Cost guide
How much does a UK wedding cost?
In short. Industry surveys (Hitched, Bridebook) put the average UK wedding cost at £20,000–£24,000 in 2024. The venue and catering account for around half. A registry-office ceremony with a small reception can come in under £2,000.
Wedding 'averages' are skewed by big-spending weddings. The median (typical) cost is lower than the mean. The biggest variables are guest count, location and Saturday-vs-weekday booking.
Last reviewed:
·Typical range: £500–£35,000 (the wedding day)Typical breakdown
| Item | Typical range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Venue hire | £3,000–£10,000+ | |
| Catering (per head) | £60–£150 per guest | |
| Drinks | £25–£60 per guest | |
| Photography | £1,000–£3,500 | |
| Wedding rings | £200–£3,000+ for the pair | |
| Attire (both) | £500–£4,000 | |
| Registry office ceremony fees | From £46 (notice) + ceremony fee | |
| Marriage by religious officiant | Variable (often a donation) | |
| Flowers | £200–£2,000 |
What changes the cost
- Guest count (catering is per head)
- Day of week (Saturday is most expensive)
- Season (May–September is peak)
- Whether you self-cater or use a venue's package
Worth knowing
- Mid-week and winter weddings are commonly priced 25–50% lower than peak Saturday slots
- All UK marriages require 28 days' formal notice given in person at a register office
- Wedding insurance is sold from around £40–£200 and typically covers cancellation, supplier failure and lost rings
FAQ
- How much does a registry office wedding cost?
- The statutory minimum: £46 each to give notice plus a ceremony fee (£57+ in 2025/26 at the registry office, more at approved venues). A simple ceremony with two witnesses can cost under £200 in total.
- Do I have to give 28 days' notice?
- Yes — both partners must give notice in person at a register office at least 28 full days before the ceremony. The period is 71 days if one partner is from outside UK/Ireland.
- Are wedding gifts taxed?
- Gifts to children/grandchildren on marriage are partially exempt from Inheritance Tax: £5,000 per parent, £2,500 per grandparent, £1,000 per other person — given before the wedding.