Wedding Venues in Whitby

All About Getting Married in Whitby

With everything from links to legendary literature (thanks to being the inspiration for Dracula), to being the birthplace of Captain James Cook, the coastal town of Whitby is filled with quintessential British seaside charm. Whitby is known for its windswept cliffs, gothic architecture and long beaches, which makes it a truly amazing place to host your wedding, no matter what sort of vibe you’re going for on your special day.

Our 2025 Wedding Report found that Whitby, as well as the wider Yorkshire and the Humber region, is where 8% of all UK weddings take place. Almost 9 in 10 (88%) of couples who live in the area stay close by for the wedding, which is the highest in the UK, showing just how much there is on offer. The average cost of a wedding in Whitby is £20,306, which is around £500 less than the overall UK average. So, not only is Whitby a fantastic wedding destination, but it can be a little kinder to your budget, too.

Whether you’re planning a laid-back beach celebration or a candlelit gathering in a historic venue, Whitby is perfect for couples who want to ensure they have their ultimate wedding day.

Popular Wedding Themes & Trends in Whitby

Weddings in Whitby often lean into the town’s unique setting and gothic-meets-seaside aesthetic. Once you’re in Whitby, you can instantly see why it made for such a big inspiration while Bram Stoker was writing Dracula. It’s such a dramatic coastal town, allowing for windswept elopements on the cliffs, rich florals, candlelit dinners and storytelling details that lean heavily into the town’s literary and maritime history. Blood-red roses are a huge romantic symbol, but are also a subtle nod to the titular Dracula’s favourite meal.

Rustic and boho styles are also a great match for the area’s countryside barns and coastal venues. You’ll see lots of natural textures, wildflowers, vintage props and locally sourced food and drink. Some of the UK’s best fish and chip shops are located around Whitby, and many couples love to include some in their wedding day – could there be anything more crowd-pleasing than a reception with a fish and chip van serving up fresh and delicious chippie teas?

Because Whitby is such a scenic spot, many couples opt for smaller weddings or weekend-long celebrations with close friends and family. Elopements and intimate ceremonies are particularly popular, often followed by a walk along the beach for family photos.

Wedding Venues in Whitby & Average Costs

You’ll find a great mix of venues in and around Whitby, with something to suit all tastes, styles and budgets.

To include a piece of local Whitby history in your wedding day, there’s a brilliant selection of historical venues around the area, which are also beautiful and luxurious. And there’s nowhere quite as lavish as a castle, with Sneaton Castle being an icon of the region, complete with its own priory and chapel. If you’re not sure a castle fits your vibe but you do want a grand and elegant venue, there are loads of country manors and mansions around Whitby that will make sure you’re truly spoilt. Just a small selection of manors, homes and halls around the area includes Burtonfields Hall, Rise Hall, Saltmarshe Hall, Stirk House Hotel and Silverholme Manor.

Whitby is a lovely part of the UK, with not just its famous beachfront locations, but some amazing rolling countryside when you head a little further inland, too. It makes for a great location to enjoy some of the warmer summer weather by having an outdoor ceremony and reception, which you can have at venues such as Westfield Farm Weddings, Scarborough Spa and Kirkleatham Walled Garden.

If you’re after a venue that will ensure no one forgets your wedding day in a hurry, Whitby and the surrounding area make for a great choice, with some venues that are unique and interesting. Make the sea front the star of the show (apart from you two, of course) at The Cove. Redcar Racecourse is spot on if you love a day at the races. And Stephen Joseph Theatre is an Art Deco venue, perfect for fans of stage and screen.

Whitby is also ideal if you’re on a budget, with a range of venues that don’t cost the earth, while at the same time not compromising on quality. Venues including The Bridge Hotel and Spa, The Spa Hotel and The Downe Arms Country Inn are all suitable for smaller venues, and should definitely be added to your list of venue considerations.

The average cost of a wedding venue in Whitby (as well as the wider Yorkshire and the Humber region) is £7,356, which is actually the highest average in the UK, including London. But, that’s not to say you need to spend even close to this, as that figure is simply an average, which means there are venues that are suitable for a wide range of budgets.

Average Wedding Venue Booking Lead Times in Whitby

Because Whitby is a sought-after destination, especially in summer when the town is bright, sunny and buzzing with a lively family-focused atmosphere, many venues tend to book up around 12 to 18 months in advance. That being said, some of the most popular venues can have a lead time of more than two years, especially during the summer months, so it’s always best to get in there as soon as you can.

Are you happy to consider a midweek date, or get married during the quieter wedding season, from late autumn through to very early spring? If so, not only can you cut this lead time down to around six months, but you can pay less, too, as many venues offer off-peak discounts. This is a great option if you’re on a budget, as it helps your money go further.

Weather & Seasonality in Whitby

Whitby’s coastal climate means it’s slightly cooler and breezier than inland areas, but with warm summers and dramatic winters, different times of year can bring their own unique atmosphere.

Spring (March – May) is a popular time to marry in Whitby before the busy summer crowds arrive, with plenty of bright days with sun and calm seas. Temperatures can range between 9°C and 14°C (48°F to 57°F), so venues like Grand Villa Heights and Thief Hall, with indoor and outdoor spaces, are great choices.

Summer (June – August) is the warmest and busiest wedding season in Whitby, with average highs of around 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F). It’s a great time for beach photos, al fresco receptions at venues such as Pinewood Park and Whinstone View, and fresh seafood feasts. 

Autumn (September – November) brings darker skies, beautiful colours and lower prices, as well as smaller crowds as the tourist season dies down. It’s a great time for a hotel wedding with some outdoor space to make the most of the last bits of warmth before it gets too chilly, like at Tickton Grange Hotel.

Winter (December – February) weddings are less common, but those who embrace the chill and choose a cosy venue like The Victoria can still have an amazing wedding day with less competition. Wintry wedding photos are also unique and dramatic, especially if there’s a layer of fresh snow on the ground. The temperature can sometimes drop below freezing, and be aware that the coast can experience some icy winds during the winter.

Transport & Accommodation in Whitby

Whitby is tucked away on the North Yorkshire coast, but this just adds to its charm and appeal. That being said, it’s still pretty easy to get to by road and public transport.

There’s no motorway access directly into Whitby, but the A171 and A169 provide scenic drives through the North Yorkshire Moors from places like Scarborough, Middlesbrough and York. Just be prepared for winding roads and slower travel times, especially in peak season or if the weather is wet or icy.

There’s a train station right in Whitby, with Northern Rail services connecting via Middlesbrough and the Esk Valley Line. It’s not on a main rail line, but it’s a pleasant journey through the countryside – just not a particularly speedy one.

For those flying in, Teesside International Airport (MME) is just over an hour away by car, with connections across the UK and parts of Europe.

Accommodation-wise, because Whitby is a hugely popular seaside town, it has plenty to offer. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to B&Bs and seafront hotels, so you shouldn’t need to look too hard to find what you’re after. There’s also a fantastic selection of hotels that double up as wedding venues in their own right, meaning Whitby and the surrounding area are ideal if you’re after the convenience of an all-in-one wedding venue. Take a look at hotel wedding venues around the town, including George Hotel, The White Horse & Griffin, Saxonville Hotel, Beach Hotel and Mallyan Spout.