With a smattering of historic towns and villages, 60 miles of heritage coastline and a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, Suffolk is a lovely part of the UK. The county is also known for its farmland and medieval history, and you can visit any of the sleepy seaside towns, like Aldeburgh, Southwold or Walberswick, to experience those quintessential British seaside vibes. It’s the welcoming atmosphere and variety of wedding venues and vendors that makes Suffolk such a great choice for couples looking to host their dream wedding.
On top of this, weddings in Suffolk and the rest of the East of England region are often more affordable than other parts of the UK. Our 2025 Wedding Report found that weddings in the area cost an average of £20,137, which is less than the overall UK average of £20,822. The East of England is also where 6% of all UK weddings take place, with more than three quarters (77%) of local couples staying close by for their wedding day. This shows just how much appeal Suffolk has as a wedding destination.
From quaint venues along the coast to historic sites dotted across the countryside, Suffolk brings timeless beauty to every kind of wedding, no matter your budget or vision.
Suffolk weddings are all about elegance and relaxed vibes, thanks to the miles and miles of rolling farmland and countryside, and the assortment of quintessential British seaside towns.
Rustic barns, meadow florals and locally sourced menus are big with couples seeking a laid-back feel that still feels special, especially at venues hidden away in the country. Many embrace eco-friendly choices, from wildflower bouquets and plant-based menus, to make sure their special day doesn’t have a huge environmental impact.
At stately homes and estates, you’ll find classic English wedding styling with a modern twist, such as clean, minimal decor, seasonal food and lots of natural light. Many are even embracing the great outdoors and having an open-air wedding, especially in the summer.
Suffolk offers a varied mix of venues, whether you’re hoping for a rustic barn, a luxurious country manor or something with a bit of fun and personality.
With loads of medieval, Norman and Roman history, Suffolk is a brilliant place for history buffs, and many old manors and stately homes double up as modern and luxurious wedding venues, letting you take in some of that local history. Lanwades Hall is a wonderful red-bricked manor with its own sunken garden. Woodhall Manor is enveloped in ivy, giving a fairytale appearance with meticulously manicured gardens. Hengrave Hall is grand and opulent, set within a massive 350-acre estate. Kentwell Hall dates back to the 16th century and boasts being one of the country’s finest historic houses. And The Venue at Kersey Mill provides a lower-cost option, with big function spaces and 17 acres of grounds.
With so much farmland and open countryside, Suffolk’s outdoor spaces deserve to be celebrated. During the warmer months, an outdoor wedding in the county makes for a fabulous choice, letting you soak in some rays and adding an air of freshness to your day. Venues with lovely outdoor spaces include Wilderness Reserve, Rookery Meadow and Upthorpe Wood, which do a great job of championing the Suffolk countryside.
If you’re hoping for your wedding day to stand out, there are also wedding venues across the county that are fun, interesting and unique. Isaacs on the Quay is hidden away in a loft opposite the Ipswich Waterfront. Electric Picture Palace is an early 20th-century 70-seat cinema with tons of retro touches. St Peters Hall dates back to 1280 and is surrounded by its own moat. And Bury St Edmunds Guildhall is a Grade I listed icon right in the centre of Bury.
If you’re hoping to keep your wedding budget on the smaller side, there’s also a great selection of affordable wedding venues in Suffolk. Check out The Wherry, Ivy House Country Hotel, Hadleigh Town Hall, Ipswich and Suffolk Club and Thorpeness Country Club to see what type of venue you can get for a limited budget in and around the county.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Suffolk (and the rest of the region) is £5,047, which is £900 less than the overall UK average. That just shows that you can have the wedding of your dreams in Suffolk, but not have to worry about sacrificing quality for the sake of keeping on top of your spending.
Suffolk is a popular region for weddings, which is why the average lead time for many venues is between 12 and 18 months. However, some of the more popular venues can have a lead time of two or more years. Similarly, the lead time can be bumped up massively if you’re keen to get married during the busy summer wedding season, or you’re set on a date on a Saturday or Sunday.
With a little flexibility, you can cut this wait down. If you’re open to different types of venues, and you’re happy to get married during the winter or the middle of the week, you’ll likely find a suitable venue with availability within six months. Not only that, but you’re also likely to pay less, as many venues offer off-peak discounts.
The town of Aldeburgh in Suffolk is the third driest town in the UK, and the majority of Suffolk enjoys similar lower levels of rainfall. This makes it ideal if you’re looking to host an outdoor wedding… but you should never rule out the possibility that rain might make an appearance, especially during the autumn and spring.
Spring (March – May) brings mild days and fresh greens across the Suffolk countryside. With average highs of 11°C to 15°C (52°F to 59°F), it’s a lovely time for an outdoor ceremony or open-air drinks. Venues like The Jockey Club Rooms make for a great option, as it has a big indoor space too in case the heavens do open.
Summer (June – August) is when most weddings take place in the area, and with average temperatures of 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73°F), it offers a great chance for beachfront ceremonies and outdoor receptions. Venues like Hungarian Hall Events and Dan’s Meadow provide some great al fresco options.
Autumn (September – November) is great if you’re not a fan of the hotter weather, but still want to take advantage of everything the countryside has to offer. Expect highs of 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 63°F), and venues like Glemham Hall with both indoor and outdoor spaces are a great option.
Winter (December – February) weddings are often hosted in manor houses or hotels with cosy interiors and festive styling, like The Riverside House Hotel and Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa. With temperatures between 3°C and 8°C (37°F to 46°F), these types of venues mean you and your guests can stay nice and warm all in one location.
Suffolk is easily accessible from London, the Midlands, and neighbouring counties, making it a convenient location if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life without the need to travel somewhere too remote.
Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft all have good rail links, with direct services from London Liverpool Street taking around two hours.
By car, the A12 and A14 run through the county. Most venues offer parking, but this is something you’ll want to check if you know a lot of guests will be driving, especially in coastal towns, where sometimes parking can be limited, especially during the summer when tourists flock to the coast.
For guests flying in, London Stansted (STN) is the closest major airport, which is around an hour’s drive from central Suffolk.
Because the county is popular with tourists, you don’t have to look far to find somewhere to stay. You’ll find everything from countryside hotels and cute B&Bs to all the well-known budget chain hotels. There’s also a great selection of hotels in Suffolk with wedding venue spaces, giving you the flexibility and convenience of an all-in-one wedding. Seckford Hall, Retreat East, All Saints Resort, The Swan at Lavenham Hotel and Spa and The Ickworth Hotel are all lovely hotels with wedding venue spaces.
