Uk Wedding Venue Statistics For 2024

A recent analysis of over 100,000 public wedding venue reviews across the UK has revealed that smaller, lesser-known cities are home to some of the most highly-rated wedding venues. 

While destinations like London and Manchester may have more venues, cities like Fakenham and Kingsbridge deliver exceptional service and unforgettable experiences that couples crave.

The secret’s out about smaller wedding venues.

Events By Beau, a wedding decorating company, analysed over 100,00 public reviews of wedding venues from newlyweds in the UK, revealing that smaller cities often gave the best wedding day experience.

Based on the review data, they put together a list of the top small cities in which to find your dream wedding venue.

Key findings

Topping the list is Brandon in Suffolk, where the three available venues—Hockwold Hall, Forest Lodge Weddings, and Santon Village Hall—achieved an astonishing 86% of 5-star reviews out of 775 total. 

Not far behind is Ripon in North Yorkshire, with an impressive 83.8% of 5-star reviews across its 24 venues. Venues like Swinton Estate, Grantley Hall, and The Old Coach House are not just meeting expectations—they’re exceeding them, offering luxury and charm in a picturesque setting.

The top venue choices in Ripon are Swinton Estate, Grantley Hall and The Old Coach House.

Holly Darani, Owner of Events By Beau, comments, 'It’s a common misconception that bigger cities guarantee better wedding experiences. Our analysis proves that smaller cities like Ripon and Fakenham aren’t just affordable alternatives—they’re delivering exceptional, personalised experiences that couples opt for over traditional, big-city wedding venues’.

Why are couples opting for less-known locations?

We reached out to several reviewers to ask why they had chosen to opt for a venue in a smaller, less-known venue.

‘We found that the venues we spoke to in bigger cities only cared about getting our money. But when we viewed Swinton Estate, the staff were attentive and helpful, and they made us feel very welcome,’ says one couple who got married in Ripon last year. ‘The grounds were gorgeous, and it felt very intimate. We were given more flexibility to decorate and invite external caterers to keep our costs down.’

It shows that couples care less about where the venue is and more about how it makes them feel.

What types of venues do couples prefer?

Interestingly, the data also shows the types of venues couples are choosing. Over 15% of weddings now occur in specialised event venues, with another 10% opting for village halls' charm and community spirit. 

This trend underscores the growing appeal of unique, intimate and more affordable venues in the UK. 

UK couples are learning that traditional wedding venues are becoming increasingly expensive and alternative options offer just as much charm.