Wiltshire really is a beautiful part of the UK, with 7% of the picturesque Cotswolds sitting inside the county’s borders. It’s also home to some of the UK’s most interesting history, as it’s where you’ll find the likes of Salisbury Cathedral, the Bronze Age chalk hill carvings, and, of course, the legendary Stonehenge, one of the world’s most recognised monuments. The county is also home to the fantastic Longleat Safari Park, as well as Castle Combe, which is often considered the prettiest village in England. All of these reasons, and plenty more on top, are why Wiltshire is a brilliant place to get married.
Our 2025 Wedding Report uncovered that 13% of all weddings in the UK take place in Wiltshire and the rest of the South West region – the second highest in the UK, just behind the South East. More than two-thirds (67%) of couples who live in the area stay local for their big day – despite the average cost of a wedding being £21,921, which is over £1,000 more expensive than the national average. This shows just how prized and sought-after weddings in the county are, and how wide the choice for couples is.
With its thousands of years of heritage and history, stunning scenery and variety of venues and vendors, it’s no surprise that Wiltshire is a top choice for weddings, no matter what you’re looking for in your special day.
As we’ve already highlighted, the natural landscape and history around Wiltshire really are awe-inspiring, so couples are usually all too happy to include elements of these in their special day. Rustic and countryside weddings are a popular trend, with many couples picking barn and garden venues so they can have outdoor ceremonies and receptions which include natural floral arrangements. With an average spend of £1,341 on flowers, which is above the UK average of £1,132, Wiltshire couples clearly love grand floral displays.
Wiltshire’s love of local produce is making a big impact on wedding catering. Farm-to-table dining experiences featuring locally sourced meats, artisan cheeses and freshly baked bread are becoming increasingly popular. Many couples also choose to showcase regional specialties like Wiltshire ham, traditional cider and even wedding pies filled with locally farmed ingredients instead of a traditional wedding cake!
Another growing trend in Wiltshire is the shift towards intimate, high-end weddings, rather than elaborate and expensive celebrations. Not that there’s anything wrong with huge receptions, but smaller weddings help couples get more for their budget. Rather than large guest lists, couples opt for smaller, more personal dos where they can focus on premium experiences, such as gourmet multi-course dining, private country house stays and live acoustic music performances.
From historic manor houses to beautiful outdoor locations, Wiltshire has an incredible variety of wedding venues to choose from.
With so much history in the area, you could tie that into where the two of you tie the knot by choosing a historic venue, such as Old Wardour Castle, which might be a ruin but can be transformed into the most stunning location when filled with twinkling lights and floral displays.
There are also plenty of fabulous manor houses and stately homes around the county, so you can have a wedding fit for royalty. Some of the most noteworthy houses around the area include Mompesson House, The Manor House, Hartham Park Estate, Antrobus House and The Pear Tree.
With National Landscapes and part of the Cotswolds found in Wiltshire, so much of the countryside around the area is absolutely stunning. This makes it a top choice if you’re keen to have an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception and really highlight what Wiltshire has to offer. Some brilliant outdoor venues include Larmer Tree, with its 11 acres of gardens featuring ancient trees, hidden pathways and free-roaming peacocks. There’s also Syrencot, a Georgian house with a contemporary barn and light-filled glasshouse. And there’s Folly Farm Centre, a quaint countryside venue where all the profits go to the Avon Wildlife Trust.
If you’d like a venue that reflects your passions or is something a little bit different, Wiltshire has plenty of unique places so you can have a wedding day that’s truly memorable. For a pair of local sports fanatics, Swindon County Ground is ideal, with views across the pitch. Or for train enthusiasts, you’re spoilt for choice, as you could go for either Steam - Museum Of The Great Western Railway or Swindon and Cricklade Railway!
The South West might be more expensive than other regions of the UK when it comes to hosting a wedding, but there are loads of great affordable venue options as well. Check out venues like The Stones Hotel, Bake Barn and The Guildhall Salisbury to see exactly what you can get for a smaller budget.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Wiltshire is £6,755, which means it is pricier than the overall UK average. But, it’s important to remember that this is just an average, with many couples spending much less than this, and others even more. In any case, couples are still all too keen to get married in the area, which shows that it’s definitely worth it.
Like much of the South West, many of Wiltshire’s wedding venues are highly sought after, especially those in the country or close to some of the more popular landmarks and attractions. Most couples book their venue between 12 and 18 months in advance, but for peak summer dates or weekend dates, booking two years ahead isn’t unheard of – so plan accordingly.
For couples looking for a shorter planning timeline, flexibility is your friend. Weekday and winter weddings often have more availability, with bookings possible within six months. Plus, off-peak weddings can come with added savings, making them a great choice for budget-conscious couples.
Wiltshire has a climate similar to the rest of southern England, making it a great year-round wedding destination. It’s not perfect – it is the UK after all – but you can usually depend on each season to bring something unique to the table.
Spring (March – May) is a beautiful time to get married in Wiltshire, with gardens blooming and temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) in March to 16°C (61°F) in May. Springtime is perfect for outdoor ceremonies and countryside weddings, though occasional showers are to be expected, so make sure you pick a venue where you can escape if it does start to rain, like The Manor Estate.
Summer (June – August) is the most popular season for weddings in the area, with temperatures reaching between 18°C (64°F) and 24°C (75°F). And just imagine the photos you can have, especially with the iconic Stonehenge in the background. Long days and warm weather make summer weddings ideal for outdoor celebrations, like at National Trust - Stourhead and The Ridgeway Barns.
Autumn (September – November) sees temperatures cooling from 17°C (63°F) in September to 9°C (48°F) in November. The golds and browns of autumn make for stunning wedding photography, but venues with indoor ceremony spaces are a must as it’s more likely to rain. But don’t worry, venues like Riverside Salisbury and The Civic Trowbridge have you covered.
Winter (December – February) is perfect for intimate and atmospheric weddings. With temperatures between 2°C (36°F) and 7°C (45°F), a winter wedding in Wiltshire can be magical, if not a little cold, but indoor venues like the impressive Grittledon House mean you can keep your celebrations warm and welcoming.
Wiltshire isn’t too far outside of London, so it’s a very well-connected area, making it easy for your wedding guests to travel to and around the county.
For those arriving by air, Bristol Airport (BRS) is the closest major airport, offering flights to and from various UK and European destinations. London Heathrow (LHR) is also within reasonable driving distance if your guests are travelling from further afield.
Wiltshire has excellent rail connections, and you’ll find stations in various locations, including Salisbury, Swindon and Chippenham, which offer direct trains from London, Bath, Bristol and the rest of the UK.
If your guests are driving, major roads such as the M4, A303 and A36 provide easy access to wedding venues across the county. Just be warned that some of the more remote areas of Wiltshire are harder to get to via public transport, which is something to bear in mind if you know that a large portion of your friends and family might rely on it.
Wiltshire is a popular spot with tourists, so your guests won’t need to look hard to find somewhere to stay. Accommodation options in the region range from luxury spa hotels and cute B&Bs to all the budget-friendly chain hotels. Many venues also offer on-site accommodation, such as The Wiltshire Hotel, Golf & Leisure Resort, Leigh Park Country House Hotel and The Old Bell Hotel, which are perfect if you’re looking to spend your entire day in one convenient location.
Many couples choose to secure their wedding ceremony and venue as soon as they have agreed on a date as there can be stiff competition for certain dates. Most registry offices and venues will allow you to make a booking as far ahead as you want, so there is really no need to leave it to the last minute. On average couples will book their reception venue around 12 months in advance so they can begin the planning process with the onsite team and liaise with suppliers.
The wedding season runs from May to October but the busiest times for weddings in Wiltshire are June, July and August meaning if you are hoping to tie the know in this month you may need to book up to two years in advance to secure your dream venue. Saturday ceremonies have always been the most popular, so look at holding a weekday wedding if you want to secure a last-minute spot at your top location.
