diff --git a/daterangepicker.js b/daterangepicker.js
index 7eab933b..97057b6e 100644
--- a/daterangepicker.js
+++ b/daterangepicker.js
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@
         options = $.extend(this.element.data(), options);
 
         //html template for the picker UI
-        if (typeof options.template !== 'string')
+        if (typeof options.template !== 'string' && !(options.template instanceof jQuery))
             options.template = '<div class="daterangepicker dropdown-menu">' +
                 '<div class="calendar left">' +
                     '<div class="daterangepicker_input">' +