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Where to Get Married
Having decided to get married, the next big question is where to get married.
In the early 90s, the majority of weddings took place in a church. As we move with the times, an increasing number of couples opt for a civil wedding and some even get married abroad. If you're yet to decide where to get married, take a look at the different options below.
Church weddings
Only a third of UK weddings take place in church
One of the most beautiful and historic places to get married is in church. Despite this, the number of church weddings has gradually declined. Having accounted for more than 50% of UK weddings, only a third of UK weddings now take place in church - the majority of which are within the Church of England.
The Church of England has opened up its doors to encourage more people to get married in church. Unless you’ve been married before, you can get married in the Church of England whatever your belief. It doesn’t matter whether you go to church or have been christened or baptised. There may also be circumstances where you can get married if you have been married before. For more information visit the Church of England's dedicated wedding website.
You are also no longer limited to your local parish church.
For details see more churches to choose from.
Approved venues or registry office
If you don’t want a religious ceremony, you can get married in a register office or one of more than 4,000 approved UK wedding venues (also referred to as licensed wedding venues). Civil weddings account for more than 60% of weddings in the UK. One of the main advantages of a civil wedding is the ability to have your ceremony and reception in the same wedding venue.
For details of your local register office, visit the General Register Office website.
Have your wedding reception at home
If you have the space, you could have your wedding reception at home or in the back garden. This can potentially be cheaper and less restrictive but will require a considerable amount of organisation. Things to think about include:
- Marquee hire (in case of rain) - cost and set up
- Will there be sufficient parking for all your guests? Will this be opposed by your neighbours?
- Do you need extra electricity to power lighting, music etc?
- Will you do the catering yourself or require the services of an external catering company?
- What type of bar will you have – self-service or enlist the services of a mobile bar?
- Do you have enough toilets or should you hire portable toilets?
- Hire of tables, chairs, table linen, crockery, glasses and cutlery
- Tidying up after the wedding will be a big task
Getting married abroad
View our section on Getting Married Abroad.