Wedding season is now in full swing but it’s never too early to start planning for your special day if you’re looking to get married next summer. The UK is full of venues and destinations that will offer the perfect backdrop for a scenic summer wedding. To help you plan the perfect summer wedding, here are some of our favourite UK destinations:
Scottish Highlands
The scenery in the Scottish Highlands screams drama and romance, making it the ideal destination for a summer wedding. With a range of castles that can be used as wedding venues, you’ll have everything you need for a fairytale-worthy day. Scottish law allows you to get married anywhere as long as the ceremony is officiated by a religious official or registrar, so if you’re looking for a non-traditional wedding, you could get married outdoors, right in the middle of the picturesque scenery.
The Lake District
Once described by William Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”, the Lake District’s beauty is undeniable. Many of the Lake District hotels offer the perfect setting for your big day thanks to the scenic backdrops offered by their location. Ideal for indoor and outdoor ceremonies, the lakes truly flourish in the summer as a wedding destination.
Gretna Green
One of the world’s most popular wedding destinations, happy couples have been flocking to Gretna Green for their big day for centuries. Historically a popular choice because the marriage law was more relaxed in Scotland than in England or Wales, it’s centuries of romantic history is what draws couples to “marry over the anvil” now. As you would expect from such a popular wedding destination, Gretna Green has a range of venues to help you create your ideal summer wedding.
Hampshire
Hampshire’s long stretch of coastline makes it a popular destination for seaside weddings but it also has a range of country estates and stately homes if you’re looking for a more traditional setting for an outdoor ceremony. For a destination that’s a little more adventurous, Solent Forts now offer wedding ceremonies, or you get married aboard the luxurious Princess Caroline ship before coming ashore for the reception.
Royal Pavilion
More commonly known as the Brighton Pavilion, this exotic palace has all the benefits of an overseas destination without the hassle of having to actually fly there. Inspired by Indian and Chinese architecture, it’s a setting unlike anything else you’ll find in the UK. The lush Regency gardens and splendorous architecture of the domes and towers will make for a stunning backdrop for all your wedding pictures. The inside of the Pavilion is equally breathtaking, with rooms decorated fit for a royal celebration.
Highclere Castle
The dramatic Jacobethan style castle will already be a familiar sight for any Downton Abbey fans, having provided the main filming location for the award-winning series. Set on a 5,000-acre estate with beautifully kept gardens, a wedding at the grandiose Highclere Castle will be sure to be a glamorous affair.
