A recent analysis of over 100,000 public wedding venue reviews across the UK has revealed that smaller, lesser-known cities are home to some of the most highly-rated wedding venues.
While destinations like London and Manchester may have more venues, cities like Fakenham and Kingsbridge deliver exceptional service and unforgettable experiences that couples crave.
Using Google Search data, we've identified the most popular wedding venues in the UK based on their association with couples looking for 'wedding venues'. This list can be a great source of inspiration for couples looking for a wedding venue in 2024 or 2025.
Colshaw Hall in Cheshire is a fan favourite with couples looking to get married this year. It is searched over 3,100 times per month, a 15% increase from 2023. The peak times couples search for Colshaw Hall are June and July, and that's remained consistent for the last 5 years. Rated by Hitched as one of the top 10 wedding venues in 2023, you can see why couples try their best to get booked into Colshaw Hall as far in advance as possible!
The Fennes in Essex is searched for 1,100 times a month by couples looking for a wedding venue with stunning architecture and picturesque grounds. Although it has declined in popularity since 2021, it remains one of the most searched-for wedding venues in the UK. Couples are searching for Fennes the most in July when interest spikes by over 75% compared to previous months!
The Carr Bank in Mansfield is searched 900 times monthly by couples looking for a newly renovated venue complimented by well-maintained country park grounds. There's no peak season for The Carr Bank, which shows that couples are interested in this wedding venue all year. Based in Nottinghamshire, couples can choose between a bespoke wedding or one of their more affordable wedding packages.
The Grand Lodge at Oaklands is an intimate and unique wedding venue in East Yorkshire. Searched over 600 times a month by couples who crave an intimate wedding venue surrounded by 200 acres of woodland. The peak time for searches happens in May and June, when searches increase by 43%. The Grand Lodge continues to be a go-to choice for newlyweds in Yorkshire, with a consistent year-on-year growth of 13% in organic search.
The Houchins in Essex are searched for 500 times a month by couples who want the city feel but don't want to pay London prices. It offers couples a stunning farmhouse wedding venue with space for 150 guests. However, it also caters to smaller, intimate weddings, with the smallest packages starting from a minimum of 12 people. If you want to get booked into the Houchins, the best time to look is between May and August, when search increases by 32%.
The Willows Hall in Willenhall is a popular wedding venue that caters to all cultures and wedding themes. It's searched for 450 times a month, and peak season happens between August and September. It doesn't quite offer the same picturesque setting as the other venues on this list. However, that doesn't detract from the charm. With the right decoration, this venue is stunning and accommodating for all wedding sizes.
Set in 300 across the countryside, the Three Rivers Club is a spectacular venue to tie the knot. Searched for 400 times a month, it's growing in popularity with Hindu and traditional weddings. Searches increase by 16% during their peak months of July and August. We predict this venue will be a prevalent choice moving into 2025. If you want your fairytale wedding to be here, now's the time to enquire.
Restored in 2009, Brownsholme Hall and Tithe Barn is set against 600 acres of countryside, which attracts 350 searches every month. This stunning wedding venue remains extremely popular and is predicted to grow by 15% in searches next year. If you want to get married here, the busiest search period is between July and August.
Second-to-last, we have the Cripp's Barn in the famous Cotswolds. With unbeatable picturesque views of the Gloucestershire countryside, there's no wonder over 300 people searching for this place by name a month. The peak season for searches happens during May, which isn't surprising considering how exclusive this property is. Cripp's Barn is increasing in search every year and is predicted to increase by 11% in 2025.
Coming in last spot, but by no means is any less brilliant, is the Blackwell Grange in Warwickshire. Searched for 300 times a month, couples find this venue when they desire a wedding venue with history and tradition. The 16th-century Thatch Barn offers the perfect setting to say I do. But hurry because searches for Blackwell Grange have increased by 22% since 2023.
We analysed over 100,000 public reviews of wedding venues from newlyweds in the UK, revealing that smaller cities often gave the best wedding day experience. Couples no longer dream of having a typical postcard wedding that breaks the bank. Instead, they're opting for intimate, well-run, and cost-effective wedding venues that are affordable and equally gorgeous in photos.
Based on 100,000 reviews, we've compiled a list of the top small cities to find your dream wedding venue.
Topping the list is Brandon in Suffolk, where the three available venues—Hockwold Hall, Forest Lodge Weddings, and Santon Village Hall—achieved an astonishing 86% of 5-star reviews out of 775 total.
Not far behind is Ripon in North Yorkshire, with an impressive 83.8% of 5-star reviews across its 24 venues. Venues like Swinton Estate, Grantley Hall, and The Old Coach House are not just meeting expectations—they’re exceeding them, offering luxury and charm in a picturesque setting.
It’s a common misconception that bigger cities guarantee better wedding experiences. Our analysis proves that smaller cities like Ripon and Fakenham aren’t just affordable alternatives—they deliver exceptional, personalised experiences that couples opt for over traditional, big-city wedding venues.
Couples prefer to give their guests an experience they'll remember and love. It also means that any cash wedding gifts can be used to spend on the honeymoon rather than help settle the cost of an expensive venue.
Don't think of a stately home. Instead, think of a quaint village hall or a traditional British pub full of character and charm. Our data shows that couples are choosing not your 'normal' wedding venues in every corner of the country.
The trend of finding hidden gem wedding venues in the UK seems to come from a thrifty attitude to tying the knot. Couples can spend more on decorating their wedding instead of worrying about stretching the budget to pay for an expensive venue.
Based on the data, more couples will opt for a more intimate and affordable wedding venue. This could leave traditional wedding venues fighting for price to compete or offering more complete wedding packages.
Couples will spend more on:
After dressing 50 weddings in 2023, we've seen this trend more prominently than in previous years. In 2024, it's no longer about where you get married but more about how you get married. The freedom to decorate a venue exactly how you want it is a big deciding factor for couples planning their weddings.
