The UK’s best coastal wedding venues: 11 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 is brimming with beachy coastal wedding venues 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 wedding venues 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 seafront 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. 

For those looking for sandy shorelines and brilliantly blue ocean views, 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 coastal 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.

Finbar's of West Bay, Kent

What: If you like the idea of listening to waves crash and smelling sea air on your wedding day, Finbar's of West Bay might just be the perfect venue for you. On a sunny patch of the Kent coast, this lovely little restaurant boasts panoramic views over the ocean. Take over the whole space exclusively, with access to the outdoor sun deck too, and make the interior feel like your own. The in-house team are flexible and ready to help with every stage of planning, from catering options to floral displays and evening entertainment.  
Capacity: Up to 100
Where: West Bay Promenade, Westgate-on-Sea, CT8 8QA
Find out more: Finbar's of West Bay

Hayling Island Sailing Club, Hampshire

What: A destination in its own right, thanks to beachy sands and ideal sailing conditions, Hayling Island Sailing Club comes with offers a rare benefit for coastal weddings: a private beach. There are two areas to choose from, both licensed for ceremonies and blessed with floor-to-ceiling views over the sea. The Lounge Bar is the smaller of the two, seating 30 for a ceremony or breakfast, and 60 for a reception, while The Dining Room accommodates ceremonies of up to 100 and receptions as large as 250.
Capacity: Up to 250
Where: Sandy Point, Hayling Island, PO11 9SL
Find out more: Hayling Island Sailing Club

Rockwater, East Sussex

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. It’s worth noting that this wedding venue doesn’t come with a wedding license, but it’s hard to pass up views like that, especially when there are so many ceremony venues nearby anyway.
Capacity: Up to 100 (reception only)
Where: Western Esplanade, Hove, BN3 4FA
Find out more: Rockwater

The Upper Deck, Cornwall

What: Offering indoor and outdoor areas, both with beautiful views over the Camel Estuary, and enus that highlight the very best Cornish produce, The Upper Deck is a no-brainer for couples seeking a more casual wedding venue. And, if the weather refuses to comply, there’s plenty of space indoors with lots of natural light to make your wedding photos shine. Whatever your vision, the friendly team will navigate the ins and outs to bring you the greatest celebration.
Capacity: Up to 100
Where: 5 Beachside, Rock Road, Rock, Wadebridge, PL27 6FD
Find out more: The Upper Deck

The Grand Pier, Somerset

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.
Capacity: Up to 640
Where: Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1AL
Find out more: The Grand Pier

Polhawn Fort, Cornwall

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 an 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!
Capacity: Up to 100
Where: Military Road, Torpoint, PL10 1LL
Find out more: Polhawn Fort

Watermouth Cove, Devon

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 125 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.
Capacity: 50-125
Where: Watermouth Cove, Ilfracombe, EX34 9SJ
Find out more: Watermouth Cove

Grand Villa Heights, North Yorkshire

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.
Capacity: Up to 150
Where: Ravenscar, Scarborough, YO13 0ET
Find out more: Grand Villa Heights

GG's Yard at Laggan, Dumfries and Galloway

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.
Capacity: Up to 300
Where: Laggan, Gatehouse of Fleet, DG7 2ES
Find out more: GG's Yard at Laggan

Roslin Beach Hotel, Essex

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.
Capacity: 25-130
Where: Thorpe Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3BG
Find out more: Roslin Beach Hotel

Osea Island, Essex

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.
Capacity: Up to 500
Where: Osea Island, CM9 4SA
Find out more: Osea Island

Many of the top coastal wedding venues will offer rainy-weather alternatives. But to make sure all the bases are covered, check out the best tips to plan a great outdoor wedding.