Tucked between the Welsh border and the West Midlands, Shropshire is a county filled with the natural beauty of the Shropshire Hills, and is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. There are a dozen museums around the area, and Ironbridge Gorge is home to the world’s first iron bridge, dating back to 1779. Shropshire was also where Charles Darwin was born, showing just how much natural and industrial history has come out of this lovely part of the country. With rolling hills, medieval market towns, rustic barns and grand country houses, Shropshire is a great location for couples looking for somewhere special to host their wedding.
Why So Many Couples Choose ShropshireAccording to our 2025 Wedding Report, 9% of all UK weddings take place in Shropshire and the rest of the West Midlands, which is a 1% increase on last year. More than four out of every five (83%) couples choose to stay local for their wedding day, which shows just how appealing it really is. The average cost of a wedding in the area is £18,738, which is over £2,000 less than the overall UK average. So, not only can you have your dream wedding in Shropshire, but you can pay less than other UK couples for the privilege, too.
A Diverse Range of Wedding Venues & Local SuppliersWhether you’re looking for a venue steeped in history and culture, or you love the thought of squirrelling away with you and your loved ones somewhere in the countryside, Shropshire has a great selection of wedding venues and vendors.
Weddings in Shropshire are inspired by the county’s landscape and heritage, with themes that focus on elegance and relaxed rustic vibes. Surrounded by rolling countryside, picturesque villages and ancient woodlands, it’s no surprise that many couples choose to lean into a countryside aesthetic. Rustic barn weddings remain one of the most popular options in the county, particularly in venues with exposed beams, stone walls and rural views. These weddings often feature natural textures, soft lighting and seasonal floral arrangements.
Industrial Heritage-Inspired WeddingsSimilarly, couples love to lean into the region’s industrial past by choosing renovated warehouses and factory spaces, featuring exposed brickwork and wooden beams.
Classic & Vintage EleganceFor those seeking a more refined look, Shropshire’s stately homes and historic castles lend themselves perfectly to vintage and classic themes. This includes black tie dress codes, sweeping staircases, candlelit receptions and traditional string quartets, which are all stunning additions to a luxury ceremony and reception.
Sustainable Wedding ChoicesSustainability is another growing trend in the region, with more and more couples making conscious choices to ensure their big day is as green as it can be. Many go for locally sourced, seasonal food, repurposed or rented decor, and seasonal bouquets to help lower their big day’s environmental impact.
Local Pride & PersonalisationThere’s also a strong emphasis on personalisation and regional pride. Couples often incorporate local touches like artisan cheeses from the area, such as Shropshire Blue, as part of the wedding menu, or even craft ales from nearby breweries.
From exclusive-use country estates and castles to venues that offer something different, Shropshire’s selection of places to get married is wide and varied.
If you’re a fan of history and know you want to include some of Shropshire’s past in your big day, you’re in luck. With so much history around the county, it’s easy to find somewhere that dates back centuries and adds class and elegance to your wedding. And there’s no better venue type to consider than a castle. There are several castles around Shropshire that double up as wedding venues, which will treat you like royalty for the day, like the magnificent Ludlow Castle, Whittington Castle and Shrewsbury Castle.
Country Manors & Elegant EstatesIf you like the thought of a luxurious wedding but see yourself as more of a country manor couple, Shropsshire also has plenty of those to choose from, too. Check out the likes of Davenport House, Iscoyd Park, Hawkstone Hall & Gardens, Netley Hall Exclusive Wedding Venue and Goldstone Hall, which are all beautiful and unique.
Similarly, Shropshire is home to a selection of lovely outdoor venues, allowing you to feature the county’s fantastic countryside in all its glory. Venues with fabulous outdoor spaces for both ceremonies and receptions include Stanford Farm, Tan-Y-Pistyll and The Barns at Delbury Hall.
Unique & Personality-Filled VenuesIf you’re hoping for a venue that offers something different or links closely to your interests and passions, the variety on offer means you can do just that in Shropshire. Shrewsbury Town Football Club is perfect for any fans of The Shrews; Bridgnorth Library is a great venue right in the centre of town; Ellesmere College is a Shropshire icon, with a wonderful grand hall; and Casey's Cordingley Hall is a glamorous ballroom that ensures your wedding will be full of personality.
Budget-Friendly Options Across the CountyThe West Midlands is already one of the UK’s more affordable wedding regions, but Shropshire makes things easy for couples on a budget by providing a wide array of lower-cost venue options. Have a look at venues including The Shropshire, Stanford Farm, The Telford Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa and Eaton Manor Country Estate to see what sort of venue you can get even with a smaller budget.
Average Venue Costs in ShropshireThe average cost of a wedding venue in Shropshire and the wider region is £5,818, which is pretty much in line with the UK average. The variety of affordable venues, along with a huge selection of suppliers and vendors, means you can have a wonderful wedding day without needing to worry about what you can get for your budget.
Shropshire is growing in popularity as a wedding destination, so the average lead time for many venues is 12 to 18 months. If you’re keen on booking a venue which is especially popular, or you’re after a summer or weekend date, the wait could be in excess of two years.
Flexibility for Shorter Lead TimesIf you’re flexible and open to winter or midweek dates, or you’re happy to consider a range of venue types, you’ll likely find a suitable venue with availability just a few months from now. Not only will you be competing against fewer couples, but you’re also likely to pay less, as many venues provide off-peak offers.
Thanks to its central UK location, Shropshire has a relatively mild climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Each season brings its own charm and flavour, which can make a big difference in the look and feel of your wedding day.
Spring Weddings (March – May)Spring (March – May) is when the Shropshire countryside comes to life with blooming flowers and fresh greenery, creating a vibrant setting for outdoor ceremonies. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C, making it a pleasant time for garden weddings at venues like Walcot Hall.
Summer Weddings (June – August)Summer (June – August) is when most weddings in Shropshire take place, thanks to the longer days and average highs between 18°C and 21°C. The summer is ideal for outdoor receptions and marquee weddings, taking advantage of the county's scenic landscapes at venues with big outdoor spaces like Wroxeter Weddings and Barnutopia Glamping & Venue.
Autumn (September – November) may have lower temperatures from 8°C to 14°C, but the changing colours make it a great time to snap some amazing wedding photographs. Venues with both indoor and outdoor spaces can provide flexibility during this season, which you can get at venues such as The Grain Loft.
Winter Weddings (December – February)Winter (December – February) might be cold, with temperatures occasionally dipping below freezing, but it’s a great excuse to stay indoors at a venue like Stockton House or The Buttermarket and party the night away in warmth and comfort.
Shropshire has a mix of rural settings and towns and villages, but for the most part, the county is easy to travel to from around the UK.
To get to Shropshire by road, the M54 motorway links the county to the rest of the West Midlands, while the A5 provides access from North Wales and the south-east.
Rail Connections Across the CountyRail services connect major towns like Shrewsbury, Telford and Ludlow to cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and London. A train from the capital to Shrewsbury takes just two and a half hours, and usually involves one change.
For international guests, Birmingham Airport (BHX) is approximately an hour's drive from central Shropshire and offers flights to numerous destinations across Europe and beyond.
Where to Stay in ShropshireShropshire has a great selection of places to stay, including countryside spa resorts and all the well-known budget hotel brands. Many hotels across the county also have event spaces, meaning you can have an all-in-one wedding day, which is both simple to organise and is usually kind to your budget. It’s also convenient, especially during the colder months of the year. Hotels including The Valley Hotel Ironbridge, Hawkstone Park Hotel, Darwin’s Townhouse, Sweeney Hall Hotel and The Prince Rupert Hotel all double up as wedding venues and should be added to your list of potentials.
