The Average Cost of a UK Wedding in 2026 is £20,604

Wondering how much the average wedding costs in the UK? According to Bridebook’s 2026 UK Wedding Report, the average wedding cost in the UK is £20,604.

That figure covers the wedding day itself, including major costs like the venue, catering, photography, outfits, flowers and entertainment. It does not include the honeymoon or engagement ring, which are usually budgeted for separately.

Bridebook surveyed 7,000 newly married and actively planning couples for our 2026 report, making this one of the largest wedding cost datasets in the UK.

So whether you’re building your budget from scratch or comparing your plans against the national average, this guide breaks down what UK couples are really spending in 2026.

TL;DR: Average Wedding Cost in the UK

The average UK wedding cost is £20,604 in 2026.

Here’s the quick answer:

• Average UK wedding cost: £20,604
• Average cost per guest: £278
• Biggest wedding expenses: venue, catering, photography and attire
• Cheapest ways to get married: smaller guest lists, weekday dates and registry office ceremonies
• Most expensive region: London
• Cheapest months to marry: January, February and October

Average wedding cost in the UK: £20,604Most couples spend less or more than this depending on guest count, location, venue and supplier choices.

Source: Bridebook’s UK Wedding Report 2026, based on a survey of 7,000 UK couples.

Average Wedding Cost in the UK in 2026

To put that number into context:

Average Cost Per Wedding Guest in the UK

The average cost per wedding guest in the UK is around £278 in 2026.

But the cost per guest changes depending on wedding size. Smaller weddings often cost more per head, because couples tend to invest more in each guest’s experience.

This reflects a major planning trend: couples are increasingly choosing smaller, more intentional celebrations.

In 2026:

• 41% of wedding receptions host fewer than 60 guests
• the average ceremony has around 74 guests
• evening guest numbers have fallen sharply compared with previous years

So while total budgets have remained fairly stable, guest lists have got leaner.

Cheap Wedding Options in the UK

Not every wedding needs to cost £20,000.

If you’re planning on a tighter budget, there are lots of ways to reduce costs without losing what makes the day special. In fact, 25% of couples spend £10,000 or less on their wedding.

The cheapest ways to get married in the UK include:

• having a registry office wedding
• choosing a weekday or off-peak date
• keeping your guest list small
• hosting your reception in a pub, restaurant or non-traditional venue
• using DIY décor, stationery or flowers
• prioritising only the suppliers that matter most to you

Registry office weddings are usually the most affordable legal option, and many couples combine a simple ceremony with a smaller celebration afterwards.

You can also read our guide to registry office wedding costs if you’re comparing options.

Can you have a wedding for £5,000 in the UK?

Yes – but it usually requires compromises.

A £5,000 wedding is most achievable if you:

• invite fewer guests
• choose a simple or non-traditional venue
• avoid peak summer Saturdays
• skip extras that don’t matter to you
• ask friends and family to help with certain elements

How Wedding Costs Have Changed Over Time

One of the most interesting findings in Bridebook’s 2026 data is that average wedding costs have stabilised.

After a period of steep increases as larger celebrations returned post-pandemic, the market appears to have settled.

That does not mean weddings have become cheap. It means couples are getting smarter about how they spend. Instead of increasing budgets endlessly, many are:

• reducing guest numbers
• choosing midweek weddings
• rethinking traditions
• spending more selectively on priority suppliers

So the story in 2026 is less about cutting back and more about spending smarter.

Average Wedding Cost by Region in the UK

Where you get married can have a major impact on your overall spend.

Bridebook’s 2026 data shows a clear regional spread, with London remaining the most expensive place to get married.

Most expensive places to get married in the UK

London is still by far the most expensive region, largely because of venue, catering and supplier costs. But it’s not only the South that commands higher prices — Scotland is also notably above the UK average.

If you’re comparing locations, these regional differences can have a major impact on what your budget will realistically buy.

Cheapest and Most Expensive Months to Get Married

Wedding date can be just as important as location when it comes to cost.

Bridebook’s 2026 data shows that seasonality still plays a big role in wedding pricing, with summer weddings generally costing more and winter weddings often offering better value.

Most expensive months

• June
• August
• September

Cheapest months

• January
• February
• October

Weekday weddings are also becoming more popular. Fewer than half of weddings now take place on a Saturday, with Wednesday and Thursday weddings growing in popularity – especially among younger couples looking for better value.

If you’re trying to save money, switching from a peak Saturday in summer to an off-peak weekday can make a significant difference to venue and catering costs.

Ways to Reduce Wedding Costs Without Sacrificing the Day

The good news is that couples have more options than ever to keep costs under control without feeling like they’re settling.

Here are some of the most effective ways to reduce your wedding costs in the UK:

1. Choose an off-peak date

Winter weddings and weekday celebrations are often much cheaper than peak summer Saturdays.

2. Cut your guest list

A smaller guest list reduces food, drink, furniture, stationery and venue costs all at once.

3. Prioritise your must-haves

Decide which elements matter most to you, then allocate more of your budget there and spend less elsewhere.

4. Compare venues carefully

Venue choice shapes a huge chunk of the budget, so it’s worth comparing what’s included before booking.

5. Consider non-traditional venues

Restaurants, pubs and flexible event spaces can offer better value than dedicated wedding venues.

6. DIY strategically

DIY can save money on things like stationery, signage and favours, but it’s not always cheaper for everything.

7. Rethink traditions

You do not need every wedding extra if it doesn’t feel important to you. Many couples are happily skipping traditions that don’t add real value.

Are Couples Spending Less – or Spending Smarter?

Wedding budgets haven’t collapsed. They’ve just become more intentional.

Bridebook’s 2026 data suggests couples are increasingly focused on value. Rather than cutting every area of spending, they’re making more targeted choices, such as:

• reducing guest numbers
• choosing midweek or off-peak dates
• replacing traditions with more personal alternatives
• prioritising venue, catering and photography over less important extras

This is especially true for Gen Z couples, who are generally spending less than Millennials but are often more willing to question wedding conventions and build a day that reflects their own priorities.

Wedding spend bands in 2026

So while the average wedding cost is just over £20,000, there is no single “normal” budget. The UK market now spans everything from simple £5,000 celebrations to £35,000-plus weddings.

Wedding Cost FAQs

How much does the average wedding cost in the UK?

The average wedding cost in the UK is £20,604 in 2026, according to Bridebook’s latest data. This covers the wedding day itself and excludes the honeymoon and engagement ring.

What is the biggest wedding expense?

For most couples, the venue and catering are the biggest wedding expenses. Together, they account for more than half of the average wedding budget.

What is the cheapest way to get married in the UK?

A registry office wedding is usually the cheapest legal way to get married in the UK. Costs can be reduced further by choosing a weekday, inviting fewer guests and having a small reception afterwards.

Can you have a wedding for £5,000 in the UK?

Yes. Smaller weddings, off-peak dates, simpler venues and selective supplier choices can make a £5,000 wedding possible.

How much does a wedding cost per guest?

The average cost per wedding guest is around £278 in 2026, although smaller weddings often work out at a higher per-head cost.

Has the average cost of a wedding gone up?

Not significantly. The average wedding cost was £20,822 in 2025 and £20,604 in 2026, suggesting overall spend has stayed broadly stable.

Which part of the UK is most expensive to get married in?

London is the most expensive place to get married in the UK, with an average wedding cost of £26,986.

Which months are cheapest for weddings?

January, February and October are the cheapest months on average, while June, August and September are the most expensive.

The Bottom Line on Wedding Costs in 2026

The average cost of a wedding in the UK is £20,604 in 2026, but that number should be treated as a guide, not a rule.

Some couples will spend far less. Others will spend much more. What matters most is understanding the biggest cost drivers – especially guest count, venue, catering, location and date – so you can build a budget that works for you.

Whether you’re planning a £5,000 pub wedding or a £30,000 country house celebration, the smartest budgets are the ones that reflect your priorities.

Ready to start planning? Bridebook can help you build your budget, manage your guest list and find the right venue and suppliers for your day – discover our wedding planning tools here.

The Average Cost of a Wedding in 2025 Was £20,822

In 2025, the average cost of a wedding in the UK was £20,822, rising to £26,583 when including the engagement ring and honeymoon.

The data, collected from around 7,000 couples, revealed key differences in spending patterns:

• Gen Z couples tended to spend less overall (£19,095 on average) and were more likely to spend under £10,000 than non-Gen Z couples
• Around a quarter of couples spent less than £10,000, while the top 10 % spent over £38,000, showing a widening range of wedding budgets
• Average supplier costs showed that venue and catering were the biggest portion of wedding spend, with the average venue (including catering) costing about £9,811, far more than other categories like photography or videography

2025 UK Wedding Costs by Category

• Venue hire (including catering) – £9,811 / (venue only) – £5,945
• Catering (reception) – £5,395 / (evening) – £1,840
• Photography – £1,482
• Videography – £1,386
• Flowers – £1,132
• Wedding cake – £365
• Wedding dress – £1,515
• Wedding menswear – £845
• Fashion & accessories – £379
• Wedding rings & jewellery – £955
• Hairdressing – £358
• Makeup – £363
• Music (ceremony) – £821 / (reception) – £1,102
• Entertainment (non-music) – £704
• Wedding stationery – £413
• Decor & hire – £1,271
• Marquee / tipi – £4,532
• Transport – £626
• Wedding favours – £158
• Wedding planner – £1,892
• Celebrant – £546 / Toastmaster – £477
• Engagement ring – £2,158
• Honeymoon – £4,608

Source: Bridebook’s UK Wedding Report 2025, based on a survey of 7,000 UK couples.

The Average Cost of a Wedding in 2024 Was £20,775

In 2024, the average cost of a wedding in the UK was £20,775, rising to £25,952 when including the engagement ring and honeymoon.

The data, collected from around 6,000 couples, revealed key differences in spending patterns:

• Gen Z couples were more affected by economic pressures but still expected to spend more than previous generations, often investing an extra £4,000 on their weddings while finding creative ways to save, such as upcycling decor or reselling items
• Around a quarter of couples spent less than £10,000, while the top 10 % spent over £38,000, showing a wide range of wedding budgets
• Guest count had a major impact on costs, with couples hosting 50 guests or fewer spending around £12,006, while those with 150+ guests spent £37,431 on average

2024 UK Wedding Costs by Category

• Venue hire (including catering) – £9,877 / (venue only) – £6,084
• Catering (reception) – £5,732 / (speciality) – £1,097
• Photography – £1,464
• Videography – £1,439
• Flowers – £1,182
• Wedding cake – £405
• Wedding dress – £1,309
• Wedding menswear – £764
• Fashion & accessories – £285
• Wedding rings & jewellery – £2,089 (engagement ring) / £1,021 (other jewellery)
• Hairdressing – £358
• Makeup – £328
• Music (ceremony) – £641 / (reception) – £1,127
• Entertainment (non-music) – £727
• Wedding stationery – £384
• Decor & hire – £1,449
• Marquee / tipi – £4,202
• Transport – £705
• Wedding favours – £158
• Wedding planner – £2,436
• Celebrant – £501 / Toastmaster – £515
• Honeymoon – £4,329

Source: Bridebook’s UK Wedding Report 2024, based on a survey of 6,000 UK couples.

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Zoe Burke

Zoe Burke is Head of Brand at Bridebook, the UK’s leading wedding planning platform. With over 14 years of experience in the wedding industry, Zoe is a recognised expert on how couples plan, choose, and book their weddings - and how venues and suppliers can best support them. At Bridebook, Zoe leads the brand, content and social strategy, shaping the advice, tools and inspiration used by hundreds of thousands of couples each year. Her work focuses on helping couples feel confident and informed when making some of the biggest decisions of their lives - from choosing the right venue to navigating budgets, guest lists and modern wedding etiquette. Zoe is a regular media commentator on wedding trends, planning behaviours and the realities of the UK wedding industry. She has appeared on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 4, and BBC local radio, and has been quoted in national and international publications including The Times, Stylist, Cosmopolitan, Mail Online, The Knot, and more in her capacity as a wedding expert. She has also contributed expert commentary to several wedding books. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoe was appointed to the Government-backed UK Weddings Taskforce, where she helped shape national guidance and policy for weddings, representing the needs of both couples and wedding businesses during an unprecedented period for the industry. Today, Zoe combines real-world industry insight with data from Bridebook’s annual UK Wedding Report and planning tools to provide practical, trusted advice for couples and professionals alike. Her approach is grounded in one core belief: that planning a wedding should feel empowering, not overwhelming.

Last updated: 10th Mar 2026

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