Somerset is a beautiful part of the UK and is where you’ll find towns and cities like Bath, Weston-Super-Mare, Yeovil and Wells. Not only does the county have some great seaside areas along the coast of the Bristol Channel, but also more than its fair share of beautiful British countryside. Among all that, you’ll find places steeped in amazing history and filled with gorgeous architecture, including everything you’ll find in Bath, famous for its Roman bathhouses. On top of this, Somerset is famous for the Glastonbury Festival, as well as food and drink including cheese (such as cheddar, which is from – well – Cheddar!) and cider. And all this comes together to mean Somerset is one of the top places in the UK to get married.
Our 2025 Wedding Report uncovered that 13% of all UK weddings take place in Somerset and the rest of the South West, which makes it the second most popular region in the country behind the South East. More than two-thirds (67%) of local couples choose to stay in the area to get married, which shows just how beautiful it is and how much choice it offers couples. The average cost of a wedding in the region is £21,921, which is actually a little pricier than the rest of the UK, where couples pay an average of £20,822. But, the fact that so many couples get married in the area shows just how highly it’s regarded and how much it’s loved.
With its rolling countryside, historic towns and cities, and Jurassic coastline, Somerset is a dream wedding destination, offering something for everyone, no matter your tastes, style and budget.
Somerset’s combination of history and countryside makes it a dream wedding destination. Many couples embrace the region’s heritage, choosing luxurious city weddings in Bath’s Georgian townhouses, as well as in the Roman Baths and grand heritage venues. However, countryside weddings are just as popular, with other couples choosing rustic barn venues and outdoor ceremonies set against Somerset’s rolling hills, meadows and orchards. Sustainability is a key priority for couples, with many favouring eco-conscious venues, local suppliers and farm-to-table catering to reduce their wedding’s environmental impact.
Food plays a major role in Somerset weddings, with couples keen to showcase the county’s famous produce. West Country cheese boards featuring locally made Cheddar, crisp Somerset cider and indulgent cream teas are all popular menu choices. Local gins and even cider-based cocktails are also a must-have at the bar, adding a great regional touch to the celebrations.
Many Somerset couples opt for all-in-one venues, whether that’s a boutique hotel, a historic manor house or a countryside estate, allowing them to host the entire day in one location. This contributes to lower transport costs in the region, with couples spending an average of £396, significantly less than the UK average of £626.
Somerset’s landscape is home to a wide variety of wedding venues, whether you’re after a bit of history, a celebrated beauty spot or something a little bit different.
With so much history around the county, Somerset boasts some truly amazing castles – many of which can be used as somewhere you can tie the knot. The fabulous Walton Castle sits on top of a hill overlooking nearby Clevedon. Clearwell Castle Wedding Venue has that classic fortress-style appearance and is hidden away in the middle of deep woodland. Banwell Castle looks like it was lifted right out of a fantastical pirate story and provides panoramic views over Loxton Valley. And there’s the enchanting The Bishop's Palace, an 800-year-old medieval palace.
If you’d prefer to get married in one of the county’s many stately homes or incredible manor houses, you’re also spoilt for choice in Somerset. Get access to multiple ceremony options, including a beach and pier at the wonderful Clevedon Hall. Have the perfect celebration at the pristine and elegant Coombe Lodge. Or, have the most amazing multi-day party at the extravagant Orchardleigh House & Estate.
With everything from picturesque countryside to amazing coastline locations, Somerset has so much to offer when it comes to outdoor venues. So, if you dream of an alfresco wedding, Somerset is certainly the place to do it, at stunning venues such as Priston Mill, Hestercombe Gardens and Elmhay Park.
With so many interesting things to see, do and experience around Somerset, you also shouldn’t be surprised to hear that there are plenty of venues that lean into what makes the county so famous. The historic Roman Baths and Pump Room allows you to have a wedding surrounded by Roman architecture; Wookey Hole Caves provides you with a dramatic backdrop deep underground; and Victoria Art Gallery lets you exchange your vows surrounded by amazing works of art – all unique ways to spend your big day.
A wedding in Somerset might set you back a little more on average than other regions in the UK, but there are still loads of lower-cost venues, so you don’t need a huge budget to make sure your wedding is everything you’d hope for. Venues such as The Grand Pier, Bath Spa Hotel and Court Farm Standerwick are all top choices even if you don’t want to spend a fortune.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Somerset is £6,755, which is more than the overall UK average of £5,945. Despite this, couples still flock to the region for their wedding, which shows that the higher cost can absolutely be worth it.
As one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the UK, Somerset’s top venues get booked up quickly. You’ll find that most venues in the region have lead times of at least 12 to 18 months, especially for summer weddings or weekends, when it can sometimes be twice this long.
For off-peak dates (weekdays or winter weddings), some venues offer more flexibility, and couples may be able to book within 6 to 12 months.
Being on the coast of the Bristol Channel, Somerset’s mild climate makes it a great wedding destination year-round, though each season offers something a little bit different.
Spring (March – May) is when the likes of Exmoor National Park come to life and the entire region is arguably at its most beautiful. With mild temperatures of 10°C – 15°C (50°F – 59°F), late spring is a great season for outdoor weddings if you’re lucky and time it right. However, April showers are common, so it’s always good to have a backup plan – make sure your venue has both outdoor and indoor spaces, like Old Oak Farm.
Summer (June – August) is the busiest season for weddings in Somerset thanks to the long daylight hours and warmer temperatures reaching 22°C (72°F) or more. Summer is the best time for an open-air ceremony or reception, so outdoor venues and marquee receptions are particularly popular at this time of year, like at Pennard Hill Farm and Quantock Lakes.
Autumn (September – November) is gorgeous in Somerset. With stunning autumn foliage and temperatures between 9°C – 18°C (48°F – 64°F), weddings during the latter part of the year have a cosy and romantic feel. Just make sure you pick somewhere you can escape if the temperature drops or it gets a little drizzly, like Winter Gardens.
Winter (December – February) might be cold, with temperatures between 2°C – 8°C (36°F – 46°F), but winter weddings in Somerset can be magical. If you choose a venue with open fires, seasonal menus and the chance for creative lighting, it can create a welcoming and lively ambience. Check out venues with indoor space like The Gainsborough Bath Spa and The Square Club so you and your guests can keep warm.
Somerset is well-connected and easy to reach, making it a great wedding location for couples and guests coming from London, Wales or beyond.
By rail, Somerset has major train stations in Bath, Taunton and Bridgwater, with direct links from London Paddington, Bristol and Exeter. A direct train from London to Bath takes just 90 minutes, making it convenient for guests travelling from the capital.
If travelling from further afield, the closest major airport is Bristol Airport (BRS), which offers domestic and international flights, great for guests flying in from across Europe.
By road, Somerset is easily accessible via the M5, A303 and A37, providing straightforward routes from major cities like Bristol, Exeter and Birmingham. Just note that some cities, like Bath and Wells (the smallest city in the UK) can be tough to park in, which is something to bear in mind if you know a lot of your guests will be arriving by car.
Somerset also has a great range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels and seaside B&Bs to all the budget-friendly chains. Plenty of hotels also make for brilliant wedding venues, with big event spaces so you can have your ceremony, breakfast and reception all under one roof. Cadbury House Hotel, Swan Hotel and The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa are all fantastic and convenient options.
