How much does a simple wedding cost in the UK?

There is no fixed price for a simple wedding, and costs vary widely across the UK. The essential legal parts are the notice of marriage and the ceremony itself. Both partners give notice in person at their local register office, and there is a fee for each notice. The ceremony fee depends on the venue and the day of the week, with weekdays usually costing less than Saturdays.

Your biggest costs will usually be the venue, food and drink. A simple wedding might mean a register office ceremony followed by a meal at a restaurant or a buffet at home. You can keep costs down by choosing a weekday, having a small guest list, and asking friends to help with flowers, cake or music instead of buying them.

You do not need to buy a traditional wedding outfit, hire a photographer for the whole day, or have printed stationery. Many couples find that a short ceremony, a good meal and a few photographs are all they need. If you are having a religious ceremony, the costs and requirements can vary, so check with your place of worship. For the exact fees and rules in your area, check GOV.UK or ask your local register office.