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How much does a wedding cost in the UK?
Quick answer: Bridebook's 2026 UK report puts the average wedding at £20,604 (excluding ring and honeymoon), and Hitched's 2026 survey puts it at £21,990. That is roughly £270 to £280 per guest, with venue and catering the biggest costs.
Wedding costs vary hugely, so an average is only a starting point. It helps you check whether your plan is realistic.
The 2026 UK averages
- Bridebook: £20,604, excluding the engagement ring and honeymoon (about £25,800 including them), based on around 7,000 couples.
- Hitched: £21,990, based on a survey of around 2,000 newlyweds.
The gap comes from method, not error. Both put the cost at about £270 to £280 per guest.
Where the money goes
| Item | Bridebook 2026 average |
|---|---|
| Venue hire (excluding catering) | About £6,040 |
| Reception catering | About £5,406 |
| Evening catering | About £2,002 |
So venue and catering together are over half of the average spend.
Why yours may be different
- Guest numbers. Each guest adds roughly the same again.
- Region and venue type. London and the South East are usually higher.
- Day and season. Weekdays and off-peak months can be cheaper.
- How many events you hold, such as a separate pre-wedding gathering, feast or rehearsal.
Work out your own numbers with the wedding budget planner, and see how to break down a wedding budget and ways to save.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a wedding in the UK?
Bridebook's 2026 report says £20,604 (excluding ring and honeymoon) and Hitched's 2026 survey says £21,990.
How much does the average wedding venue cost?
Bridebook's 2026 report puts average venue hire at about £6,040 excluding catering.
How much per guest is a wedding?
Both major UK surveys put it at about £270 to £280 per guest on average.
Keep reading
Information checked November 2026 against the sources linked above. Rules and prices change, so check GOV.UK and your suppliers before you commit.