What is the most popular type of wedding venue?

Approved venues are the most common choice for UK weddings. They include hotels, barns, country houses, castles, warehouses and even museums or galleries. Because they are licensed for civil ceremonies, you can hold your legal ceremony and your reception in the same place, which saves time and makes the day flow more easily.

Many approved venues have outdoor grounds, and since 2022 in England and Wales, you can hold the civil ceremony outdoors within those grounds, as long as the registrar agrees. That is a lovely option for summer weddings. Venues vary hugely in style, size and budget, so think about what matters to you: a grand ballroom, a rustic barn, a lakeside terrace or a city rooftop.

If you prefer a religious ceremony, you will marry in a church, chapel or other registered religious building. Some couples combine a religious ceremony with a reception at a separate approved venue. For a legal ceremony, the venue must be registered for marriages, so always check before booking. For Church of England or Church in Wales weddings, you will usually need banns read or a licence. For other faiths, check with your place of worship. If you are unsure, ask the venue or your registrar, and check GOV.UK for the current rules.