It’s clear to see that many of Britain’s beautiful old buildings have seen a boom in business over the past few decades, with the majority of this new business coming from wedding bookings. This increase in wedding business is in direct correlation with the decline in the traditional church wedding. I for one know that many of my friends no longer aspire to be married in a church, but would now prefer to be married in a stately home, country barn or a posh hotel instead.

The Old –

There are some very historic venues out there; venues steeped in history. Some couples love the appeal of these buildings because of their aesthetics or what it is they stand for, after all they’ve stood up to the test of time. Even historic agencies such as English Heritage and the National Trust have properties on under their management that cater for weddings. So you could find yourself getting hitched somewhere like Old Wardour Castle or Basildon Park.

The Aisle at Old Wardour Castle. Photo by K J Payne via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

And the New

In this high-tech age that we live in, it’s unsurprising that many of us want to part with tradition and get married in a more modern setting. There are plenty of venues out there that cater to couples who are looking for just this. One great example of a venue with these specific modernist credentials is the Laban Dance Centre, a building relatively new and designed by Herzog and de Meuron, who incorporated the Tate Modern into the shell of the old Bankside Power Station.

The Laban Dance Centre can be hired for weddings – photo by Pedro Varela via Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

If you’re unable to find a suitable modern building within your area, you can always find contemporary and modern interiors within an older building. The Roast restaurant is a good example of this blend. Located above Borough Market, the building certainly has some history behind it, inside however you would be fooled into thinking it was of a much younger age, with well lit open spaces and contemporary designer lighting like Porta Romana lamps as well as other modern interior items.

The Floral Hall Portico, Borough Market – Home of Roast. Photo by Reading Tom via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Whether your taste is partial to history or mordernism, the great thing is that these days you have the choice. Now that churches no longer have the monopoly on wedding services you are able to find the perfect venue to appeal to your specific desires and really have the wedding of your dreams.