Oxfordshire is without a doubt one of the most picturesque regions of the UK, filled with so many picture-perfect locations that we couldn’t possibly list them all here. From the quaint villages of the Cotswolds, like the world-famous Bibury, to the iconic University of Oxford, every inch of the county has something to see or explore. Oxfordshire has been home to some of history’s most famous faces, including J. R. R. Tolkein and Stephen Hawking, who studied at Oxford, and Winston Churchill, who was born at the fabulous Blenheim Palace – and now, it could just be the perfect place for you and your other half to host your wedding.
Our 2025 Wedding Report found that Oxfordshire and the rest of the southeast is where 16% of all UK weddings are hosted, which makes it the most popular region in the country. It’s also where 84% of local couples choose to stay and get married, which is the second highest amount out of the rest of the country, just behind Yorkshire and The Humber. And this is despite the cost of a wedding in Oxfordshire being higher than it is in most other regions of the UK. Couples in the county spend an average of £22,644 on their big day, which is not only higher than the UK average at £20,822, but it’s the most couples pay on average outside of London.
That just goes to show just how much Oxfordshire is loved as a top wedding destination. It may be a little pricier than elsewhere, but it’s more than worth it. Thanks to its rolling landscapes, beautiful towns and villages and variety of venues, Oxfordshire is one of the best and most desirable locations in the country to host your wedding.
Oxfordshire weddings often embrace the county’s natural beauty, history and elegance. Many couples opt for classic and timeless themes, using plenty of flowers, creative lighting and refined decor to complement the natural surroundings. This is evident by couples in the area spending more on flowers and decor than the national average.
Rustic weddings are also hugely popular in the region, especially in the county’s barn venues, of which there are plenty. DIY elements are common in venues like these, bringing out that old-world aesthetic further (which can also help reduce costs slightly).
Being an area of such natural beauty, couples in Oxfordshire are also doing what they can to protect it. That includes eco-friendly practices, such as choosing venues that support sustainability and minimise waste, and opting for local suppliers and vendors.
Another big trend is intimate and exclusive weddings, with more couples choosing smaller guest lists and focusing on high-quality experiences. Venues like boutique hotels and smaller venues in Oxford city centre provide a perfect setting for a stylish yet super personal celebration.
Oxfordshire has no shortage of incredible wedding venues. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand stately home rich in history, a rustic barn or garden or something totally unique and quirky, there’s so much choice in and around the county.
If you’re excited to go for a luxurious venue steeped in history, there are plenty of venues around the county that date back hundreds of years. Ardington House is an elegant Georgian manor that has several options for your ceremony, including a church within walking distance. Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons is just about as quaint as they come, with gardens and interiors filled with magic. Another stunning option is Newington House, which is as grand as it is graceful.
With so much of Oxfordshire’s countryside being as scenic as it is, it’s only natural that you might want to make the most of it and choose a venue with an outdoor ceremony and reception space. Caswell House dates back to the 15th century and has an ancient archway known as The Loggia. Cogges Manor Farm has that rustic farm aesthetic that is quintessentially British, while Oxford Botanic Garden lets you tie the knot immersed in 400 years of Oxfordshire flora.
All that history and charm around the county also ensures there are venues that have plenty of personality for couples looking for something a little different. The Bodleian Library has two unique spaces filled with 15th-century architectural details. The Ashmolean Museum and the River and Rowing Museum lean heavily on local history and allow you to get married in a location equal parts beautiful and equal parts interesting. Another fantastic option is Hobbs of Henley, which lets you party the night away on the city’s legendary river.
Oxfordshire also has loads of choices when it comes to affordable venues, so you and your other half can have the wedding of your dreams without the need for a huge budget. Places like Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel, The Spread Eagle Hotel and The Crown and Thistle are all absolutely fantastic and don’t require you to break the bank.
The average cost of a venue in Oxford and the wider south east is £5,626. This is less than the overall UK average of £5,945 and quite a lot less than what couples pay on average in London, at £7,020.
Oxfordshire’s wedding venues are in high demand, so booking early is essential. Most couples secure their venue 12 to 18 months in advance, but many need to book even further ahead than this. This is especially true if you’re looking to have a summer or weekend wedding, when you may find that you need to put your name down two or more years ahead of your preferred date.
If you’re open to being flexible, you may find that you can secure a venue as little as six months from now. This is the case if you’re happy to get married midweek or during the colder winter months when many venues are quieter. Doing this also means you’re likely to spend less.
There’s nothing quite like spring and summer in Oxfordshire, which is when many of the serene villages and towns around the county and the entire Cotswolds area are at their beautiful best. That being said, the cooler autumn and winter months also bring their own charm which is worth considering.
Spring (March – May) sees the entire Cotswolds come to life and bloom with fresh greenery and flowers, making it an ideal time for outdoor ceremonies if you’re lucky enough to escape those troublesome April showers. Temperatures range from 9°C (48°F) in March to 16°C (61°F) in May.
Summer (June – August) is peak wedding season in Oxfordshire, with long days of sun and average temperatures of 19°C (66°F) to 23°C (73°F). It’s the best time for an outdoor wedding at venues like Worton Kitchen Garden and Lains Barn. And don’t forget to pop in on Diddly Squat Farm for a chance to bump into Jeremy Clarkson and buy some of his local produce!
Autumn (September – November) is perfect for couples who love warm, cosy vibes. The Cotswolds countryside turns golden, creating a breathtaking natural backdrop for photos. With temperatures between 17°C (63°F) in September and 9°C (48°F) in November, it’s worth choosing a venue with indoor space in case of rain, like the gothic Mansfield College right in the centre of Oxford.
Winter (December – February) brings crisp and frosty mornings, as temperatures hover between 2°C (36°F) and 7°C (45°F). When the weather takes a particularly icy or snowy turn, it can make traversing some of the region’s narrow and windy roads a little tricky, but the entire county is stunning under a fresh layer of snow, so it sure is worth it.
The county of Oxfordshire is well-connected, making it easy for guests to get around the area from across the UK and find their way to a wedding venue.
Oxford city centre is easy to get to by train, with direct services from London Paddington and London Marylebone taking around an hour. There are also frequent train connections from Birmingham, Manchester and further afield. Some of the more remote areas of the Cotswolds can be a little harder to get to on public transport, but there are usually buses and taxis that can take you where you need to go.
For international guests, Heathrow Airport (LHR) is around a two-hour drive, while Birmingham Airport (BHX) is around 90 minutes.
Oxfordshire is easily accessible by road, with major motorways including the M40, A34 and A40 providing direct routes from London, Birmingham and the South West. If you’re choosing a venue in one of the county’s more remote villages, driving is likely the easiest way for the majority of your guests to travel (where possible).
Being such a huge draw to both UK and international visitors, Oxfordshire has plenty of options when it comes to places to stay. There are countless B&B options around the Cotswolds, as well as hotels that also double up as wedding venues in their own right. Hotels like The Bay Tree Hotel, The Holt Hotel and Milton Hill House are all ideal if you’d like to have the entire day and night in one convenient location.
