Ground Condition Policies: Does the venue have rules about putting equipment on the lawns, especially if it’s been raining heavily? Best to ask now.
- Power Supply: Does the course need electricity? Some of the more premium setups might have lighting for evening play or even sound effects, so it’s worth checking if an outdoor power source is required.
Getting these details sorted early means no nasty surprises on the day. With 28% of UK couples now including activities like garden games to entertain their guests, venues are more familiar than ever with this kind of request.
And if you’re thinking about other ways to fill your outdoor space, have a look through our other ideas for fun outdoor garden games.
Personalising Your Mini Golf Experience
Any entertainment can fill a gap in the day, but your wedding deserves something that feels truly yours. Hiring a mini golf course isn't just about giving guests something to do; it’s a brilliant opportunity to weave your story into the fabric of your celebration. With the right creative touches, a simple game can become a meaningful centrepiece that perfectly reflects your style as a couple.
The first thing to consider is the overall look and feel. Forget any memories of tired, faded fibreglass courses. The quality of mini golf hire for weddings these days is exceptional, with designs that can genuinely enhance your wedding theme.
- Rustic & Vintage: If you're planning a barn, tipi, or relaxed countryside wedding, a handcrafted wooden course with natural-looking obstacles is a perfect match. It just blends right into the scenery.
- Classic White & Elegant: For a more formal affair at a stately home or a chic hotel, you can't go wrong with a sleek white course. It looks incredibly crisp and sophisticated sitting on a manicured lawn.
- Modern & Minimalist: Some suppliers even offer courses with clean, contemporary lines that are ideal for city weddings or venues with a more architectural edge.
Once you’ve chosen a style that complements your venue, the real fun begins. Customisation is where you can let your personalities shine and create an experience your guests will never forget.
Weaving Your Story into the Game
The details that guests remember most are the ones that tell a story. You can easily turn each hole of the mini golf course into a little chapter of your relationship journey. It makes the game far more engaging and gives everyone a lovely insight into what makes you, you.
Imagine a course where each hole represents a milestone:
- Hole 1: The First Date – An obstacle shaped like the pub or coffee shop where it all began.
- Hole 4: The First Holiday – A little landmark from your favourite trip together, like a mini Eiffel Tower or a palm tree.
- Hole 9: The Proposal – A feature that recreates the very spot where you got engaged.
This approach gives your guests fantastic talking points as they play. It’s an interactive narrative that’s both fun and deeply personal.
Making the mini golf personal is what elevates it from a bit of fun to a standout memory. Guests absolutely love discovering these little details, and it shows them just how much thought you've put into their experience.
This level of personalisation is what people will be talking about long after the confetti has settled. And it looks incredible in photos! In fact, UK wedding stats show that 75% of visitors to themed courses find certain holes 'Instagram-worthy'. With thousands of marriages taking place in England and Wales each year, entertainment hire is a booming market, and it’s these personal touches that make all the difference. You can read more about the impact of unique mini golf holes on guest enjoyment to see just how powerful this can be.
Popular Mini Golf Theming Options for Weddings
To get your creative juices flowing, let's look at some popular themes I've seen work brilliantly at weddings. Each offers a different vibe and can be adapted to tell your unique story.
| Theme | Key Features | Best Suited For | Customisation Ideas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Love Story | Each hole represents a relationship milestone: first date, first home, proposal location, etc. | All wedding styles, especially those with a sentimental and personal focus. | Obstacles shaped like landmarks from your story; signs at each hole explaining its significance. |
| Travel & Adventure | Holes themed around countries or cities you've visited together. Obstacles could be famous landmarks. | Couples who love to travel; destination weddings or globally-inspired themes. | A passport-style scorecard; obstacles like the Statue of Liberty, a Swiss alp, or an Aussie kangaroo. |
| Shared Hobbies | Based on your mutual interests, like music, films, sports, or even video games. | Fun-loving, modern couples who want to showcase their personalities. | A guitar-shaped putter, a film clapperboard obstacle, or holes designed like levels from a favourite game. |
| Classic Romance | A more traditional aesthetic with elegant obstacles like hearts, flowers, and swans. | Formal, classic, and fairytale-themed weddings at stately homes or elegant hotels. | Monogrammed obstacles with your initials; a "tunnel of love" hole; floral decorations on the course. |
No matter which theme you lean towards, the key is to choose something that feels authentic to you as a couple. This is your chance to share a bit of your world with your favourite people.
Small Details, Big Impact
Even if a fully themed course isn't for you, there are so many smaller ways to add that personal flair. These subtle details are fantastic for tying the game into your wider wedding celebration, making it all feel beautifully cohesive.
Here are a few popular ideas to consider:
- Branded Obstacles: Most suppliers can add your initials, wedding date, or a custom monogram to key obstacles, like the loop-the-loop or the final hole.
- Personalised Scorecards: A brilliant touch is to have scorecards designed to match your wedding stationery, complete with your names and maybe a fun photo.
- Coloured Golf Balls: This is such a simple but effective visual trick. Just choose golf balls that match your wedding colour scheme.
- Custom Signage: You can create bespoke signs for each hole or a main welcome sign using your wedding font and style.
- Unique Prizes: Don't forget the prizes! Offer small, personalised gifts for the best score, the most creative shot, or a hole-in-one.
All these little elements work together to create an experience that feels thoughtfully curated and perfectly aligned with your vision for the day. It’s what makes mini golf hire for your wedding an absolute highlight for everyone involved.
Budgeting for Wedding Mini Golf Hire
Right, let's talk numbers. Working out the cost of mini golf hire for weddings is obviously a key part of your planning, but it’s not always black and white. Prices can swing quite a bit depending on the quality of the course, how long you need it for, and any personal touches you’re after.
A standard hire package is built to be an all-in-one, ready-to-play solution. You’re not just getting the course; you’re getting a full service that takes all the stress out of it. Most basic hires will cover the course itself, putters for both adults and kids, low-bounce golf balls, and scorecards. Crucially, it also includes delivery to your venue, professional setup, and collection afterwards. It’s this complete approach that makes it such a brilliant, hassle-free entertainment choice.
What Influences the Hire Price
The final quote you get will hinge on a few key things. The biggest factor is the quality and style of the course. A simple, functional set will be kinder on the budget than a premium, handcrafted wooden course with all the bells and whistles.
The price also reflects the supplier's reputation and the level of service they provide. The luxury end of the market is particularly strong in the UK, with some suppliers charging a premium for top-tier products. For example, a company like Crazy9, known for its award-winning wedding entertainment, has set a high benchmark with its bespoke courses. Their hire rates can be 20-30% above the standard for a full-day luxury setup, but that price reflects their exceptional design quality and service. It’s a perfect example of how craftsmanship and brand reputation can affect your budget. You can read more about the rise of award-winning wedding entertainment in the UK.
Other things that will nudge the cost up or down include:
- Duration of Hire: A typical hire might be for a 4-6 hour slot. If you want the course running all day and into the evening, you should expect to pay more.
- Location & Travel: The supplier’s journey to your venue will be factored into the price, usually based on mileage from their base.
- Customisation: Any personal elements, from obstacles branded with your initials to custom-made signs, will be quoted as add-ons.
Uncovering Potential Extra Costs
When you’re setting your budget, it’s smart to leave a little wiggle room for extras that might not be in the initial quote. Knowing about these from the get-go helps avoid any nasty surprises down the line.
A good, transparent supplier will always give you a fully itemised quote. Don't be afraid to ask for a clear breakdown of what's included and what isn't. This makes sure you're comparing apples with apples when you're getting quotes from different companies.
Here are a few common extras to think about:
- Evening Lighting: If you want guests playing after the sun goes down, ask about lighting options for the course.
- Staffing: While you don't always need it, you can hire an attendant to look after the game, run a little tournament, and get guests involved.
- Difficult Access: If your venue is a bit tricky to get to (think flights of stairs or a long trek from the van), there might be a surcharge for the extra manpower needed.
- Prizes: Some suppliers can provide a small trophy or personalised prizes for the winners. It's a lovely touch, but it will be an additional cost.
To give you a better idea, I’ve put together a sample budget for a decent mid-range package.
Sample Budget Breakdown for Wedding Mini Golf Hire
This table gives you an idea of the typical costs for a mid-range, 9-hole mini golf hire package in the UK. It should help you get a feel for what to expect and plan your budget accordingly.
| Item/Service | Estimated Cost (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9-Hole Premium Course Hire | £450 – £650 | Includes standard 4-hour hire, delivery, setup, and collection within a 50-mile radius. |
| Customised Scorecards | £30 – £50 | Designed to match your wedding stationery theme. |
| Personalised Obstacle | £50 – £100 | e.g., A branded final hole with your initials and wedding date. |
| Extended Hire (2 extra hours) | £75 – £150 | To keep the fun going into the evening reception. |
| LED Lighting for Evening Play | £60 – £120 | Essential for ensuring the course is playable after dark. |
| Total Estimated Cost | £665 – £1070 |
As you can see, a few thoughtful additions can shape the final price. By understanding all these moving parts, you can put together a budget that gets you an incredible experience for your guests. And if you're looking for other interactive ideas, you might want to check out some other great party games for hire to go alongside the golf.
Your Mini Golf Booking Timeline: A Simple Guide
Adding another supplier to your wedding list can feel… overwhelming. I get it. But honestly, booking your mini golf hire is one of the more straightforward parts of the puzzle if you time it right. A clear plan means you can lock in this brilliant bit of entertainment without any last-minute stress, ensuring it all runs like clockwork on the day.
Of course, this is just one piece of your planning journey. It's always a good idea to see how this fits into the grand scheme of things by checking it against an essential wedding preparation timeline.
The Scouting Stage: 9 to 12 Months Before the Wedding
Right now is the sweet spot for starting your research. Your guest list is probably firming up, you’ve most likely nailed down your venue, and you have a solid feel for the day's overall vibe. This is the time to get online and see what’s out there.
During this phase, you’re mostly window shopping:
- Find Your Vibe: Look at different courses to see what matches your wedding style. Are you picturing something rustic and wooden, or clean, modern, and white?
- Gather Ideas: Start a Pinterest board or a folder of images you love. Note any cool features or customisation ideas that really jump out at you.
- Create a Shortlist: Aim for a list of three to five potential hire companies that cover your venue’s location and have glowing reviews from other couples.
Don't put any pressure on yourself here. You're just exploring your options and getting a feel for what you genuinely like, with no commitments needed just yet.
Getting Quotes and Making a Decision: 6 to 9 Months Out
Okay, you’ve got your shortlist. Now it's time to talk numbers. Reach out to your top picks and ask for a quote. Make sure you give them your wedding date, venue address, and a rough guest count to get an accurate price.
When the quotes come in, look beyond the bottom-line figure. Dig into what’s actually included. Does the price cover delivery, professional setup, and all the equipment (putters, balls, scorecards)? A good supplier will give you a clear, detailed breakdown so you can compare like-for-like.
This is also your chance to get the serious stuff sorted. Ask to see their public liability insurance, read their cancellation policy carefully, and make sure you understand the hire agreement before you sign on the dotted line. Peace of mind is non-negotiable.
Once you’ve found a supplier you click with and you're happy with the contract, get it booked! Popular summer dates can get snapped up well over a year in advance, so locking in your choice around the eight-month mark is a brilliant move.
Here's a quick visual breakdown of how the booking and budgeting timeline typically looks.
As you can see, the main action happens well in advance, which is the best way to make sure you get the supplier you really want.
Nailing the Details: 2 to 3 Months Before the Wedding
With your booking secured, you can tick that off your list and forget about it for a while. Then, about two or three months before the wedding, it’s time to circle back and iron out the final details with your supplier. This is where the logistics and your creative vision come together.
Your check-in call or email should cover:
- Customisation: Lock in any personal touches you’ve decided on. This could be anything from obstacles with your initials to custom scorecards or golf balls in your wedding colours.
- Course Layout: Chat through the exact placement of the course with your supplier and your venue's coordinator. It’s a good idea to use photos or a site plan to make sure everyone is on the same page.
- The Logistics: Confirm the delivery, setup, and collection schedule. Crucially, make sure your supplier has the direct contact details for your on-the-day venue manager.
This is your final opportunity to ensure everything is perfectly aligned and exactly as you pictured it.
Final Checks: The Month Of the Wedding
In the last few weeks, it’s all about a final confirmation. Your supplier will probably get in touch with you or your wedding planner to do one last run-through. They'll confirm arrival times and check if there are any last-minute notes for access or setup. You should also double-check that your final payment has been sent as per your contract.
On the big day itself, you won’t have to lift a finger. The supplier will arrive on time, set everything up discreetly and professionally, and have the course ready for your guests. When the hire period is over, they’ll pack it all away just as efficiently, leaving you to carry on celebrating. It’s this seamless, hands-off process that makes mini golf hire for weddings such a fantastic and stress-free choice.
Answering Your Wedding Mini Golf Questions
Even with the best-laid plans, a few questions are bound to pop up. That’s perfectly normal. When you're making decisions for your wedding day, you need to feel completely confident. Let's run through some of the most common queries I get from couples about mini golf hire for weddings to help clear up any last-minute wobbles.
What Happens If It Rains on Our Wedding Day?
Ah, the number one worry for any UK wedding with outdoor plans! The great news is that professional hire companies are well-versed in our famously unpredictable weather. Most modern courses are built from tough, weather-resistant materials, so a bit of light drizzle won't stop the fun.
For a proper downpour, any decent supplier will have a solid Plan B. Many portable courses are just as happy indoors as they are out. If your venue has a suitable space – a large function room, a clear spot in a marquee, or even a converted barn – the whole setup can simply be moved inside.
It's absolutely vital you talk this through with your supplier before you book. Ask them straight up about their wet-weather policy. You need to know if the specific course you’re hiring is suitable for an indoor setup and what the space requirements would be. A reliable company will have this all figured out.
Do We Need Someone to Staff the Mini Golf Course?
For the most part, no, you don't. Mini golf is brilliantly self-sufficient. Part of its charm is that guests can just pick up a putter and play whenever the mood strikes. Your hire package will include everything they need to help themselves, from the clubs and balls right down to the scorecards.
However, if you're having a very large wedding or want to make a real feature of the game, you can often request an attendant for an extra fee. This can be a fantastic touch.
An attendant can:
- Organise a tournament: They’ll manage a leaderboard, hand out a prize, and create a brilliant bit of friendly competition.
- Engage with guests: They can act as a host for the game, explaining the rules and encouraging people to get involved.
- Keep things tidy: They’ll make sure the area stays neat, collecting any stray balls and putters.
It’s not essential, but it can certainly elevate the whole experience.
Think about your guests. If you’ve got a lively, competitive crowd, a staffed tournament could become a real highlight. For a more laid-back, informal vibe, letting people play at their own pace is absolutely fine.
Ultimately, this choice just comes down to the atmosphere you're trying to create.
How Much Space Do We Actually Need?
This is a very practical question, but the answer is surprisingly flexible. A standard 9-hole course is often laid out in a space of around 10 by 15 metres, but please don't see that as a rigid rule. The real beauty of portable mini golf hire for weddings is its modular design.
The individual holes aren't fixed together, which means they can be arranged to fit all sorts of odd-shaped spaces. I’ve seen them set up in long, narrow gardens, on L-shaped patios, and even dotted around a drinks reception area. A good supplier is an expert in creative layouts.
When you enquire, have the dimensions and maybe a few photos of the potential spot ready. They’ll be able to tell you instantly if the space will work and suggest the best layout to make it look great and play well. Don't be put off if you don't have a perfect, flat rectangle of lawn to work with.
Is Mini Golf Suitable for All Our Guests?
One hundred percent yes – and this is arguably its greatest strength. Mini golf is one of the very few wedding activities that genuinely has something for everyone, from your three-year-old flower girl to your 80-year-old grandma.
It’s a low-impact activity, the rules couldn't be simpler, and no physical fitness is required. Suppliers always provide putters in various sizes, including tiny ones for children, so everyone can have a comfortable go. It creates a wonderful, natural way for different generations to chat and have fun together. Watching grandparents showing their grandkids how to hold a putter creates those priceless, candid wedding moments you’ll absolutely treasure.