Twilight weddings: Everything you need to know about evening ceremonies

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task. There are a million different things you need to think about, from choosing the perfect wedding venue to getting the decorations right. It can be enough to put many people off hosting one altogether! But what if we told you there’s a nifty way to take a huge part of the stress out of planning a wedding?

Twilight weddings are a relatively new phenomena that have gained attention over the last couple of years. They essentially skip the formal sit-down wedding breakfast and instead start much later in the day, either in the late afternoon or early evening. They’re a great option for couples who don’t like the idea of a formal event and would prefer to host a more relaxed wedding.

There are many more benefits to hosting a twilight wedding, from reduced costs to more time spent partying! For many, one of the main attractions is those all-important wedding photos, when couples can take advantage of that early-evening dusky glow. After all, is there really a more romantic scene than you and your other half pictured against a magical sunset backdrop? We think not.

There’s also the added bonus of having less to organise, and many might prefer to host a twilight wedding in order to avoid planning a full day of celebrations. It also means you don’t have to entertain guests all day!

Joanne McInnes, Director at wedding venue The BarnYard, has noticed a sharp uptake in couples booking evening ceremonies. 

'We have noticed that twilight weddings are very, very popular. As a result, couple’s can book a twilight wedding any day of the week throughout the year at The BarnYard, which is different to a lot of venues which can only offer twilight weddings during non-peak periods - such as winter or mid-week.'

Because the concept of an evening wedding is a fairly new thing, not all wedding venues offer them. However, we’ve included a few options down below if you’re struggling to find a twilight wedding venue you like. Many also offer dedicated twilight wedding packages, from all-inclusive options to flexible add-ons. Find out whether it's right for you with our ultimate guide, then go ahead and start planning!

What is a twilight wedding?

A twilight wedding is a more informal style of wedding that starts later in the day and skips the wedding breakfast altogether. Instead, the day transitions straight from the ceremony into the evening reception, removing the need for a formal sit-down meal. Twilight weddings can start anywhere between 3-5pm, and essentially allow couples to host the wedding of their dreams in a more flexible, laid-back format.

Are twilight weddings cheaper?

One of the reasons many couples consider hosting a twilight wedding instead of a traditional one is the cost. By removing the need for a sit-down meal, you can save a huge chunk of money on having to cater a formal meal for all your guests. Of course, twilight weddings do still involve food and drink, but hosting an evening reception alone allows for much more flexibility when it comes to catering. Rather than a full three-course meal, for example, you could instead opt for buffet stations or bowl food, which are often much cheaper.

Twilight weddings also remove the need to hire a venue for the full day, which again is likely to reduce costs. This extends to other services too, such as a photographer, who you’ll only need to hire for a half day.

What happens at a twilight wedding?

A twilight wedding follows a similar plan to a traditional wedding, only the timings are shifted to a little later in the day. Importantly, the ceremony is timed around twilight, but this can change throughout the year which will effect the exact schedule of events. Below is an example of a twilight wedding itinerary:

5-5:30pm: Guests arrive
5:30-6pm: Ceremony (timed for sunset)
6-7pm: Wedding photographs and reception drinks
7-8pm: Evening reception and food served
8-8:30pm: Speeches
8:30-9pm: Cake cutting and first dance
9pm-12am: Dancing and entertainment

What are the benefits of a twilight wedding?

There are a ton of reasons why a twilight wedding is an attractive option for couples, from budget considerations to stunning wedding photos. Here are some of the main highlights.

Better on a budget

You can’t get away from the fact that twilight weddings are super attractive for being cheaper than a typical wedding. Yes, you’ll still need to organise many of the same elements, from food and drink to entertainment. But one less meal is an easy way to cut costs, and you can instead spend your money on the things you really want – perhaps that dream outfit you have your eye on?

Less stress

Removing the need for a wedding breakfast can be a huge weight off your shoulders when it comes to planning a wedding. You only need to organise food for the evening, while a shorter day of celebrations means you have more time in the morning to prepare.

More time partying

The beauty of an evening wedding is that you can start the celebrations pretty much straight away. The ceremony and photos are likely to only take an hour or so, and then you and your guests can get on with the bit evryone's really looking forward to: food, drink and dancing! Do away with all the formal stuff and head straight to the fun part at the end of the night.

Gorgeous wedding photos

Hosting your wedding during golden hour is a surefire way to guarantee spectacular photos, although we do recommend planning ahead if you have your sights set on a sunset backdrop. Make sure you know exactly when the sun will set, as you'll need to plan your ceremony and other timings around this. It would be a shame to put all that effort in only to miss it.

Where does a twilight wedding take place?

Twilight weddings are held at a wedding venue just like a traditional wedding, and can take place both indoors or outdoors. However, not all venues offer twilight weddings so you’ll need to check with them first to see if it’s possible to host your ceremony and reception in the evening.

Make sure to visit your wedding venue in advance to check it’s suitable for a twilight wedding. This might include lighting considerations to ensure the venue is illuminated properly at night. Will you be able to see a sunset clearly (if you want to) and what sort of decorations will you need to give the venue impact? Candles, lanterns and fairylights are all popular options. 

How much does a twilight wedding cost?

Venues will usually offer dedicated twilight wedding packages for those who don't want to use the space for the whole day, which can vary in price depending on the venue and area. Heaton House Farm, for example, offers all-inclusive packages for up to 60 guests for just over £6,000. This includes a welcome drink per person, three-course meal, two glasses of wine each with the meal and a toast beverage per person.

While a twilight wedding package at The Barnyard could cost anywhere between £1,400 to £3,395 for up to 100 guests, varying throughout the week and year. This is for venue hire only, and catering would need to be organised at an extra cost.

The best twilight wedding venues in the UK

Not everyone offers evening ceremonies which can make finding a venue a little tricky. Check out our pick of top twilight wedding venues to help you with your search.

Downham Hall, Essex

What: Always dreamed of a country house wedding? Make that dream a reality at centuries old Downham Hall, a truly spectacular wedding venue in the heart of Essex. Boasting 360-degree views of beautiful countryside, it’s perfect for capturing epic photographs as the sun sets behind the rural landscape. Tie the knot in its charming gardens, or if it rains, the Orangery or De Beauvoir Suite are both stunning options for more intimate celebrations.
Capacity: Up to 110
Where: Castledon Road, Essex, CM11 1LGt
Find out more: Downham Hall

Lainston House, Hampshire

What: Looking to save money without sacrificing a grand affair? Lainston House is one of Hampshire’s best luxury wedding venues, and it offers an evening-only package for couples who want a laid-back reception that’s still steeped in style. You’ll gain private access to its Dawley Barn from 6pm until midnight, including a glass of Ridgeview sparkling per person and a hearty hog roast to feed guests. At the time of writing, an evening package for 80 guests costs £5,300, and you can always upgrade to include a ceremony and drinks reception if you like.
Capacity: Up to 200
Where: Woodman Lane, SO21 2LT
Find out more: Lainston House

That Amazing Place, Essex

What: Couples who choose to host an evening wedding at this grade II-listed manor house gain exclusive access to the venue and grounds, including use of the main house, 14 guest bedrooms and a charming wedding cottage. Its Twilight Plus Package is designed to cater to couples who want a less traditional wedding option, including a late afternoon ceremony, a canapes and drinks reception, and a relaxed BBQ before dancing and entertainment. It even covers tables, chairs and linens, a cake stand and knife, Prosecco for toasting and your very own events manager who will be on hand in the run up and on the day.
Capacity: Up to 100
Where: Hubbards Hall Farm, CM17 0NH
Find out more: The Amazing Place

Greenwoods Hotel & Spa, Essex

What: Set within a beautifully restored 17th-century manor house surrounded by landscaped gardens, Greenwoods Hotel & Spa offers a romantic countryside setting for a relaxed evening celebration. The venue offers flexible wedding options including a dedicated twilight wedding package, ideal for couples who want to skip the traditional daytime format and head straight into the party. Expect an evening ceremony at 4pm followed by drinks, entertainment and a buffet reception in one of the elegant suites, with access to the gardens for sunset photos. With 39 bedrooms and an on-site spa, it’s also perfect for couples wanting to turn their twilight wedding into a full weekend celebration.
Capacity: Up to 200
Where: Stock Road, Stock, CM4 9BE
Find out more: Greenwoods Hotel & Spa

The Roseate, Edinburgh

What: For couples planning a stylish city celebration, The Roseate Edinburgh delivers a luxurious backdrop for an intimate twilight wedding. Set across two elegant Victorian townhouses, the boutique hotel specialises in smaller celebrations that transition seamlessly from ceremony to evening reception. Couples can exchange vows at a late afternoon ceremony before hosting an intimate dining experience at sunset within the Club Privé.
Capacity: Up to 50
Where: West Coates, Edinburgh, EH12 5JQ
Find out more: The Roseate

Wick Farm Bath, Somerset

What: Dating back to the 14th century, Wick Farm is a beautifully restored barn venue nestled in the Somerset countryside just outside Bath. Its dedicated twilight wedding package offers exclusive use of the farm from 6pm until midnight, making it perfect for couples who want a relaxed evening-focused celebration. The package includes a prosecco welcome drink and evening buffet, with plenty of time for dancing beneath fairy lights in the barn. With gardens overlooking a duck pond and rustic interiors filled with original beams, it’s an idyllic choice for a laid-back countryside twilight wedding.
Capacity: Up to 132
Where: Farleigh, Hungerford, BA2 7NQ
Find out more: Wick Farm

The Greyhound on the Test, Hampshire

What: This charming 16th-century riverside inn offers a relaxed and intimate setting for couples planning a smaller twilight wedding. Overlooking the River Test in picturesque Stockbridge, The Greyhound combines cosy historic interiors with a scenic garden that’s ideal for evening drinks and photos as the sun sets. While the website doesn't specifically mention twilight weddings, it does offer a flexible bespoke wedding package for celebrations of two to 24 guests. Simply speak to the team and let then bring your vision to life!
Capacity: Up to 24 (for bespoke weddings)
Where: 31 High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6EY
Find out more: The Greyhound on the Test

Fennes, Essex

What: If you’re dreaming of a glamorous twilight wedding, Fennes is an elegant Georgian manor house surrounded by picturesque countryside. The venue hosts dedicated evening wedding celebrations, usually starting from around 3pm, allowing couples to arrive later in the day before moving straight into a drinks reception and lively evening party. With beautifully manicured gardens, grand interiors and space for dancing late into the night, it’s a fantastic option for couples wanting the atmosphere of a classic manor house wedding without the structure of a traditional all-day event. You'll also find 13 stylish rooms on site, including a honeymoon cottage! 
Capacity: Up to 500
Where: Fennes Road, Bocking, Braintree, CM7 5PL
Find out more: Fennes

New Place Hotel, Hampshire

What: The Grade I-listed manor house is set within 32 acres of parkland, providing a romantic backdrop for evening ceremonies and sunset drinks receptions. Twilight celebrations here focus on a relaxed evening format, where couples can gather guests later in the day before enjoying drinks, a buffet or informal dining and a lively reception in one of the venue’s stylish suites. With on-site accommodation available, guests can stay and make the most of the celebration long after the sun goes down.
Capacity: Up to 110
Where: High Street, Shirrell Heath, Southampton, SO32 2JY
Find out more: New Place Hotel

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, Kent

What: Situated in the idyllic grounds of Canterbury Cathedral, this picturesque hotel boasts a spectacular backdrop for your all important wedding photos. It’s also one of the most affordable options out there, with an evening-only reception for 80 guests starting from just £4,250. This includes a finger food buffet, fizz on arrival, DJ entertainment, hire of its wedding reception spaces and gardens, a red-carpet entrance, plus a complimentary room for the bride and groom. Not bad, eh?
Capacity: Up to 120
Where: The Precincts, CT1 2EH
Find out more: Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

The BarnYard, Kent

What: Planning a wedding in Kent? The BarnYard is a magical option nestled within 150 acres of lush countryside making for a truly enchanting setting. Ceremonies take place at 5.30pm, followed by drinks and canapes in the bar at 6pm. At this point, a team of staff will quickly transform the venue into ‘party mode’ before your evening guests arrive at 7pm – and the real celebrations can begin! You'll have a chance to cut the cake, enjoy your first dance and indulge in some spectacular food throughout the evening, before things start to wind down at 11.30pm.
Where: Gore Farm, Oak Lane, Kent, ME9 7EZ
Find out more: The BarnYard

Looking for more ways to entertain your guests? Check out these fun and unique wedding entertainment ideas to ensure your guests have a smashing time.