Buyer guide
Renting a Ferris wheel for a wedding
A Ferris wheel at a wedding gives guests a ride and gives you photos with a view. It is also a large piece of equipment arriving at a venue that may never have hosted one, so the planning starts with the venue. This guide covers what to check with your venue, what an operator will need from you, and the questions to ask before you sign. Requirements vary by wheel, operator, venue and location, so treat every item as something to confirm.
Start with your venue
Ask the venue these before you contact operators. Their answers decide what is possible.
- Does the venue allow amusement rides on its grounds?
- Where could a wheel stand, and is the ground there firm and level?
- Can trucks and trailers reach that spot, and when can they arrive and leave?
- Does the venue need insurance paperwork or other documents from the ride operator?
- Are there rules on noise, lighting or a finish time for the evening?
Space, access and power
An operator needs these details to tell you which wheel fits.
- The size of the area, and anything overhead such as trees, wires, tents or a roof line
- The route from the road to the setup spot, including gates, slopes and tight turns
- Whether there is power near the spot, or whether the operator should bring a generator
- Where the wheel would sit in view of the reception, if photos of it matter to you
Timing on the day
A wheel is built before guests arrive and taken down after they leave.
- How long before the ceremony does your crew need to arrive and set up?
- Can the wheel run during the reception only, and which hours are included?
- Does setup or teardown have to happen outside the venue’s event hours?
- What happens to the plan if weather stops the wheel?
Your guests
Tell the operator who will ride, so they can suggest a wheel and staffing that suit your reception.
- Roughly how many guests you expect, and whether children will ride
- Whether guests in formal wear, or with limited mobility, are likely to want a ride
- Whether the wheel should run for the whole reception or for a set time
Questions to ask each operator
Ask these of every operator you contact and compare the answers side by side.
- Which wheel do you suggest for our space and guest count, and can I see photos of it?
- Are attendants included for the whole time the wheel runs?
- Can you provide a certificate of insurance for our venue before the event?
- Who arranges any permit or inspection the venue or city requires?
- What deposit do you need, and what are your cancellation and weather terms?
What to have ready before you call
Operators quote faster when you can answer these on the first call.
The day
- 1.Wedding date?
- 2.Ceremony and reception times?
- 3.Expected number of guests?
The venue
- 1.Has the venue approved a ride?
- 2.Setup spot size and anything overhead?
- 3.Access route for trucks and trailers?
Power and paperwork
- 1.Power near the setup spot?
- 2.Venue's requirements for vendor insurance?
Frequently asked questions
- Can you rent a Ferris wheel for a wedding?
- Yes. Some operators rent Ferris wheels for private events, including weddings. Whether one fits depends on your venue’s rules, the space and the access, so check those first, then contact operators near the venue.
- How much does a wedding Ferris wheel cost?
- Each operator quotes per event, after hearing your date, venue, hours and site. How much does it cost to rent a Ferris wheel explains what changes the quote and how to compare quotes.
- How far ahead should we contact operators?
- As soon as your date and venue are set. Wedding season overlaps with the busiest months for fairs and festivals, and only the operator knows whether a wheel is free on your date.
- Could a carousel work instead?
- It is another option couples consider, and it suits all ages. The same venue, space, access and power questions apply, so ask them of carousel operators too.
Related guides
Comparing quotes? How much does it cost to rent a Ferris wheel explains what changes the price and what to ask about what's included. How much does it cost to rent a Ferris wheel? →
Adding other rides? How to rent carnival rides covers transport, power, staffing, permits and weather. How to rent carnival rides for an event →