From the towering attractions of Blackpool to the eclectic mix of culture around Manchester, but with plenty of hidden gems and cosy spots across the county, Lancashire is a fantastic place to host an intimate wedding. Lancashire is full of charm and character, and is home to some beautiful countryside and interesting people, which is the perfect mix for couples dreaming of a smaller, more personal wedding day. As part of that, there are loads of brilliant smaller venues, from converted barns and boutique manor houses to fancy restaurants and even country manors. Lancashire has an impressive range of intimate wedding venues, so you can have the wedding of your dreams.
The average cost of a wedding in Lancashire and the wider north west region is £18,408, which is less than the overall UK average of £20,822. But, this figure applies to all types of weddings, so if you’re planning something smaller, chances are high that you’ll pay way less than this, too. So, that makes it a win-win – you have your ideal wedding day and pay less.
Whether you’re after a relaxed gathering in the country or something a little fancier in the middle of a city, Lancashire offers a taste of everything, meaning you can find whatever you’re looking for. With warm hospitality and a strong sense of local identity and pride, intimate weddings in Lancashire often feel less like a grand event and more like a quaint celebration with family.
Lancashire’s most popular spots for intimate weddings are spread across the county, from cosy coastal hotels to inner-city venues and everything in between. The best thing is that, because Lancashire has such a wide variety of places and landscapes, there are venues to suit every style, taste and budget.
Just because you’re looking for a venue which is intimate, it doesn’t mean you have to instantly dismiss country manors or stately homes. Many venues like this are spot-on for an intimate wedding, plus you get all the benefits of a luxury location. Sparth House is a wonderful Georgian manor house with a variety of spaces inside and out, making it perfect for a more intimate do. Farington Lodge Hotel is a beautiful Grade II listed house with some of the most elegant gardens in the county. Ferrari's Country House Hotel is just as swish as its motoring namesake, with plenty of options for intimate weddings. There’s also Leighton Hall with its gothic castle-like appearance and 19th-century walled garden.
A choice hugely popular with couples seeking an intimate wedding venue in and around Lancashire is a hotel. Hotels not only let you have a convenient wedding all in one location, but also help you manage your costs, which is a big consideration for many couples looking to keep things small. And there are so many hotels to choose from, which are perfect no matter what you’re looking for when it comes to style and budget. Check out intimate hotel venues in Lancashire, including The Lawrence Hotel, Tiffanys Hotel, Dalmeny Hotel, Clifton Arms Hotel and The Fence Gate.
Another popular choice is a restaurant or pub, especially with couples who have a nice and intimate registry office ceremony beforehand. There’s nothing quite like having some great food and a few drinks with your nearest and dearest without having to worry about bigger and more elaborate venues. Take a look at venues like Rivington Shoreditch and The Eagle at Barrow to see exactly what you can get by choosing a restaurant or pub for your wedding breakfast or reception in Lancashire.
As you likely already know, Lancashire is home to some truly stunning countryside. In fact, the Forest of Bowland was rated as one of the UK’s most underrated beauty spots. So, there are plenty of amazing landscapes out there – many of which make for great backdrops to intimate weddings. And plenty of venues have outdoor spaces for both your ceremony and reception, including The Oak Tree of Peover, New House Farm, Owen House Wedding Barn and Charnock Farm.
And of course, with so much character and charm around Lancashire, if you’re after something unique on your big day, there are places around the county where you can do just that and still keep things intimate. Two such venues include The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery and Canal Boat Cruises, which will make for a wedding that truly stands out, but still help you keep your nearest and dearest close by.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Lancashire and the wider north west region is £5,623, which is just a little cheaper than the overall UK average of £5,945. That being said, these figures do include all sizes of weddings and all types of venues, so if you do plan on having a smaller wedding and venue, you can usually expect to spend a lot less than this. This makes Lancashire a great location if you’re looking to throw a smaller celebration on a budget.
Lancashire and the wider north west are a popular place for weddings. In fact, 9% of all UK couples choose the region for their big day, which shows just how big it is. But, that popularity means that you need to get in there quickly and book your venue in plenty of time to avoid disappointment. The average lead time for many venues across the county is 12 to 18 months, but some of the most popular venues can have a wait of more than two years. That being said, if you’re looking for a smaller venue, you’re likely to have less competition from other couples who may be looking for something bigger, which can work in your favour. Often, you can find that intimate venues have a lead time of around a year.
If you’re flexible, such as being open to different venue types, or you’re happy to get married during the quieter winter season or on a weekday, this lead time can drop considerably. On top of that, you’re also likely to pay less, as many venues offer reduced rates for off-peak dates.
Intimate weddings in Lancashire are all about creating a celebration that feels both personal and relaxed, but also closely linked to what makes the county so fabulous. The rustic-luxe style remains a firm favourite, with couples choosing barn venues, old mills and period houses styled with things like warm lighting, wildflowers and vintage tableware.
Outdoor ceremonies are growing in popularity too, especially when hosted outside against the rolling countryside or within the grounds of a private estate with expertly tended gardens. Many couples choose natural colour schemes andeco-conscious decor like dried flowers or reusable centrepieces. They also love to go with locally sourced catering that puts artisan produce front and centre. And as part of that, it’s popular to include local foods somewhere on the menu, like Lancashire hotpot and Lancashire cheese, especially when included on sharing platters and grazing boards.
Personalisation also plays a big role. From handwritten place settings to personalised playlists, the emphasis is on making the day truly meaningful and personal to the couple. Family-style dining is on the increase, with long tables, platters of food and an opportunity for everyone to connect while digging into their favourite dishes.
There’s also a growing interest in weekend weddings, where couples hire venues for multiple days to create a more immersive and relaxed experience for guests. This includes pre-wedding day drinks and a post-wedding day brunch where everyone can mingle and relax... and perhaps nurse a sore head!
