Located just three miles off the coast of Hampshire in the English Channel, the Isle of Wight is a wonderful part of the UK. Known for its sandy beaches, rolling countryside, variety of visitor attractions and stunning coastline, it has so much going for it. The town of Ventnor on the island was even named one of the UK’s best seaside towns! The Isle of Wight is also home to the legendary Isle of Wight Festival, and is packed full of human and prehistoric history. In fact, so many dinosaur species were found on the Isle of Wight that it earned the nickname Dinosaur Island.
All of this comes together to make the Isle of Wight a dream destination for couples looking to tie the knot somewhere truly special. Just a short ferry ride from the UK mainland, this fabulous island offers the magic of a far-off escape, without the need for passports or long-haul flights.
The average cost of a wedding on the Isle of Wight and the rest of the South East of England is £22,644. This is almost £2,000 more than the overall UK average of £20,822, but that doesn’t stop the massive 16% of UK weddings taking place in the area – more than any other part of the country. A whopping 84% of local couples choose to stay in the region for their big day, too, which just shows that, despite it being a tad pricier than other areas, the Isle of Wight has so much to offer.
Whether you’re drawn to clifftop spots with sweeping sea views, a relaxed celebration in a countryside barn or an elegant ceremony in a historic house, the Isle of Wight has something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for from your special day.
The Isle of Wight’s natural beauty lends itself to relaxed, rustic and coastal wedding themes, with many couples embracing the outdoors and adding local touches to their day. It’s incredibly common to see couples with their photographer at the beach, especially during the warmer months of the year, when the skies are blue and the ocean calm. In fact, the beach is also a place used by couples to host a cheeky post-ceremony party, with beachy boho vibes, wildflower bouquets, wood-fired pizzas and festival-style celebrations under the stars.
Sustainability is a growing trend, too, with many Isle of Wight-based suppliers offering eco-conscious options, from all-natural decor and locally sourced menus (featuring options like fresh seafood and artisan cheeses) to wildflower seed favours.
Couples tying the knot on the Isle of Wight also love to choose a venue which is all-in-one, whether that’s a sprawling country house, a pristine garden or a barn in the middle of the countryside. This is shown by couples on the island spending an average of £396 on wedding transport, which is way less than the overall UK average of £626.
From manor houses steeped in history to coastal hotels and county gardens, the Isle of Wight is packed with unique and versatile places to get married, perfect no matter what you’re looking for or what budget you have to spend.
As you might expect, somewhere with the nickname Dinosaur Island has absolutely loads of history. And there’s a huge selection of wedding venues on the Isle of Wight that date back centuries, allowing you to honour that local history in your special day, while at the same time tying the knot somewhere truly luxurious. You could choose The Ryde Castle Hotel, a Victorian manor with a beautiful stone castle as a backdrop. Kingston Manor is full of rustic charm, with large gardens and some jaw-dropping views. Northwood House is an iconic landmark on the island and has been hosting bespoke wedding celebrations for more than 150 years. NorthCourt House has the appearance of the quintessential country manor, with loads of options for your ceremony and reception. And the superbly named Enchanted Manor is just as enchanting as its name suggests, filled with character and quirks.
The Isle of Wight also has a great variety of outdoor venues, which let you soak in the amazing landscape the island has to offer, making for a brilliant option if you want to get married during the warmer months of the year. Take a look at venues including Ventnor Botanic Garden, East Afton Farmhouse and Landguard Manor to see just how special an outdoor wedding on the Isle of Wight can be.
With so much charm and character hidden away across the Isle of Wight, it’s a great place to host your wedding if you’re looking for a venue that reflects that uniqueness, or if you’d like to tie the knot somewhere linked to your interests and passions. If you love sailing, the Sir Max Aitken Museum has a fantastic collection of memorabilia, and the Royal Ocean Racing Club is a quaint spot with great views across the Solent. Quay Arts is a Grade II listed Victorian building, restored to have some brilliant contemporary features. Or you could go for The Albert Cottage Hotel, a secluded spot on the north of the island which offers plenty of little surprises.
The Isle of Wight is also the ideal wedding location if you have a limited budget, with a wide variety of lower-cost venues. Take a look at venues including Yelf’s Hotel, Holliers Hotel and The Wight Hotel to see exactly what type of venue you can get here for a small budget.
The average cost of a wedding venue on the Isle of Wight, as well as the rest of the South East region, is £5,626, which is a little cheaper than the overall UK average of £5,945. So, with some careful planning, you can find your ideal wedding venue on the Isle of Wight no matter what your budget is.
The Isle of Wight offers so much that it’s a massively popular place to get married. And with that popularity comes long venue lead times, which means many book up between 12 and 18 months in the future. And when it comes to the busy peak wedding season and dates at the weekend – and the most sought-after venues on the island – that wait can be two or more years. So, to avoid disappointment, make sure you get in there as soon as you can.
If you’re happy to go with a date either during the quieter winter season or during the middle of the week, you’re likely to find you can book something as little as six months from now. Not only does this make planning easier and less stressful, but it often comes with a smaller price tag, too.
Being a small island in the English Channel, the Isle of Wight is one of the sunniest places in the UK, with a milder climate that makes it a brilliant year-round wedding destination. That being said, the occasional storm can make things a little choppy, especially along the coast during the winter months.
Spring (March – May) is when the island begins to wake up after winter, with longer days and the first pop of coastal colour, making it a great time to think about outdoor wedding ceremonies and relaxed celebrations. Average temperatures range from 9°C (48°F) to 15°C (59°F), and with fewer tourists around, it’s a peaceful and picturesque time to enjoy your big day.
Summer (June – August) is the most popular season for Isle of Wight weddings, thanks to warm weather and long evenings. With average highs of 20–22°C (68–72°F), it’s perfect for outdoor weddings and garden receptions at venues like The Manor At Sway. Just be wary about planning your wedding too close to the Isle of Wight Festival, when venue, hotel and ferry costs can skyrocket.
Autumn (September – November) offers stunning scenery and fewer crowds, with colourful woodlands, cosy indoor venues and average temperatures between 10°C (50°F) and 17°C (63°F). It’s a great time for dramatic coastal photos and rich seasonal menus. Just make sure your chosen venue has some indoor space, like at the lovely New Holmwood Hotel.
Winter (December – February) brings a calm and cool atmosphere to the island. With frosty mornings, it can be rather cold at times, which is when roaring fires and candlelit venues are most welcome. Temperatures typically range from 3°C (37°F) to 8°C (46°F), so you’ll want to keep your guests wrapped up warm at a nice indoor venue like Ventnor Towers Hotel.
Getting to the Isle of Wight is part of the experience. The island is easily reached from mainland England, with regular ferry services running from Southampton, Portsmouth, Lymington and Southsea. Ferry crossings take around 45 minutes, while the hovercraft takes just 10 minutes. For international visitors, Southampton Airport (SOU) is the closest to the island.
Once you arrive, it’s easy to get around by car, taxi or public transport, with most venues no more than 30 to 40 minutes from the ferry ports.
As for places to stay, because the Isle of Wight is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months, there’s a huge variety of places to rest your head, from beautiful spa hotels to family-run B&Bs. Not just that, but loads of hotels across the island are also wedding venues in their own right, which makes them ideal if you’re looking to manage your costs easily and have a super convenient wedding day all in one location. Hotels such as The Royal Hotel, The George Hotel, The Hambrough and Lakeside Park Hotel & Spa are all amazing wedding venues and should definitely be added to your list of considerations.
