The Best Cheap
Considering cheap wedding venues is one of the best ways to keep your costs down. There are plenty of ideas out there that cater for the tightest of budgets, but also give you the flexibility to make your day special. |
Local Authority Buildings
Believe it or not, your local council may have some gems hidden up its sleeve when it comes to wedding venues. They often have old stately homes that have been turned into local authority centres for training or education.
To find these gems, start with your local council’s website.
Public Houses 
There are hundreds of pubs up and down the country that have lovely gardens, idyllic riverside settings or great function rooms which are great cheap wedding venues and the perfect setting for a unique or casual wedding.
They’ll also be able to do your catering at great prices.
Local Sports Clubs
From rugby to rowing, most sports played locally have a club house and if you have a friend or relative who’s a member then you’ll probably be able to use it. Even if you don't know a member, ask the club anyway as they may be able to accommodate you.
As with village halls, the hire charge will be very low. You’ll probably also find that they may offer low cost catering too. Start asking around.
Village Halls
Since the Millennium there have been a number of new village halls built in sleepy villages around the country. Some are beautifully designed with airy glass ceilings or outside patio areas that can make a beautiful venue.
The benefit of village halls is that they often have catering facilities and equipment. Most village halls can be hired for a couple of hundred pounds, and normally include all your tables, chairs and equipment too.
Outdoor cheap wedding venues
There are plenty of options for an outdoor wedding reception. They make a great alternative to hotels and can be very cost effective. Taking this option can allow you to keep your venue costs down while having a really unique wedding reception.
Here are just a few ideas to get your juices flowing:
National Trust
The National Trust has a range of magnificent houses that have superb gardens attached. These cheap wedding venues often date back centuries and have secret private gardens - ideal for an outdoor reception and perfectly romantic!
Many of these houses and gardens can be used for weddings giving a unique feel to any reception. Often these houses also have marriage licences, so you can tie the knot as well as have your reception there.
Friends and Relatives
Some of your relatives and friends may have in their garden large enough for your wedding reception needs. This option will significantly lower your costs and give them a special honour. Bear in mind this is a big ask of your friend or relative, so they also must be willing to take this on board!
Village Greens 
There are many pretty villages with idyllic village greens around, and with some careful planning (and permission) these could be the perfect location for a country style reception.
The Cotswolds and Home Counties are excellent places start to search for these villages. When you have several you like the look of, ask around in the local shops, church or the village pub about using the space. Someone will be able to point you in the right direction of who to speak to.
Hotels
Many hotels have manicured lawns and it maybe possible to hire out sections of the garden if you’re not using the space inside.
This may take some careful negotiation as the hotel will make a lot more money if you use their facilities inside. So, what seems like a great deal initially, could turn into an expensive affair when they insist you use their catering, have a minimum bar spend etc.
Also watch for other creeping costs like corkage, cleaning, administration and parking that you maybe hit with!
Hiring a country cottage 
Perhaps you still want that idyllic country cottage with a perfect lawn? One way to get that perfect look is to hire a cottage. A great option for more intimate weddings.
Hire cottages come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s possible to find exactly what you want. Always check with the owner that it’s ok to use the garden in the way you wish.
Have you found a cheap wedding venue that you'd like to share? Help out some other brides and share your little gems.
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