How to choose a small wedding venue (& why choose Lancashire?)
Small weddings are cosy affairs that let you celebrate with your nearest and dearest. But choosing between small wedding venues can be difficult.
Some venues don’t offer accommodation, don’t hold a license to host the ceremony, or limit you to in-house catering. But we get it: you don’t want to compromise on your big day.
If you’re struggling, check out our guide to finding a small wedding venue you’ll fall in love with. And to help you narrow your search, we also outline why small wedding venues in Lancashire offer some of the best value and character in the country.
5-step checklist for choosing a small wedding venue
Choosing a small wedding venue means thinking about the location, styling, and amenities. But you also have to think about the size of the venue, and whether it’s licensed to host the ceremony.
1. Pick the perfect setting
Naturally, the right location hinges on what type of wedding you want. You might fancy tying the knot in the great outdoors, or maybe you want a shindig in a local venue that’s easy for older relatives to get to.
So make sure to choose a small wedding venue that meets all of your style, decor, and accessibility requirements.
Regardless of where you choose, make sure to visit the area (and potential venues) before finalising your decision.
2. Think about size and capacity
Small intimate wedding venues should comfortably accommodate all guests, but avoid too-large spaces which can feel empty.
Bridebook recommends the following venue types for different sized guest lists:
Under 20 guests: suits bothies and private dining rooms.
20-30 guests: ideal for boutique hotel packages.
30-50: perfect for manor houses and private hire restaurants.
The average UK wedding is around 80 guests but plenty of couples invite less. 41% of wedding receptions in the UK now have under 60 guests!
Top tip: Ask what the room’s comfortable capacity is, rather than its maximum.
3. Consider ambience and style
Often, finishing touches matter more when there are less people to fill the space. Think about details like real fires, a sweeping staircase, or lush gardens to plan a small wedding that suits your style and personality.
Or maybe you dream of an outdoor wedding experience? In which case, look out for countryside locations with clusters of trees, open fields, and waterfalls.
4. Check flexibility and customisations
Make sure your small wedding venue lets you personalise the decor, seating layout, and schedule. Customisation is key for creating a truly unique and magical experience.
Beautiful centrepieces, personalised place settings, seasonal decor, framed photographs, and hand-written menus are excellent ways to bring your own flavour to the setting.
In terms of seating, it’s traditional to split the room into a left side and right side, but you might fancy something less formal. Some venues offer modern alternatives like semi-circle seating.
5. Evaluate services and amenities
Many small wedding venues provide tailored packages including on-site coordinators, catering, and accommodation, which makes wedding planning much easier.
But make sure to check the following things:
Can you marry and celebrate in the same place? This means guests don’t have to travel between multiple locations.
Is the venue legally licensed for ceremonies? Some intimate spaces only host receptions.
Can you use external catering suppliers? Some venues lock you into in-house catering options.
Is the package a fair price for what’s provided? Bridebook estimates weddings of 30 guests or less to average £3,302 for venue hire or £6,293 for combined venue and catering spend.
Does the venue allow dogs? Check that the wedding venue’s dog-friendly if you want your four-legged friend by your side.
If you need a licensed small wedding ceremony venue (so you can have the ceremony and reception in one place), take a look at Springbank Manor.
Host the ceremony in the entrance hall or Blue Bar. Then seamlessly move over to the Green Lounge, Courtyard Room, or the 1898 Suite for your reception.
Why look for small wedding venues in Lancashire?
If a countryside wedding is more your thing, there are plenty of small wedding venues in Lancashire that fit the bill.
Choose from boutique hotels and historic mansions, surrounded by moors and woodlands, which promise privacy, exclusivity, and charm. Lancashire is also easy to reach for guests travelling from cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
An intimate wedding venue like Springbank Manor blends cosy settings with attentive service and stunning scenery. Our beautifully maintained grounds are the perfect backdrop for small gatherings, and our team helps you plan and personalise every detail of the day.
Recommended reading: A simple guide for planning intimate weddings.
Celebrate your small wedding at Springbank Manor
If you’re considering wedding venues in Lancashire, take a look at Springbank Manor. Whether you’ve been searching for small wedding venues for 10 guests or need room for a few more, our flexible packages let you design a wedding that truly reflects your story.
Comments