An area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Gloucestershire is one of the most beautiful and romantic places to tie the knot. With its charming villages, rolling hills, and historic venues, you’ll find the perfect backdrop for your big day. Whether you’re after a traditional church ceremony, a quirky barn wedding, or something a bit more glamorous, Gloucestershire has it all. Plus, it’s got those cosy pubs for a pint with your mates after the ceremony!
With quick access to stunning cities like Cheltenham or quaint towns like Bourton-On-The-Water, Tewkesbury, and Bibury, Gloucestershire is packed with character and old English charm. However, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for a Cotswolds wedding.
Technically falling under the South West, where the average wedding price is £21,921, the Cotswolds are definitely on the higher end of the scale compared to the national UK average (which is £20,822) and other regions throughout the country. But, with dreamy scenery, great transport links, incredible venues, and the charm of the area, it’s easy to see why it comes at a premium.
Whether it’s the luxury of a grand manor house or a quaint, intimate ceremony by a babbling brook, Gloucestershire offers an unforgettable setting. And with all the picturesque spots for wedding photos, you’ll have memories to last a lifetime. Well worth the price tag, in our opinion!
Country chic is an extremely popular theme in Gloucestershire. Classic Land Rovers, tweed, wellies, and family dogs as ring bearers are all the rage in this rural setting. Lean into the natural elegance of the English countryside by incorporating fabrics like tweed, burlap, and even a few mason jars for good measure. It’s a classic and timeless look that never goes out of style.
On the other hand, black tie is another popular theme for Gloucestershire weddings. When else are you going to get the chance to throw a glamorous, high-end party with all your loved ones dressed to the nines? Gloucestershire’s stately homes, manor houses, and historic castles provide the perfect backdrop for a black-tie wedding. Picture floor-length gowns, tuxedos, Champagne towers, and candlelit receptions. The epitome of glamour!
Whether you're planning an intimate affair or a grand celebration, there’s a venue in Gloucestershire to suit your needs.
If you’re looking for something unusual, Llanthony Secunda Priory is a Grade I listed Victorian farmhouse. Rustic, cosy, and charming, they can accommodate any arrangements from an afternoon tea to a three-course meal. Plus, with a registered church on site and a marriage licence to perform legal ceremonies, it’s a great all-in-one option for couples who want to keep everything in one place.
If you’re looking for something a little more chic, a super luxury venue like Kiftsgate Court is the epitome of elegance. With its stunning gardens, breathtaking views over the Cotswolds, and a touch of aristocratic charm, it’s perfect for a high-end, sophisticated celebration. Think grand receptions, Champagne on the terrace, and a backdrop that looks straight out of a fairytale.
On the other hand, more affordable options can be just as beautiful. The Hare and Hounds Hotel in Tetbury has prices starting from £4,800 for up to 60 guests, meaning you don’t need to break the bank to have a magical wedding day. Equally, Tipi Weddings at Tower Hill Vineyard & Farm can accommodate up to 200 guests, and with prices starting from £3,000, it’s a fantastic option for couples who love the idea of a relaxed, festival-style wedding.
The cheapest Cotswold wedding reported in our 2025 Wedding Report was £1,500, while the most expensive was rung in at £50,000. This goes to show the diversity of Gloucestershire venues, proving that no matter your budget, there’s a stunning spot to say “I do.” That being said, the average cost of a venue in the South West generally is £6,755, which is £810 more than the national average of £5,945.
Gloucestershire’s central and semi-rural location means you can afford a slightly shorter lead time than we might otherwise usually recommend. The range of vendors and venues available means that while some places book up years in advance, others have more flexibility—especially if you're open to a weekday or off-peak wedding.
For the most sought-after venues, you’ll want to be looking at least 18-24 months ahead—especially if you're after a peak summer Saturday. These venues are always in high demand, and many couples book as soon as they get engaged.
Mid-range venues in Gloucestershire, including charming barns, boutique hotels, and country houses, typically require 12-18 months' notice, particularly for weekend weddings between May and September. If you're flexible on your date or considering a Friday or Sunday, you might find availability within a year.
For more budget-friendly options or less conventional venues—such as village halls, pubs, and glamping sites—you can often find availability 6-12 months in advance. Many registry offices and smaller venues also have shorter lead times, making them great choices for couples who don’t want a long engagement.
Last-minute bookings aren’t impossible, either. If you’re willing to go for a winter wedding or a midweek date, you might be able to snap up a cancellation or a late deal within 3-6 months—some venues even offer discounts for short-notice bookings. However, we don’t recommend counting on this. It simply isn’t worth the stress!
No matter your timeline, the best approach is to book your venue first—once that’s sorted, everything else (catering, decor, photographer) will fall into place. And if you're set on a particular venue but it’s booked on your dream date? It’s always worth asking about cancellations, waitlists, or alternative spaces they might have on-site.
Gloucestershire's central location gives it a mild and temperate climate, meaning it’s a solid choice for weddings all year round. That said, like the rest of the UK, the weather can be unpredictable—so always have a Plan B, especially if you're dreaming of an outdoor ceremony!
Spring (March-May) weddings in Gloucestershire can be absolutely stunning, with blossom trees in full bloom and rolling fields turning lush green. March can still be a bit chilly, but by late April and May, you're looking at mild temperatures averaging around 10-15°C. It’s also a great time for lower venue hire costs before peak summer pricing kicks in. Just watch out for April showers—marquee hire or indoor backup options are a must.
Summer (June-August) weddings bring the best chance of sunshine for an outdoor wedding. July is typically the warmest month, with temperatures hitting 18-25°C (sometimes higher in a heatwave). But, being the UK, there’s always the chance of a downpour, so don’t rule out umbrellas just yet! Summer is peak wedding season, meaning higher prices and venues booking up well in advance—think 18-24 months ahead for the most popular spots.
Autumn (September-November) weddings are perfect for capturing those golden hour photographs. Consider a venue like Eastwood Park or Old Gore Barn, where the autumn colours really make the setting feel extra special. September still offers mild temperatures ranging around 14-18°C, but as October rolls in, you’ll start to see cooler days, crisp evenings, and the first hints of frost. If you love the idea of cosy, candlelit receptions and rich autumnal decor, this season is a winner. Plus, with peak wedding season wrapping up, you might find better rates and more availability at sought-after venues.
Winter (December-February) weddings are less popular than their spring or summer counterparts. But, that just means you’ll have your pick of venues at a cheaper price point! Consider Blackfriars Priory—this 13th-century historic venue has won Venue of the Year in the South West Tourism Awards year after year and is always booked up. If you opt for a winter wedding, you might just snag a rare available date at a much lower price. Plus, the atmospheric stone walls, candlelit halls, and roaring fireplaces make for a seriously romantic setting—perfect for your very own winter wonderland.
Gloucestershire is well connected to the UK’s major cities, making it an easy destination for wedding guests travelling from near and far. With direct train links from London Paddington to Cheltenham and Gloucester in under two hours, plus easy access via the M5, M4, and A40, it's quick and easy to get around via car or public transport.
For guests flying in, Bristol Airport (BRS) is just over an hour away, and Birmingham Airport (BHX) isn’t much further. These airports receive both domestic and international flights, making them ideal for those travelling from afar.
Once your guests arrive, there’s a range of accommodation in Gloucestershire to suit any budget. Take Mercure Bristol North The Grange Hotel. This well-known chain is budget-friendly and reliable, giving your guests a safe space to kick off their dancing shoes after a long night of partying. If you’re looking for something a little more glamorous, Lord Of The Manor has up to 25 bedrooms for your nearest and dearest. Bonus, they host weddings too, so guests have the luxury of rolling straight into bed after the last dance—no need for taxis or late-night logistics!
For those who love a bit of countryside charm, there are plenty of boutique B&Bs and cosy guest houses dotted around the Cotswolds. If your venue is on the rural side, it’s worth suggesting nearby options to guests well in advance, as smaller hotels and B&Bs can book up quickly—especially in peak wedding season.
