How to start in 60 minutes

When you first begin, the choice can feel endless. Use this fast method to narrow it down to 5 viable venues in one hour.

1. Fix the three anchors:
   • Headcount band: Under 60, 60–100, 100–150, 150+.
   • Total venue budget band: Under £3k, £3k–£7k, £7k–£12k, £12k+ (venue, food, drink, basic hire items).
   • Region: County or 60-minute travel radius for most guests.
2. Pick your ceremony type: civil ceremony, religious ceremony, or legal registry office plus a separate celebration. (See legal basics.)
3. Choose your service style: seated meal, sharing platters, buffet, street-food, cocktail reception, or afternoon tea.
4. Decide on season and day of week: summer Saturdays are peak; winter weekdays are off-peak and cheaper. (See dates and seasons.)
5. Search with filters, not vibes: use venue directories or council lists to filter by capacity, ceremony licence, exclusive use, and catering style.
6. Email a simple availability check:Copy-paste: “Hello—We’re planning a [civil/ religious / celebration only] for [headcount band] in [month(s)/season], with budget [band] for venue, catering and basic hire. Do you have dates on [x/x/x]? Please share your full price list, what is included, and any corkage/minimum spend. Thank you.”
7. Shortlist the first 5 venues to visit: pick those that reply with clear pricing, at least one viable date, and a floor plan.

Outcome: you have five realistic venues to visit with costs, capacity and dates that fit you.

Common venue types (pros, cons, price signals)

Hotels and country houses

Pros: in-house staff; wet-weather options; bedrooms on site; often ceremony-licensed; packages can simplify decisions.

Cons: less flexibility on catering and suppliers; décor may be fixed; “minimum spend” or “package per head” can limit control.

Barns and farm venues

Pros: character, space, and rustic look; good for large groups; often exclusive use.

Cons: seasonal heating; sound limits; remote transport; may require external caterers.

Manor houses, museums and heritage sites

Pros: striking settings; memorable photos; multiple rooms for ceremony, drinks and dinner.

Cons: rules on décor, candles, confetti; access limits to protect the building.

See Historic England’s guide to listed status.

Restaurants and city spaces

Pros: strong food and drink; central travel links; built-in furniture and crockery.

Cons: limited dancing space; hard finish times; less décor freedom.

Marquees, tipis and dry-hire sites

Pros: full flexibility; choose all suppliers.

Cons: more planning; power, toilets, lighting, heating and wet-weather plans add cost.

Registry offices plus celebration venues

Pros: clear legal ceremony; more celebration options; often cheaper.

Cons: two locations to coordinate; travel time between them.

Legal basics for ceremonies and licences

To be legally married or enter a civil partnership in England and Wales, you must follow the law for notices and for the place where the ceremony happens.

See official guidance on approval of premises for civil ceremonies and the Registrar General’s guidance.

Budgeting and cost control

There is no single “typical” venue cost in the UK. Prices vary by region, date, guest count, service style and what is included.

Use the free tools from MoneyHelper to plan and track your spend: how to create your wedding budget and the budget planner.

Capacity, layout and flow

Match the space to your guest numbers and event flow. Check floor plans, seating options and walking distances between ceremony, drinks and meal spaces.

Dates, seasons and timing

• Winter: lower cost, check heating and daylight.
• Spring: flowers and lighter evenings.
• Summer: outdoor space and ventilation matter.
• Autumn: golden light, good for indoor options.

Your site visit checklist

• Staffing and safety
• Accessibility and parking
• Sound limits and finish times
• Power, lighting and catering access

Food, drink and service styles

• Plated meal – formal, timed service
• Sharing platters – sociable, needs wide tables
• Buffet or stations – flexible, needs floor space
• Street food – informal, check power and fuel rules

Contracts, payments and your rights

Read all terms before paying a deposit. Ask for full inclusion lists and every possible fee. Check cancellation and postponement terms.

For guidance, see Citizens Advice on problems with a service.

Logistics: access, sound, neighbours and late licences

• Access times for setup and teardown
• Sound limits and curfews
• Outdoor use rules (fireworks, smoke, drones)
• Wet-weather alternatives

Guest needs: accessibility, children, pets and quiet spaces

• Step-free access and accessible toilets
• Children’s facilities and safety areas
• Quiet rooms for neurodivergent guests
• Pet policies and restricted areas

Style, décor and venue rules

• No pins or tape on walls
• LED candles preferred
• Biodegradable confetti only
• External structures need approval at listed sites

Sustainability and local suppliers

• Choose venues near most guests
• Use seasonal, local catering
• Rent décor and tableware
• Donate or reuse flowers

FAQs

How far in advance should we book?

12–24 months ahead for peak weekends; 3–9 months for weekdays or winter.

Does our ceremony space need a licence?

Yes, if it’s a civil ceremony. See GOV.UK venue approvals.

What if a supplier lets us down?

Always have written contracts and backups. Use Citizens Advice guidance if needed.

Glossary (jargon to plain English)

Approved premises

Venue approved for civil ceremonies; registrar must attend.

Corkage

Fee to bring your own alcohol.

Dry-hire

Space-only hire; all suppliers brought in.

Exclusive use

Private use of the venue for your event.

Late licence

Permission to serve alcohol or play music later than normal hours.

Wedding Venue shortlist template