Best and Cheapest Months to Get Married in the UK

In the UK, the most popular wedding months are usually late spring and early summer, especially May, June, and September. These months offer milder weather and longer daylight, which suits outdoor ceremonies and evening parties. Because demand is high, venues and suppliers often charge more and book up quickly.

The cheapest months are generally January, February, and November, with December also offering good value outside the Christmas week. January is particularly quiet, as many couples avoid the post-holiday season and cold weather. If you are happy with an indoor celebration and don't mind wrapping up for photos, you can often secure your first-choice venue at a lower price and with more flexibility.

Bank holiday dates, such as the early May bank holiday or the August bank holiday, are popular because guests have an extra day off. However, they are not necessarily cheap, as venues know they are in demand. If you want a bank holiday but also want to save, consider a Friday or Sunday on that weekend, or look at less well-known bank holidays like the late May one.

December can be a wonderful month to marry in the UK. You get the festive atmosphere, with fairy lights, candles, and cosy indoor venues. Many couples love the idea of a winter wedding with mulled wine and seasonal decorations. It is also a cheaper month for many venues, except for the few days just before Christmas and New Year's Eve.

However, December has practical challenges. Guests may have other commitments, travel can be disrupted by winter weather, and some suppliers are booked for Christmas parties. If you choose December, send invitations earlier than usual, perhaps 12 weeks ahead, so people can plan around the holiday season. Also, check that your venue and caterers are available on your chosen date, as many close over the festive period.

The legal requirements for marrying in the UK depend on where you live. In England and Wales, you must both give notice at your local register office at least 28 full days before the ceremony, and the wedding must take place within 12 months of giving notice. In Scotland, you submit a marriage notice at least 29 days before, but registrars advise 10 to 12 weeks. In Northern Ireland, notice is given at least 28 days before.

The ceremony itself must take place at a register office, an approved venue, or a religious building registered for marriages. Church of England and Church in Wales weddings usually require banns or a licence. In Scotland, you can marry almost anywhere agreed with the registrar or celebrant, indoors or outdoors. In England and Wales, approved venues can hold civil ceremonies outdoors within their grounds.

You need two witnesses at the ceremony in England and Wales, and in Scotland two witnesses aged 16 or over. The minimum age to marry is 18 across the UK. For the most up-to-date rules, check GOV.UK or ask your local register office, as laws can change.

Weekday weddings are becoming more common in the UK, though Saturday remains the most popular choice. Many couples choose a Friday or Sunday to balance cost and convenience. Friday is often treated as a weekday for pricing, but it has the advantage of leading straight into the weekend. Sunday weddings are also popular, especially for guests who don't mind a Monday morning return to work.

Weekday weddings are less common than weekend ones, but they are not unusual. You will find that many venues offer lower prices for Monday to Thursday, and sometimes for Friday and Sunday too. If you are happy to marry on a weekday, you may have more choice of venue and suppliers, and your guests might appreciate a more relaxed, intimate feel.

No, it is not rude to have a weekday wedding, but it does require consideration. Some guests may need to take time off work, arrange childcare, or travel further. The key is to give plenty of notice, so they can plan. Send your invitations at least 8 to 10 weeks before a weekday wedding, and include clear information about the timing and any accommodation options.

Be understanding if some guests cannot attend. A weekday wedding is a perfectly acceptable choice, and many couples find that their closest friends and family will make the effort. You can also make it easier by choosing a Friday, so guests only need one day off, or a Sunday, which many people already have free.

Yes, in general, it is cheaper to get married on a weekday in the UK. Venues and suppliers often charge less for Monday to Thursday weddings because demand is lower. Friday and Sunday may also be cheaper than Saturday, though not always. You can expect to pay less for the venue hire, catering, and sometimes even for photographers and musicians.

To make the most of the savings, consider a morning or early afternoon ceremony on a weekday, followed by a lunch or early evening reception. Many venues offer special packages for weekday weddings. Just remember that some suppliers, like florists or cake makers, may have a minimum order or a delivery fee, so ask for a full quote before booking.

Yes, churches in the UK can hold weddings on weekdays, but it depends on the church and the officiant. Church of England and Church in Wales weddings usually require banns to be read on three Sundays before the wedding, which is fine for any day of the week. Many churches are happy to conduct weddings on weekdays, especially if the couple has a connection to the parish.

Other religious buildings registered for marriages may also hold weekday ceremonies, but you will need to check with the individual place of worship. For a civil ceremony, you can marry at a register office or approved venue on any weekday, subject to availability. If you are considering a religious ceremony that is not legally binding on its own, such as a nikah, you may need to have a separate civil ceremony as well. Always confirm the legal requirements with your officiant and the local registrar.