Your wedding day is a magical event, but the expenses quickly add up. Sometimes, vendors and venues charge more for weddings than for other events, a practice known as the wedding tax. With the venue, decorations, bar, and other expenses, it’s easy to see why couples look for ways to cover their celebration costs. This is even tougher if you’re also saving for a new home.

Wedding loans could help cover your wedding expenses while keeping your budget in check. Let’s explore.

How to apply for a wedding loan

Comparing secured loans is crucial to finding the best terms and rates. Here are the steps to take during the application process:

1.

Compare loans

Look at various options and consider factors such as the APR (Annual Percentage Rate), monthly repayments, and the total amount to be repaid. This will help you find the most cost-effective loan.

2.

Choose a deal

Select the deal and provider that offers the best combination of APR, term length, and monthly payments. Ensure that the loan is affordable based on your financial situation.

3.

Fill out the application form

Provide your name, address, and bank details, along with a summary of your monthly income and expenses. Double-check all information for accuracy to avoid any issues during processing.

Loan calculator

What are you borrowing for?
How much would you like to borrow?
£

This helps you get a more accurate finance estimate

Borrowing
£16,000.00
Monthly repayment
£408.79
Total repayable
£24,527.68
Interest rate
19.9%
Length of Loan
60 months
Amount of interest
£8,527.68
Get results

Representative example

With a representative APR of 19,9% (fixed) for a £5,000 loan over 5 years, your monthly repayment would be £127.74, and the total amount repayable would be £7,664.40. Please note, the rate offered may vary based on your financial circumstances and loan amount.

What is a wedding loan?

A wedding loan is a type of unsecured personal loan where you’re borrowing money without needing to provide any security. You get the funds upfront to pay for your wedding and then repay the loan in regular instalments over time.

Since the cost of weddings in the UK is typically over £20,000, and with the rising cost of living, it’s common for couples to seek financial assistance to help manage these expenses.

Can I get a loan to pay for my wedding?

Getting approved for a personal loan for a wedding depends on a few key factors:

  • Good credit score — Lenders prefer if you’ve shown you can handle debt well in the past.
  • Stable income — Having a steady job or regular income increases your chances of approval.
  • Affordability — Lenders will check if your current expenses and debts, along with your income, suggest that you can comfortably make the loan payments.

Who is eligible to apply for a wedding loan?

needs
To apply for a loan you needRequirements
Your personal details, such as your name and birthdateYou need to be at least 18 years old—some lenders may require you to be older.
Your bank account informationDemonstrating a steady income is crucial as it shows you can handle monthly repayments.
Your current address and addresses from the last three yearsAn active bank account is required for the loan transactions.
Details about your jobLenders will assess if you can comfortably afford the loan repayments without compromising your financial health.
You need to be a UK resident and have a permanent address

All it takes to compare loans is a bit of information about you and your finances.

Compare loans

Each lender has its own process, but these elements generally have the most impact on their decision.

You can use an eligibility checker to check which loans you may be eligible for without impacting your credit score. Just answer a few simple questions, and the tool will perform a soft credit search. This won’t be visible on your credit file, so it won’t impact your score.

Pros and cons of getting a loan for a wedding

Pros of a Wedding LoanCons
Helps achieve desired wedding — If saving isn’t an option, a loan allows you to have the wedding you want.Requires strong credit score — To get the best rates, a strong credit score is essential; otherwise, the loan will be more costly.
Fast access to funds — Once approved, you can get the money in your account within a day, allowing you to start planning right away.Credit impact of missed payments — Missing payments will lower your credit score, making future borrowing harder.
Flexible borrowing and repayment — You can choose how much to borrow and the repayment term that suits you.Potential marriage strain — Starting your marriage with debt may add unnecessary pressure.
Improves credit score with timely payments — Paying on time can improve your credit score, which is helpful for future loans.Early repayment fees — Paying off the loan early may incur additional costs.

How do wedding loans work?

Wedding loans are just personal loans that you can use to cover the expenses of your wedding. They’re not specifically designed for weddings — they’re simply a financial tool to help you pay for your big day.

Once your loan is approved, the money is deposited into your bank account. You’re free to use these funds however you need, whether it’s booking the venue, hiring vendors, or planning your honeymoon. The loan amounts range from £1,000 to £25,000, but some might provide up to £50,000, depending on your financial situation.

These loans typically have a fixed interest rate, so your monthly repayments will remain consistent, and this should make it easier to manage your budget.

You’ll be required to repay the loan through monthly instalments, following the schedule set in your agreement. You can usually choose the repayment period, which, in most cases, ranges from one to five years. Some lenders will offer longer terms, especially if you’re borrowing a larger amount.

How much should I borrow for a wedding?

Every wedding is different, just like the couple getting married, but organising it tends to come with a lot of expenses.

Start by setting a total budget for your wedding and then divide it into different sections. Your goal at this point is to identify areas where you can save. Once you have a clear wedding budget, you can determine the borrowing amount to cover any shortfall. It’s also a good idea to keep a bit of extra money aside for any last-minute costs.

It’s best to aim to cover most of the expenses yourselves so you don’t enter marriage with a heavy financial burden.

Can I get a wedding loan with bad credit?

When you apply for a loan, your credit history helps lenders decide your interest rate and the amount they’ll lend you. If your credit score is low, you’ll find it tougher to get approved for a wedding loan, and you might not get the best rates.

Despite this, loans are still available for those with poor credit. There are specialist lenders that offer loans to people with low credit scores, but these come with borrowing limits. You have to be okay with limited choices and high interest rates, too.

Look out for any extra fees from lenders who work with those with bad credit, and think carefully about whether taking out a loan is the right move if you’re already dealing with other debts.

To check if you qualify for a loan despite your credit score, use eligibility checkers or loan comparison tools. These will show you potential loan options without impacting your credit rating.

How Moneyrepublic helps you get the wedding loan?

MoneyRepublic simplifies finding the right wedding loan. Instead of spending hours researching different lenders, we do the hard work for you while you focus on wedding prep. Our tool compares various options and presents you with a clear view of what’s available. This way, you can focus on planning the special day without getting overwhelmed by loan details.

We don’t just show you a few loan options; we look at a wide range of top lenders to find the best deals for you. Such a thorough comparison helps you see all the available options. Whether you’re after the lowest interest rates or the most flexible repayment plans,

MoneyRepublic makes sure you find the loan that best fits your needs and budget. Have your day special on your terms!

Why compare no guarantor loans through Moneyrepublic?

  • 1Identify the loans with the highest approval chances.
  • 2Receive loan options tailored to your specific needs.
  • 3Compare loans without impacting your credit score.

FAQ

What if my wedding gets cancelled?

If your wedding is cancelled, you’ll still need to repay the wedding loan. The loan terms remain the same, even if the event doesn’t happen. It’s better to check with your lender about your options and see if they offer any flexibility or support in this situation.

Can I make an overpayment on a wedding loan?

Yes, many lenders allow you to pay more than your scheduled monthly amount. However, there may be restrictions or early repayment charges, which are detailed in your contract.

Is it a good idea to finance a wedding?

It can be if you generally manage debt well. A wedding loan lets you spread the cost over time and raises your budget for the day. However, you should think about the interest rates, any fees, and your overall financial situation. You should be able to handle the repayments comfortably without putting too much strain on your finances.

Can you borrow against your house for a wedding?

Yes, you can borrow through a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Just keep in mind that this adds to your debt and puts your home at risk if you have trouble making payments.

How much does the average wedding cost in the UK?

A lot. That’s one of the main reasons wedding loans exist — to help cover the costs of a wedding, which average around over £20,00. Including expenses like rings and a honeymoon pushes the total to about £24,000-£25,000.

Are wedding loans secured or unsecured loans?

Wedding loans are typically unsecured, meaning you don’t need to provide any collateral, like your home or car. They’re based on your credit and ability to repay. There are some secured wedding loans available, but they are quite rare.

Will applying for a wedding loan impact my credit score?

Yes, because lenders will do a hard credit check, which temporarily lowers your score. However, if you handle the loan well and make your payments on time, it will boost your credit score in the long run.

What is the most I can borrow for a wedding loan?

Most lenders let you borrow between £1,000 and £25,000, but some offer higher amounts, up to £50,000, depending on your financial profile and creditworthiness.

Can I pay off my wedding loan early?

Most lenders allow for early repayment, but it’s better to check the loan terms beforehand. Some loans have early repayment fees or penalties, so you should learn about any potential costs before you pay off the loan or even take it out.