The number of properties categorised as dedicated licenced wedding venues has risen sharply according to the Rating List, with the market growing by 473 venues (an increase of 162%) since 2017.

This market is evidently reaching maturity, with more trading wedding venues coming to the market in the last couple of years, as some of the original operators look to retire and others look capitalise on the post-Covid-19 bounce in bookings and trading.

Despite the cost of living crisis and the number of weddings per annum decreasing slightly year on year, Bridebook reveals that couples are spending more on their big day, with the average total cost of a wedding rising by over £1,500 year-on-year to £20,775, surpassing the £20,000 threshold for the first time.

So, what trends are driving this growth in the number of wedding venues? Old manor houses and buildings of historic interest are now highly sought after as dedicated wedding venues. According to Bridebook, 21% of engaged couples have booked barns for their 2024 weddings; 19% have booked hotels and 15% have booked country houses.

These venues are typically all encompassing: three quarters (77%) of ceremonies took place at the wedding reception venue in 2023. This figure has steadily risen since 2018 as couples are increasingly looking for venues that can provide them with a complete package – a place to get married, host the wedding breakfast and even stay before and after the event.

As couples try to make savings there have been a rise in weddings taking place during the week and in non-summer months. Venues traditionally develop their financial forecasts based on the number of weekend weddings they can sell each year, setting overhead budgets around these projections, but the opportunity to open the doors to the midweek market may offer improved profitability.

For those looking to establish alternative income streams, the demand for quality wedding venues in dedicated wedding locations is going from strength to strength. After all, when it comes to tying the knot, couples are always on the lookout for a unique setting to say "I do".

Further information

Contact Simon Foster or Polly Graham

Wedding Venues