Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of planning your big day! With the UK offering everything from grand castles to charming countryside barns, it can be tough to decide where to say “I do.” To help make your decision easier, here are some key things to consider when picking your perfect wedding location.
Your wedding style
Before you start venue hunting, think about the style and atmosphere you want for your wedding. Do you dream of a fairytale castle, a rustic barn, a coastal celebration, or an elegant city wedding? Your venue should reflect your personality and the vibe you envision for the day.
Historic Venues – There a many options when it comes to a historic venue. From castle and manor houses to stately homes. Many of these venues can accommodate larger weddings due to their larger size.
Rustic Weddings – Many people are opting for a rustic wedding these days. Barns and farm yard settings are becoming ever popular backdrops for not only the reception, but the ceremony as well.
Coastal Weddings – Clifftop views or sandy shores, coastal weddings are a great option. Do make sure that you have adequate permission in place.
Urban Weddings – The possibilities are endless here. Depending on your city of choice you have the options for purpose built central venues, or even rooftop bars.
Consider your guest list
The size of your guest list will determine the kind of venue you need. Some locations are perfect for intimate ceremonies, while others cater to larger celebrations. Make sure your chosen venue can comfortably accommodate your guests while keeping the right atmosphere.
Unless you already have a venue in mind, it’s always a good idea to consider your guest list before making the decision on a venue. An online wedding guest list manager can help take the stress out of deciding who to invite.
Some venues have capacity limits so it’s always a good idea to find out how many guests you can have. On the other hand, some venues have minimum number limits, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough guests invited. If in doubt, speak to your venue wedding coordinator.
Winter wedding or summer wedding?
When choosing a wedding venue in the UK, some venues will be more suited to spring and summer weather, whereas others may suit a wedding any time of the year. You might want a barn or farm weddings which would most likely be better suited to summer conditions.
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Location & accessibility
Consider where your guests are traveling from. Is the venue easily accessible by road, train, or airport? If many guests are traveling from afar, look for venues with nearby accommodation or on-site rooms. An online wedding invitation creator can allow you to list your accommodation options on the invite. Whether that’s allowing guests to book directly through you, or you hand select a few hotels so that most of your guests are staying together.
It’s important to think about the mobility of your guests. Wedding’s tend to include people of all ages – from young children to grandparents. Think about whether your venue is wheelchair accessible. You can always ask your venue wedding coordinator if you’re not sure.
Are you planning of having a drone for some aerial footage? If so you should check that is allowed at the venue first.
If you plan on having any outdoor music you’ll also need to check if this is allowed at the venue. Some venue’s won’t allow outdoor music, whilst others might allow acoustic instruments only.
Wedding venue budget
Venues can vary massively in price, so set a realistic budget before falling in love with a dream location. Some venues offer all-inclusive packages covering catering, décor, and accommodation, while others just provide the space, allowing you to bring in your own suppliers.
Remember to double-check what’s included in the price. If something isn’t listed you may need to find a vendor that can provide their services at your venue.
Your wedding venue sets the tone for your entire day, so take your time choosing the perfect location. Whether you want a grand castle, a scenic countryside escape, or a stylish city setting, the UK has something for every couple. Most importantly, pick a venue that feels right for you – after all, this is where your love story will take its next big step!
Photo sourced from Unplash/Abby Savage.
