The UK’s best coastal wedding venues: 14 spots for a sea-front celebration

From rugged cliffs to sandy beaches, say ‘I do’ at one of these breathtaking coastal locations.

Updated on 10 October 2024 • Written By Holly Butterfield

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The UK’s best coastal wedding venues: 14 spots for a sea-front celebration

Dreaming of a glamorous destination wedding without the hassle of travelling abroad? Then why not check out something a little bit closer to home? With almost 32,000km of sprawling coastlines, and more than 1,500 beaches within reach, the UK offers plenty of prime beach-front locations where you can tie the knot.

Choosing the right venue can be crucial to setting the tone for your special day, and these UK coastal locations cater to a whole host of styles and preferences. In our opinion, there’s nothing quite like an outdoor wedding, and what can make your day more magical than a striking sea-front location. Just imagine it: sea breeze, sandy beaches, the crash of waves - whether you're looking to say your vows overlooking the coast, or just want a striking backdrop for your wedding photos. 

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For those looking for sandy shorelines and brilliantly blue ocean views then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured the UK to bring you the best of the best when it comes to beach wedding venues. From coastal spots in Cornwall to striking Scottish venues, each region brings its own charm when it comes to seaside weddings. But it's not just about the scenic backdrop - although that’s definitely a bonus - many of these venues boast wedding licences, so you can host the ceremony and reception in the same space.

We've rounded up a terrific selection of the best sea-front wedding venues, with picture-perfect settings you and your guests will fall in love with. Whether you’ve been dreaming of mesmerising sunsets from a gorgeous clifftop setting or an opulent coastal castle, take your pick of one of these beautiful settings and embrace the UK’s seaside splendour for your big day.

The Grand Pier, Somerset

a couple getting married at The Grand Pier

What: Looking for the perfect seaside wedding venue? The Grand Pier offers the ultimate coastal attraction, offering the chance for couples to get married a quarter of a mile out to sea. There are several picture-perfect, licensed spots to choose from, from the lavish Regency Suite to the more intimate North Tower. For the more adventurous couples, take your celebration to the amusement park for a day that you won’t forget in a hurry. Catering packages include canapes, a sit down wedding breakfast or a buffet menu, so you can tailor your day to match your exact specifications.
Where: Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1AL
Find out more: The Grand Pier

Langstone Quays Resort, Hampshire

a wedding reception at Langstone Quays Restort

What: Found on the secluded Hayling Island, Langstone Quays Resort offers a tranquil water-side location that may technically sit on a harbour, but with these backdrops you’re bound to get that coastal feeling. Full venue hire can accommodate 60 for a ceremony, or 100 for a reception, in the Spinnaker suite, boasting a bright and airy backdrop with elements of rustic charm. Make your wedding your own with custom menus, whether that be canapes, three-course feasts or even afternoon. Plus, there's on-site accommodation for all, so you won't have to worry about your guests making it home.
Where: Northney Road, Hayling Island, PO11 0NQ
Find out more: Langstone Quays Resort

St Michaels Falmouth, Cornwall

a beach view at St Michaels, Falmouth

What: An idyllic beachside hotel, St Michael’s Falmouth offers a rather impressive selection of luxurious event spaces and rooms where you can tie the knot. Eye-catching ocean views make for a truly splendid backdrop with floor-to-ceiling windows that help showcase the very best of what Cornwall has to offer. Host your wedding ceremony in The Bay, a breezy room where you can seat up to 70 for a ceremony, with space for a few more when the reception rolls around. Tailor your wedding with in-house catering, cosy on-site accommodation and an award-winning spa, for the ultimate celebration.
Where: Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth, TR11 4NB
Find out more: St Michael's Falmouth

The Connaught Hotel and Spa, Dorset

a couple walking along a beach, and a wedding ceremony at The Connaught Hotel

What: Just a stone's throw from the sands of Bournemouth beach, the Connaught Hotel and Spa offers an incredibly luxurious setting for your wedding. These blank canvas spaces invite you to put your own stamp on the venue, so you can truly make the day your own with a number of chic spaces where you can celebrate. The Franklyn Suite is perfect for a sit down dinner, and accommodates up to 90 guests. During the warmer months say ‘I do’ in the Courtyard and Garden, before taking a romantic stroll along the beach.
Where: 30 West Hill Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5PH
Find out more: The Connaught Hotel and Spa

Fingal Hotel, Edinburgh

a wedding reception at Fingal Hotel

What: Why stop at a coastal wedding venue, when you can host your celebration on a boat? Docked in the historic Leith Port, just outside of Edinburgh city centre, Fingal Hotel is a floating hotel, offering a selection of spaces for a rather unforgettable ceremony. This venue is available for exclusive hire, allowing you to delve beneath the deck into the Ballroom for an exquisite ceremony complete with high ceilings and a vibrant skylight. Move on to the Lighthouse restaurant for your reception, and end the evening in one of the boutique cabins - continuing that nautical feel.
Where: Alexandra Dock, Leith, EH6 7DX
Find out more: Fingal Hotel

Glendower Hotel, Lancashire

a couple in wedding dress walking on a beach

What: For those on the hunt for beach wedding venues, Glendower Hotel sits on the North Promenade, showcasing the area’s natural beauty with this seaside location. Choose from two different suites to say your vows, the intimate Lowther Room or the extravagant Georgian Suite - complete with ornate chandelier and delicate ceiling swaging for an added flair, all against the backdrop of the gorgeous Fylde Coast. Work alongside the dedicated events team to bring your wedding vision to life.
Where: North Promenade, Lytham St Annes, FY8 2NQ
Find out more: Glendower Hotel

Rockwater, East Sussex

the roof terrace at Rockwater Hove

What: Getting married by the sea is rather dreamy no matter the location, but Rockwater takes the cake with its effortlessly chic spot on the Western Esplanade. Embrace the crashing waves from the glass-fronted facade of the rooftop terrace, where you can host a sit down dinner for up to 100 guests, or a dramatic drinks reception for up to 200. This verdant space, complete with retractable roof, is perfect for all weathers. Keep it traditional with a sit down dinner, or opt for something a bit different with catering from in-house food trucks.
Where: Western Esplanade, Hove, BN3 4FA
Find out more: Rockwater

Polhawn Fort, Cornwall

a wedding ceremony overlooking the coast

What: Tucked away at the end of Whitsand Bay, this gorgeous cliff-top location brings a rich history alongside its idyllic coastal location. The Grand Napoleonic Hall is the spot for those looking to make a statement. Accommodating up to 100 guests, this 80 foot long room features original cannon arches and eye-catching spiral staircase. For those looking to take things al fresco, the Summerhouse and Lawn sit right on the cliff-edge, boasting a rather spectacular backdrop to tie the knot - plus, it’s fully licensed!
Where: Military Road, Torpoint, PL10 1LL
Find out more: Polhawn Fort

Watermouth Cove, Devon

a couple in wedding dress walking on a beach

What: It will come as no surprise that Devon offers plenty of idyllic coastal spots to get married, and Watermouth Cove is one of its finest. Amid the ocean breeze, Watermouth Cove's private coves and caves make it an excellent choice for those who are captivated by a scenic outdoor ceremony. This exclusive wedding venue can accommodate a capacity of up to 150 guests with a selection of wedding packages to suit your needs. Host an indoor ceremony at The Woodland Barn or Viewpoint, or take it outside for an unforgettable ceremony against the North Devon Coastline.
Where: Watermouth Cove, Ilfracombe, EX34 9SJ
Find out more: Watermouth Cove

The Gallivant, East Sussex

a couple in wedding dress walking on a beach

What: Plan your perfect sea-front celebration at The Gallivant. If you’ve been dreaming of getting married on the beach, then this might be your perfect choice with sprawling beaches right on your doorstep. Weddings here are all exclusive hire, including 20 lavish bedrooms and access to the Beach Hut mini spa - so you can treat yourself to some wedding weekend pampering. Accommodating up to 80 guests, The Gallivant is ideal for an intimate ‘do’.
Where: New Lydd Road, Camber, TN31 7RB
Find out more: The Gallivant

Grand Villa Heights, North Yorkshire

a wedding ceremony overlooking the coast

What: Looking for a coastal wedding location in Scarborough? Grand Villa Heights embodies luxury with its cliff-top location, complete with panoramic coastal views across its 90-acre grounds. Whether you’re looking to take your ceremony al fresco or keep it more traditional at the on-site Chapel, Grand Villa Heights is bound to impress. Complete with 54 stylish rooms and six luxurious lodges, turn your special day into a relaxing, weekend getaway.
Where: Ravenscar, Scarborough, YO13 0ET
Find out more: Grand Villa Heights

GG's Yard at Laggan, Dumfries and Galloway

a couple in wedding dress on a clifftop

What: Situated in the rolling hills of Dumfries with phenomenal coastal views, GG’s Yard is a rather magical location that can accommodate up to 200 guests. Extravagant floral centrepieces can bring this blank canvas to life with floor-to-ceiling windows to really embrace the Scottish countryside. With their dedicated team of professionals on hand throughout the day, you and your partner can ease back and enjoy your wedding to the fullest.
Where: Laggan, Gatehouse of Fleet, DG7 2ES
Find out more: GG's Yard at Laggan

Roslin Beach Hotel, Essex

a wedding ceremony at Roslin Beach Hotel

What: Arguably one of the prettiest spots around the country, Roslin Beach Hotel sits peacefully against the coast in Southend-on-Sea. Boasting expansive windows and foliage-decked ceilings, Roslin Beach Hotel brings several dynamic spaces, each enhanced by sprawling sea views. The largest celebratory space, The Tide Ballroom, accommodates up to 50 guests for a seated reception, where you can enjoy three-course feasts, and a DJ that will have your guests up and dancing in no time.
Where: Thorpe Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3BG
Find out more: Roslin Beach Hotel

Osea Island, Essex

An outdoor wedding ceremony at Osea Island

What: Known as a popular celebrity wedding destination, Osea Island is found just an hour outside of London, a beautiful venue that offers a serene and secluded space for your special day. When it comes to coastal wedding venues, this one ticks all the boxes, with water spanning in every direction. Choose from several exclusive hire spaces, such as the rustic Powerhouse, with its exposed brick walls and warehouse feel. Elsewhere, the contemporary Bomb Factory stands as the largest space on the Island, an idyllic blank canvas for a standing reception for up to 500. 
Where: Osea Island, CM9 4SA
Find out more: Osea Island

Looking to host a winter wedding? Check out our round up of the cosiests places to say 'I do'.

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