As a Media Contributor I was recently invited onto GB News with Michael Portillo to discuss a new study from Gretna Green that suggests marriage in Britain is in decline. The figures are stark: fewer than half of UK adults are now married, and if the current trajectory continues, marriage could see a significant downturn over the next generation. Add to that the rising cost of living, soaring venue prices, and shifting social attitudes, and it’s easy to see why some might think the institution is losing relevance.
But here’s the reality: love remains. And in my opinion, the only true thing that is changing is the way people marry.
A Wedding and Hospitality Consultant’s View
In my role as a Hospitality Consultant and event planner, I see this evolution every day. Modern couples want weddings that feel personal, meaningful, and financially sustainable. They aren’t walking away from marriage, but they are redefining it.
The Gretna Green study found that 61% of people cite cost as a deterrent. While I accept that weddings can be expensive, I believe the conversation has moved beyond the numbers.
As I always say: “It’s not how much you spend, it’s how you spend it.”
I find that today’s couples are prioritising the elements that matter most to them. Whether that’s a statement floral installation, a live band playing their favourite song, or a more intimate guest list, the focus is on meaning rather than scale. Instead of 250 guests, many are celebrating with 50 or 100 close friends and family. When done right, smaller weddings can equate to bigger meaning.
For the hospitality sector, this is a clear signal: venues, planners, and suppliers must offer flexibility. This might mean modular packages, creative formats, or honest conversations around value. As a brand consultant to luxury venues and event businesses, I know that those who adapt will thrive.
What UK Couples Are Really Facing
The numbers confirm what many of us in the industry already know: the average UK wedding now costs between £20,800 and £23,250, with around a third of that going to venue and catering. That’s a huge commitment – and couples are scrutinising every decision.
Food and drink remain non-negotiable, but the approach is changing. Menu design, bar choices, and sourcing are being carefully considered. Immersive guest experiences are overtaking tradition. And despite rising prices, couples aren’t necessarily spending more… they’re spending smarter.
Smaller guest lists. Bespoke menus. Off-peak dates. All are becoming the norm.
Planning in a Changing World
The study also raised the statutory 28-day notice period, with some suggesting it should be scrapped. My take? Most weddings are planned months, sometimes years, in advance. This gives couples time to save and plan financially, work around family logistics, and find that perfect venue with the right availability and budget.
That said, some couples do want speed. Recently, one of my clients got engaged and planned a Christmas wedding in just three weeks. But for most, timing their day to suit their lives will always matter more than bureaucracy.
My final take… marriage isn’t declining, it’s evolving
There’s no way that marriage is disappearing. Couples are simply making it work on their terms: balancing budgets, prioritising intimacy over grandeur, and creating celebrations that reflect who they are and their story together.
As a wedding and hospitality expert, I believe this is an opportunity for the industry. To innovate. To adapt. And to deliver what really matters: memories that last a lifetime.
And whether I’m working as a Media Contributor, a Hospitality Consultant, or guiding luxury brands on Event Management, my message is clear: the future of weddings is not about decline. It’s about evolution – and about love that endures.
