The North West is an absolutely wonderful part of England, and has some of the most varied towns, cities and landscapes anywhere in the UK. From the rolling hills of the Lake District to the lively heart of Manchester, the North West has something for everyone, which makes it the perfect place to host your wedding day. Whether you’re dreaming of a laid-back barn celebration in rural Cheshire, a lavish soirée in a historic Lancashire manor or an urban music-themed party in Liverpool, the North West has it all, no matter your style, taste or budget.
Why Couples Love Getting Married HereOur 2025 Wedding Report shows that the North West is one of the most popular places in the UK to get married, with 9% of all weddings taking place in the region. With an average cost of £18,408, weddings in the North West are also typically less than in other regions, with the overall UK average being £20,822. That means that not only is there a massive selection in the region, but it’s also perfect if you’re keen to keep your spending to a minimum. A massive 82% of local couples choose to stay local for their big day, which shows just how appealing a wedding in the area is.
A Wedding Destination With PersonalityFrom an eclectic city centre atmosphere to quaint countryside vibes, getting married in the North West gives you space to have the wedding of your dreams with an injection of much-needed Northern soul.
The North West’s rich cultural and industrial heritage, along with its diverse landscapes and history, provide the perfect backdrop for a wide range of wedding styles. Traditional weddings remain a firm favourite in the region, with couples loving classic venues, white dresses and romantic styling. Some of the more commonly chosen venues in the North West include stately homes, castles and churches.
Urban-Industrial & Alternative Wedding StylesThat being said, the region’s creative and vibrant energy means alternative weddings are super popular too. This includes urban-industrial venues in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, quirky warehouse spaces and music venues in Liverpool, and boho celebrations in the Lake District with tipi tents and relaxed dress codes with views across the region’s many beauty spots.
Large-Scale Asian Weddings & Cultural CelebrationsAsian weddings are a major part of the North West’s wedding scene, especially in areas like Manchester, Blackburn and Preston, where there are dedicated venues and experienced local suppliers specialising in large-scale, multi-day events that blend tradition with a contemporary flavour.
Intimate Micro-Weddings & Coastal Party AtmospheresMicro-weddings are also growing in popularity, especially in scenic rural locations like the Lake District and Forest of Bowland, where couples and a small selection of family and friends can have a beautiful and intimate celebration. At the same time, many couples love to have a big ol’ party, taking to places like Blackpool and Morecambe to soak in some sun and seaside vibes and invite everyone from their parents to the postman.
When it comes to venues, the North West offers couples absolutely everything. From grand seaside hotels and medieval castles and halls, to picturesque gardens and unique city venues, the North West is brimming with wedding venue options.
If you love the thought of having a grand and luxurious wedding, there are plenty of wedding venues in the North West that have history and elegance by the bucket load. Why not consider one of the area’s many castles, which have beauty and stories hidden around every corner. Just some of the North West’s castles include Augill Castle, Appleby Castle, Naworth Castle and Leasowe Castle Hotel.
Elegant Country Manors & Stately HomesCastles not quite your thing? A country manor or stately home is a brilliant alternative, with a slightly more modern feel but with just as much grandeur. And you really are spoilt for choice, with just a small selection of the region’s country venues including Wennington Hall, Knowsley Hall, Foxfields Country Hotel, Stirk House Hotel and Dalston Hall.
Outdoor & Scenic Countryside VenuesLove the thought of embracing the local landscape and having an outdoor wedding? With some stunning countryside, including the Lake District and the Wirral, venues that allow you to have an open-air ceremony followed by drinks, food and partying are becoming increasingly more popular. Eden Barn, Brockholes Nature Reserve, The Out Barn, Garden at Eden and The Century Pavilion - Liverpool Cricket Ground are all lovely venues that help highlight what the North West has to offer.
Unique, Cultural & Alternative VenuesMany venues across the North West reflect just how diverse, fun and unique the area is, too. Norton Priory Museum and Gardens is an incredible medieval ruin and Georgian walled garden; The Beatles Story is ideal for couples who love everything about the Fab Four; Imperial War Museum North has eclectic and one-of-a-kind vibes; and Walker Art Gallery allows you to tie the knot surrounded by incredible works of art.
Sports Stadium Venues for Fan-Focused WeddingsThe North West is also known for its sport, being home to plenty of major teams and events in everything from football to cricket. And plenty of these iconic stadiums and grounds can host your wedding, keeping two of your loves close by on your wedding day! Have a look at Liverpool Football Club, Lancashire Cricket Club, Emirates Old Trafford, Everton Football Club, Manchester United Football Club and Aintree Racecourse to have a sports-themed wedding at a venue close to your heart.
Affordable & Budget-Friendly VenuesThe North West is already a brilliant location if you’re conscious of not spending too much, and this is in part due to the wide variety of affordable venues. Venues such as Shireburn Arms Hotel, Foxfields Country Hotel, Mercure Haydock Hotel, Ribby Hall Village and The Ro Hotel are all ideal, especially if you’re watching the pennies.
Average Wedding Venue Costs in the North WestThe average cost of a wedding venue in the North West is £5,623, which is around £300 less than the overall UK average. There are also plenty that cost far less than this, so make sure you start the hunt for your venue early to avoid disappointment.
The North West is the north of England’s most popular region for weddings. This means many venues have an average booking lead time of around 12 to 18 months. For some of the more popular venues, or on dates that are highly sought after, like those during the summer and at weekends, this can be more than two years.
How Flexibility Can Reduce Your Wait TimeThis is where a bit of flexibility can be a huge saviour. If you’re happy to consider a range of dates, including midweek and winter dates, you’re likely to find a venue that ticks all of your boxes with a wait of around six months. Booking a wedding venue during off-peak times is also likely to save you some money, too.
As with much of the UK, the North West’s weather is known for being unpredictable, but generally has warm summers and cold winters. As each season arrives, it brings something new to the region, meaning it can have a big impact on your wedding day and the sort of vibe you want to create.
Spring (March – May): Mild, Fresh & Full of ColourSpring brings mild weather and fresh-looking parks and gardens. Average temperatures tend to be around 10°C to 14°C (50°F to 57°F), but with the occasional warmer day, a venue with a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces can be a real treat, like Hotel Anfield and Sefton Park Palm House.
Summer (June – August): Peak Season & Perfect for OutdoorsSummer is the most popular wedding season in the North West, with average highs of 18°C to 21°C (64°F to 70°F), which makes it the best time to take things outside with an al fresco wedding day. Venues like Browsholme Hall and Tithe Barn and New House Farm, The Lake District are spot on if you’re hoping to have an open-air wedding.
Autumn is a firm favourite among couples looking to capture the last bit of summer warmth but avoid the busiest wedding season. With temperatures between 9°C and 14°C (48°F to 57°F), venues such as The Glass House at Staining Lodge are perfect.
Winter (December – February): Cosy Indoor CelebrationsWinter brings opportunities for festive and romantic indoor celebrations, with colder nights (occasionally dropping below zero) but warm and welcoming vibes. Some of the hillier regions can also get snow, which is something to think about if your chosen venue is in a remote location.
One of the biggest advantages of getting married in the North West is its fantastic transport links, which make it easy to get to every corner of the region. Major motorways, including the M6, M60 and M62, connect cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Preston to more rural areas.
Fast & Frequent Train ServicesRegular train services run between all major towns and cities, with a direct train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly taking a little over two hours – super speedy!
Two Major International AirportsManchester and Liverpool both have international airports, with direct flights from across the UK, Europe and beyond, and both are an hour or so from most venues around the region.
Because there are plenty of popular tourist spots around the North West – from the seaside towns along the coast to those after a musical-themed city break in Liverpool – you and your guests won’t have to go far to find somewhere to stay.
Hotels That Double as Wedding VenuesIf you’re after an all-in-one wedding, the North West is also home to loads of hotels that double up as wedding venues in their own right. Hotels including Abbey House Hotel & Gardens, Sefton Park Hotel, Mytton Fold Hotel, The Inn On The Lake, The Lawrence Hotel and Castle Green Hotel are all fabulous wedding venues, and all worth adding to your list of considerations.
Time Restrictions vary depending on the specific venue, location and local authorities in the North West. It's best to check with the specific venue or location you're planning to hold the reception to confirm any time restrictions that may apply. Additionally, you may want to check with the local authorities or any relevant licensing body to see if there are any regulations that dictate when events or gatherings must end.It is important to consider the end time of your reception when planning your wedding, and make sure to consider the needs of your guests, as well as any local laws or regulations that may be in place.
Some venues may have outdoor spaces that are suitable for weddings, while others may not. Some locations may have specific regulations or requirements that must be met in order to hold an outdoor wedding.
It's best to check with the specific venue or location you're interested in to confirm whether or not they offer outdoor wedding options, and if there are any specific rules or regulations that must be followed. You should also consider the weather conditions in your area, especially if you're planning for an outdoor ceremony, and have a plan B in case of bad weather.
