What time should a Friday wedding start?

Short answer

A Friday wedding should usually start slightly later, around 2pm or 3pm. This gives guests who work a morning shift time to travel and change. Check with your venue and registrar, as Friday slots may differ from Saturdays.

Friday weddings are popular because venues often have more availability and lower costs, but you need to be considerate of guests who are working. A 2pm or 3pm start is a good balance. It allows guests to take a half day or finish work at lunchtime, travel, and arrive without rushing.

If many of your guests work standard office hours, a 3pm start is safer. If most are local or have flexible jobs, 2pm works well. Avoid a very early start, like 11am, unless you are sure your guests can make it. A later start, around 4pm, can work but pushes the meal and dancing later into the evening, which may be fine for a Friday.

Remember that in England and Wales, you must give notice at least 28 days before the ceremony, and the ceremony must happen within 12 months. In Scotland, notice is at least 29 days, and in Northern Ireland, 28 days. Your registrar or officiant will confirm the exact time they can attend.

Tell guests clearly on your invitations that the wedding is on a Friday and include the start time. Consider offering a note about nearby parking or public transport, as Friday traffic can be heavier. A relaxed start time helps everyone enjoy the day without stress.