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.
Top 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
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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.
Where: Castledon Road, Essex, CM11 1LGt
Find out more: Downham Hall
Lainston House, Hampshire
![Couple dancing in the barn]()
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.
Where: Woodman Lane, SO21 2LT
Find out more: Lainston House
That Amazing Place, Essex
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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.
Where: Hubbards Hall Farm, CM17 0NH
Find out more: The Amazing Place
Solton Manor, Kent
![Candle lit tables for wedding breakfast]()
What: Solton Manor is an exclusive use manor house wedding venue in Kent, home to a sweeping driveway, secluded gardens, a timber-framed Dutch barn and a charming red brick house. The experienced wedding team will handle every single element of your big day with care, and offer a huge range of packages, from full venue hire to micro-events, to evening-only Twilight packages. As a luxury wedding venue, the team specialise in bespoke weddings tailored to your vision – simply get in touch today to start planning!
Where: Solton Lane, CT15 5JB
Find out more: Solton Manor
Stoke By Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa, Essex
![Couples standing by the lake]()
What: Stoke By Nayland Hotel offers a wealth of packages to suit every couple, including a twilight wedding offer for intimate and modest affairs. Available Sunday to Friday, the deal includes an evening ceremony from 5pm, reception drinks, finger food buffet, toast drinks and a private terrace area to celebrate with your nearest and dearest.
Where: Keepers Lane, Leavenheath, CO6 4PZ
Find out more: Stoke By Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, Kent
![Couple standing at sunset]()
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?
Where: The Precincts, CT1 2EH
Find out more: Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
The BarnYard, Kent
![Couple getting married at twilight]()
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
Little Easton Manor, Essex
![Couple standing at sunset by a lake]()
What: Little Easton Manor is a 15th century manor house set within 66 acres of beautiful English gardens and lakes, an ideal venue for a picture-perfect wedding. These guys are well-versed at hosting a huge range of services, from winter weddings to open air ceremonies, including weddings held at twilight. We can see why it would make a popular option for the latter, where a gorgeous amber sunset would reflect beautifully across its Great Lake. Exchange vows beneath its open-air pagoda as the sun sets during the summer, or book an intimate wedding in its cosy Rafters Barn for winter ceremonies. Once you’ve tied the knot, take a stroll around the lake to enjoy the last of the daylight, before kicking off celebrations in the magical Barn Theatre.
Where: Park Road, Essex, CM6 2JN
Find out more: Little Easton Manor
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.