So you’ve said “yes.” Now it’s spreadsheets, venue viewings, and asking your aunt to not wear white. But one question keeps whispering in the background like a forgotten confetti cannon: “How much is this all going to cost?”
Welcome to the land of UK wedding planning, where dream days can come with nightmarish invoices—unless you know what to expect (and where to save). From dazzling venues to the sneaky extras no one talks about, here’s your real guide to UK wedding costs in 2025—infused with insider tips, charm, and a few cheeky surprises.
💸 What’s the Average Cost of a Wedding in the UK?
As of 2025, most UK couples are spending between £18,000 and £25,000 on their wedding. That’s roughly the price of a small car or five magical honeymoons in Bali. Worth it? Only you can decide.
Here’s what that budget typically includes:
- Venue hire: £4,000–£7,000
- Catering: £60–£150 per guest
- Photography & Videography: £1,500–£3,000
- Dress & Attire: £1,200–£3,500
- Florals & Decor: £1,000–£2,500
- Entertainment: £500–£2,000
- Hair & Makeup: £300–£600
- Stationery & Invites: £300–£800
- Wedding Planner (optional): £1,500–£4,000
But that’s just the polished Instagram version. Let’s pull back the veil…
🕵️♀️ Hidden Wedding Costs You Didn’t Budget For (But Should!)
1. Corkage Fees
Thought bringing your own Prosecco would save money? Think again. Many venues charge £15–£30 per bottle just to pop it open. That’s before anyone’s even toasted you.
💡 Tip: Choose dry-hire venues or negotiate corkage into your venue contract.
2. Postage Perils
That gorgeous velvet-trimmed invitation suite? Amazing. Until you realize it needs a large letter stamp. Multiply by 100 guests and your stationery budget just doubled.
3. Dress Alterations
Your dream dress doesn’t always fit like a glove. Alterations typically cost £300–£500, especially for delicate fabrics like lace, satin, and tulle.
4. Vendor Meals
Yes, you need to feed your photographer, planner, band, and sometimes even the DJ. That’s another £50–£100 per vendor—don’t get hangry pros!
5. Overtime Charges
Weddings run late. That golden-hour shoot turns into a moonlight session. Vendors often charge £100–£250 per hour for staying past agreed times.
6. Clean-Up or Damage Fees
Confetti cannons, glitter bombs, broken champagne glasses—it’s all fun until the venue sends a £200–£400 cleaning invoice.
7. Legal Paperwork
The romance of marriage licenses is… underwhelming. But it costs money. Expect £50–£600 depending on your location and ceremony type. More info here: GOV.UK marriage registration
💍 Real Talk: UK Wedding Planning Curveballs
Venues like the iconic Euridge Manor in Wiltshire or Asylum Chapel in London are breathtaking, but they sometimes come with unexpected clauses:
- Required suppliers (no budget florist allowed)
- No heating included (marquee couples, take note)
- Generator hire not covered
- You need to rent toilets (yes, even luxury ones)
Always ask: “What’s not included?”
✂️ Budget-Saving Tips (That Don’t Kill the Vibe)
You don’t have to cut the cake to save money. Just get clever:
- Choose midweek dates or shoulder-season months. (March, April, November)
- Repurpose your ceremony florals for the reception.
- Use digital RSVPs and wedding websites to cut stationery costs.
- Skip party favours. No one misses them. Really.
- Opt for local vendors to avoid travel surcharges.
- Book early. The earlier, the cheaper (usually).
Want more savings? Hire a wedding photographer (👋 that’s me!) who includes extras like travel, editing, and sneak peeks in your package—so no surprise invoices after the honeymoon.
🗺️ What If You’re Planning from Abroad?
Many couples from the US, Europe, or Asia dream of tying the knot in the UK, enchanted by old-world charm, moody skies, and manor-house magic. But international weddings come with a few extra costs:
- Currency exchange & bank transfer fees
- Document translation
- Flights and guest accommodation
- Additional coordination support
That’s why hiring a UK-based wedding photographer who knows the local rhythm (and rain forecast) is worth every penny.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (SEO Superpowers Included)
💡 What is the average cost of a wedding in the UK?
Around £20,000 in 2025, but it varies widely based on guest count, location, and extras.
💡 How much do wedding venues charge in the UK?
Anywhere between £3,000 and £10,000, with London and Scotland typically on the higher end.
💡 What are hidden wedding costs I should plan for?
Corkage, vendor meals, dress alterations, overtime, cleaning fees, and legal paperwork.
💡 How can I save money on my UK wedding?
Choose off-peak dates, repurpose flowers, go digital with invites, and prioritise what matters most to you.
💡 Is it cheaper to get married in another country?
Not always! Destination weddings can look cheaper, but factor in travel, paperwork, and guest logistics. UK weddings offer better predictability and no passport panics.
📸 Final Word from Someone Who’s Seen It All (Behind the Lens)
If there’s one truth I’ve learned as a wedding photographer, it’s this: no two weddings cost the same—because no two couples are the same. Whether you’re planning a whimsical woodland elopement or a black-tie London soirée, you deserve a day that feels like you—and photos that help you relive it forever.
✨ Hi, I’m Serg of Your Happy Moments. I help couples capture genuine, joy-filled, soul-stirring wedding stories across the UK and beyond. I’ve photographed intimate elopements in Edinburgh and grand celebrations in the Cotswolds, and I’d love to document your day with warmth, artistry, and heart.
Explore my photography packages to find the one that fits your love story. Questions? Inspiration? Excited daydreams? I’m just a message away—let’s connect and make your wedding moments unforgettable.
