Because escaping doesn’t always mean flying!
What if your dream wedding venue feels like Tuscany… but it’s actually in Devon?
Some of the most magical UK wedding spots are tucked away in peaceful villages – no passport needed, no jet lag included. These hidden gems bring storybook charm and cinematic views, all without leaving the country.
Want to know why so many couples choose local weddings that still feel like a romantic getaway? Discover the growing trend of home-country destination weddings in the UK and how staying local can be just as magical as going abroad.
Whether you’re planning a countryside celebration or just dreaming of something off the beaten path, these British villages deliver the romance, the views, and the unexpected magic.
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 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.
Discover the trend of UK-based wedding celebrations with destination vibes
…and why staying local might be the most luxurious choice of all. From skipping long-haul flights to embracing sustainability, a UK wedding with destination vibes 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 this guide to planning your UK-based wedding celebration 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 countryside wedding in the UK can offer all the wonder, none of the hassle – and maybe a few photogenic sheep on the side.
