The ultimate UK wedding venue guide: the best places to get married

Getting married? Then you'll need a place to do it.

No matter your budget, the size of your guest list or the kind of reception you want to have, every bride and groom needs somewhere to say their vows and celebrate with loved ones. And until you find that perfect venue, your other plans will have to wait.

So whether you're after a town hall, pub, country manor or marquee, it's best to get your search under way as soon as possible. Many places get booked up as much as 18 months in advance, so avoid disappointment by making this decision early on. 

In the UK alone there are thousands of venues so it's not surprising if you're wondering how on earth to narrow it down. But it can be easier than you might think. Louise Perry, a wedding planner who has created more than 50 dreamy days for her clients says it all starts with a conversation.

"Sit down together and decide, before you do anything, what is most important to you as a couple," she says. "Is it 'we just want a celebration', is it about being somewhere amazing that we probably wouldn’t dream of going otherwise? What are your priorities for this wedding?"

Then when you do start to look at venues, remember the kind of wedding you have you mind. "Think about the style of wedding you want because that will often lead to the venue," says Perry. "So if the outdoors is important and you want a Boho-rustic wedding then you're probably looking for a barn or somewhere that you can put up a marquee. If you want something grand and ornate then you might be looking at castles and big country houses."

Once you have the style and feel of the day clear, start to refine your search to venues in the area where you want to get married, that fit your brief and ones that will also fit all your guests.

And just to kick you off, we've selected our top picks for each region of the UK. Take a look at the most stylish and unique places to get married in Britain.  

East of England

Cley Windmill, Norfolk

Just the potential for your wedding photos alone should make Cley Windmill stand out. Hold your ceremony in the licensed round room before heading elsewhere for your reception or spend the whole day in its rural environs. You can also stay overnight, but be aware that space is at a premium so this wonderful windmill suits smaller weddings.

Oxnead Hall, Norfolk

What makes Oxnead Hall such a fantastic place to get married is the number of different spaces available, making it truly versatile. Have your ceremony in the church, champagne in the Orangery and wedding breakfast in the Great Barn, or whichever combination works best for you.

Hockering House, Norwich

While Hockering House can cater for an elegant and traditional wedding, it excels at relaxed festival-inspired and themed affairs. Say your vows in the woodland, dance under the stars and even get your guests glamping in beautifully furnished bell tents.

East Midlands

Nottingham Contemporary Museum

If you're not into the traditional look of a country house wedding then you can't get more modern than the Nottingham Contemporary Museum. The spaces available for hire are industrial blank canvases that will allow your imagination to run wild. A very cool option for an urbanite ceremony.

The National Space Centre, Leicester

You don't need to be obsessed with the moon landings to appreciate the unique setting of the National Space Centre. How cool would it be to have that as the venue on your wedding invitations?  The Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium (again, cool and a brilliant alternative to more traditional options) provides a truly memorable space that your guests will never forget.

Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens, Northampton

For a classic white wedding you can't go wrong with this beautiful country house and its grounds. Kelmarsh Hall offers a variety of spaces to hire within its buildings or you can erect a marquee in its gardens. Ideal for traditional brides and grooms who want to get married in an elegant and romantic setting.

London

Searcy's at The Gherkin

There's no more spectacular view of the city of London than from the top two floors of The Gherkin, so imagine if this was the backdrop to your wedding. A real showstopper.

Wilton's Music Hall, E1

If you're seeking a unique and exclusive venue in London then how about Wilton's Music Hall? As you are granted the entire building including its bars and auditorium, it's only available for hire on a few days each year so check them out now to get yours pencilled in.   

Kew Gardens, Richmond

There are a number of spaces in which to get married and have your reception at Kew Gardens, but what they all boast is a stunning setting. The verdant splendour will offer a wonderful backdrop for your photos and your wedding will have a real sense of occasion, so what's not to love?

North West

Victoria Warehouse, Manchester

Looking for a venue that provides exposed brick, stone floors and a raw industrial aesthetic? Look no further. Victoria Warehouse is the perfect blank canvas for you to create your dream wedding day. Go as glamorous or as pared-back as you want in this sleek, urban space.

Peckforton Castle, Cheshire

One for the ultra glitzy, Peckforton Castle will be the dream setting for your fairytale wedding. It is, for a start, an actual castle. This venue has hosted many a celebrity nuptials, including singer Ciara and her American footballer husband Russell Wilson.

Palm House, Sefton Park, Liverpool

The opportunity to use gorgeous lighting and beautiful floral installations makes the Palm House a real treat of a venue. It's incredibly popular so if this hits the spot get in touch as soon as you can to ensure you preferred date is still available.

Northern Ireland

The Belfast Empire, Belfast

One for music lovers or just for couples who want to base their wedding in the city centre. The Belfast Empire will give your reception a rock 'n' roll vibe and we predict dancing into the early hours.

Belle Isle Castle and Private Island, Enniskillen

You had us at Private Island. Belle Isle Castle has everything. Stunning views, manicured gardens, dramatic staircases, plus very pretty accommodation so you and your guests can all stay up all night and continue the celebration the next day.

Field of Dreams,  Bangor

With  36 acres of countryside at your disposal, Field of Dreams (great name) provides a variety of options for creating your long imagined aesthetic. From the lakeside Scandinavian style chalet to rustic canvas marquees, you can make this venue work for you, whatever the size of your guest list. 

North East

The Alnwick Garden Treehouse, Northumberland 

Fancy getting married in a treehouse? Head to The Alnwick Garden and you can do just that. With ceremonies for up to 65 people and receptions for 120, you can dance on the decking, say your vows among the leaves and have your photos taken on the aerial walkways.

The Garden Station, Northumberland

For an intimate wedding, book an appointment to view Hexham's Garden Station. Surround by lovely gardens this restored Victorian railway station enables you to indulge all your vintage desires with a ceremony in the old waiting room and dancing on the old track bed. Think bunting, china tea cups and a truly quirky day you'll remember forever.

The Discovery Museum, Newcastle

At the Discovery Museum you can get married and have your reception in the gorgeous Great Hall. With its backdrop of wood pannelled walls and metal arches, this Victorian venue will be sure to make an impact as soon as your guests walk through its doors.

Scotland

Roulotte Retreat, Melrose, Scottish Borders

For the truly Bohemian amongst you, Roulotte Retreat should be at the top of your list. From gypsy caravans where you and your guests can spend the night to a communal fire pit and a 1950s studio to hold your reception; it's got everything a quirky couple could want. 

Drumtochty castle, Aberdeenshire

Scotland is awash with fabulous castles and Drumtochty is a gem. The stunning ballroom is the ideal space for your wedding breakfast and you can say your vows in the nearby St. Palladius church or how about outside by the Loch? Weather permitting, of course.

Gunsgreen House, Eyemouth

Built in 1753 for a notorious smuggler, Gunsgreen House is an historic venue that still manages to provide a contemporary style within its very old walls. Use the upper rooms for your ceremony and reception before heading to the atmospheric cellars for late night dancing.

South East

Temple Island, Berkshire

Available outside of Regatta periods, Temple Island is a stunning location for a wedding in the middle of the River Thames. The Etruscan Room can hold 40 guests for your ceremony or why not make your vows outside? A marquee can be erected to accommodate a larger guest list so you won't need to worry about leaving somebody out. 

Turner Contemporary, Margate

You don't need to be fluent in modern art to appreciate the clean white walls of the Turner Contemporary. Its location on the seafront in suddenly cool Margate only adds to its charm and if you're looking for a stylish and modern venue then this could be the one for you

Heaven Farm, West Sussex

With a name like Heaven Farm, how can this not be the perfect place to swear undying love? With a bluebell wood, rolling hills and a lake, you'll be in clover if you're a country couple looking to do an outdoor, festival or Bohemian style wedding.

South West

Babington House, Somerset

Part of the Soho House group, you don't need to be a member of the private member's club to get married at Babington House. With a Cowshed Spa and pretty little church onsite, you'll want to spend a few days here with your guests. And if anybody knows how to throw a great party it's Soho House, so you're in safe and stylish hands. 

Burgh Island, Devon

For Art Deco lovers and anyone who has always wanted to 'hire an island'. We love the fact that after a certain time of day the tide traps you in the chic Burgh Island hotel until it recedes once more. You don't have to do a 1920s themed wedding, but we say, why not?

Painswick Rococo Garden, Stroud

With a variety of pretty follies to say your vows in, you're spoiled for choice for picturesque settings at Painswick Rococo Garden. Your photos are guaranteed to be stunning, just don't get lost in the maze.

Wales

Portmeirion Village, North Wales

The colourful Italianate architecture of Portmeirion was chosen as the setting for cult television show The Prisoner and now you can get married there too. There are sandy beaches, woodlands and elaborate fountains, creating an unusual but memorable backdrop for your wedding.

St Tewdrics House, Chepstow

Create whatever style of wedding you dream of in The Courtyard of St Tewdrics House. Exposed stone walls, a half glass ceiling and neutral decor will make it a chic clean space just waiting for your imagination to do its work.

Fforest Farm, Pembrokeshire

Fforest Farm is the perfect place for those who want to retain an element of informality in their wedding. In fact it's set up lends itself to weekend long celebrations with a secret woodland sauna, communal fire pit and magical garden pavilions all adding to the fun.

West Midlands

The Left Bank Village, Herefordshire

It takes a village to organise a wedding so you may as well hire one. This riverside setting of The Left Bank Village has everything from an underground speakeasy to a rustic courtyard and everything in between, all at the disposal of you and your guests. Oh, and you can arrive at your ceremony by boat! 

The Ice House, Digbeth

A 19th century warehouse on the Grand Union Canal, with plenty of vintage charm, The Ice House is at the centre of a larger complex of restored buildings. A great choice for anyone who wants something a bit different and who's not in the market for a church and marquee shindig.

Aston Hall, Birmingham

If all this modernity is freaking you out and you just want a classic, beautiful wedding in an old mansion, then look no further. Aston Hall has got the splendour you're after to impress your guests. 

Yorkshire and the Humber

Bolton Abbey, Skipton

Make your vows in the incredibly pretty Bolton Priory Church before having photos taken in the lovely ruins outside. Then either hire the Tithe Barn overlooking the River Wharfe or erect a marquee in the grounds. It's unlikely you'll find a more beautiful setting for your wedding in the UK. 

Canal Mills, Leeds

Close to the city centre, this restored textile mill offers all the exposed brick, beams and high ceilings you can handle. Canal Mills provides a versatile, urban space in which to create a truly stylish wedding. 

Rudding Park, Harrogate

A stunning Grade 1 listed country house with beautiful landscaped gardens just outside the spa town of Harrogate, Rudding Park, is an absolute gem. There's also a spa and golf course for extra curricular activities before and after your big day.