Right in the heart of England is Staffordshire, a county absolutely jam-packed with history and culture. The county’s biggest town, Stoke-on-Trent, is famous for pottery and has been home to almost 2,000 pottery companies since the 18th century. Staffordshire is also known for amazing visitor attractions such as Alton Towers Resort and Drayton Manor Resort, making the area appealing to thrill-seekers and families in search of a great day out. If nature is more your thing, Staffordshire is also part of the Peak District, which means there are plenty of sights to see and explore.
All this means Staffordshire is a fantastic area of the UK to host your wedding. Our 2025 Wedding Report revealed that 9% of all UK couples choose to get married in Staffordshire and the wider West Midlands region, with more than four out of every five (83%) local couples choosing to stay in the area to tie the knot. The average cost of a wedding in the area is £18,738, which is less than the overall UK average of £20,822.
With so much amazing history, fantastic countryside and great value for money, there’s something for every couple in Staffordshire, which is why it should be an area to consider for your wedding, whatever your tastes and budget are.
Staffordshire couples love to incorporate the county’s natural beauty, history and rustic charm into their wedding themes. This includes tying the knot at one of the county’s elegant manor house wedding venues or an outdoor venue that offers incredible views. As part of this, couples are hot on choosing venues and vendors who are conscious of their environmental impact, and hiring local businesses means their wedding is often more eco-friendly.
Fashion plays a big part in a Staffordshire wedding, with brides spending an average of £1,539 on their wedding dress, compared to the £1,228 paid by brides in the neighbouring East Midlands. As part of this, brides are going for multiple outfit changes throughout their wedding day, transitioning from traditional gowns to modern reception attire and even festive party outfits as the day goes on. This trend allows for comfort and style, adding excitement to the celebration – as well as a lot of variation when it comes to the photos. This is helped further by bold colours being popular choices among some couples in Staffordshire, while others lean heavily into vintage styles. After all, variety is the spice of life!
Staffordshire is home to a huge variety of wedding venues, from local landmarks to theme parks and luxurious, sprawling country manors steeped in history.
The grand Gothic stately manor at Alton Towers may be one of the most famous stately homes in the county, but after being gutted during the early 20th century, it’s not exactly suitable for a wedding. Luckily, there are still plenty of grand manor houses around Staffordshire that are perfect for a lavish and elegant wedding. Sandon Hall in Stafford is a stunning stately home located in 400 acres of private grounds. Hilltop Country House is a picturesque and oil-painting-worthy house from the 17th century, with a two-time Michelin star-winning chef. Weston Hall is a Grade II listed Elizabethan mansion surrounded by incredible scenery.
The Peak District is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of the country, with many regions reminiscent of Middle Earth, with deep caverns and towering mountains. You can celebrate the natural beauty of the area by having an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception at venues such as Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat, Combermere Abbey Estate and Thorpe Garden - Cripps & Co.
With so much character around the area, you won’t be surprised to know that there are plenty of venues that have just as much character. Churnet Valley Railway is perfect if you’re a keen trainspotter, and fans of pottery or Channel 4’s Great Potter Throwdown will recognise Gladstone Pottery Museum. The iconic Ancient High House is the largest timber-framed townhouse in the UK, or you could tie the knot at Drayton Manor Resort and scream your nuptials from the top of a roller coaster (well, actually the on-site hotel!).
Staffordshire is already a great county for a wedding if you have a smaller budget, but there are loads of affordable venues if you’re not looking to spend much. Venues such as The Ashes Barns and Country House, Whistle Barns and Branston Golf & Country Club are all brilliant and should definitely be added to your list of potential locations.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Staffordshire is £5,818, which is a tiny bit less than the UK average of £5,945. So, not only is there a wide variety of venues to choose from, but you’re also likely to spend less than other couples across the country.
As Staffordshire is such a popular place to get married, the average lead time in the area is between 12 and 18 months. But, if you’re keen on getting married in a particularly sought-after venue or you’re set on a weekend or summer date, this could jump to two or more years.
If you’re flexible, then you’re likely to find somerhing for a lot sooner. Even better if you’re open to a range of venues and dates – including during the winter or the middle of the week – which means you could find something suitable for as soon as six months from now.
As with much of the UK, Staffordshire’s weather can be unpredictable. But, you can usually count on each season at least being semi-reliable. Every season is also great in its own way when it comes to bringing its own unique charm to your big day.
Spring (March – May) is when Staffordshire awakens after winter, with the whole Peak District erupting with life. Temperatures are generally quite mild, ranging from 10°C (50°F) in March to 16°C (61°F) in May. That makes it perfect for country house and barn weddings, but always be prepared for the occasional rainstorm.
Summer (June – August) is the most popular time to get married in the area, with temperatures between 18°C (64°F) and 24°C (75°F). Plenty of venues offer outdoor ceremony options, but summer dates book up fast, so early planning is key. Some great outdoor venues around the region include Coton House Farm Wedding Venue and Burlton Manor.
Autumn (September – November) is when the days get shorter and the temperatures get cooler, dropping from 17°C (63°F) in September to 9°C (48°F) in November. With trees losing their leaves and summer greens turning into autumnal shades, the county takes on a whole new type of beauty – one perfect for magical weddings! That means you’ll want to seriously consider a venue with indoor space, such as The Mill @ Stone Wedding Venue and Four Ashes Hall.
Winter (December – February) is beautiful in Staffordshire, but it can get rather cold. With temperatures ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 8°C (46°F), indoor venues are the best choice. It’s also important to remember that venues out in the sticks might be tricky to get to, especially if it’s icy or there’s a layer of fresh snow (which is more than likely!).
Staffordshire has a super convenient central location, making it easily accessible for guests travelling from all over the UK.
For those travelling by train, Staffordshire has great rail connections. The county’s main train stations include Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent and Lichfield, and offer direct routes to cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester. A train from London Euston to Stafford takes just over an hour, and around 90 minutes to Stoke-on-Trent, making it a great choice for couples with guests coming up from the capital.
For guests arriving by car, Staffordshire is well-connected by road, including the M6, A50, and A38. The M1 is also right there, which is ideal whether your guests are travelling from north or south.
If you have guests flying in, Birmingham Airport (BHX) is just a 45-minute drive away, offering domestic and international flights. East Midlands Airport (EMA) is also nearby, providing another convenient option, but with fewer daily flights.
When it comes to accommodation, Staffordshire offers everything from luxury castle hotels to budget-friendly B&Bs. Many wedding venues are also hotels with plenty of rooms for you and your guests, making them a great choice. Hotels including The Stone House Hotel, Borough Arms Hotel and The Castle Hotel all have event spaces, so make sure to check them out.
