Because of its close ties to the royal family and the aristocracy, Berkshire is synonymous with class and elegance. The county is home to some amazing places, such as the world-famous Windsor Castle, the prestigious Eton College (where the likes of Prince William, Prince Harry and Ian Fleming attended) and the Royal Ascot, known for its extravagant hats (well, and the horse-racing, too). Berkshire is also home to Legoland Windsor, the UK’s busiest theme park, and plenty of beautiful countryside – the River Thames flows through the county. All of these come together to mean Berkshire is an amazing place to host your wedding.
Our 2025 Wedding Report revealed that 16% of weddings take place in Berkshire and the wider South East region, making it the most popular in the entire country. More than four out of every five (84%) local couples choose to stay in the area for their big day, the second highest in the UK behind Yorkshire and the Humber. The average cost of a wedding in Berkshire is £22,644, which is more than the overall UK average of £20,822. The fact that so many couples choose to stay in the area for their special day shows just how fantastic it really is.
With its exceptional venues, easy access from London and fabulous backdrops, Berkshire continues to be a highly desirable wedding destination, no matter what you’re looking for in your big day.
Berkshire weddings often highlight the county’s historic charm and natural beauty. Many couples go for elegant and timeless themes, incorporating huge floral arrangements, creative lighting and sophisticated decor to enhance the grandeur of their venues. This focus on refined aesthetics is reflected in couples in the area spending more on flowers and decor than the national average.
Rustic weddings are also a favourite in Berkshire, particularly in the county’s barn venues, of which there are plenty to choose from. These settings lend themselves perfectly to DIY elements, allowing couples to add personal touches that enhance the rustic charm while also helping to manage costs.
With its scenic countryside and picturesque river settings, sustainability is becoming a key focus for couples in Berkshire. Many are choosing eco-conscious venues, minimising waste and working with local suppliers to create an environmentally friendly celebration.
Another growing trend is intimate and exclusive weddings, with more couples choosing smaller guest lists and prioritising high-quality experiences. Boutique hotels and quaint country houses across Berkshire offer the perfect setting for a luxurious yet personal celebration.
Being such a highly regarded county, Berkshire boasts some of the UK’s most amazing wedding venues, from grand stately homes with centuries of history to luxury hotels and picturesque countryside estates.
The fabulous Oakley Hall Hotel has seven ceremony options, from within the huge manor itself to outside within the 300 acres of private grounds. Hedsor House is absolutely stunning, with 100 acres of Grade-II listed gardens. The Elvetham is both grand and elegant, and once hosted prestigious guests including King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. Other stunning manor houses around the county include South Hill Park, De Vere Wokefield Estate and Ditton Park Manor, showing that there’s so much choice when it comes to finding a truly luxurious wedding venue.
If you like the idea of an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception, Berkshire is one of the best places to do just that, thanks to its lovely countryside and selection of open-air venues and spaces. You could tie the knot at Lillibrooke Manor and Barns, and choose locations such as the gardens, the barn or the house for your celebrations. Cantley House Hotel & Barn has an amazing 17th-century barn and enormous lawns if you want to set up a marquee or tipi. Or you could consider Stanlake Park Vineyard & Barns, a historic 16th-century estate – and what could be more romantic than exchanging your vows in a vineyard?
Berkshire also has plenty of unique and interesting venues if you fancy doing something a little bit different on your wedding day. You could party on board a boat with a Thames Rivercruise; tie the knot at the historic Bradfield College or Wellington College; or even get married on stage at Norden Farm Centre For The Arts.
While Berkshire weddings can be a little pricier than other regions across the UK, there are still loads of venues that are suitable even if you have a smaller budget. Check out the likes of Trunkwell House, Highfield Park and Crowne Plaza Reading, which are all absolutely amazing, and fantastic if you’re conscious of not spending too much.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Berkshire and the rest of the South East of England is £5,626, which is actually less than the overall UK average of £5,945. So, if you start the search for your venue early, you can make sure you don’t spend over the odds and keep your spending within your budget.
Because Berkshire is so easy to get to from London, it’s a popular wedding destination for couples looking to escape the capital. That means the average lead time can be 12 to 18 months for many venues. But, if you’re looking to get married somewhere super popular, or on a date during the busy summer months or at the weekend, this could be as much as two years – or longer in some cases.
If you’re happy to be flexible, such as by being open to a range of venue types, or you’re okay with getting married during quieter periods or the middle of the week, you could secure a venue for as little as six months from now. On top of this, you’ll also find you’ll probably pay a little less.
Being in the South East of the UK, Berkshire’s fairly mild climate makes it a great location for weddings year-round, though weather can be unpredictable, much like the rest of the UK.
Spring (March – May) is when Berkshire’s open spaces, like Dinton Pastures Country Park, really look incredible, with flowers emerging and trees filling with lush green leaves. Temperatures usually stay between 10°C – 17°C (50°F – 63°F), but there’s always a chance of rain thanks to those pesky April showers. Because of that, make sure you choose a venue that has some indoor space, like Monkton Barn Estate.
Summer (June – August) is definitely the most popular time to tie the knot in Berkshire, with long days and warmer temperatures of 18°C – 25°C (64°F – 77°F) - but the odd heatwave isn’t unheard of. Venues with alfresco terraces, gardens and countryside views are highly sought after for outdoor wedding ceremonies, such as Riverdale Barn and Wasing Park.
Autumn (September – November) might be when the leaves start to drop off the trees, but with that comes amazing autumnal colours. Temperatures range from 9°C – 18°C (48°F – 64°F) and there’s a likelihood of rain, but don’t let that stop you from choosing a fantastic countryside venue.
Winter (December – February) is perfect for cosy and elegant weddings at indoor venues like The Regency Park Hotel and The Roseate Reading. Temperatures usually stay between 3°C – 9°C (37°F – 48°F), but it can often drop below freezing, so you might not be too keen to spend long outdoors.
Most of Berkshire is just outside the M25, but that means it’s easily accessible from London, making it a great choice for couples with guests travelling from across the UK and beyond.
The county is well-connected by train, with direct services from London Paddington and London Waterloo taking as little as 30 minutes. Major towns like Reading, Windsor and Maidenhead all have excellent rail links.
For international guests, Heathrow Airport (LHR) – one of the busiest airports in Europe – is just a short drive away, offering flights to and from destinations worldwide.
Those driving to Berkshire will find good motorway connections, with the M4 running through the county and providing quick access to London, Bristol, the Midlands and South Wales.
There are plenty of great places to stay in Berkshire, with everything from luxury spa hotels to cute family-run B&Bs and all the well-known budget chains. You could even stay in a Lego castle at Legoland, if you fancied something really different! As well as that, many of the hotels around the county double up as wedding venues, with brilliant spaces so you and your loved ones can spend your entire wedding day celebrating in one convenient location. Hotels including Royal Berkshire, The Compleat Angler and Easthampstead Park are all fantastic wedding venues which you should definitely check out.
