# How much does a UK wedding cost?

> Cost of · Last reviewed 26 May 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/cost-of/a-wedding-uk/
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## 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.

Typical range: 500–35000 £ (the wedding day)

## What makes up the cost

| Item | 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 figure

- 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

## Ways to spend less

- 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

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — Marriage in the UK](https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships)
- [GOV.UK — Marriage fees](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/general-register-office-fees-from-2-april-2024)
- [Hitched — UK Wedding Report](https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/organising-and-planning/national-wedding-survey/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.