Why stay-at-home weddings are ‘in’ – and more from the local experts that can help you achieve the day of your dreams!
At the tail end of last year, British Vogue declared 2025 the year of the stay-at-home wedding – and who are we to disagree with them?
Alongside other key trends, including drapery in decor, ready-to-drink cocktails, calligraphy for invitation design and the return of film photography, hometown wedding bashes were a standout prediction among the top international event planners that the magazine canvassed.
The reason? The post-pandemic panic, during which the desperation to travel saw destination weddings reach an apex, has finally petered out. While, of course, some will still favour an overseas venue for a host of personal reasons, the general trend has turned homeward.
Perhaps the faff of travel delays, passport control queues and language barriers has disinclined couples to take their parties international, or maybe it’s down to the cost and time investment – for guests too. But British Vogue cites another reason: emotional disconnect.
For this year’s couples, it’s all about resonance of place, rather than making a destination statement, as event planner Augusta Cole told the magazine: “Whether the setting is their private residence or a smattering of venues steeped in meaning, creating a wedding narrative around a place which has significance tracing back to childhood provides inspiration and immediate storytelling.”
With a host of wedding venues across the region, perfect photo backdrops around every corner and streets thrumming with memories and shared moments, residents of Cambridge are among the best poised to embrace this trend.
In fact, a quick glance at social media during wedding season is all you need to get inspired: happy couples in city church and chapel porches, in towering college gateways, in quads and gardens, reclining in boats on the Cam, amid rural Cambridgeshire surroundings, or even, in one instance, joyfully letting rip a bottle of champagne at the Backs – round of applause, @thymelanephoto!
By sharing your big day not just with loved ones but with the places that have always held meaning for you, you’ll be telling a story of past, present and future – through the day itself and through the photos and memories too.
So where to begin with your hometown wedding? Here are just a few of the many local experts on hand to help…
Venue
The Gonville Hotel
Tucked away in the heart of Cambridge, The Gonville Hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies and provides a beautiful backdrop for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations of up to 120 guests.
Couples can choose from several spaces – the light-filled Atrium with its magnificent glass roof, the alfresco Terrace overlooking Parker’s Piece or the magical garden Teepee nestled within the hotel’s private grounds.
Inside, there’s also a choice of stylish bedrooms, while Gresham House – the hotel’s romantic Victorian villa – offers eight individually designed feature suites with luxurious rolltop baths and exclusive access to a peaceful secret garden for moments of calm and connection.
“Our dedicated events team is on hand to help bring your vision to life, with bespoke food and drinks packages thoughtfully tailored to your preferences,” adds wedding and events manager Abbie Lawler. “For a touch of classic glamour, couples are welcome to enjoy a ride in one of our beautiful classic Bentleys – arriving in style after the ceremony or taking a romantic tour around Cambridge after saying ‘I do!’”
Provenance Kitchen
For couples seeking a wedding that’s relaxed, yet refined, Provenance Kitchen offers two beautiful venues conveniently located just outside Cambridge (with plenty of on-site parking!).
Its Brix & Mortar Restaurant is a bright, open-plan space paired with a meadow garden and stylish stretch tent, perfect for welcome drinks, outdoor ceremonies or alfresco dining. Guests can enjoy drinks served from a charming converted horsebox bar while soaking up the relaxed countryside atmosphere.
For a more rural feel, The Orchard Barn presents two magical dining options: beneath twinkling lights among the apple trees or under the stretch tent in front of the barn, where guests can watch chefs prepare your wedding meal over flames. A converted Airstream bar adds a unique touch.
Weddings at Provenance are fully customisable. Choose from full-day or evening hire, with the option for non-legal blessings on-site. Whether it’s a formal multi-course meal or laid-back, street-food-style feast, every dish is expertly prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
South Farm
Bursting with romantic charm, South Farm is a unique barn and country house wedding venue on the border between Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
Boasting a stunning location, lovingly restored Grade II listed farmhouse, beautiful summerhouse set in formal gardens, magnificent Tudor Barn with elm beams and fairy lights, and other converted barn buildings including the light-filled Old Dairy, it provides a host of enchanting indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces – whatever the weather.
With exclusive use for the duration of the wedding, the venue also offers an on-site professional team, including experienced wedding coordinators, and delicious homegrown food with award-winning menus.
Committed to environmental responsibility, South Farm’s wildflower meadows and orchards are a haven for wildlife – not to mention creating the perfect wedding backdrop. There are even Romany wagons, farm animals and miniature donkeys on-site!
Jewellery
Cellini
Since 1981, the independent jeweller Cellini has been dedicated to offering an extensive selection of wedding jewellery, including engagement rings, wedding bands and gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Cellini also provides a bespoke design service, enabling clients to create unique, personalised pieces that reflect their individual styles and highlight the significance of their special day. Understanding that the journey to choosing or designing wedding jewellery can be both exciting and emotional, the team say they are committed to delivering a smooth, supportive and enjoyable experience – from initial consultation to the finished piece, crafted with precision and attention to detail in Cambridge.
With decades of experience and a reputation for craftsmanship and service, Cellini continues to help couples mark life’s most important moments with jewellery that is both beautiful and meaningful.
Baker Brothers
Choosing your wedding rings is a meaningful part of your journey together, but with so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. Baker Brothers has guided generations of couples through this special decision, and is on hand to help you find the rings that reflect your love and lifestyle.
When it comes to metals, the team advises that platinum is loved for its strength and natural white sheen, while gold (available in yellow, white or rose) offers timeless appeal. For those with sensitive skin or a hands-on working life, platinum is often recommended.
At the Bedford boutique, the expert team will ensure the perfect fit and can guide you on band width, profile and personal touches such as engravings, helping you choose wedding rings that will forever symbolise your story.
Meanwhile, every diamond at Baker Brothers is inspected and hand-selected by its professionally qualified in-house gemologists, with each stone chosen for its exceptional beauty, precision and integrity.
Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery
Multi-award-winning Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery has been housed on Green Street in the heart of Cambridge for almost 20 years. As one of the UK’s leading bespoke jewellers, the team are passionate about creating rings that capture the individuality of every couple they meet. “No two stories are the same, and neither should your rings be!” they say.
The brand’s talented designers are experts at turning inspiration into reality. Whether your dream wedding ring is a classic band, a more intricate design to sit perfectly alongside your engagement ring, perhaps inspired by the architecture of a favourite Cambridge landmark, featuring meaningful engravings or a blend of unusual gemstones and Fairtrade gold – it all begins with your story.
From the moment you step into the studio, you’re invited on a journey – not just to design the rings, but to celebrate your relationship in a deeply personal way. Sit with the creative designers as they listen, guide and hand-sketch bespoke ideas before your eyes during your consultation. Each piece is then crafted by some of the UK’s most skilled goldsmiths, ensuring every one is not only beautiful but made to last a lifetime.
Cakes
Fitzbillies
Enjoy an extra slice of delight – and Cambridge history – on your wedding day with a scrumptious Fitzbillies wedding cake. The bakery has been making and decorating delicious wedding cakes since 1920 – although tastes have changed a bit since then!
Today, Fitzbillies offers a unique selection of beautiful, fuss-free wedding cakes to delight your guests, decorated in smooth buttercream or semi-naked and finished with fresh berries, edible pressed flowers or gold leaf.
Attire
The Pantry Bridalwear
The Pantry Bridalwear’s ethos – ‘do you on your day’ – represents its passion for finding brides a look that truly makes them feel like an elevated version of themselves on their wedding day.
Designed by The Pantry Underwear and Bridalwear founder Eloise Rigby, who sources one-off pieces from classic eras of style and recreates them as contemporary wedding looks, the coveted collection includes dresses, trousers, tops and jackets, as well as bridal accessories including headpieces and bags. The label’s store in Saffron Walden only sells in-house designs produced via the made-to-measure process (with all production and fittings also taking place in-house) enabling their brides to customise easily, achieve the best possible fit, reduce fabric wastage and consider how the look could be adapted for future use.
A first try-on is free to book (with a refundable deposit of £25 – just turn up and it’ll be returned) and pieces range from £1,350 to £2,450.
Thinking of tying the knot in the city? Discover more venues, tips and inspiration in our wedding guide.
