The Mytton Fold Guide to Booking Your Wedding Venue: What You Need to Know

So, you're engaged—congratulations! Now comes the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) part: planning your wedding. One of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing the perfect venue. It sets the tone for your entire day, and let’s be honest—it’s likely going to be one of the biggest expenses, too.

But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We’ve gathered the latest stats and trends to help you navigate the venue selection process with confidence.

When Are Couples Booking Their Weddings?

On average, couples getting married today are around 35 years old and spend about 14 months planning their big day. That means if you’re recently engaged, you’re in good company! With over a year to plan, you have time to find the perfect venue—without the stress of rushing into a decision.

Fact: On average, couples will visit four venues, before they make their decision on the perfect place.

What Matters Most to Couples? (Hint: It’s Not Just About the Aesthetic)

While finding a stunning venue is important, the number one priority for 80% of couples is making sure their guests are well taken care of and having an amazing time. So, when you're touring venues, consider factors like accessibility, comfort, and amenities for your guests too.

Guest Count & Venue Types: What’s Trending?

The average wedding these days has about 89 guests, striking a nice balance between an intimate gathering and a full-blown party. And where are couples hosting these celebrations? The most popular choice is hotels, with 20% of couples opting for them.

Hotels offer convenience, accommodations, and an all-in-one experience—which explains why they top the list.

Fact: Here at Mytton Fold Hotel, our Abbey Suite venue space hold up to 180 guests, ensuring there’s plenty of space, whatever the size of your guestlist. Plus, there’s 34 en-suite bedrooms and two luxury suites onsite, meaning your nearest and dearest can party late into the night with you.

Additionally, 60% of couples are choosing to have both their ceremony and reception at the same venue. This makes things easier logistically and ensures a seamless transition between different parts of the day. Less travel for your guests, more time for celebrating!

What Couples Look for in a Venue

If you're in the research phase (and let’s be real, you probably are!), you’re likely considering multiple options before making you decision. Here are the top four things’ couples prioritise when choosing their wedding venue:

1. The Cost – Budget is key, and the venue is often the biggest line item.
2. The Type or Style – Whether it’s a rustic barn, an elegant ballroom, or a beachfront escape, the overall aesthetic matters.
3. Exclusive Use – Many couples want a venue that’s entirely theirs for the day, ensuring privacy and a more personalised experience. At Mytton Fold Hotel, our function space is based separately from the hotel, meaning it’s exclusively yours for the day!
4. Accommodation Availability – With guests travelling from near and far, having rooms on-site or nearby is a big plus. We hold a minimum of 20 bedrooms for our couples, and all of their guests received a discounted preferential rate for the date of their wedding, making it simple to keep everyone in one space.

The Bigger Picture: Budgets & Economic Changes

We also know that today’s couples are keeping a close eye on their spending habits. The economy is shifting, and wedding budgets are being adjusted accordingly. The average cost of a wedding, along with the typical amount spent on venues, fluctuates based on location and guest count. So, it’s important to set a budget early and prioritise what matters most to you.

At Mytton Fold Hotel, our weddings team are always adjusting our extensive packages, to ensure they meet the needs and requirements of our couples. If you’ve got a budget in mind, let us know and we can send full details of our range of packages over.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for You

Finding the perfect venue is a journey but knowing what to look for can make it so much easier. Keep your guest experience top of mind, consider convenience and accommodations, and don’t forget to stick to your budget. And most importantly—choose a place that feels right for you as a couple.

If you have a question about weddings at Mytton Fold Hotel, get in touch today and our friendly weddings team will be more than happy to discuss your needs.

Weddings@myttonfold.co.uk | 01254 240 662

Happy venue hunting!