Just southwest of London, on the South East coast of England is Hampshire, a lovely part of the country with everything from the sprawling natural landscape of the New Forest to busy port-city life at the likes of Southampton and Portsmouth. It’s also just a short ferry ride from the Isle of Wight, and has great transport links to other regions in the south, including Bristol, Bath and Canterbury. With so much history, wonderful open countryside and a fantastic coastline, Hampshire makes for a brilliant wedding destination.
Our 2025 Wedding Report found that Hampshire and the wider South East region is home to 16% of all UK weddings, which makes it the most popular area of the country to have a wedding. More than four out of every five local couples (84%) also choose to stay in the area to get married, which shows just how much appeal it has. Whether you’re looking for a quaint seaside venue overlooking the English Channel, a rustic barn nestled deep in the woods and miles from civilisation, or a luxury five-star hotel where you can be truly spoilt, Hampshire has something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for on your special day.
The average cost of a wedding in Hampshire and the rest of the South East of the country is £22,644, which is almost £2,000 more than the UK average of £20,822. That being said, the region remains the most popular wedding destination in the country, which shows that it’s totally worth it – whatever you’re looking for in your big day, you’re bound to find it in Hampshire.
Hampshire weddings often celebrate the county’s natural beauty and charm, with many couples incorporating local elements and picturesque scenery into their big day. Sustainability is a key consideration, with eco-conscious couples opting for venues with great green initiatives and choosing local suppliers to minimise their wedding’s carbon footprint.
The region is also at the forefront of the Rococo Revival trend, drawing inspiration from the post-Baroque era. This movement emphasises opulence and femininity, leading to a rise in the likes of corsets, bold accessories and grand table settings that create a real statement.
Smaller venues are another popular choice, allowing couples to achieve a luxurious yet intimate feel even with more modest budgets. Boutique hotels are particularly sought after, with the convenience of hosting the entire celebration in one place. This trend is reflected in local spending habits, with Hampshire couples spending an average of £396 on wedding transport, which is significantly less than the UK average of £626.
Hampshire is home to some of the most breathtaking wedding venues in the UK, from historic castles to countryside estates and cosy coastal event spaces.
If you’re into history or you’d love to have a wedding fit for the Royal Family, why not choose one of the county’s many castles to host your wedding? Farnham Castle is absolutely enormous and includes everything from a grand ballroom to a choice of two on-site chapels. Or there’s Southsea Castle, one of Henry VIII's Tudor castles, which is right on the coast and offers great views across the Channel. Hampshire is also home to many stately homes and grand manor houses, such as Oakley Hall Hotel and Southdowns Manor, where you can have an elegant and sophisticated wedding surrounded by complete luxury.
Known for its amazing countryside, including the famous New Forest National Park, Hampshire is one of the best counties if you love the idea of getting married immersed in beautiful natural surroundings. Many venues across the region have fantastic ceremony and reception spaces that capitalise on the great outdoors, including The Tournerbury Woods Estate, The Pavilion at Winchester Cathedral and Langford Farm.
If you’re looking to get married somewhere a little bit different or at a venue with bags of character, Hampshire also has more than its fair share of places to consider. Tie the knot at one of the South’s most iconic buildings, Spinnaker Tower, which provides astonishing views of more than 23 miles. Milestones Museum is a living history museum, with its fantastic recreation of a Victorian street, so you can inject some olde worlde charm into your special day. Another iconic venue is Southampton’s Tudor House and Garden, which is perfect for intimate celebrations. There’s also Southampton City Art Gallery, where you can say, ‘I do,’ in the company of iconic art pieces.
Hampshire is also a great place to host your wedding if you’re not looking to spend a fortune, with loads of venues being great for small budgets. Venues like Highfield Park, Forest Park Hotel and The Stones Hotel show that there are plenty of luxury wedding venues out there that don’t have to cost the earth.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Hampshire and the rest of the South East of England is £5,626. This is a little under what couples pay on average in the UK, which is £5,945, and a fair bit less than couples in the capital pay at £7,020. So, you can definitely find your dream venue in Hampshire even if you don’t have an enormous budget.
Hampshire and the rest of the South East of England is a hugely popular wedding destination – it’s the most common location to host a wedding in the UK, after all. That means you shouldn’t be surprised if your chosen venue has a lead time of around two years. It could be even longer than this if you’re keen to get married during the height of the busy summer wedding season or if you’d like an elusive weekend date at a very specific venue.
If you’re happy to be a little more flexible, you may find that you can secure a venue in Hampshire with a lead time as little as six months from now. This is especially true if you’re open to a wide range of venues and dates, including midweek and winter dates. As an added bonus, you’re also likely to pay less if you book your wedding during a time when there’s less competition from other couples.
Being on the South Eastcoast, Hampshire benefits from a mild climate, which makes it perfect no matter what time of year you’re hoping to tie the knot.
Spring (March – May) is a lovely time to get married in Hampshire, especially if you want to take advantage of the natural beauty of the area and produce some truly memorable photographs. The temperature ranges from 10°C (50°F) in March to 16°C (61°F) in May, but just be wary that there might be the occasional shower.
Summer (June – August) is when most weddings take place in Hampshire, thanks to there being a lower likelihood of rain. Temperatures average between 18°C (64°F) and 24°C (75°F), and while you can never rule out rain, you have a great chance of having a beautiful day. That makes the summer the best time to have an outdoor wedding at venues like Rye Grass Meadow at Hawbridge Farm and Boundary Oak School.
Autumn (September – November) is when the evenings get darker and you’re more likely to encounter rain. Temperatures drop from 17°C (63°F) in September to 10°C (50°F) in November, so you’re going to want to think about securing a venue with indoor space, such as the iconic Portsmouth Football Club.
Winter (December – February) offers a cosy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for intimate weddings at venues with indoor spaces so you and your guests can stay nice and warm. With temperatures ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 9°C (48°F), venues like Solent Hotel & Spa and Gray Manor make for great choices.
Hampshire is very well-connected by road, rail and air, making it a convenient wedding location for guests no matter where they’re travelling from.
For guests arriving by air, Southampton Airport (SOU) offers domestic and international flights, while Gatwick (LGW) and, perhaps to a lesser extent, London Heathrow (LHR), are within easy reach.
By train, Hampshire is well-served by mainline routes, with direct trains from London Waterloo to the likes of Winchester, Basingstoke and Southampton. The journey from London to Winchester takes just an hour, making it an easy choice for couples based in the capital and hoping to get married by the sea.
For those driving, Hampshire is easily accessible via the M3, M27 and A34, making travel by car straightforward.
When it comes to accommodation, you can take your pick. There are plenty of options for you to choose from, no matter where you and your guests might like to stay or what sort of budget you’re working with. There are also many hotels that are wedding venues in their own right, like New Place, Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa and The Balmer Lawn Hotel & Saltus Spa. That means you can have your ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception all in one location, which is the epitome of luxury and convenience.
From romantic settings to charming spaces, Hampshire offers value in many venues. This area offers a great deal to be able to plan an affordable wedding, from smaller venues to coastal regions, you can be sure to find something that suits your requirements.
For added value why not consider a country house, which are often hotels, that offer a delightful mix of history, beauty, and facilities, all inclusive, perfect for both your ceremony and reception.
