Top Tips for Planning a UK Destination Wedding
- melanierevell8
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 27
There’s something undeniably romantic about a destination wedding, gathering your favourite people in a beautiful setting away from the everyday, to celebrate love in a truly memorable way. And while the idea often conjures visions of Italian villas or sun-drenched beaches, the UK offers its own destination magic. Think rolling countryside estates, grand historic venues, and beautiful enchanting gardens.
Whether you’re based overseas, planning from another part of the UK or majority of your guests are coming from overseas, here are our top tips to make your UK destination wedding seamless and unforgettable.
1. Choose the Right Location for Your Story
The UK is blessed with an array of incredible wedding destinations from the romantic wilds of the Lake District to the elegant grandeur of London’s heritage venues. Start by thinking about the setting that best reflects you as a couple. Do you picture a stately home in the Cotswolds, a castle in Scotland, or a botanical garden in the capital? Consider accessibility for guests, local accommodation options, and the overall experience you want to create. As a planner we can help you narrow this down based on your priorities, guest numbers, and style.
2. Hire a UK-Based Wedding Planner You Trust
A destination wedding means putting your faith in local experts and that’s where your planner becomes invaluable. A planner who knows the UK wedding scene inside and out will take care of the logistics, recommend trusted suppliers, and ensure every detail is beautifully executed. We often work with couples planning their UK wedding from abroad or from afar within the UK itself, and our role is to be their eyes, ears, and creative partner throughout the process.
3. Consider the Season
The UK’s seasons each bring their own kind of charm, but also their quirks. Spring is fresh and romantic, summer can be gloriously green and warm, autumn offers rich tones and atmospheric light, and winter weddings have a cosy, magical allure. Think about how the season will affect everything from your florals and fashion to your photos and guest experience. And always, always have a wet-weather plan if any part of your day is outdoors.
4. Plan Around Travel and Accommodation
One of the key elements of a UK destination wedding is looking after your guests. Create a thoughtful wedding weekend itinerary, include clear travel instructions, and suggest accommodation options for different budgets nearby. Some couples hire out a private estate with on-site accommodation, while others reserve room blocks at local hotels. A welcome dinner or relaxed post-wedding brunch or BBQ is a lovely way to make the most of your time together and show your appreciation for guests who’ve travelled to celebrate with you.
5. Work with Local, High-Quality Suppliers
When you're planning a destination wedding, it’s tempting to go with suppliers you already know. But embracing local talent not only supports the regional economy, it also means you're working with people who know the venue, climate, and logistics inside-out. From florists to photographers, we can help you handpick suppliers who align with your vision and deliver exceptional quality, wherever in the UK your wedding takes place.
6. Embrace the Details That Make It ‘You’
Finally, just because it’s a destination wedding doesn’t mean it should feel impersonal. Infuse your day with meaningful details, from family traditions to bespoke stationery, welcome gifts to signature cocktails inspired by your love story. These are the things guests will remember long after the last dance.
Planning a UK Destination Wedding?
We’d love to help you bring it to life. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of a London landmark venue or the charm of a countryside escape, Your Story Events specialises in planning beautifully bespoke weddings across the UK and beyond.
Ready to begin your destination wedding journey? Get in touch here and let’s start curating your dream together or download our brochure below.
