The big day is fast approaching, and it’s hard to contain the excitement. Everything seems to be falling perfectly into place.
The guest list is sorted, all the bookings are confirmed, the paperwork is complete, and you’ve had that final fitting with enough time for any last-minute tweaks. Haircuts, facials, waxing, nails, and tanning are all scheduled. But there’s one decision you still haven’t made: the wedding venue.
The problem is, you still can’t decide between an indoor or an outdoor venue. One feels classic and reliable, the other magical and free-spirited. You’ve imagined saying your vows beneath twinkling chandeliers just as vividly as you have under a canopy of trees. And with each new Pinterest board, the decision gets harder, not easier.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Choosing the right setting is one of the biggest decisions of the whole day. It shapes the atmosphere, the logistics, the photos, and even the memories you’ll carry with you for years to come.
So how do you choose? Let’s weigh it up.
Indoor Venues: Comfort, Control, and Timeless Charm
Indoor weddings come with one undeniable strength: certainty.
You know exactly what you’re getting, no matter the forecast. There’s no need to fret about sudden rain showers, wind knocking over the cake, or whether your guests will be shivering in their seats. From elegant hotel ballrooms to rustic barns lit with fairy lights, indoor venues offer a dependable setting that works year-round.
There’s also the comfort of control. You can fine-tune every element, from the lighting and acoustics to the temperature and timing. No guesswork, no last-minute weather-related curveballs.
Most indoor spaces are fully equipped too, with built-in amenities like sound systems, heating, catering kitchens, restrooms, and power supply, which means fewer logistics to manage and fewer suppliers to chase.
Privacy is another quiet perk. With doors closed to the outside world, your day is yours alone. No distant traffic noise, no dog walkers in the background of your photos, no curious strangers peering in from the sidelines.
An indoor venue is especially suited to couples who want a sleek, polished experience with a clear structure to the day.
If your dream wedding includes a choreographed entrance, a tightly timed dinner service, and a smooth transition into the evening do, you’ll find an indoor space much easier to work with.
That said, there are compromises.
Indoors, you’re working within four walls, and that can sometimes mean limits in terms of space, layout, ambience, or natural light. If you’re someone who imagines walking down the aisle beneath the open sky, or wants dramatic sunset photos without stepping outside, an interior setting may feel a touch too confined.
Outdoor Venues: Space, Scenery, and a Little Bit of Magic
There’s a reason so many couples dream of tying the knot under open skies. Outdoor weddings have a certain charm that’s hard to replicate. Whether it’s a wildflower meadow, a secluded woodland glade, or a sweeping clifftop with the sea below, nature becomes your backdrop, your décor, and in many cases, your main feature.
The space itself invites a more relaxed rhythm to the day. Guests can wander, mingle, and take in the view. There’s room for children to play, for quiet corners with blankets and candles, and for moments that feel spontaneous rather than scheduled. The light shifts, the wind moves through trees, and the whole event breathes in a way that indoor weddings sometimes can’t match.
Outdoor venues are also a blank canvas. You can design everything from scratch: the aisle, the seating, the dancefloor, and even where the bar goes. Want a tipi or sailcloth tent? Fire pits and marshmallows? A prosecco van or lawn games? Outside, it’s easier to create something that feels entirely your own.
Of course, there’s a catch. The weather in the UK is famously unpredictable. Even in July, you might need a backup plan. That often means hiring a marquee, flooring, lighting, heaters, and possibly a generator, not to mention loos and catering facilities if the venue doesn’t provide them. Those extras can add up quickly, both in terms of budget and planning stress.
So while the payoff can be breathtaking, outdoor weddings come with more moving parts. If you’re someone who thrives on flexibility and doesn’t mind a little risk in return for magic, it might be the perfect choice. But if the thought of a wet forecast keeps you up at night, you might want to think twice.
So, Which Venue Is Right for You?
The best choice is the one that feels most like you. And at Bentley’s, you don’t have to choose one over the other.
With refined indoor spaces and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city and waterfront, the venue offers the flexibility to shape the day around you.
You can hold your ceremony in a stylish, weatherproof setting and still step outside for drinks, photographs, or even an open-air moment at sunset. It’s a rare mix: comfort and control with a touch of something unexpected.
If you’re still weighing up your options, it’s worth seeing the space in person. Sometimes, the decision makes itself
