Wedding Venue Styles Explained

Sophia Shafiee
Last updated: 16th Jul 2024

With so much variety nowadays, finding the perfect venue type for your wedding means that you can be spoilt for choice. Between classic wedding venues, modern wedding venues – or even if you’re considering an outdoor celebration, just to name a few – each of them has their own appeal. So, choosing the perfect wedding venue type for your big day plays a huge factor in your planning and preparation. In this article, we’re going to help make your decision-making a little bit easier, by summarising each venue type and outlining a selection of our best venues to help you whittle down your options.

The Classic Wedding Venue

Photo © The Old Hall Ely | See their Bridebook profile

Let’s begin with the old-age “classic” wedding venue. Think timeless elegance with grand chandeliers, marble floors, and ornate architecture. Often surrounded by lush gardens, classic venues offer a picturesque setting for ceremonies, complemented by spacious ballrooms for receptions. They’re defined more so by their features than their setting. So, this could range from hotels and country clubs through to churches and cathedrals. Here are some of Bridebook’s most sought-after classic wedding venues for you to consider:

The Intimate Wedding Venue

Photo © The Prince Albert | See their Bridebook profile

In today’s society, weddings can often become overcrowded and less intimate, with increasing numbers and added stress, leading many couples to opt for an intimate wedding venue that caters for elopements and smaller ceremonies. An intimate wedding venue offers cosy, personalised spaces with charming decor, private gardens, and elegant, smaller rooms. It creates a warm, romantic atmosphere, ensuring a close-knit, memorable celebration for a select group of guests. Here are a select few of Bridebook’s best venues for an intimate wedding.

The Alternative Wedding Venue

Photo © The Biscuit Factory | See their Bridebook profile

For couples who dare to be different and want their wedding to stand out, an alternative wedding venue offers the perfect backdrop. These venues often feature unconventional settings like art galleries, theatres, or industrial spaces, allowing for a creative and personalised celebration that breaks away from tradition.

The Romantic Wedding Venue

Photo © South Farm | See their Bridebook profile

What’s a wedding venue without romance? Maybe you want your setting to truly scream “love” – and who wouldn’t? Picture your day set within the likes of enchanting gardens, intimate settings, or breathtaking views. Perfect for sunset or twilight ceremonies, a romantic venue offers a cosy, candle-lit reception with floral accents, creating a magical atmosphere ideal for celebrating love.

Venues with Lovely Grounds

Photo © Hedsor House | See their Bridebook profile

If picturesque scenery and beautiful landscapes are at the top of your list, a venue with lovely grounds is a perfect choice. These venues often boast stunning gardens, manicured lawns, and scenic views that provide a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding photos and outdoor ceremonies.

The Unusual Wedding Venue

Photo © Cutty Sark | See their Bridebook profile

Maybe you want your wedding day to be held in a venue that offers something unique – differing from the traditional norms? Bridebook has you covered. These venues provide distinctive backdrops, creative spaces, and memorable experiences, often blending natural beauty with architectural charm, ensuring a one-of-a-kind celebration that reflects your individuality and style as a couple.

The Budget Wedding Venue

Photo © Newton Hall | See their Bridebook profile

When you hear the word “budget”, you may think you need to make cutbacks on some of the most important things, including your wedding venue. But, at Bridebook, you can still have your dream wedding, seeking out a venue that you love all whilst keeping costs down. A budget wedding venue offers charm and affordability, from community halls to pretty local parks and quaint gardens. These venues let you celebrate your special day without breaking the bank.

Venues with Outdoor Spaces

Photo © The Gardens | See their Bridebook profile

An outdoor wedding venue, especially in the UK, needs to offer some cover – just in case! Whilst we can all hope that our wedding day is going to be sunshine, not showers, it’s a crucial point that needs to be considered. That said, you simply can’t beat an outdoor wedding. With natural beauty, open-air settings, and scenic landscapes, it’s no wonder they’re a firm favourite. Often with lush gardens, waterfront views, or rustic vineyards, you get the perfect backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. Here are some of our top outdoor wedding venues.

The Luxury Wedding Venue

Photo © Rise Hall | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re seeking a truly lavish celebration, you may be considering a luxury wedding venue. Offering opulent decor, exquisite architecture, and premium services – only the very best for newlyweds-to-be – your luxury wedding venue awaits. Often featuring grand ballrooms, immaculate gardens and gourmet dining, each provides an unforgettable setting for weddings. Here Bridebook, we have some of the most luxurious wedding venues you can find.

The Rustic Wedding Venue

Photo © Abbey Farm Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

A rustic wedding venue provides a truly romantic setting for your big day. Abundant with natural flowers, overhead beams and a cosy yet stylish atmosphere, the rustic look is one of the most popular wedding venue styles. Typically a charming barn or farmhouse, surrounded by natural landscapes with wildflowers, this particular wedding venue type is perfect for a beautiful laid-back celebration. Here at Bridebook, we have countless rustic gems to explore.

Venues with Water Views

Photo © Inn On The Lake | See their Bridebook profile

A wedding venue with water views can add a touch of serenity and elegance to your big day. Whether it’s a beachfront location, a lakeside retreat, or a riverside venue, the calming presence of water can enhance the romantic atmosphere and provide a stunning backdrop for your ceremony and reception.

The Modern Wedding Venue

Photo © The Corinthian Club | See their Bridebook profile

For the contemporary couples, a modern wedding venue with up-to-date technology, jazzy lighting, comfortable facilities, and sleek airy spaces, is just the ticket. A modern venue can be almost anywhere – it’s more about how the space is used and how modern design has been incorporated into the venue.

The Unique Wedding Venue

Photo © Ghillie Dhu | See their Bridebook profile

For those seeking a wedding venue that’s truly one-of-a-kind, a unique wedding venue can offer an extraordinary experience. These venues often feature distinct characteristics, such as unusual architecture, themed settings, or unexpected locations, ensuring that your wedding day is unlike any other.

The City Wedding Venue

Photo © Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London | See their Bridebook profile

For couples who thrive on the energy and excitement of urban life, a city wedding venue can offer a chic and sophisticated setting. These venues are often located in the heart of bustling cities, providing easy access to transportation, hotels, and a vibrant atmosphere for your celebration.

Blank Canvas Wedding Venues

Photo © The Glass House at Staining Lodge | See their Bridebook profile

A blank canvas is just that – a blank canvas which you can do exactly what you like with. This style of venue offers the ultimate flexibility for creative couples who want to design every aspect of their big day themselves. These venues typically offer a neutral and versatile space that can be transformed to match any wedding theme or style, allowing for complete personalisation.

Venues with Scenic Views

Photo © The Ashes Barns and Country House | See their Bridebook profile

For a wedding backdrop that takes your breath away, a venue with scenic views is ideal. These venues are often situated in picturesque locations, such as mountains, vineyards, or countryside estates, offering stunning vistas that will make your wedding day unforgettable.

The Historic Wedding Venue

Photo © Roman Baths and Pump Room | See their Bridebook profile

Ranging from towering castles and opulent libraries through to iconic museums and Tudor houses, a historic wedding venue is characterised by its age, architectural significance, cultural heritage, and storied past. Each offering is own unique style; from period decor to grand interiors and a timeless ambiance.

Asian Specialist Wedding Venues

Photo © Froyle Park | See their Bridebook profile

Asian wedding venues are designed to cater to the specific needs and traditions of Asian weddings, offering ample space for large guest lists and cultural ceremonies. These venues often feature luxurious interiors, beautiful gardens, and a range of services to ensure a seamless and memorable celebration.

The Casual Wedding Venue

Photo © The Ferry House | See their Bridebook profile

If a more laid-back affair is what you’re after, you’ll probably want to consider a casual wedding venue – where minimalist chic is at the forefront of your day. This is a simple-yet-effective no frills venue, offering natural beauty, simple decor, and an intimate vibe, where the focus can be kept on the happy couple. This could be a pub, restaurant, or a registry office – making a more relaxed day for the couple to bask in their newlywed status.

The Formal Wedding Venue

Photo © Bradbourne House | See their Bridebook profile

For those couples who envision a wedding with an air of sophistication and elegance, a formal wedding venue provides the perfect setting. These venues often feature grand ballrooms, stately homes, or exclusive clubs, offering a refined atmosphere for your ceremony and reception.

The Cool Wedding Venue

Photo © The Hackney | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re a couple who values style and contemporary vibes, a cool wedding venue is the way to go. These venues are often trendy, with modern designs, unique features, and a chic ambiance that sets the stage for a fashionable and unforgettable wedding celebration.

Find your dream venue on Bridebook

When it comes to choosing your wedding venue, it’s about far more than just the four walls in which you decide to share your nuptials. It’s a representation of your personalities and, often, a representation of your relationship – the story of where you’ve been together and the journey you’re about to embark on together as a married couple. So, wherever you decide to share your special day, make sure to find somewhere that feels just right for you and your partner. 

Don’t forget to check out all the fabulous wedding venues we have right here on Bridebook, and filter for the wedding venue types and styles you like most. 

Discover your dream wedding venue now!

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Happy Planning!

Sophia Shafiee
Sophia is a passionate writer and editor and expert on all things wedding content related, with a First Class degree from the University of Oxford. She frequently shares her wedding advice and tips with leading UK publications on behalf of Bridebook.com, including Harper’s Bazaar, SheerLuxe and Porter Magazine.
Last updated: 16th Jul 2024