Wedding Venue Costs: A Simple Guide for UK Couples

Once you’ve set your wedding budget, one of the first things you’ll likely wonder is: how much will the venue cost? Booking your venue is one of the earliest and most exciting steps in wedding planning, as it’s where everything starts to take shape. But with so many options and pricing structures out there, it can be tricky to know what you’re getting for your money.

As we mentioned in our Wedding Budget Guide, your venue could take up as much as 25–30% of your overall budget, so it’s important to get it right. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand wedding venue costs in the UK, avoid hidden fees, and choose a space that works perfectly for your day, and your budget.

Average Wedding Venue Costs in the UK

Understanding how much of your wedding budget you’ll be allocating to your venue is key when planning. From the enquiry data we collect when couples submit their wedding venue, we can see that 70% of enquiries are under £8000 and 30% above £8000 with an average of £7000 for our wedding venue enquiries. Notably though we see a large share of enquiries sit around the £5000 mark.

How venue prices vary by venue type and style

On Togather, we have a wide range of venue types and styles including halls, bars, manor houses, restaurants, church’s and many more. We’ve pulled out some key trends to give you an idea of costs with our most popular venue types.

• Rustic Barns (£3,000–£6,000): These charming countryside venues are perfect for couples looking for a relaxed, natural setting. Their pricing reflects their flexibility, often allowing you to customize every detail by bringing in your own suppliers. Our average enquiry price is £5800.

• City Hotels (£5,000–£8,000): Popular for their convenience and large capacity, city hotels typically offer all-inclusive packages that cover catering, event coordination, and even guest accommodation. These added services contribute to their higher price range. Our average enquiry price is £6000.

• Manor houses and stately homes (£6000+): Ideal for a grand, fairytale wedding, these venues are priced at a premium due to their historical significance, luxury amenities, and exclusivity. Price here varies more significantly than other styles we find really due to varying degree of size but our typical average enquiry is £6200.

• Blank Canvas (£2000-£10000): Blank canvas venues have the widest degree of price variation from our enquiry data. They have the highest share of enquiries under £3000 but also more of the super high value enquiries above £25000. It means that our average blank canvas venue enquiry is £6800 but there’s something for everyone in this category.

• Unique venues (£5000-£10000): When looking at the data for venue styles like warehouses, rooftops, railway arches, concert halls and industrial space we found that the average enquiry budget for all of these was around the £7000 mark.

How venues prices vary by location

Location is another significant factor in average wedding venue costs. Unsurprisingly when a location is specified, Greater London comes out with the highest average venue enquiry budget amongst our couples. The average budget in London where it’s highest compared to Northern Ireland where it’s lowest is £3500. Below is a chart that shows average budget by region:

• Greater London (£7700)

• Scotland £7600

• Wales £7500

• South East £6800

• North East £6300

• East of England £6100

• South West £5600

• North West £5500

• West Midlands £4800

• East Midlands £4300

• Northern Ireland £4200

What’s Included in the Wedding Venue Cost?

Wedding venues generally structure their costs in a few different ways, offering options to suit a range of budgets and planning styles. Knowing what’s included can help you make the right choice. Here are the most common pricing options you’ll find when booking a venue:

1. Venue-Only Hire (Dry Hire)

For couples looking to personalise every detail, venue-only hire offers a blank canvas. This option typically includes exclusive use of the venue for a set period, along with basic amenities like tables, chairs, and occasionally staff to assist with setup. However, it’s important to note that all additional services, such as catering, décor, and AV equipment, are your responsibility to arrange.

Venue-only hire is ideal for couples who want full creative control over every aspect of their day. For example, if you’re booking a rustic barn or industrial warehouse, you might source unique décor, caterers, and entertainment to make the space truly yours. While this approach offers freedom, it requires careful coordination and can lead to unexpected costs.

2. All-Inclusive Packages

If you’re looking for simplicity and convenience, all-inclusive packages are a great option. These packages typically bundle essential services such as catering, drinks, staffing, décor, and sometimes even entertainment. Some venues may also include a dedicated wedding coordinator to help plan and manage the day.

While they may seem pricier upfront, these packages often offer excellent value and reduce the stress of juggling multiple suppliers. It’s ideal for couples who want everything to run smoothly without worrying about the details.

You can view our all inclusive venue packages on our site.

3. Minimum Spend Agreements

Some venues, especially restaurants and hotels, use a minimum spend pricing model. Instead of paying an upfront hire fee, you commit to spending a set amount on food, drinks, and services. This option is particularly appealing for larger guest lists, as the cost of catering and beverages often meets or exceeds the required spend.

Minimum spend agreements can be a cost-effective way to book a high-quality venue without additional hire fees. They also provide flexibility, allowing you to focus your budget on areas that matter most to you, such as gourmet catering or an extensive drinks selection.

What Affects the Price of Wedding Venues?

At Togather we have coordinated with venue suppliers who host weddings of all sizes and styles. Through our experience, we’ve identified key factors that influence the cost of a wedding venue. Here’s what you need to know, with insights from the experts.

Your Wedding Date

The date of your wedding can have a big impact on venue pricing. We’ve written a blog on venue pricing trends and guidance on when to book based on the best rates. Summer and early autumn are the most popular times for weddings in the UK, which means prices tend to be higher during these peak months. Kea Kouvatsis at Linden House Riverside shared, “Summer is our peak time, so we increase our rates during those months. However, we have much greater flexibility on rates during off-peak seasons.”

Off-peak months, such as November, January, and February, are also great for couples who want a stunning venue at a lower cost. These dates often come with added perks like greater availability, more personalized service, and the chance to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere for your celebration.

City and Location

While the wedding season affects prices, the location or city where you’re getting married can also have a big impact. For example, major cities like London or Edinburgh often come with higher costs due to demand and operational expenses. These venues are designed for larger events and often include premium features, which can add to the price.

On the other hand, countryside venues are often more affordable and offer beautiful backdrops for your big day. It’s worth keeping in mind any additional costs, such as transport for guests or nearby accommodation, when considering a rural location.

Venue Size and Guest Capacity

The number of people you’re inviting to your wedding will have a significant impact on the cost of your venue. While guest numbers mostly affect catering costs, they can also influence other expenses, such as the size of the venue you’ll need to accommodate everyone comfortably.

Larger guest lists mean an increase in catering costs, as most venues and caterers charge per person for food and drink. Even informal dining options can see costs rise with more guests, as additional staff like waiters, bar staff, and coordinators are needed to manage the event. If you’re planning a big celebration, these factors are essential to consider when balancing your venue and catering budgets.

Included Services and Amenities

Venue costs are often higher because of the services and amenities included in the hire fee. Essentials like tables, chairs, lighting, and on-site coordinators can add to the price upfront but may save you time and money by eliminating the need to source these separately. It’s always good to ask questions about what’s included in the hire fee to avoid unexpected expenses and ensure your budget covers everything you need.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out our guide on key questions to ask wedding venues to help you make the most informed decision.

Can You Negotiate Wedding Venue Costs?

Wedding venue quotes are typically transparent, with prices set based on the services and amenities included. Many venues maintain consistent pricing to ensure fairness across all bookings.

For example, venues often avoid negotiating standard hire fees to ensure equal treatment for all couples who book. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no room for flexibility in certain situations.

Some venues may be open to negotiating under specific circumstances, such as short-notice bookings or off-peak dates. If your wedding date is approaching quickly or falls during a quieter season, it’s worth asking if there’s any flexibility in the price. 

Venues may also consider adjustments if you’re not using all the elements in a package. For instance, if a package includes wine service but you’re planning an alcohol-free wedding, you could inquire about lowering the cost of the catering.

When discussing rates, it’s important to approach the conversation respectfully. Wedding venues are often small businesses or family-run operations, and while they may be able to accommodate certain requests, they also need to cover their costs. Asking thoughtful questions about what’s included or whether adjustments can be made is a great way to explore options without pushing beyond reasonable limits. 

How to Start Searching for a Wedding Venue?

Starting your venue search can feel like a big task, but focusing on a few key steps can make it much more manageable. Will Smith at Green & Fortune Venue's puts it perfectly: “Deciding on what type of atmosphere you’re looking to create is key to finding the perfect venue.”  Being clear on your vision will help narrow down the options.

Next, think practically. Consider how many guests you’re inviting and whether the venue’s location is convenient for them. Make sure to visit potential venues in person to get a feel for the space and ask about what’s included, from packages to extra fees. Ultimately, choose a space that fits your style and works with a team you trust to bring your big day to life.

What Is the Best Time to Book a Wedding Venue?

The earlier you book your wedding venue, the better, especially if you’re aiming for a popular date or season. For peak times like summer Saturdays or December weekends, many venues recommend securing your booking 6 to 12 months in advance. Venues such as Southbank spaces or rooftop gardens suggest a shorter lead time of 3 to 5 months for specific dates, but availability can vary depending on demand.

If you’re flexible, choosing an off-peak date in winter or a weekday can give you more options and potentially save you money. It’s also worth asking how far in advance venues release their availability. Some venues open bookings for key dates up to two years ahead, while others work on a rolling calendar. Reaching out early and keeping communication open can give you an edge, whether you’re planning far ahead or working on a tighter timeline. Booking early is always a smart way to secure your perfect venue and avoid missing out.

To learn more about timing and how to secure the best deals on wedding venues, check out our blog on when to book a venue for the best rates.

Finding Your Perfect Venue Starts Here

While wedding venue costs make up a significant part of your overall budget, the right planning and approach can help you find a space that fits both your vision and your finances. Taking the time to plan your venue search makes all the difference in creating a day you’ll always remember.

If you’re looking for a venue that fits your needs and reflects your style, Togather is here to help. We work with some of the UK’s best venues and can connect you with options that suit your budget and preferences. Tell us about your wedding, and let’s start planning something unforgettable together!