Half of all couples would marry at a golf course

A survey of wedding preferences conducted on 3,928 newlyweds has found that 49 per cent would have been happy to have the ceremony at a golf club in summer.

More than one in four (28 per cent) would pick a golf club for a spring wedding, nearly one in five (19 per cent) for an autumn wedding but just three per cent for a winter wedding.

Golf courses are more popular venues for summer weddings than castles, manor houses and stately homes, and are at least as popular even as registry offices from spring to autumn.

Overall golf clubs are the sixth most desired location in summer, fourth in autumn, 12^th in winter and fifth in spring.

Several golf clubs have invested in their wedding offerings in recent years and Bridebook’s The UK Wedding Report 2017 finds that the average amount spent on a wedding is £5,819.

The report was analysed by Golfsupport.com, which found that golf clubs are well placed to appeal to couples due to their stunning views on offer, but this needs to be coupled with professional staff and usually an in-house catering service, it adds.

“Wedding venues which provide an ‘all-in-one’ package are the most desirable, with 59 per cent of ceremonies taking place in the reception venue in 2017, a six per cent increase on 2016,” said a spokesman.

“Couples will make an average 5.4 venue enquires and 2.8 venue visits before booking. Stunning views and professional, friendly staff are among the most important deciding factors.

“Savvy newlyweds also note venues which include a food and drink service is a cost-effective way to wed, with the potential to save up to £1,000 by choosing a package of this type. For this reason, venues with in-house catering are 56 per cent more popular than dry-hire venues.

“Further, the foremost deciding factors when booking a venue are: stunning views, professional and friendly staff, value for money and flexibility to personalise the wedding with suppliers / styling.”

Gary Swift, managing director of Golfsupport.com comments: “Spring is a wondrous time of year and to discover so many newlyweds opt to wed at a sporting venue or stadium is a lovely surprise. It may not be the conventional choice but it is certainly a memorable one. Plus, venues of this kind are built for purpose. Often, they are easy to access, suited to house a merry crowd, and offered at the best-price, where a value deal can often be struck!”