Outdoor cinema cost guide

Love the idea of having your own outdoor home cinema? It can be pretty magical watching a film with friends or family under the stars, especially on those balmy summer evenings.

You can have a fun and fully immersive entertainment experience, with drinks and snacks within easy reach – but without the bother and expense of going out. An outdoor movie night can also be a fabulous excuse for a garden party.

In this guide, we’ll look at the average outdoor cinema cost. This includes the projector, screen and everything else you need to create the perfect atmosphere.

Cost to buy a projector

The first thing you’ll need to create a fantastic outdoor cinema at home is a projector. The cost of a projector varies depending on specification. You can get a small, low-cost projector that will do the job for watching the occasional home movie. Or, you can splash out on a 4K HDR projector with built-in speakers and lots of other features.

Overall, you can expect to pay anywhere between £140 – £2,200 for a projector for your outdoor cinema.

For the permanent installation of a projector, you can expect to pay between £2,300 – £6,000 for the projector and installation. We would recommend getting multiple quotes from tradespeople to get the right person for you. Costs will depend on the type of projector you choose, the complexity of the installation and where you are geographically.

How much does an outdoor cinema screen cost?

It is possible to create a perfectly serviceable cinema screen for free. Once you’ve bought your projector, you simply need to find a flat white wall. You can also use a white sheet or other smooth, white surface.

For something a little more official than a DIY screen, you can buy an inflatable or projector movie screen. These cost between £10 for a cheap and cheerful portable screen through to £560 for a 100-inch screen capable of handling both 4K and 3D content.

We recommend hiring a handyman to put together your cinema screen so that it can be secured at the perfect angle for your viewing and also so that it can be stored effectively.

Other outdoor cinema costs – including sound, seating and lights

To create the perfect outdoor cinema, you’ll need to set the mood. First and foremost, you’ll need a great sound system. You can rely on the in-built speakers of your projector, but these can be a little weedy.

Instead, it could be a smart idea to invest in some speakers. The cost of speaker systems for outdoor cinemas ranges from around £55 for a budget option to £500 for a high-end solution. Take a look at our multi-room audio system cost guide for more prices and inspiration.

And don’t forget about seating and lighting. Choose comfortable, cosy seating for your guests, whether it’s just a big squishy bean bag or a huge outdoor sofa. For lighting, why not contact a lighting specialist to ensure you have the perfect lighting that will elevate your experience. Our exterior lights cost guide covers everything you need to know about outdoor lighting.

FAQs

Can I hire outdoor cinema equipment instead of buying it?

Yes, there are lots of companies offering outdoor home cinema equipment hire. This could work out to be a much cheaper option than buying your own equipment for one-off screenings. You’ll get high specification equipment that meets your needs, all in one package. Just make sure you hire a professional to ensure it’s installed correctly.

Do I need any kind of permissions or licences to have my own outdoor cinema?

No, you shouldn’t need any permits or licenses unless you plan to charge people for tickets. If you’re holding a movie night just for friends and family, just make sure you don’t cause any out-of-hours noise disturbance for your neighbours.