GETTING MARRIED over 50:
Wedding Planning Tips and Inspiration for Later-Life Love
Love Has No Age Limit
Who says weddings are only for the young? Today, more and more couples are choosing to marry in their 50s, 60s and beyond — whether it’s a first marriage, a second chance at love, or the start of an exciting new chapter together. In fact, recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show a steady rise in marriages among over-50s, proof that romance really does have no age limit.
If you’re thinking about getting married over 50, you might be wondering how to plan a celebration that feels authentic, relaxed and truly personal. The good news is: experience is on your side. You know what matters to you both, and you can leave the rest behind. This is your chance to design a wedding that reflects who you are now, without the pressure of trends or traditions that don’t fit.
In this guide, we’ll share:
Why more couples are tying the knot in their 50s and beyond
Practical wedding planning tips for over-50s
How to choose a venue that feels intimate and welcoming
Ideas for style, décor and atmosphere that suit mature couples
Advice for making your day meaningful, comfortable and stress-free
Why More Couples Are Getting Married Over 50
Later-life marriages are on the rise, and it’s not hard to see why. Many couples meet after careers have been built, families raised, or lives lived independently. Others are reconnecting after years apart or finding love after being widowed or divorced.
For some, it’s about celebrating stability and companionship. For others, it’s about passion and joy discovered at a stage when they feel more confident in who they are.
The beauty of marrying later in life is that expectations are different. There’s no pressure to follow convention. Instead, couples often choose smaller, more intimate weddings — focusing on meaning, rather than spectacle.
And let’s be honest, planning a wedding when you’re over 50 can actually be less stressful. You’re not trying to please everyone else — you’re creating a day that’s just right for you.
Wedding Planning Tips for Over-50 Couples
Planning a wedding in your 50s or 60s isn’t about “doing less” — it’s about doing it your way. Here are some practical tips to make the most of your celebration:
Prioritise what matters – Do you want a cosy, private ceremony with just a few loved ones? Or would you prefer a relaxed party where food, music and atmosphere take centre stage? Defining your priorities early helps shape every decision.
Keep the guest list intimate – Many couples over 50 find that a smaller wedding feels more personal. It also allows you to spend quality time with each guest, rather than rushing from table to table.
Consider comfort – Think about accessibility, seating, and travel. A venue with everything in one place (ceremony, reception, photos) saves unnecessary moving around and keeps things simple.
Make style choices that reflect you now – Forget outdated “rules.” Whether you wear a classic wedding gown, a chic tailored suit, or something colourful and bold, it should feel comfortable and authentic.
Invest where it counts – With fewer guests, you can channel your budget into the things you’ll enjoy most: amazing food, great wine, a fabulous photographer, or perhaps live music to set the mood.
Seek professional help if needed – A wedding planner who understands later-life weddings can make the process smoother, leaving you free to enjoy the anticipation rather than worry about logistics.
Choosing the Right Venue for an Intimate Celebration
For many couples getting married over 50, the venue sets the tone for everything else. The right setting should feel private, welcoming, and effortlessly elegant — not overwhelming or impersonal.
Country houses, boutique barns, or small exclusive-use venues are often a perfect fit. They offer warmth, intimacy and beautiful backdrops for photographs, without the fuss of large hotels or sprawling estates.
Think about the atmosphere: would you love roaring log fires and candlelight in winter, or lakeside views and gardens in summer? The environment you choose can elevate your day into something truly memorable.
At Cote How, for example, many of our later-life couples tell us they value the tranquillity of the Lake District and the feeling of having the whole place to themselves. It’s peaceful, timeless, and deeply personal — exactly the right mood for celebrating love at any age.
Style and Décor Ideas for Later-Life Weddings
Your wedding style should be a reflection of who you are, not what you think is expected. Many over-50 couples prefer elegant simplicity, focusing on quality over quantity.
Flowers – Seasonal florals add beautiful colour and scent. Dried flower confetti or sustainable options also align with many couples’ values.
Décor – Soft lighting, candles, and natural textures create a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Table settings – Seating everyone together encourages conversation and connection.
Fashion – The old rules about “what you should wear” no longer apply. Whether that’s classic ivory or a joyful colour — wear what makes you feel your best.
The joy of later-life weddings is freedom: freedom to express yourselves and create an atmosphere that feels relaxed yet refined.
Making It Meaningful: Personal Touches That Matter
When you’re marrying over 50, it’s not about proving anything to anyone. It’s about celebrating your love story, your journey, and the life you’re choosing to share.
Think about including elements that speak to you both:
Writing your own vows
Choosing music that’s part of your shared history — the soundtrack of your life together
Incorporating family traditions, if they feel right
Creating keepsakes or photo books for children and grandchildren
These touches make the day feel personal and memorable — not just for you, but for everyone there.
Older couples are happier to leave the finer wedding planning details to professional wedding planners. Their priority isn’t the wedding day, but their love, with a special celebration alongside loved ones.
Real Stories: Couples Who Married Over 50
Long Time Coming Elopement
When we started planning our wedding, we were basically at square one. We couldn’t decide on the location and type of Wedding.
Then we read an article in our local newspaper (Westmorland Gazette) about a couple having an Elopement Wedding at Cote How. Over the following days we read it several times because it seemed absolutely perfect for us. So, we booked a Telephone call with Caroline, and we knew it was right for us. Caroline and the team advised us about what was available and also the legal procedures. Our main point of contact was Caroline, who did a superb job and was always available for any questions we may have…
If I had to choose two words to sum up a Wedding Day at Cote How it would be Beautiful and Magical. We loved our special day at Cote How. Apart from a beautiful house and fantastic surroundings, the day was stress-free. We felt totally free to enjoy every minute of the day. So, if you want a fantastic and memorable day, then consider Cote How. Cote How will always be part of our lives. Thank you to everyone involved.
Keith & Freda – AUG 2022
Read more testimonies here from real Cote How wedding couples: Kind Words
A Luxury Elopement Wedding For Lake Lovers
Final Thoughts: It’s Never Too Late for Love
Getting married over 50 isn’t about doing things “differently” — it’s about doing them your way. Whether you want an intimate elopement, a relaxed family gathering, or a stylish celebration, your wedding can be exactly what you want it to be: meaningful and unforgettable.
At Cote How, we love working with couples who are starting this exciting chapter later in life. If you’re planning your own wedding in the Lake District, we’d be delighted to help create a day that reflects your story.
Ready to start planning? Get in touch to explore how we can make your wedding day feel truly yours.
FAQs About Getting Married Over 50
Is it common to get married after 50?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, the number of marriages among people over 50 has been rising in recent years. Many couples choose to marry later in life, whether it’s a first marriage, a second chance at love, or a celebration after years together.
What do you wear to a wedding if you’re over 50?
The short answer: whatever makes you feel fabulous. The key is to choose something you love, that you feel good in and that’s authentic to your style and personality.
Should we have a big wedding or a small one?
That depends on what feels right. Many over-50 couples prefer smaller, more intimate celebrations because they feel more personal and relaxed. However, there’s no rule — if you’d like a lively party with a band and dancefloor, go for it!
Do we still need a traditional wedding ceremony?
Not at all. Some couples choose a civil ceremony, some prefer a registrar-led ceremony, and others have a symbolic blessing. The beauty of getting married over 50 is that you can design the day to reflect your values and preferences.
Is it OK to get married again after divorce or widowhood?
Yes. Many over-50 weddings are second marriages or unions after losing a partner. Later-life weddings often focus less on tradition and more on creating a meaningful, joyful celebration of the love you’ve found.
How do we make our wedding meaningful at this stage of life?
Personal touches make all the difference. Writing your own vows, including children or grandchildren in the ceremony, or choosing music that’s part of your shared history can make the day uniquely yours.
We love smaller weddings
Cote How offers a selection of intimate wedding options, from elopements to all-inclusive celebrations. Our weddings give flexibility to design a wedding that is right for you. From our family to yours, the enjoyment of making connections and working together to create a very memorable day makes our job a pleasure!
Call Caroline today for an informal chat on 015394 32765. Visit our website for further details or to book a visit, or make an enquiry below.
More Information:
Getting Married in the UK
Short But Sweet Lake District Weddings
Small and Intimate Weddings
We also have some amazing ALL-INCLUSIVE WEDDING DEALS and check out our Summer Lovin’ – Fun and Relaxed Exclusive Summer Weddings in the Lake District
Caroline also wrote another blog post on Getting married over 50, for Merrick Solicitors – Read that blog here: Re-marriage on the rise for the over 50s
You might also find our blog about Marrying Your Long Term Partner an interesting read.
