From the long naval and maritime history to the vibrant and lively waterfront, Portsmouth is a city on the south coast of England which is brimming with life and personality. Not only is Portsmouth a great place to visit to relax and have fun, but it’s also known for its art and culture scene and being the birthplace of legendary author Charles Dickens, and has some fascinating attractions and museums, such as the D-Day Story Museum. The city is also home to the iconic Spinnaker Tower, which offers incredible views across the south coast, and on a clear day, you can even spot France. All this and more come together to make Portsmouth one of the region's top locations to host your wedding, so you can have a truly amazing day.
Our 2025 Wedding Report found that Portsmouth and the rest of the South East of England are where 16% of all UK weddings take place, making it the most popular wedding destination in the country. And this popularity comes at a price, with the average cost of a wedding in the area being £22,644, which is almost £2,000 more than the national average. That being said, 84% of local couples choose to get married close by, which shows that a little extra spend is absolutely worth it. That being said, there is plenty of choice around Portsmouth, so you can have a lower-cost wedding in and around the city, too.
Whether you’re picturing a grand celebration by the sea, a contemporary wedding in the city centre or an intimate gathering in a countryside venue, Portsmouth has something to suit every style.
Portsmouth’s relaxed coastal vibes and maritime heritage naturally inspire many of the city’s weddings. Nautical details, seaside hues and breezy, laid-back styling are all firm favourites. Couples often draw from the surroundings, pairing navy, cream and sage tones with driftwood accents, vintage compasses or shell-inspired decor to give subtle hints to the nearby Channel.
But Portsmouth weddings aren’t just about the coast. There’s a growing trend towards modern, urban celebrations that reflect the city’s creative energy and vibrant food scene. This includes parties on rooftop venues, converted warehouses or contemporary art spaces dressed up with bold florals and statement lighting. Informal dining is a growing trend, with many couples ditching traditional banquets in favour of street food trucks, grazing tables and interactive stations serving up tasty treats like wood-fired pizzas.
Craft cocktails and pop-up bars are also popular, offering guests bespoke drinks menus featuring local gins. And for a real crowd-pleaser during the summer, menu additions like espresso martinis and Aperol spritzes are delicious when sipped with a sea breeze in the air.
Sustainability is also a big influence on the local wedding scene. Eco-conscious couples are seeking out suppliers who use seasonal British blooms, locally sourced menus and minimal-waste suppliers. Portsmouth’s growing network of ethical florists, zero-plastic vendors and upcycled decor providers makes it easy to plan a wedding that’s both stylish and sustainable.
Sandwiched between the south coast and the South Downs National Park, Portsmouth couples are spoilt for choice when it comes to wedding venues, with a wide variety on offer. This makes it easy to find something that fits perfectly with whatever vibes you’re going for.
The south coast of England has an abundance of castles (how else were the Kings and Queens of old supposed to fend off invaders?), with many still standing to this day. And plenty make for incredible wedding venues, allowing you to have a truly luxurious celebration surrounded by opulence and luxury. Farnham Castle is a huge castle north of the city, which is suitable for large celebrations. The Great Hall is every bit as great as the name suggests, and lets you exchange your vows beneath the legendary round table. And Southsea Castle is one of Henry VIII's Tudor castles, with some beautifully rustic interiors.
Not sure on a castle, but know you want a wedding day steeped in luxury? Another great option is a country house or manor, and there are loads of those to choose from around Portsmouth and Hampshire. Take a look at Oakley Hall Hotel, Rookesbury Park, Avington Park, Edes House and Wintershill Hall to see what kind of stunning mansions you can choose from around the city.
Portsmouth is lucky enough to be considered the sunniest city in the UK, with 279 days of sun each year. That’s why it’s a great location for an open-air wedding ceremony or reception (or both!) to make the most of the lovely surroundings across the city. Venues such as The Tournerbury Woods Estate, The Walled Garden at Cowdray and Boundary Oak School all have great outdoor spaces.
If you’d prefer to choose a wedding venue which is a little more fun, interesting or unique, Portsmouth is certainly the city where you can make that happen. The iconic Spinnaker Tower ensures you tower over everyone and certainly have a wedding day to remember, while HMS Warrior offers a brilliant callback to Portsmouth’s maritime history. Portsmouth City Museum lets you tie the knot surrounded by exhibits and artefacts, and theatre fans will get their kicks exchanging their vows at Groundlings Theatre. To get married at another type of theatre that involves different types of kicks, Portsmouth Football Club is perfect for fans of Pompey.
The South East might be one of the priciest wedding destinations in the country, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of affordable venues in and around the city. Trunkwell House, The Tournerbury Woods Estate, Arty's at Clarence Marina, Portsmouth Guildhall and The Anglesey Hotel are all suitable for smaller budgets and make for great considerations.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Portsmouth and the wider south east is £5,626, which is actually around £300 less than the UK average, and proof that there’s a venue for every budget in Portsmouth.
Because Portsmouth is a popular place to get married, wedding venues around the city have a lead time of between 12 and 18 months, if not more, especially for the most sought-after venues or dates in the summer and at weekends. In these cases, you might expect a lead time of more than a couple of years.
If you're looking for a shorter lead time, weekday weddings or off-peak seasons tend to offer more flexibility, when you may be able to find availability within six months. It’s also a great time to find a bargain, as venues tend to offer off-peak rates during quieter times.
Portsmouth’s coastal location means milder winters and plenty of sunshine during the warmer months, making it a lovely city for weddings all year round.
Spring (March - May) is when the South Downs National Park looks its most beautiful best as it fills with colourful blooms. Temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), which is ideal for taking things outside during sunnier spells, which you can do at venues like Orange Grove Hotel & Gardens.
Summer (June - August) is the most popular time to get married in Portsmouth, thanks to plenty of long sunny days with highs between 19°C and 22°C (66°F to 72°F). This makes the summer a brilliant time for an outdoor celebration at a venue such as the aptly named Kissing Gate or Hambledon Vineyard.
Autumn (September - November) might have cooler temperatures of between 11°C and 17°C (52°F to 63°F), but as the leaves change, the landscape allows for incredible wedding photography. A venue with a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces is great, so you can make the most of the last of the year’s sun, like at Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa.
Winter (December - February) is often fairly cold, with highs around 7°C to 9°C (45°F to 48°F), and occasional wind and rain. Festive weddings at cosy indoor venues are highly recommended, like at The Ryde Castle Hotel and Newtown House Hotel.
Portsmouth is well-connected and easy to reach by road, rail, air and even sea (depending on where you and your guests are travelling from). The M275 provides direct access into the city from the M27 and A3(M), making it convenient for guests travelling from London and the wider South East.
By train, Portsmouth and Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour stations offer frequent direct services from London Waterloo, which takes around 90 minutes, as well as services to Brighton, Southampton and beyond. Ferry services also run from Caen in France and the Channel Islands, which can be handy for international guests.
If your guests are flying in, Southampton Airport (SOU) is the nearest option and is just 30 minutes away by car or train, while Gatwick Airport (LGW) is also accessible and around a 90-minute drive away.
There’s a boatload of hotels in and around Portsmouth, so whether you’re looking for a five-star luxury hotel or a cheap and cheerful chain hotel, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding somewhere to crash for a night or two. And the city also has plenty of hotel wedding venues, ensuring you and your guests have a fabulous all-in-one event. Hotels including The Stones Hotel, Village Hotel Portsmouth, Solent Hotel & Spa, Meon Valley Hotel, Golf & Country Club and The Alverbank all have event spaces and make for must-consider wedding venues.
