UK couples are ditching tradition in favour of smaller, more personal weddings, new survey reveals

UK couples are increasingly moving away from traditional, large-scale weddings in favour of smaller, more personal and experience-led celebrations, according to a new survey conducted by Peak Edge Hotel.

The research, based on more than 1,200 responses from couples across the UK, reveals a clear shift in priorities, with intimacy, flexibility and quality now outweighing formality and long-standing tradition.

Smaller guest lists, more meaningful celebrations

The survey shows a decisive move towards smaller weddings, with around six in ten couples saying they deliberately kept their guest list small in order to create a more relaxed and meaningful day.

Rather than inviting extended networks, many couples said they wanted time to genuinely connect with their guests, reducing pressure and creating a calmer atmosphere.

“We realised quite quickly that we didn’t want a huge guest list,” said Emma, who married in 2024. “We wanted to actually spend time with the people we love, not rush past them. A smaller wedding felt calmer and more meaningful.”

The findings suggest weddings are increasingly seen as shared experiences rather than large-scale productions.

Food and drink take centre stage

Food and drink emerged as one of the strongest priorities in the survey. More than three-quarters of couples said food quality was one of the most important elements of their wedding day, ranking it above décor, styling and entertainment.

At the same time, over half of respondents said they chose to personalise their wedding menu rather than selecting a standard set option, reflecting a desire for food that feels considered and personal rather than formal.

“Good food was non-negotiable for us,” said Hannah, who is currently planning her wedding. “We wanted people to relax, eat well and feel looked after, rather than sit through something overly formal.”

Many couples said they wanted their wedding meal to reflect how they like to eat and entertain in everyday life, favouring seasonal ingredients, relaxed dining and a strong sense of hospitality.

Less pressure to follow tradition

The survey also highlights a growing willingness to break with tradition, with more than half of couples saying they consciously chose to drop at least one traditional element, such as a rigid schedule, formal seating plans or prescribed rituals.

“Once we let go of what we thought a wedding ‘should’ look like, everything got easier,” said Sophie, who married in 2023. “It started to feel like our day, not a performance.”

Couples frequently described feeling more confident about doing things differently if it made the day feel more authentic.

Countryside and all-in-one venues on the rise

Venue choice also reflects this shift. Around two-thirds of respondents said they preferred venues that offered everything in one place, particularly those with accommodation on site, allowing celebrations to unfold more naturally over one or two days.

Countryside settings were especially popular, with couples citing scenery, privacy and atmosphere as key reasons for moving away from more traditional, urban options.

A reflection of wider lifestyle shifts

Peak Edge Hotel says the findings mirror broader lifestyle changes, with people increasingly seeking meaningful, high-quality experiences rather than following convention for its own sake.

“We’re seeing couples who want their wedding to feel natural, thoughtful and genuinely enjoyable, rather than overly formal,” said Mark Thurman, Managing Director at Peak Edge Hotel.

“The emphasis has clearly shifted towards quality, connection and experience. Couples want their day to feel like an extension of who they are, not a set of rules they feel obliged to follow.”