Because escaping doesn’t always mean flying!
What if your dream destination wedding is closer than you think?
Not every destination wedding needs boarding passes and airport queues. Some of the most magical wedding spots are tucked away in the UK – no passport required, no jet lag included. These hidden gems might not be on your radar, but they will make you feel like you’ve travelled miles from home.
Whether you’re planning a home-country destination wedding in the UK or simply dreaming of something off the beaten track, these British villages deliver the charm, the views, and the storybook setting – all without leaving the country.
Portmeirion, Wales
Why it feels like abroad
A colourful Italian-style village nestled on the Welsh coast, Portmeirion is like walking into a Mediterranean dream – without ever leaving Wales. Pastel facades, domed towers, and subtropical gardens create a wedding backdrop so surreal it feels like a film set. (And yes, it actually was one.)
Ideal for
Whimsical ceremonies, creative couples, lovers of colour, architecture geeks, and guests who like to ask “Wait, where are we again?”
Clovelly, Devon
Why it feels like abroad
Step into a storybook. Clovelly is one of those villages where time stopped somewhere in the 1800s. With its cobbled, car-free streets and sea views, it’s got serious Amalfi Coast meets Devon energy. Whitewashed cottages tumble down the cliff, ending in a tiny harbour with wow-factor.
Ideal for
Romantics with strong calves, photographers with a soft spot for uneven streets, and couples searching for a wedding venue in Devon that’s both historic and wildly photogenic.
Plockton, Scotland
Why it feels like abroad
Palm trees. In the Highlands. Yes, really. Thanks to a weirdly warm microclimate, Plockton pulls off seaside Riviera vibes – but with a Scottish accent. Add calm waters, bobbing boats and glorious skies, and you’ve got a spot that’s both unexpected and unforgettable.
Ideal for
Couples who want their destination wedding in the UK to feel like a love letter to nature – with a twist.
Staithes, Yorkshire
Why it feels like abroad
Once a sleepy fishing village, Staithes is now an artsy, rugged hideaway that somehow channels coastal Spain in Yorkshire form. Dramatic cliffs, tiny winding streets, and a harbour that catches the golden hour just right.
Ideal for
Slow weddings. The kind where guests ditch the itinerary, the bride wears boots, and the couple takes their sweet time. It’s one of those UK wedding locations where less is more – and everything feels intentional.
Castle Combe, Cotswolds
Why it feels like abroad
Okay, we’ll admit – it’s not “abroad” at all. But Castle Combe is so picture-perfect, it belongs in a Wes Anderson film or a Jane Austen novel (depending on your mood). Honey-stone cottages, ivy-covered pubs, and a setting that oozes timeless romance. And if your idea of timeless romance comes with turrets and towers, these small fairytale castle venues in the UK are equally enchanting.
Ideal for
Classic weddings with English charm, couples who adore period dramas, and anyone searching the best wedding locations in the UK and secretly hoping to bump into Mr Darcy.
Explore more about home-country destination weddings in the UK
…and why staying local might be the most luxurious choice of all. From skipping long-haul flights to embracing sustainability, a local destination wedding lets you have your cake (possibly a Victoria sponge) and eat it too.
If this kind of magical escape close to home speaks to your soul, head over to Destination Wedding in the UK for a deeper dive into venues, planning tips, and wedding inspiration.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to cross borders for your wedding to feel like an adventure. With places like these, a destination wedding in the UK can offer all the wonder, none of the hassle – and maybe a few photogenic sheep on the side.
