types of wedding venues

Types Of Wedding Venues You Can Book

Photography by Alice Cunliffe Photography

As we've no doubt mentioned, booking your venue is a key part of your wedding planning journey. It should be one of the first things you write into your wedding checklist. This is made a little bit confusing, however, when you don't know what all the different types of wedding venues are. Even if you do know them all, choosing from the plethora of options can be tricky. Well, that's why we're here! To make the process just that little bit easier. We're going to be going over the most popular wedding venues that you can book for your big day. 


All the most popular types of wedding venues for your big day - from barns to the beach!

Barns

Barn wedding venues are perfect for a more rustic, boho wedding. Surrounded by rolling fields and incredible countryside whilst also being home to warm, inviting atmospheres. Barns offer a lot of space and even more character. With rustic beams, original features, great places for lighting and photos and special touches, barns are a fan favourite for a reason. If you want a unique, charming setting for your wedding that offers picturesque locations, incredible photos, lots of space for you and your guests and creativity to craft your dream day, then a barn venue is a great option. 

Barn wedding venue with large black festoon chandeliers with rustic wedding tablescapes and foliage decorations
Rustic wedding aisle at Tythe Barn wedding venue with fairy lights, dark chairs and large dried flower arrangements in large rustic steel flower pots
Boho rustic wedding reception room with large suspended foliage decorations, fairy lights wrapped in the ceiling beams, white table runners, wicker place mats and dried flower and foliage table runners
Dark rustic wedding tablescape in barn wedding venue - one of the different types of wedding venues; with large white tapered candles, foliage table runners, suspended fairy lights and grand chandeliers

Beach

We probably don't need to convince you much when it comes to beach weddings. A romantic ambience surrounded by sea, sun and sand is a winner for most people. On a beach, couples can begin their life together in a beautiful place, with an ocean backdrop, and a gentle sea breeze. The calm, peaceful atmosphere is always on hand to calm your nerves on the day. It also means that people can opt for slightly more comfortable outfits and shoes - no one wants to try walking down the sandy aisle in stilettos. Your wedding photographs will look out of this world beautiful, and will make perfect portraits in your home. Not only that - the decor is practically included, and you can personalise the aesthetic to your taste. 

Bride in off the shoulder wedding dress and church length veil standing with groom in blue grooms suit getting married on a beach wedding venue with wooden alter and wedding drapes hanging on it
Large pillar candles in black and glass jar candle holders with minimalistic wedding decor on a beach wedding venue, one of the different types of wedding venues
Bride in iridescent strapless wedding dress and groom in classic tuxedo embracing on beach wedding venue
Wooden chairs with white chair cushions on wedding beach venue with dried flower and baby's-breath aisle flowers tied to them with yellow ribbon

Castle - types of wedding venues 

Ever wanted to feel like royalty on your big day? Well, choosing a castle wedding venue is the way to go. Maybe you're not one for royalty, but you've always wanted to step inside your favourite period drama? Castle venues are perfect for that too. Castles are perfect if you want a lot of guests because there's an abundance of space on offer. Not only that, they are staggeringly beautiful, steeped in history, they are often exclusive-use, and guarantee some truly incredible wedding photos. Fulfilling your childhood dream is made a lot easier when having a castle venue wedding.

Bride and groom stand in front of moon gate for Lulworth Castle wedding ceremony
Bride in strapless wedding dress with corset-like top holding dried flower and garden rose bouquet kissing groom in classic black blazer and kilt outside Drumtochty castle wedding venue
The exterior of Lulworth Castle wedding venue
Drumtochty castle wedding venue with large chandeliers, black tapered candles, rose and dried flower table centrepieces and white tablecloths

Houses of worship

Next up, we've got houses of worship. By this, we mean temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches, monasteries, or any other place of public religious worship of any religious denomination. Going with a house of worship, whichever you choose, will add a spiritual dimension to your marriage. These venues are perfect if you're religious, and they will set the tone for the rest of your marriage beautifully. Even if you're not religious; you can still choose some houses of worship. Churches are very special places to hold your ceremony - and don't just take it from us. They have been the most popular choice for centuries.

Bride in halfpenny London wedding dress at the alter of church wedding venue doing her speech
Bride in sleeveless wedding dress holding hands with groom in tan-coloured suit with priest
Bride in Halfpenny London Mayfair dress and church-length veil and groom kneeling at the alter of house of worship, one of the different types of wedding venues
Bride and groom smiling at the end of the alter at church wedding

Country House

Country house wedding venues are next. Allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for some relaxing and idyllic days away, country houses are a fabulous choice. Country houses are gorgeous, down-to-earth, and glamorous, and offer a great sense of seclusion and privacy. They are great for accommodating both intimate weddings and larger celebrations perfectly. Offering you glamour and style, country houses allow you to embrace the beauty of its interiors and exteriors, as well as the thoroughly romantic atmosphere that will no doubt be felt every single minute that you're there. 

Bride in sleeveless wedding dress holding hand with bride in short sleeve wedding dress at the alter of Elmore court country house wedding venue
Grand staircase of country house wedding venue with chandelier and large foliage, garden rose, peony and baby's-breath arrangement
Bride in square neck long sleeve wedding dress with full skirt and groom in classic black tuxedo standing by a classic wedding car outside Hedsor House country house wedding venue, one of the different types of wedding venues
Classic wedding reception room and tablescape at Notley Abbey country house wedding venue; large chandeliers, suspended foliage decorations and crystal-look chairs

Destination venues - types of wedding venues

Ah, destination weddings. It goes without saying that a lot of people want to go away for their big day. If you have the means to do so, and you tell people far enough in advance so that they can book time off, then they're a fantastic option. Destination weddings allow you to escape for a while to a beautiful country, sometimes with better weather and different cultures. Destination weddings mean you can marry the love of your life in a city or country that means the most to you, and it also means you can spend quality time with the people you love the most, because people often take more days off for travel for destination weddings. 

Destination wedding with large sun umbrella, white tablecloth, exotic plants and large floral centrepieces overlooking the sea
Exterior of Chateau de Lartigolle destination wedding venue - one of the different types of wedding venues
Brides share a kiss both wearing red lipstick in from of The Chateau De La Motte Husson destination wedding venue
Romantic wedding tablescape with chandelier installation and colourful wedding flower arrangements

Garden venues

Garden wedding venues provide effortlessly picturesque backdrops that can minimise the need for loads of additional styling elements or decorations. By that, we mean the landscape will do the majority of the decorating for you. Those little extra touches of nature aside from the beautiful garden you choose, like birds chirping, the slow blow of the wind or the dancing leaves. Gardens offer wider space for you and your guests, more photoshoot options, and endless entertainment opportunities. They also offer versatility when it comes to your wedding theme.

Bride in short sleeve wedding dress with sheer back detail and church-length veil dancing with groom in dark blue suit, dancing in garden wedding venue
Large hay bail seats at garden wedding with patchwork blankets and tipi in the background
Three tiered buttercream wedding cake with pressed flowers on large wooden cake stand at garden wedding venue, one of the different types of wedding venues
Garden wedding venue with hay bail seats, flamingo decorations, balloons, colourful streamers and small marquee

Glasshouse 

Glasshouse wedding venues are everywhere at the moment, and rightfully so. They're beautiful, natural, botanical and home to exotic plants, amongst many other wonderful things. The lighting is always exceptional because of the glass windows, ceilings and walls, but they also offer protection from notorious British weather. If you are a fan of glorious nature, then glasshouse venues are a great choice for you. If you're also a fan of light, bright spaces, tropical botany, insane backdrops for your photos and wowing your guests, then they're an even better choice.

Grooms embracing at Kew Gardens glass house wedding venue surrounded by foliage and plants
Botanic, natural wedding tablescape at Anran Devon glasshouse wedding venue with exotic plants, hanging foliage, and large glass ceiling
Bride in lace long sleeve wedding dress kissing groom in blue and grey waistcoat in Kew Gardens glasshouse, one of the different types of wedding venues
Bride in strapless lace wedding dress with pearl hand and white floral bouquet standing with groom in classic black tuxedo in Plas Dinam glasshouse wedding venue

Historic

Calling all history buffs. Being able to reflect your personality and interests in your wedding venue is really a beautiful thing. So, if you love history, or just love the aesthetics of historic buildings, then it's a fabulous choice of venue. Regal, unique, incredible photo opportunities and just tremendously beautiful, historic wedding venues are a fan favourite. Losing yourself in another time and place is not only brilliant fun, but it also means your wedding day will feel like a fabulous dream, for you and your guests alike. 

Bride and groom standing at the alter of historic wedding venue, one of the different types of wedding venues
The exteriors of historic wedding venue Peterborough Cathedral
Bride and groom standing by the organ in Peterborough Cathedral historic wedding venue
Bride and groom share an intimate moment after their wedding under the impressive, historic ceiling of Peterborough cathedral

Hotels

When you choose to have your wedding at a hotel, you don't only get a truly stunning place to celebrate with your loved ones. There are bountiful benefits. Every hotel is different, of course - but most of them include amenities and services, like fooddrinks, tables, staff, linens, guest accommodations, in-house planners, and more. They often have licensed space for your ceremony, and they're also usually very experienced in hosting events. Another benefit of a hotel venue? Accommodation! Whilst not all venues can have your guests stay the night, hotels usually can. 

Grooms in complimenting black tuxedos and red rose boutonnieres kissing underneath large chandelier lighting in The Balmoral Hotel wedding venue
Hotel wedding venue ceremony room with clear chairs, white rose and foliage aisle flower arrangements, pillar candles and photography on the walls
Grooms wearing matching classic black tuxedos with red rose and foliage boutonnieres walking out of The Balmoral hotel wedding venue, one of the different types of wedding venues
Bride in Jesus Peiro wedding cape and sheer embroidered church-length veil walking through hotel wedding venue with large floral displays and coloured pampas grass

Marquees

Outdoor lovers - this one's for you. Marquee wedding venues allow you and your guests to revel in the beauty of the great outdoors whilst also having some protection from any kind of weather. Marquees are also a perfect blank canvas type of venue - you can decorate them entirely how you want, meaning that your personalities, interests and themes can really shine through. Marquees can accommodate larger numbers of guests, too. Meaning that your guest list won't be as restricted. 

Bride in floor-length veil stands opposite her groom in black-tie during tent ceremony for back-garden wedding in marquee venue, one of the different types of wedding venues
At home marquee wedding reception with pink gypsophila flower clouds
Eclectic wedding tablescape; blue and red tapered candles in gold candlestick holders, DIY wedding table numbers, polka dot plates, blue striped arty table cloth and dried flower centrepieces
Stylish marquee wedding reception decor with gypsophila flower clouds, festoon lights and taper candles

Pub

If you and your partner have been dreaming of tying the knot in a relaxed setting with great, traditional food and a smaller number of your loved ones, then you should consider a pub wedding venue. An old English pub is a perfect backdrop for more laidback couples. They also offer cheaper hire prices, and very edgy, cool photo opportunities. Personal, comfortable, alternative, warm and friendly - these are just a few ways one would describe a pub wedding venue. 

Bride in long afghan coat and vintage wedding dress holding colourful floral bouquet outside pub wedding venue
Blue skies outside of classic pub wedding venue, one of the different types of wedding venues
Neutral wedding tablescape with white tablecloths, orange wedding menus, colourful dried flower stem centrepieces and chalk wedding place names
Bride in high neck sleeveless satin wedding dress holding hands with groom in grey suit at classic London pub wedding venue

Town Hall

Town hall wedding venues are not only super functional for your big day, but they also offer a beautiful, chic and elegant backdrop. Whether it's a historical gem or city splendour, town halls often have a wonderful history and can be found in so many different places across the UK. These licensed spaces offer stripped-back elegance for you to tie the knot - and who doesn't love a bit of opulence? Whether you go for a central city Town Hall in London, or a more tucked-away Town Hall in your hometown, your venue will look glorious. 

Bride in satin long sleeve wedding dress and groom in classic tuxedo at the alter in Chelsea Town Hall wedding venue London
Bride in grand black ruffled wedding dress and groom in maroon grooms suit walking down the steps of a town hall wedding venue, one of the different types of wedding venues
Grooms in complimentary grey grooms suits at last minute town hall wedding venue
Bride in ruffled black wedding dress and groom in maroon suit on the pearl white steps of town hall wedding venue

Woodlands

Our final tally on the list of types of wedding venues is woodlands. Again, these kinds of venues are perfect for lovers of the outdoors. Woodland wedding venues create a beyond-enchanting and beautiful setting for an outdoor wedding. Tying the knot surrounded by woodland trees is a magical way to celebrate your union. Not only do these venues offer a sense of seclusion and privacy, they also allow you to decorate how you want. Perfect for boho weddings and for people who want to feel closer to nature on their big day, woodland venues are straight out of a fairytale. 

Bride in boho long sleeve lace wedding dress holding colourful rose and eucalyptus bridal bouquet by triangular wooden arch in woodlands wedding venue
Bride in boho wedding dress with sheer flowy sleeves standing with groom in classic black suit on dark patterned carpets standing in a woodland wedding venue, one of the different types of wedding venues
Bride in three-quarter-length sleeve boho lace wedding dress and bridal flower crown standing with groom in classic black suit at the alter of woodland wedding venue
Bride in three-quarter-length sleeve boho lace wedding dress holding large pampas grass, foliage and rose bouquet and bridal flower crown walking with groom in classic black suit in woodland wedding venue

Barn venues, hotel venues, country house venues and more... All in one handy list! 


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So there we have it - all of the most popular types of wedding venues at the moment. Planning your wedding is going to be one of the most glorious experiences, and lists like these will definitely help you out when it comes to venue hunting. Speaking of planning - if you've just started, and you're looking for ways to save on your wedding, then our article on just that will be bountiful. And if you've been wondering how far in advance you should book your venue, we've got lots of information on that, too.