Affluent American couples are increasingly crossing the Atlantic to host their weddings in the picturesque Cotswolds and other quintessentially British locations, a trend largely inspired by popular Netflix period dramas such as Bridgerton and The Crown. Wedding planners report that US brides, captivated by the romanticised portrayals of grand manor houses, sweeping castle staircases, and immaculate landscaped gardens, are actively seeking that authentic English experience for their special day.
The Allure of British Costume Dramas
Lauren Goodman of Bluebird Creative Events, an upmarket wedding planning firm, told The Times that approximately 90 percent of her clientele are now American. "I think many Americans see Bridgerton and want that quintessentially English experience," she explained. Often, the bride is American while the groom is British, creating a natural draw to UK venues. Goodman notes that the choice typically falls between a grand London wedding in a historic building or a classic British country garden celebration.
Iconic Venues in High Demand
Venues across the UK are experiencing heightened interest from American couples. In the Cotswolds, Goodman has organised events at the Euridge estate in Wiltshire and Chavenage House, an Elizabethan manor near Tetbury. Other highly sought-after locations include Blenheim Palace, Estelle Manor, Oxford University, and the Savoy hotel. In London, Claridge’s and the Victoria and Albert Museum have also hosted American weddings planned by Goodman.
The phenomenon extends beyond the Cotswolds. Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, which stood in for Windsor Castle in The Crown, has seen a notable increase in American inquiries. Harvey Proctor, private secretary to the Duke of Rutland at Belvoir Castle, stated, "Americans see the castle on TV, think it's magical and they inquire about using it." The castle's ballroom, dining room, and chapel can accommodate up to 250 guests.
Practicality and Romance Drive the Trend
Morgan Schondelmeier, a 31-year-old from Connecticut, exemplifies this trend. She married her British partner at the 18th-century Chiswick House in west London, flying in 50 guests from the United States. She cited Downton Abbey and Bridgerton as major influences, noting that these shows created a desire for the "old English style." Additionally, she highlighted a practical advantage: English weddings can be "easily be 20 per cent cheaper" than their American counterparts.
Wedding planner Lavinia Stewart-Brown observed that the trend has accelerated since the pandemic, with couples seeking to make postponed celebrations more extravagant and memorable. She emphasised that Britain offers a unique blend of romance and practicality, from the historic prestige of Oxford and Cambridge to the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds and majestic stately homes.
Substantial Budgets and Celebrity Influence
Goodman revealed that American wedding budgets in the UK are rarely modest, typically starting at £50,000 and often soaring into the hundreds of thousands. The trend has even attracted high-profile figures. Last summer, Eve Jobs, daughter of Apple founder Steve Jobs, married British Olympic showjumper Harry Charles in a lavish four-day Cotswolds wedding reportedly costing £5 million. The celebration was held at Estelle Manor, set within Eynsham Hall, with some guests staying at the exclusive Soho Farmhouse nearby.
However, for all the glamour and planning, there remains one unpredictable element: the British weather. Goodman advises clients opting for outdoor ceremonies to "always have a plan B," a reminder that even the most meticulously planned fairy-tale wedding must contend with the classic English climate.
