Ideally, you should try to complete this task before your wedding to allow you to jet off immediately. After the wedding, you will probably end up with a load of gifts, flowers, left over cake, decor etc. to take home with you. This will make packing your suitcase a lot more difficult so try to avoid this by packing beforehand. Just so you know what you need to pack for your honeymoon, we’ve made a list of everything you need.
Arguably the most important part of your entire wedding is choosing the perfect venue. This single decision affects every other decision that you will make. But where do you start? How do you know choose from the vast array of wedding venues? Here are our quick tips to help you choose the ideal location.
1. Think about location
Sounds obvious, but if you have your heart set on a rustic barn wedding in the middle of nowhere, it might be difficult for some of your guests to get there. Think about transport solutions for your guests. Can large coaches get there with ease(i.e. are the roads too narrow? Is the driveway wide enough?). The best place to start is asking the venue what previous couples have done. As long as it’s not a brand new venue, they will have some good ideas on the practical aspects of getting people to and from the venue.
2. What’s included in the price
Do they include catering or is this an additional add-on? Are drinks included? Canapés? Evening snack? Many wedding venues supply you with a package that includes all of these things as standard but it’s worth checking as the costs can rack up quickly if they aren’t included. Think about the cost of the meal per person. It’s a good idea to get your guest list done before choosing your venue as it will make estimating your costs a lot easier.
3. Visualise your Wedding Day
When you visit a venue, think about how the venue can be used to make your day more enjoyable for yourself and the guests. For example, the venue may have a room that can be used for a drinks reception before you move to the main area for your meal. Small things like this can make the flow of your day more natural and interesting. Also think about photo opportunities. Do they have pleasant grounds? If it’s raining on your wedding day, what areas do they suggest you can use for photos inside?
4. Does it feel right?
You may visit a few venues. Hopefully, you will visit one and just know that it’s the right one. There are many guides you can read(like this one) which give you step-by-step instructions on how to choose the perfect wedding venues but in the end, you need to go with the one you love. Even if it’s the most impractical. It may be in the middle of nowhere. It may be a dung-filled cow shed. It may have no heating and only available on Christmas Eve, but if that’s the one you love, your guests will just have to put up with it. It’s your wedding, so do it the way you want.
The average cost of a wedding venue in London can be well over £20,000. But if you’re planning your big day, don’t let that number scare you! There are plenty of creative methods to implement budget wedding ideas without sacrificing what matters most to you.
Researching cheap wedding venues in London is really the first step in planning a wedding – everything else hinges on the location. So start off your wedding planning right, by making the most cost-effective decision. Here are 15 ways to do just that.
In the heart of Epping Forest lies the Kings Oak Hotel, a charming destination & award winning wedding venue offering the WOW factor & something different for your special day! Over 100 couples a year choose the Kings Oak as their preferred wedding venue.
This venue will surely meet your ‘Great Expectation’! It’s a picturesque restyled and reconstructed 18th-century pub and event venue nestled in St Katherine Docks. This is one of the more historic budget wedding venues in London and ensures a stunning setting for the most memorable of occasions.
A unique and attractive year round location for the perfect wedding. Set in the idyllic Hertfordshire countryside – a stunning backdrop against which to capture everlasting memories! All you have to do is let them know what would make your wedding perfect and they’ll help you to create it.
The Regency is a beautiful & newly refurbished venue with crystal chandeliers & painted dome ceilings, carpeted and finished in tones of grey and white giving you a very modern, classy appearance. This stunning venue is the perfect backdrop special day.
If you want to experience your wedding exactly the way you choose, then Gilwell Park is like no other. A quintessentially Georgian country house in a stunning rural setting perfectly located on the border of Essex and London, Gilwell Park is one of London’s best kept budget wedding venue secrets.
One of the new cheap wedding venues in London is this gem, a modern & well-recognized hotel located in the heart of East London, this venue offers couples the opportunity to celebrate both their Civil Ceremony & Wedding Reception.
If you’re looking through affordable wedding venues in London, here’s one for you! Simple yet traditional, and boasting a lovely garden, you can get married in the beautiful ceremony rooms in the heart of Southwark.
London Rowing Club, founded in 1856, is the oldest club in the world and offers glorious panoramic views of the River Thames. This exclusive use wedding venue allows you to decorate and adorn the space as you see fit and take pictures from the balcony overlooking the river.
A stone’s throw away from London Fields and Hackney Central Stations, this building boasts five separate weddings, event and meeting spaces all offering a mixture of period features, natural daylight and striking architecture.
Riverside Grand Victorian grade II listed building, the Duke’s Head echoes with history, style and laughter, and has a brilliant array of gorgeous spaces available for any part of your special day.
Exclusive wedding venue set in a picturesque location near the river & lake Fully licensed wedding room. packages that are not just unbeatable in cost but take so much of the stress away from you, leaving you to revel in your special day!
Langdon Hills Golf and Country Club really is the perfect place for your special day. Both function rooms are licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships and they are able to accommodate both small and large weddings. Both rooms are air-conditioned and offer fabulous views. The rooms even have their own music!
This manor house wedding venue, nestled on the edge of the Roman city of St Albans with its elegant period architecture, beautiful interiors and picturesque gardens create a stunning backdrop for your special day.
Are you looking for a more an intimate ceremony on a budget? Blakes Events would be perfect for you! As one of the more affordable wedding venues in London, the views are magnificent with rooms overlooking their spectacular spacious surroundings. This wedding venue screams Photo Opportunity!
Since 1921, they have been welcoming discerning guests to this romantic venue of contrasts, rich in history and character. A landscaped park provides the perfect backdrop for wedding photographs. They will ensure that your special day is one that you will remember forever.
There you have it! That’s just a few of our budget wedding venues in London. If you want to look beyond Greater London, head over to Wedding Venue Search where you will find thousands of venues all over the UK.
To help you even further, why not use our handy budget feature to assist with your planning. We even have a special wedding planning checklist for you to follow as well as a Guestlist tool which will prove extremely useful when inviting those long lost cousins!
If you’re planning to elope or tie the knot in complete privacy or if you’ve dreamed of a romantic, small & very personal wedding, surrounded by close relatives and family – then an intimate wedding venue in Kent is the ideal pick for you.
Often situated in magical, stunning landscapes and with amazing views, you have to see the small wedding venues in Kent we found for you! If you’re still left looking after this article, head over to Bridebook’s Wedding Venue Search and browse thousands of UK wedding venues.
An Intimate and Personal venue, The Barn in Tunbridge Well has a rustic feel with a modern edge, ideal for your low-key small chic wedding. It has been built in the traditional Kentish style with oak beams and columns and this creates a truly wonderful atmosphere.
There’s nothing like the romance of a beautiful barn wedding. No barns match ours for beauty, intimacy, and traditional Kentish character. With enchanting gardens and a stunning interior, Winters Barns is the perfect blend of old and new – a secluded historical venue steeped in history
This one makes it onto our list of top venue picks for your intimate wedding! It’s truly unique with no other venue offering the seclusion, history or atmosphere in an original medieval building and approached by a winding lane overhung with trees and lit by candles and braziers.
If you’re looking for hotel wedding venues in the UK, then the Hever Hotel is one to visit! Situated in the beautiful village of Hever; a mile from the historic childhood home of Anne Boleyn – an idyllic venue, perfect for your special day!
We are sure you’ve never seen anything quite so unique as this one! This was once a church, then an inn, and now provides the perfect intimate wedding venue for a wedding day in a remarkable 14th-century Vault! This is one of our favourite intimate wedding venues in Kent.
As far as barn wedding venues in the UK go, this one is really special! Nestled in the heart of the Kentish Countryside surrounded by 150 acres of stunning landscape combining rolling hills, natural woodland and romantic orchards, The BarnYard is an enchanting setting for the most memorable day of your life.
This is one of the most beautiful, intimate wedding venues in Kent and is nestled in the heart of Canterbury and located next to the oldest church in England. St Martin’s Priory boasts 2.5 acres of enchanting Gardens and breathtaking views of Canterbury Cathedral.
Situated in the Garden of England, nestled in the countryside between the historic city of Canterbury and towns Maidstone, is the perfect wedding venue in Kent. With idyllic country surroundings in an area of outstanding natural beauty, you are free to create everlasting memories.
Host your small but special occasion at The Ferry House. Peacefully set beside the Swale Estuary in the Kent countryside, this 16th century inn is the perfect hideaway place for an intimate occasion, with packages for 2-30 guests, award-winning dining and 4* accommodation for 70+.
Seen as one of the cosiest hotel wedding venues in the UK, The Bull Hotel is a unique and beautiful country inn situated in the historic village of Wrotham. Boasting charm and character, The Buttery offers an intimate space for your ceremony and reception.
The Black Horse Inn is a relaxed and unpretentious, rural, family-run Inn set in the Kentish countryside and provides an intimate and relaxing location for your wedding. Being that this location is one of many small wedding venues in Kent, it’s hosted some excellent parties and weddings.
Large or small, formal or informal, Cooling Castle Barn has spaces for any kind of wedding and promises that no two weddings are the same! Kick back and enjoy this intimate wedding venue in the spotlight, along with a scrummy breakfast, elevenses, a glass or two of bubbles and the undivided attention of everyone around you.
Hoath House aims to make your special day as you always imagined it would be. Get married under their wedding arch, or under a gazebo. Hoath House, a magnificent Tudor period building boasting idyllic history and wooden beam features, is the perfect wedding backdrop.
Named one of the best UK Castle Wedding Venues, Whitstable Castle boasts beautiful lawns, a fabulous fountain, multiple reception rooms, sea views and a roof terrace for drinks and photographs, what more do you need? Feel like a queen and say I DO to this fabulous intimate venue.
You have to see this one! Elmley is a 3,300-acre estate based on an island in the Thames, situated away from the bustle of North Kent, just an hour from London. A vast wilderness. The spectacular landscape, soul-stirring skies. An absolute sight to behold.
We couldn’t wait to show you these Kentish gems! We know it takes time, so if you haven’t found ‘the one’ yet, don’t panic. Bridebook.co.uk’s Wedding Venue Search is a quick and simple way of finding the right venues for you, so click the filters, choose your number of guests and type in Kent as your preferred location. We’re sure that your dream venue is just around the corner!
Don’t forget to use the budget, guestlist and checklist features while you’re there to get the most out of your wedding planning time.
Your wedding is a special and important day. If you feel overwhelmed at the prospect of planning and booking a wedding in Kent, don’t panic! We are here to help you plan your ‘simply perfect’ and totally affordable Kentish wedding! Because of its abundance of orchards and hop gardens, Kent is traditionally known as “The Garden of England”. The stunning countryside, rolling valleys and the white chalk cliffs make it a very popular place to get married.
The variety of Wedding Venues in Kent is endless with manor houses, converted barns and Castles. Kent also offers Zoo’s, Farms and even Wildlife Parks to choose from! In recent years converted barn and castle locations have become extremely popular and cheap wedding venues in Kent. With great commuter links to and from London, this has resulted in Kent being probably one of the most popular counties for a wedding.
Hayne House is a family run venue, set in 35 acres beautifully landscaped grounds. Offering you exclusive use of the brand-new unique purpose-built Orangery, former Hunting Pavilion and pretty garden. Whatever season you have in mind for your wedding, the versatility of Hayne House makes it a unique setting for your big day.
The Barn is a unique venue which has been rebuilt from a centuries old Elizabethan barn in a Kent village to its present site some years ago. It has been built in the traditional Kentish style with oak beams and columns and is a rustic venue with a modern edge, ideal for your chic wedding reception.
Of all the affordable wedding venues in Kent, this one definitely has the WOW factor when it comes to event settings. Hidden away from Canterbury’s bustle, this picturesque venue includes a beautiful 2.5-acre tiered garden, which is the perfect backdrop for a marquee wedding venue, and can accommodate up to 200 guests.
If you’re looking for something with Spark and Style, but also want a cheap wedding venue, then this Gem is for you! Situated in the historic village of Wrotham, near Sevenoaks and Maidstone, this 600-year old coaching inn boasts charm and character you won’t forget.
The Black Horse Inn provides an intimate and relaxing location for a Wedding and Reception. Situated in the Kentish countryside on the historic Pilgrims Way, the Black Horse Inn and it’s beautiful gardens provide a welcoming and spectacular location for hosting weddings and for the solemnization of civil marriages and partnerships.
The Wedding Suites are inside Lordswood Leisure Centre which is set in 14 acres of beautiful woodland surroundings. The venue is located within the Medway towns, both the M2 and M20 motorways are only a short 10-minute drive away. Easily accessible and beautifully scenic, this venue could be the one!
This is no ordinary Farm Wedding Venue. When you choose Greenhill Farm for your special day you have their expert team to ensure the day goes to plan and you stay the blushing bride all day. Talk to them to planning your wedding and feel confident that every detail will be looked at to ensure your event runs smoothly.
Add some spice and pizzazz to your wedding! The Hawkenbury Inn can accommodate your guests – whether it’s a small party of 18/20 to a full wedding for 90 guests, offering a dance floor, disco, hog roast and even live cabaret! Who doesn’t love a show? Say ‘I Do’ at one of the most affordable wedding venues in Kent.
Right in the heart of Kent lies the Thatched Barn, a beautiful 16th century building that’s a great choice for an idyllic and unique wedding day. Within the stunning grounds is a private helipad so if you are looking for the ultimate mode of transport for your wedding why not consider a helicopter! Fancy right?
Oakley House is a licensed wedding and civil partnership venue. Set in this ideal location and combining a tastefully decorated wedding room in which to hold your service with the convenience of a large banqueting hall PLUS in-house catering facilities, you can’t go wrong!
Get in here and book for a place to marry. You will be so happy you did. Riverview Manor would love to help make your dreams become a successful reality at their very unique venue. This budget wedding venue won’t break the bank and the flexibilities and opportunities are literally endless. Yes, Literally!
Breath-taking panoramic views across the reservoir and hundreds of acres of outstanding natural beauty make Bewl Water the picture-perfect location for your special day and one of the most unique Wedding venues in Kent on a budget. Choose to marry to the backdrop of the South East’s largest stretch of open water.
Create your perfect day in our intimate and sophisticated venue, offering a touch of originality and a sense of grandeur. Tower House is fully licensed to host your wedding, civil ceremony or reception for up to 70 people at very little cost.
Dream of getting married at a beach wedding venue? We think this one comes pretty close! Herne Bay has been purpose built to help create the perfect setting for you and your loved ones on your special day. Exchange your vows surrounded by all the charm and beauty that Herne Bay’s seaside has to offer.
This delightful and picturesque wedding venue offers a unique wedding setting that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests. As one of the best wedding venues in Kent on a budget, they have a wealth of experience to inspire creativity and expression when planning the unification of your marriage.
Who says you can’t have the perfect wedding on the cheap? These are just SOME of the wonderful options Kent has to offer at affordable prices.
Take a look at our handy budget feature to help you keep your costs low, as well as well as a useful checklist to ensure everything runs smoothly. We also have a guest list feature you can use to make sure all the aunts and uncles are invited to share in your special occasion!
Sweeping views over and through the vineyards make for beautiful wedding pictures and fantastic memories. Vineyard weddings are most often destination weddings. Couples and their guests board planes and travel to the most picturesque locales for wine-centred festivities. But budget or logistical constraints can thwart a couple’s plan to wed in Spain, France or Italy.
But fear not! Before abandoning the dream of throwing a soiree amid a verdant estate, consider booking one of these UK Vineyards. If you’re looking for a truly unique wedding experience, a vineyard wedding can offer the best of a destination wedding, with a local setting. Come with us as we explore the top Vineyard Wedding Venues to make your special day spectacular.
If you’re still left looking after reading this, use Bridebook’s award-winning wedding venue search to find your ideal spot to tie the knot!
A special occasion deserves an equally special setting… from intimate celebrations to opulent gatherings, The Vineyard is the perfect destination for your Vineyard wedding. The Vineyard is a 5 star Relais & Châteaux hotel, renowned for its impeccable service, 3 AA Rosette restaurant & award winning 30,000 bottle wine cellar.
Knightor is a very special, timelessly Cornish venue set in four acres of vineyards, pasture and orchards, with historic granite barns, beautiful rustic buildings and open countryside surroundings it truly is the ideal wedding location for English wine lovers!
Celebrate your Wedding in the beautiful landscaped setting of the vineyard. Set in the heart of the Surrey Hills, an area known for its outstanding natural beauty, Denbies prides itself as one of the finest places to get married in Surrey.
When your venue’s main ambition is to ensure you and your loved ones can share an unforgettable experience in a magical setting, making memories that will last a lifetime, you know you have a keeper! This stunning site is set in the rolling hills of the Yorkshire wolds, in 30 acres of meadow grass, above Little Wold Vineyard.
Yorkshire Heart Vineyard is a stunning picturesque venue for anyone looking for somewhere a bit different to hold their special day… you don’t get much more unique than a Vineyard wedding venue in the heart of York. The perfect outdoor wedding venue.
For a quintessentially English UK Country wedding venue that’s memorable, unique and beautiful, Hambledon Vineyard has it all. Offering a reception that’s romantic, picturesque and stylish, this Vineyard wedding venue, nestled in the Hampshire countryside is your dream location.
This is quite the unique vineyard setting, boasting an exciting and unusual wedding venue. Nutbourne is a working farm and prides itself on being bigger on atmosphere than frills. Their facilities are charming but rustic and once you see it, you’ll be delighted at the possibilities!
This is a beautiful and unique outdoor venue with. This easily accessible location provides a spacious marquee wedding venue and a reception hall and is nestled within a stunning British vineyard.
High House is a family run, stunning, award-winning, exclusive use wedding venue set in six acres of landscaped gardens and rolling meadow in the Essex countryside. This is the perfect setting, nestled within the rolling countryside of elegant English country gardens offering a spectacular backdrop to your day.
A stunning barn nestled within twenty acres of beautiful Devonshire countryside makes this an idyllic wedding venue. Family owned and run, Froginwell has undergone a series of improvements over its years as a wedding venue, which has culminated in a stunning space.
With some special spaces for some special people, your wedding will be the talk of the town with dynamite photography in beautiful settings. These are the memories that will last a lifetime!
Start your adventure today by choosing one of these unique venues. While you’re at it, take a look at our budget, checklist and guestlist features to help you get a headstart on your Wedding Planning!
You’re going to put plenty of thought into choosing the perfect Wedding Venue in the UK, and space and aesthetics are going to be top priority and foremost in your mind. Gardens offer both of these and are a very popular big-day venue choices. Since they have their own natural décor and beautifully sculpted landscapes, not only is it practical, but its elegant and timeless and exciting to host a wedding in a garden.
We have discovered the ultimate wedding venues, which vary in style but are all undeniably beautiful:
Nestled within and surrounded by fascinating, elegantly sculpted landscape gardens, Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers three striking event spaces for your dream wedding. Whatever the weather, you could not ask for a more stunning backdrop for your wedding photography.
This really is the perfect outdoor Wedding venue with glorious space. You get exclusive use of the secluded river valley, the idyllic gardens and the historic Mill. Choose your own caterers, there’s No corkage and your Guests will be raving about this one for years!
Create a mesmerising event for you and your guests with this luxurious experience, This is truly a stunning venue surrounded by beautiful colours and smells creating the perfect atmosphere for your Wedding party.
This posh historical Estate (80 acres) was home to Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and provides a gorgeous backdrop with beautiful garden. Here’s to YOU being queen for a day! Those Wedding photos are going to be special.
You HAVE to see this one to believe it! Come and lose yourself in Wonderland at this stunning garden & marquee wedding venue. Features include a hidden waterfall & grotto, Roman archways, stunning ponds & more.
Tie the knot at Kilminorth, Surround yourself with breathtaking countryside. This 32-acre estate encompasses an orchard, wild meadows and enchanting woods. For a woodland Wedding venue, it doesn’t get more exciting than this, making it a day that you and your guests will never forget!
From the moment you step into the grounds the sheer magic will encapsulate your dreams for that perfect day. The Orangery is a beautiful venue set in stunning gardens, making it a once in a lifetime magical experience!
Hidden in the heart of London, Chelsea Physic Garden is a beautiful and magical setting for your special day. Your party won’t be too travel weary to enjoy the wedding ceremony in a room available for up to 70 guests and blessings in the gardens are welcome!
A venue offering the chance to enjoy your wedding day surrounded by your nearest and dearest in stunning nature. Your “I do” at The Glade will certainly be remembered and treasured for a lifetime!
You’ll be beaming from ear to ear when you see this stunning location in Suffolk. 500 years of history will give you a magical, fairytale experience. Helmingham Hall Gardens is a truly picturesque venue for your ideal country wedding.
New Close Farm is set in a beautiful location only a few miles from Durham City. If you’re looking for something truly exciting and unique, look no further! A Farm Wedding Venue is just what you need. The bonus is, you can get involved as much – or as little as you’d like!
Set within 20 acres of rolling countryside, this garden wedding venue provides a tranquil and peaceful setting, offering a stunning canvas for you to create your perfect day. If you want to create picturesque memories, this is a great place to start!
The Stanwick Hotel is a beautiful location for your wedding. Set in well-landscaped gardens, you will have a perfect day. This Hotel wedding venue is licensed for civil ceremonies and they have a purpose built events suite.
The Alnwick Gardens is a gorgeous, mesmerising venue offering amazing, atmospheric backdrops for both your ceremony and for wedding photos. Every moment will feel truly special.
Whether you choose to walk down an aisle to the ceremony area or create a circle of Love in the meadows overlooking the surrounding countryside, the choice is yours. Either way, you’ll have a relaxed and inviting space to create your perfect day!
This is a wonderfully scenic and tranquil setting for a wedding, with stunning historic gardens creating a magical atmosphere and so much to see, you’ll be spoiled for choice as to where to say ‘I Do’!
A Manor House wedding has to be one of the most exquisite settings for your perfect ceremony and the stunning gardens of Whalton Manor don’t disappoint! This will provide the most beautiful and unique setting for couples seeking an exclusive wedding ceremony and for memories that last a lifetime.
Picture This! The bride makes an entrance, magically appearing from the Monet style Japanese bridge, her dress reflecting in the water lily lakes within the heart of these beautiful gardens… This is a memory to last a lifetime!
This Amazing venue in Cambridge is surrounded by 50 acres of beautiful gardens. Perfect for those wedding album photos! Invite your guests to stay over and continue making memories into the night.
Weddings at The Wild Garden are very sought after! It’s a private estate where deers roam and you get to discover beautiful gardens, lush in their natural beauty… this would truly make an idyllic wedding venue!
Let’s find the PERFECT Garden Wedding venue! Search Bridebook.co.uk’s other outdoor venues for some more options… yes, there are more! Personalise your options and find your dream location.
We understand how hard it is to remember everything you need to do. That’s why we offer our budget, checklist and guestlist features to make sure everything runs smoothly on your big day.
Diverse weddings are very typical these days. It’s likely that the wedding guests and even the engaged couple themselves will come from a variety of backgrounds, such as different geographical locations, religions, cultures, and lifestyles. Diverse weddings can be beautiful and unique due to differing customs and traditions. Couples are always trying to think of ways to personalise the wedding ceremony or reception with special touches that show who they are as a couple and including cultural and traditional touches is a great way to do it. The question is, how do you plan a diverse wedding that blends geographic, religious, lifestyle, and cultural elements?
Do Your Research
The obvious place to start is to research the different wedding traditions of each family. Parents and grandparents can be a wealth of knowledge in this area. Ask them about the traditions they had at their own weddings and have them explain any customs you don’t know about. After you’ve picked their brains thoroughly, turn to online resources such as Pinterest and Google for more ideas. Blogs, websites, and books are great places to find tips on how to incorporate the different customs and traditions at your ceremony and reception.
Narrow Down Your Choices
Once you’ve done your research, you’ll probably have a pretty extensive list of ideas. Narrow down your list and decide which ones you want to include. Creating a board on Pinterest is a great way to organise your favorite images so that you can share them with your vendors, family, and wedding party for input. Remember, you don’t have to include every single custom or tradition… just use the ones that feel right to you and have the most meaning to you and your fiancé.
Choose Your Wedding Planner Carefully
Many wedding planners will specialise in weddings that celebrate specific lifestyles, backgrounds, or cultures. If you can find a wedding planner that knows about the various menu items, music, dances, traditions, and customs you want to include, your planning will go much more smoothly. Often, your wedding planner will even have a list of vendors and other resources who can help you create exactly the feel and your going for with your multicultural ceremony and reception.
Hire an Officiant Who’s Open to Performing a Diverse Ceremony
Some officiants won’t be open to performing a ceremony that might be quite a bit different than what they’re used to. When you meet with officiants, be careful to explain what you’re looking for in detail, and make sure they’re comfortable with it. If you can’t find someone on your own, don’t hesitate to ask your friends, family, and wedding planner for recommendations. One option for an interfaith ceremony may be to have two officiants that work together to perform the ceremony, one from each religion or culture you wish to incorporate.
Be Sure Your House of Worship Will Allow an Interfaith Ceremony
If you plan to have your ceremony at a house of worship, you’ll need to follow the same guidelines you did for choosing your officiant. Some houses of worship will be fine with diverse ceremonies that incorporate different faiths or lifestyles, but others may not. To avoid problems later, be very clear when you make your booking what your vision is for the ceremony and make sure they will allow it.
Create a Wedding Program
Creating a wedding program is a great way to explain different traditions and customs from the ceremony. It’s a great way to elaborate on parts of the wedding ceremony that some guests might not know about. If you need help writing the descriptions, ask your officiant or wedding planner to help you.
Music and Special Dances are a Great Way to Incorporate Different Cultures
Music is a great way to include different faiths and backgrounds. “Make sure your DJ or band is familiar with any special dances or songs you want to include at the ceremony or reception,” recommends the wedding music experts from Around Town Entertainment. You might even want to search out a band or DJ that specialises in the type of music you’re looking for. If the two of you plan to do a traditional dance that you don’t already know, be sure to sign up for some lessons ahead of time and learn the steps. If you really want to make an impression, you could have your entire bridal party learn a specific dance and perform it at the reception.
Create a Diverse Menu
Another fun way to incorporate different cultures and backgrounds is with the food. Create a diverse menu that includes dishes from each of your backgrounds. Work with your caterer to create a menu that incorporates your favorite flavors and recipes from both of your regions or cultures. Even your cocktail choices, wedding cake, and desserts can be inspired by your cultural diversity.
Consider “Traditional” Fashions
One way to honour your heritage is to wear “traditional” dress during your ceremony or at your reception. In China, the bride often wears a red dress. In Korea, brides and grooms wear a garment called a hanbok. In India, the bride wears a saree. Be sure to let your photographer know if you plan an outfit change so that they set aside time to photograph both looks.
Consider Holding More Than One Ceremony
If there are several traditions you want to include or incorporating two faiths into one ceremony isn’t working out, you might want to consider having a second ceremony. The second one could be held on a different day and in a different place, or you could have them both on the same day. If you held them on the same day, you could hold just one reception for both sides of the family.
Make it Your Own
Although the whole idea is to honor both backgrounds, make sure that the details reflect your own personal sense of style. You don’t have to make culture the theme for your entire day, just include elements that complement the feel and look you’re going for. For example, if you want to honor Jewish tradition by having a chuppah during the ceremony, choose one that complements the style of the rest of your wedding, whether it’s minimal, modern, or romantic florals.
Planning a diverse wedding may take some extra work, but it will be worth it. By incorporating different elements from each of your backgrounds, you will create a ceremony and reception that are completely unique to the two of you. These special touches can make your day one that you and your guests will remember for years to come.
Your wedding is most likely going to be one of the best and most memorable days of your life, right? So you’ll want to have a fab time with all your guests and not worrying about anyone crashing the wedding.
Here at Bridebook.co.uk, we’ve put together a list of some of our wonderful exclusive use wedding venues so that you and your husband or wife-to-be can enjoy some privacy on the big day.
To search for some more wedding venues in the UK, head over to our Wedding Venue Search here!
Kings Chapel is an historic wedding venue in the town of Amersham, very close to London. The converted chapel has a main hall that is absolutely breathtaking, along with other function rooms that exude elegance.
Dating back to 1851, the medieval style Peckforton Castle boasts vaulted ceilings, rustic stone interiors and even a candle-lit cellar for an intimate ceremony. Arrive by helicopter on the lawns for that extra touch of VIP to this exclusionary place to get married!
Offering both the Victorian Barn and the Starlit Barn for your big day, you’ll have the whole site to yourselves at Hunters Hall within the Norfolk countryside. Experience an authentic country wedding as you get ready in the Farmhouse Lounge and stay on-site in one of the historic buildings.
Say your vows in the privacy of the gardens or in the beautiful new Oak Barn in rural Essex. Maidens Barn combines rustic features with touches of luxury to make every bride and groom feel special – even the secret bridal accommodation of Hideaway Cottage has a feel of exclusivity about it!
Feel like royalty at Melville Castle as you have a whole country estate for the day. Oozing Scottish charm, grandeur and opulence, the magical Ballroom provides views across the many acres of parkland and woodland, so it’s safe to say you won’t be disturbed by a single soul.
Expect plenty of natural light cascading through the exquisitely designed wooden barn at The Oak Tree of Peover. Of all exclusive wedding venues, this one is contemporary yet rustic and has definite vibes of chic written all over it. For more barn wedding venues just like this one, take a look here.h
Guaranteed exclusivity is high up on the list at Beeston Manor, so you and your guests can have the run of the place. Nearby woodlands and stunning countryside landscapes provide the backdrop to this blank canvas venue, making it the ultimate rural wedding wonderland.
Just when you think there can’t be any more beautiful countryside wedding escapes, Busbridge Lakes comes around with it’s heritage garden and private valley location. With three lakes surrounded by thriving wildlife and some really unique photo opportunities (a cave being one!), this open canvas venue makes a very exclusive wedding setting.
50 acres of gardens offers the ultimate exclusivity of all private wedding venues, as Great Fosters prides itself in helping to create the most memorable day. Luxury contemporary facilities added to Elizabethan architecture equals something truly incredible!
Prepare to be taken back in time to the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, where turrets and moats greet you from the outside – and now a relaxing spa and award-winning restaurants meet you on the inside. Dalhousie Castle is an exclusive use wedding venue ready to help you finally live the fairytale wedding you’ve been dreaming about! Find more incredible castle wedding venues right here.
Nestled within 150 acres of lush green landscapes, woodlands and orchards, The Barnyard gives you the utmost privacy on your special day. Choose the rustic barn or the luxury marquee as your wedding setting out in the sticks of the Kent countryside.
Be Lord and Lady of the Manor for the day at this Grade II listed, 19th Century exclusive use wedding venue. Thornton Manor boasts several romantic outdoor ceremony locations, including the Walled Garden and the Waterside Pavilion, in addition to full access to the grand house.
Step onto the grounds of a former 17th Century water mill that has now been transformed into The Mill Barns. Find three waterfront oak-framed barns surrounded by eight acres of gardens and divine on-site accommodation – so you and your guests can revel in luxury and have the grounds to yourselves.
Private wedding venues can’t really get better than open countryside landscapes…unless you add wine to the mix! Knightor Winery provides a gorgeous authentic vineyard setting complete with a stunning stone barn, farmhouse and a romantic pond area for ceremonies. A definite for wine lovers!
Expect grand rooms, a sweeping staircase and luxurious furnishings at Middleton Lodge, a contemporary twist on Georgian splendour. Set within 200 acres of inspiring rural Yorkshire, Brides and Grooms can use their wedding celebrations as a retreat – don’t forget to get a massage! If you’re looking for luxury venues like this one, we’ve found plenty more for you!h
Described as ‘uniquely yours’, Wentbridge House Hotel dates back to 1700 and offers timeless decor combined with stylish charm. Find your own space and privacy within this incredible country house and gorgeous romantic gardens.
This Grade II listed manor house, nestled into the Essex countryside, really does live up to its name. Offering you completely exclusive use of the manor house, brand new Bridal Cottage and picturesque gardens, this venue is a perfect blank canvas for letting your imagination run wild on.
Finding a venue that offers complete exclusivity is harder than it sounds, and really makes a difference when your guests (and you!) know they don’t have to worry about a taxi home.
Set on a secluded farm (yes, animal guests included!) in the heart of Norfolk, this exclusive use venue is truly perfect if you’re dreaming of a rustic wedding. Both of the venue’s barns have been lovingly transformed into idyllic spaces for ceremonies or receptions.
Hunters Hall offers overnight accommodation in the main farmhouse or dairy courtyard, so you and your guests can relax and enjoy the champagne, as well as the unspoilt countryside views!
This elegant Georgian mansion, surrounded by over 100 acres of woodland, could be exclusively yours for your big day. Offering multiple indoor reception rooms and manicured outdoor lawns (as to be expected!), any couple will be spoilt for choice.
This quintessential, sprawling country estate offers ultimate romance and seclusion for your wedding weekend. That’s right, we said weekend – this venue offers an exclusive three-day hire! The majestic Grade I listed Great Barn is arguably the centre of attention, with an impressive vaulted roof, underfloor heating, integrated sound system and space to seat over 200 guests.
If you still haven’t had enough exclusivity with these venues, go ahead and use our wedding venue search, clicking ‘exclusive-use’ in the must-haves filter!
Many of us will have dreamt about a church wedding since we were little – and now we’ve found some of our favourites to show you!
At Bridebook.co.uk we used our wedding venue search along with the ‘places of worship’ filter to find some unbelievably stunning cathedral wedding venues, so take a look at our list and perhaps you will find the ideal church venue to tie the knot!
One of the largest cathedrals in Europe could be your ideal place to tie the knot! Winchester Cathedral oozes Gothic architecture and historic grandeur to give you and your guests that ‘wow’ factor as you enter – what more could you want from a ceremony venue?
The newly modified Brighton Unitarian Church sits in the cultural quarter of diverse Brighton, where you can carry out a traditional or more modern style of ceremony. Glorious high ceilings, stained glass and a majestic exterior can all be yours for a very reasonable price – for more budget wedding venues that won’t break the bank, take a look here!
Founded in 1075, Chichester Cathedral is a true fairytale church wedding venue. Aside from being a jaw-dropping ceremony location, you can also have your drinks reception in the characterful Eastern Arm of the Cathedral and dine in the medieval banqueting hall.
The majestic interior of Chelmsford Cathedral is an awe-inspiring place to walk down the aisle. With seating for up to 750 people, the beautiful arches and ornate ceiling make this an idyllic cathedral wedding venue in the heart of Essex’s capital.
One of England’s newest cathedrals will most definitely give you the chills if you were to host your wedding ceremony here! Blackburn Cathedral boasts limestone floors, stunning stained glass windows and dramatic architecture and is a picturesque setting in which to gather all your friends and family.
Providing charming Gothic style interiors including stone arches and wonderful sculptures, Rosslyn Hill Chapel is also a place of worship that offers same-sex weddings – hoorah! Dating back to 1862, the homely feel and warm ambience is second to none at this chapel wedding venue.
Nestled in a quiet Hertfordshire village, St Helen’s Church is a picture-postcard place to marry. Surrounded by a peaceful churchyard and featuring many gorgeous traditional church characteristics, your ceremony here would be one full of romance and joy. More romantic wedding venues can be found here!
Close by to a magnificent church for your beautiful ceremony, the 19th Century Old Court Chapel is the place where you can sit back and celebrate your reception in breathtaking surroundings. Of all chapel weddings, this Northern Irish location will make yours one to remember with marquee extensions and a delightful outdoor area.
The Grade II listed building of Upper Chapel plays host to vaulted ceilings, a spiral staircase and a mezzanine level to the main Chapel area. A striking forecourt welcomes you to this Unitarian Chapel within the city centre of bustling Sheffield.
Holy Trinity Church Barkingside features outstanding stained glass windows, wonderfully high ceilings and easy access from Central London, where you can tie the knot in a church wedding venue of your dreams. With the option to have your reception here too, you’ll have everything you need in one place.
This lovingly restored 17th Century building is set within breathtaking walled gardens, filled with old English flowers. Ideally located next to the historic Church of St Ethelbert’s but with a wedding license of it’s own, you have true flexibility as to how to use this stunning space on your special day.
With its dramatic vaulted ceiling, wooden chandeliers and church windows, The Reading Room combines the tradition of a chapel with the rustic vibe of a barn venue.
Now, if that’s not enough wedding ceremony venue inspo for one day, then you NEED to use our Wedding Venue Search and take a look at some of the other chapel locations of offer! Don’t forget to update your budget, guestlist and checklist while you’re there.
Looking for more wedding venue styles? Check out these articles:
With many couples spending around £50 a head on catering for their big day, it’s no wonder why some choose to self-cater – and for that, you need the perfect self-catered wedding reception venue! Do things your way with no set wedding menus and pricey canapes – just you and your guests eating some scrummy dishes in your ideal setting.
So stop fretting over your figures and be prepared to drool over the possibilities at these stunning venues with in house catering facilities. And don’t forget, you can always have a look yourself using our Bridebook.co.uk ‘In House Catering Venue Search’.
If you’re looking for a different type of wedding venue, head over to our award-winning Wedding Venue Search.
The glorious range of contemporary and period barns at Redhouse Barn would make the perfect backdrop to serve an in house wedding breakfast or relaxed buffet. Have access to the site from early in the morning to get in extra preparation for a stress-free day!
If you’re feeling daring, choose venue hire only at the exclusive-use Quantock Lakes and be totally in charge in the creation of your big day. Whether you want a laid-back BBQ next to the lakes or a quaint afternoon tea beside the fireplace, the wonderful scenery here will not disappoint.
The minimalist but equally stunning Boat House at Aston Marina is the place for a waterside retreat in Staffs! With venue hire from just £2,000, you’ll have plenty of budget left to choose your own menu and enjoy your favourite tipples next to the beautiful marina.
The self-contained and private feel to Crondon Park Golf Club means you can do things exactly as you wish. This family-run 17th Century Baronial Hall has all the feels of grandeur and sophistication, and a self-catered celebration could mean you don’t have the grand prices to go with it!
The recently renovated rooms at The Grand Hotel ensures there will be a setting to suit every happy couple – and your catering can be like that too! This in house catering wedding venue lets you enjoy the run up to your day and not be frantically searching for the perfect caterer once you’ve found this wonderful beachside gem.
Experience an intimate wedding breakfast in the Dining Room at Middleton Lodge Events, a fairytale Georgian building with a countryside backdrop. Otherwise, enjoy homemade canapes in the gardens and let the staff be at hand to help serve self-catered dishes. Yum!
With hardly any restrictions, Gants Mill & Garden is the ultimate DIY option of self-catering wedding venues. Take a walk around the delightful gardens before sipping on your own alcohol (with no corkage charge – which makes it taste even better!) and feasting on your favourite meal.
The luxury barns ooze grandeur, romance and history. However Lillibrooke Manor & Barns are on hand to help you have your dream day, so if it’s a picnic on the lawns or a simple buffet that you’re after, this wedding reception venue with self-catering facilities may be the one for you. Here are some more romantic places to tie the knot if you need a little inspiration.
The exclusive-use family home of Iscoyd Park ensures you have everything you wish for your wedding day, including having the site for the whole weekend if you’d like! The traditional building and relaxing gardens here are the ideal place to host your own self-catered wedding celebrations.
Take your seat in the authentic stone barn at Danby Castle for a truly unforgettable wedding breakfast experience! Surrounded by unrivalled landscapes of the North York Moors, this in house catering wedding venue mixes history with a homely feel for you to enjoy while you dine with loved ones.
The family-run and guaranteed exclusivity of Beeston Manor means nothing can hold you back on one of the most special days of your life!
You’ll come across beautifully neutral decor, an oak-beamed barn and the blooming Beeston Wood – does anyone fancy an Alice in Wonderland inspired wedding breakfast in the woodland?!
With venue only hire starting from just £550, South Farm could be your self-catering wedding venue dream! Step out of the Grade II listed house and into the enchanting gardens or the barn for a simple alfresco meal…followed by games on the lawn and retiring to your very own Romany Caravan.
The 18th Century Hatfeild Hall is fit for royalty with its striking exterior and lavish decor – and some of the stunning rooms would truly suit a self-catered celebration. Get your guests involved with some of the preparation, and then sit down together to enjoy what you have all created.
Pendrell Hall combines Victorian charm and lush modern interiors to create an in house catering wedding venue that’s hard to forget! With venue hire starting at £2,000 (and 3 incredible bridal suites to choose from!), choosing a self-catered celebration here would be easy on the bank balance as well as becoming a dream day.
Russets Country House is a delightful self-catered wedding reception venue where anything goes! You and your guests have private access to the house and landscapes gardens, so whether you’re after a formal in house dining experience or a laid back buffet with your nearest and dearest, you won’t be disappointed!
Take a whole 3 days away for your wedding celebrations at Hales Hall & The Great Barn, where you and your guests can chip in with the catering on the medieval estate surrounded by wild meadows. This reception venue definitely has the wow-factor!
The laid-back ambience and no corkage charge are just a couple of the perks of hosting a self-catered wedding at The Ashes Barns & Country House. Be served homemade canapes and your favourite tipple on the stone courtyard while overlooking the Peak District National Park!
Exclusively yours for a truly unforgettable day – Woldingham Golf Club is a venue with in house catering options to knock you off your feet! Timeless furnishings with crisp contemporary interiors make an elegant backdrop for your wedding breakfast, so all you have to do is choose what is on your menu!
Fancy being whisked away to a magical woodland setting to elope? Or perhaps you want a nature-inspired ceremony beside the trees for all your loved ones to witness? Whatever your intentions, we’ve got you covered! At Bridebook.co.uk, we’ve scoured all our outdoor wedding set ups to find the most whimsical woodland wonders we possibly can… and here they are!
Don’t forget, if none of these is quite barking up the right tree then you can head over to our Wedding Venue Search and click some of your favourite venue styles in the filters. Good luck!
We’re starting with a woodland wedding venue that has its own private lake and meadow that can be exclusively yours for 3 days! Turn your special day into a weekend to remember at Rookery Meadow, where a lakeside marquee or a tipi beside ancient oak trees will be equally as beautiful.
Within a 250 acre estate, enjoy the most romantic woodland ceremony among pine trees and rustic barns, before settling down for the night in the glamping village full of unique places to rest your head. Grab your loved ones and head down to Camp Katur for an alternative twist on your big day.
Approach Finnebrogue Woods from winding paths and feast your eyes on a seriously impressive tipi reception set up in the middle of your own secluded woodland! There’s no doubt you’ll feel enchanted in this totally unique location – and if you’ve not had enough unique wedding venues, you’ll love these.
How about making your day a little more active while enjoying the scenery? At Cheshire Woodland Weddings, you can tie the knot under the trees and use the rustic open-sided barn for your reception. But also, (Robin Hood wannabes take note!) you can take part in archery and other activities within your natural surroundings as a bit of fun for you and your guests.
How do you fancy gathering round a fire pit and having a bite to eat using the pizza oven as the sun sets around the trees? Weddings in the Woods at Storrs means you can do just that, giving you a natural forest wedding venue as a blank canvas for your special day.
Follow fairy-lit pathways through the depths of the woodland to reach the clearing, where you can erect a bohemian tipi or other outdoor structures to host your romantic celebrations. At Applewood Weddings, no rural outdoor wedding is complete without a totally bespoke experience, so you can put your own spin on everything.
Wilderness Wedding Venue is a natural paradise with plenty of choice! Exchange vows under the canopy of the trees or at the Woodman’s Cabin, while 3 interconnected tipis provide the backdrop for the your UK woodland wedding reception! And don’t forget to grab a woodland-inspired cocktail at the Champagne Shack before retiring to your Shepherd’s Hut.
Want to get away from it all? Host your wedding on a secluded island at The Arran Lodge over on the Isle of Arran, boasting sea views and picture-postcard panorama for 360-degrees. The private wooded grounds and lawns are an ideal countryside escape – for more countryside inspo, take a look at these wedding venues with lovely grounds.
If you’re looking for a woodland wedding venue in the UK, The Gardens is nestled in 12 acres of diverse tree-lined grounds, including lush lawns, a unique restored barn and a central wooden gazebo – ideal for a romantic outdoor ceremony in the wonderful Kent countryside.
Take a whole weekend away for your wedding celebrations at Heathy Lea, where you get to make the rules! Surrounded by thick woodland and close to the Peak District, this forest wedding venue is perfect for a relaxed and homely elopement, followed by a barbecue on the lawn with your loved ones.
Ellingham Hall truly delivers the best of both worlds: the grandeur of an elegant 17th century stately home, set within acres of rural Northumberland countryside. The Hall has an outdoor reception space, perfect for tying the knot in the open air with the mansion and surrounding forests as your backdrop.
Busbridge Lakes provides the perfect backdrop for a classic, English garden wedding. They supply the stunning heritage gardens, three lakes and romantic stone bridges – you decide how you want to use them. Imagine your tipi or marquee in pride of place on the main lawn, surrounded by trees and overlooking the weeping willows on the lake.
Craving open spaces amongst the trees for your big day, but don’t want to travel outside of London? Luckily for you, the much-loved 200 acre Battersea Park has two unique licensed outdoor wedding venues.
The historic Bowling Green Pavilion and Lawn, with Battersea Power Station looking on, offers a quintessentially English green space for your marquee or tipi. The picturesque Victorian Bandstand offers 360 views of the green oasis, to fully immerse you and your guests into the pure nature of this historic park.
Did we mention they have one of the largest collections of waterbirds in the country? Perfect if you’ve always wanted swans or peacocks in your wedding photos!
Wowzers! What a wondrous woodland walk through some of the best UK forest wedding venues. But don’t let the fun end there! If you haven’t already, definitely check out our Wedding Venue Search plus our budget, checklist and guestlist features to help you on your way with your wedding planning journey.
Looking for more wedding venue inspiration? Check out these articles:
Grand halls, elegant chandeliers and sweeping driveways are what fairytale weddings are made of – and you can have it all if you look for a dream manor house wedding with Bridebook.co.uk! We’ve searched the UK high and low to find some truly stunning mansion wedding venues to really sweep you off your feet, so look no further…
Simply head to our Wedding Venue Search and click on your ideal venue types in the filters (stately homes and country houses – check!) But if you fancy a little more stylish inspiration before starting your search, then here’s some of our favourites.
Slindon House, set in 18 acres of South Downs National Park is nothing short of breathtaking views. The historic manor offers both weddings in the Grand Hall or outside in the grounds. These extensive grounds, featuring magnificent forest areas and ornamental garden is ideal for both larger parties and more intimate ceremonies.
Manor House venues in Warwickshire do not come better than this. Alveston Manor’s historic charm, attractive gardens and beautiful function room will lure you and your guests into the perfect day.
The epitome of opulence can be found in Northumberland’s Ellingham Hall, a grand building with high ceilings and original features dating back to the 1800s, including a stunning statement window – a fab photo opportunity! Surrounded by lush gardens, a serene river and boasting five-star service, you can feel like a VIP for the day.
Of all manor house wedding venues in the UK, Hockwold Hall is a definite favourite! Including plenty of 16th Century historic charm, this Grade II listed manor has a fab mix of old and new decor with many layers of luxury woven in. It has absolutely gorgeous grounds too, perfect for an outdoor summer ceremony.
Orsett Hall is a stunning 4-star hotel perched within 12 acres of landscaped Essex countryside. As well as being the only Essex wedding venue with a chapel on-site, the hotel has 5 wonderful function rooms so caters to weddings of all styles and sizes.
From dazzling mirrored ceilings in their more intimate Jaguar Bar, to the 500-seater Pavilion’s own koi pond- this wedding venue truly takes ‘flexibility’ to a new level. The icing on the cake has to be the hotel’s new Kukana Spa – perfect for relieving any last minute wedding tension.
This imposing stately home is steeped in grandeur, bringing 750 years of history to the table – as well as breath-taking views of the Cotswolds and River Severn.
The whole house and manicured gardens are exclusively yours to make your own during your special day (and night!). If the majestic house itself hasn’t won you over yet, the custom-built outbuilding specifically designed for dinners and dancing the night away certainly will.
Blending into the surrounding countryside, The Gillyflower is made from materials sourced on the estate, and is a truly unique space to have the most fun evening of your life – with no worries about noise control!
Elegant and Majestic. These are just a few words that serve to describe Crowcombe Court, a wedding venue with beautiful interiors and outstanding views that will leave guests in awe.
Bourton Hall is one of the most beautiful venues in all of the UK. You can enjoy a variety of elegant spaces and all the splendour of the Warwickshire countryside.
Deep in the Hereford countryside, Dewsall Court is one of the loveliest places to get married in, featuring a gorgeous manor house and beautifully kept grounds.
With sweeping staircases, beautifully decorated interiors and a magnificent garden, Wivenhoe House Hotel is one of the best choices for a wedding venue in Essex.
Set in the countryside, the contemporary Manor Hill House is a breath of fresh air in the rural West Midlands. With four different reception rooms to choose from, you can’t miss out on this exclusive and lovely Country House.
Surrounded by 25 acres of award-winning gardens and idyllic parkland, Ramster Hall is the perfect wedding venue to tie the knot. This exclusive country house located on the border of Surrey and West Sussex, offers a wonderful choice of characteristically elegant rooms for your reception.
Houchins is a lovely farmhouse operated by a couple who above all else, want you to have the wedding of your dreams. From 25 to more that 150 guests, you can choose whether you’ll tie the knot inside the charming venue, or outside in the magical gardens.
This multi-award winning Country House is one of the best wedding venues in the UK. At St Audries Park, you can enjoy your ceremony at the stunning Victorian Orangery, followed by the reception and party in the main house, with room for up to 250 guests.
Clevedon Hall is the place to be Lord and Lady of the Manor! Not only will the striking exterior take your breath away, but the sumptuous furnishings and stylish bedrooms will have you feeling in the lap of luxury. Expect wooden panelled interiors along with lavish chandeliers at this unforgettable manor house setting.
Walk a 120ft long aisle at Gosfield Hall’s Queen Charlotte’s Gallery before stepping into the Marquis of Buckingham’s Ballroom for the grand reception of a lifetime. This Essex-based Georgian Manor also has one of the largest and most awe-inspiring bridal suites we’ve ever come across – it’s a must see!
Located in the heart of the Norfolk countryside, Hockering House lets you do whatever you wish. Be totally in charge of your manor house wedding as you choose from a number of secluded outdoor settings in which to tie the knot, including the nearby magical woodland and the lush lawns. Be prepared to drool!
You can’t really get much grander than Compton Verney House with its Grade I listed magnificent exterior and long sweeping driveway. Have an intimate ceremony in one of the spectacular art gallery spaces or make the most of the location by saying your vows outside under the Georgian portico. Lush.
Nestled in 34 acres of serene countryside is Trunkwell House, an estate wedding venue that is hard to forget! This classy mansion house hotel have permanent luxury marquees within its grounds – so whether you’re up for an indoor or outdoor wedding (or a combination of the two!), this stylish venue has got your back.
The North Norfolk coast is home to Holkham, an opulent estate wedding venue that will truly blow you away. Aside from its deer park setting and nearby lake and woodland, Holkham has a glorious Marble Hall and a range of other stately rooms to make your day seem like it’s taken straight from a fairy tale.
For more stately homes just like this one, take a look at some of the most stunning stately homes!
Once the home of HRH Princess Mary, Goldsborough Hall gives you exclusive-use of the royal residence, so you can marry your Prince in the one of the finest venues in the area. Boasting panoramic views over the glorious parkland and with an adjoining church with plenty of historic charm, you are sure to be bowled over.
This English stately home has a mile-long driveway toward its very impressive and exclusive building. Harlaxton Manor is nestled in 30 acres of formal gardens and unspoilt scenery, but the interior architecture is what will really seal the deal for you when choosing your manor house wedding venue.
Formerly home to Queen Elizabeth I and Henry VIII, Ashridge House promises a royal affair even to this day. This 190-acre estate venue has a grand feature staircase which makes a memorable place to say your vows and have your photos. The setting also takes advantage of the Hertfordshire landscape, and boy do we love a countryside wedding.
Expect classy fireplaces, floor to ceiling windows and glorious wooden floors throughout Grove House, a historic location ideal for those who are craving weddings in large mansions!
Step out into the Rose Garden, where a quaint English country garden drinks reception is definitely on the menu.
What could be better than tying the knot underneath ornate ceilings, historic architecture and striking crystal chandeliers? You can have all of this at Kimberley Hall, before heading into the West Wing of the building for a more contemporary experience of a stately home. Don’t forget to get a photo with all your guests on the staircase!
Of all manor house venues, Parklands Quendon Hall is one of the most prestigious in the Essex area. It’s historic splendour and unrivalled countryside surroundings make this an ideal wedding location where you can share a beautiful day with your guests, and the resident deer, of course!
7000 acres of Hampshire countryside surrounds Somerley, a mansion wedding venue with the utmost elegance and charm. You just have to take a look at the interiors to be won over by the gold-lined rooms and gorgeous period features.
Fancy your own palace for the day?! This 800-year-old structure most definitely offers the wow-factor in the form of medieval architecture as guests step over the threshold via drawbridge! Bishop’s Palace is also surrounded by breathtaking gardens and a serene lake to explore before sitting down to a medieval feast.
Walk down the aisle in the grand Sculpture Gallery of Woburn Abbey, where windows reach up to the ceiling, striking pillars surround you and numerous works of art line the walls. Follow this with an intimate meal in one of the dining rooms and you’re onto a winner for a manor house wedding.
I think we can all agree that mansion wedding venues need to be impressive from the outside in, plus plenty of lovely grounds and an ambience of luxury to make your day feel special. The Mansion Leeds does just that, with a team to deliver five-star service and some of the best food you’ll find.
A place renowned for its royal residence is London’s Kensington Palace, where history, grandeur and romance are all scooped up into one incredible venue. Once home to Princess Diana, you’d be silly not to consider this glorious stately home as your dream wedding venue!
Have all the privacy and exclusivity you need at Prestwold Hall, a homely yet timelessly opulent venue with lush grounds and a romantic rose garden in which to tie the knot. Take some time out away from all the hustle and bustle at this relaxing Grade I listed setting.
Set in eight acres of magical 18th-century gardens, Hampton Court House truly is a hidden gem nestled between royal parkland and opposite the world-renowned Hampton Court Palace.
The house offers grand romance and glamour, in a private and exclusive setting. Whether you’re dreaming of a summer wedding in front of the heart-shaped lake, or a cosy winter celebration in front of one of their (many) fireplaces, this manor house has it all.
Still pining for more classy venues? For more inspo for weddings in large mansions, use Bridebook.co.uk’s Wedding Venue Search and choose your favourite venue types and styles for a bespoke set of results. Plus, you can type in your preferred area or county to narrow down your choices, too!
We all want a fairytale venue and a wedding day of our dreams, but sometimes our budget just doesn’t match up to that (plus it’s not the best idea to start your married life in debt!) Essex folk, don’t panic, because at Bridebook.co.uk we’ve found some wonderful and affordable wedding venues across the county that won’t break the bank.
So if you’re hoping for a cheap Essex wedding, these 17 places to tie the knot should mean you won’t be needing to take out a loan or sell your soul just to get married! And if none of these win you over, you can take a look at our Affordable Essex Wedding Venue Search for yourself.
You’ll find a luxurious marquee on the edge of the cricket grounds of Garon Park in Southend-on-Sea, a perfect blank canvas on which to create your unique day. The Boundary offers plentiful indoor and outdoor space overlooking lush lawns in this exclusive-use venue, where hire starts at just £2,000.
The next cheap wedding venue in Essex is at the end of the world’s longest pleasure pier, where you and your guests can catch the train to the venue. The Royal Pavilion boasts sea views of the Thames Estuary and a spacious building with high ceilings from around £1,250.
Admire the sunset over the River Blackwater whilst dining at Highfield, a luxury marquee setting in Bradwell-on-Sea. Venue hire costs just £1,300, so you’ll be able to focus more of your budget on the wedding suppliers that will really turn your big day into something memorable.
If you’re looking for wedding venues in Essex on a budget, The Saffron Hotel might be Saffron Walden’s answer! Have everything in one place in this beautiful market town location, where the classy bar, restaurant and accommodation are all just metres apart, and with packages starting at £50pp.
Hire of Harwich’s Tower Hotel will only set you back £150-200 for an intimate, cheap wedding venue in Essex set on the coast. Classic interiors and chandeliers can be found inside, while an outdoor patio area means that you and your guests can enjoy panoramic views over the county.
The Waterfront is a newly refurbished venue situated directly on the waterfront of the Dovercourt coastline. Spacious facilities, glass front exteriors and glorious sea views are aplenty and hall hire prices start from just £350, perfect for budget weddings in Essex.
The White Hart Hotel is a delightfully rustic country pub venue, found in the quaint town of Coggeshall. Venue hire starts from the small fee of £50 and could be the perfect place to hold your wedding reception without breaking the bank, whilst taking in the cosy atmosphere of the hotel and impressing your guests with ornate bedrooms.
This renovated cinema dates back as far as 1911 and is an absolutely fantastic venue choice for movie-loving couples! This unique, magnificent setting can be hired for as little as £385 and is certain to make your day one to remember near the Harwich coastline.
If you’re after a new, modern wedding venue with something a little bit different for your big day, then Colchester United Football Club would make a fine choice for any bride and groom who are in love with ‘the big game’. With prices start from £40 per head, this is one of the best wedding venues in Essex if you’re on a budget.
With its fishing lake and tranquil gardens, Holiday Inn Basildon is a quiet, suburban escape from the bustling centre of town. Fresh, modern interior decor are on this venue’s tick list and elegant wedding decoration is included upon booking. Their very affordable prices start from just £40 per head.
This 15th century coaching inn is a stylish, timeless looking setting for the perfect big day. Boasting all the charm and cosiness that you’d want from your dream wedding venue, The Saracens Head Hotel is situated in the glorious Essex countryside and certainly delivers for a budget venue.
The fact that Theydon Bois is indeed a golf club ensures that beautiful views and rolling hillside are presently surrounding this wonderful venue. The team here are dedicated to flexibility and creating the perfect wedding reception for you and your guests at an affordable price. Hurrah!
This intimate venue is well known as a local live music venue and function space in the heart of Brentwood. Ideal for small parties, the set up for sit-down dining caters to 30 guests (but more for a reception!) Some of our favourite cheap venues are intimate ones – take a look at our UK list of affordable wedding venues here!
This Basildon-based health centre can be transformed into your dream wedding reception venue! Club Kingswood’s function suite can be exclusively yours, as well as being home to a gym and spa where you can relax in the pool before or after your idyllic yet cheap Essex wedding.
Wonderfully situated near the towns of Leigh and Southend (and not too far from the sea, might we add!), The Sandbank Restaurant is a romantic and affordable wedding venue in Essex where you and up to 50 guests can dine without worrying too much about going overboard on your budget.
It’s also really simple to search specifically for your preferred wedding location – click to visit our Wedding Venue Search and type in whereabouts you’re thinking of tying the knot! Don’t forget to use our handy budget feature while you’re there to keep on top of all your costs.
Essex comes with a mixture of serene coastlines and thriving countryside – so why not make the most of the outdoors with an alfresco wedding? Whether you want to be at one with Mother Nature while you say your vows, or you’re hoping for a country garden tea party in the sunshine (fingers crossed!), Bridebook.co.uk have got your back.
Wonderful Gaynes Park in the Epping area has a gorgeous country feel, with a homely barn and a spacious walled garden for a quaint drinks reception. Perhaps you’d like to say ‘I Do’ in the open-sided Gather Barn or, if the weather takes a turn for the worst, the magnificent glass Orangery is the next closest thing to an outdoor wedding in Essex!
A 19th Century barn in 13 acres of secluded countryside could be the one for you! Not to mention the stunning Courtyard Gazebo setting… a firm favourite of all marquee wedding venues in Essex. If you’re into scenic views, you’ll want to take a look at our top picks of wedding venues in the UK with stunning views!
This family-run, exclusive-use wedding location is situated just a few miles from the Essex ‘capital’ Chelmsford. Downham Hall epitomises grandeur and sophistication while featuring historic interiors and, most importantly, spacious gardens that will be perfect for an alfresco ceremony and a luxurious marquee set up.
This converted Manor House dates back to Georgian times and boasts 6 acres of lush grounds and countryside views. And once you’ve explored the outdoors, you can enjoy Stifford Hall Hotel’s Garden Suite with its very own patio and private garden area.
West Essex brings the delight that is The Barns at Lodge Farm. Aside from a choice of 4 wonderfully renovated barn wedding settings, it is described as a ‘rural oasis just a stone’s throw away from the big city’, and we would 100% agree! Glorious outdoor spaces and meadows galore.
What if we told you there’s a gorgeous gazebo wedding venue in Essex with a Georgian country house as a backdrop? Hatfield Place is the perfect place for a luxury marquee draped with chiffon, nestled within 15 acres of riverside parkland in the centre of the county. It would be hard not to resist!
Picture yourself walking down the aisle in a pretty country garden – a very memorable ceremony, right? Moor Hall offers just that, plus it’s an Essex marquee wedding venue too – where you can dine semi-alfresco beside wonderful woodland walks and awe-inspiring trees. Just amazing.
History lovers unite! With three Grade I listed barns, a Tudor walled garden and the Temple dating back to the 1100’s, Cressing Temple Barns is sure to be a hit. There’s also a rustic outside area that is ideal for an intimate ceremony if you’re looking for something a little more low-key.
Near the Hertfordshire border stands Down Hall Hotel & Spa, an exquisite outdoor wedding venue in Essex where historic elegance and luxurious charm meet. Offering panoramic views over the gardens and beautiful countryside backdrops, this would be the most classy choice for a stylish lawn ceremony and marquee reception.
Make your outdoor ceremony be one to remember at Gosfield Hall, where the carriageway in front of the house makes the perfect ceremony aisle on a sunny occasion. This stunning Georgian manor house overlooks the glistening Gosfield Lake and the grounds are exclusively yours for the duration of your stay.
Ingatestone is home to the fantastic Greenwoods Hotel & Spa, boasting their exclusive Garden Suite which is set in the ground’s beautiful gardens and is able to 200 seated guests and 300 evening guests for a rustic-style ceremony. Landscaped gardens and open-fires make this alfresco wedding venue in Essex an idyllic setting.
160-acres of formal garden, woods and lakes make a wedding at Hedingham Castle a majestic and captivating one. Outdoor receptions in the venue’s permanent marquee and the sheer magnificence of this 900 year-old Norman Keep’s aesthetics make this an outdoor wedding opportunity not to be missed!
Houchins are extremely well prepped for an outdoor ceremony, ever-ready to display their dainty, elegant gardens and outdoor marquee. Their delightful set up ensures a perfect blend of indoor grandeur and outdoor chic on a suitable day with beautiful, naturalistic ceremony possibilities.
Seven licensed settings are available to choose from at Leez Priory, Chelmsford, including beneath the outdoor carriageway – set in 40 acres of lawns, lakes and more. The amazing grounds and Great Tudor Tower make for stunning backdrops to any ceremony or photo shoot.
Fancy being wed in a garden, underneath a heavenly, flowering wedding arbour? Maidens Barn might be the place for you! A rustic outdoor setup combined with simple, tasteful decor is a great way to make your guests (and selves!) feel comfortable and content for your big day. Even if you get married in the Oak Barn, plenty of french doors enable you to let the outside in.
75 acres of stunning parkland call Prested Hall home – peaceful waters and pristine lawns are a must for a bride and groom’s wedding photography. A romantic ceremony setting can be provided inside their spacious gazebo, at the end of a timbered bridge on the grounds.
This working farm has a historic and rustic feel to it and boasts great outdoor reception spaces, including a green that sits alongside waterside views. Smeetham Hall Barn is also pet-friendly, ideal for those of you that can’t imagine being without the family dog on such a special day!
Located in Romford, and with easy access to the city, Stapleford Abbotts Golf Club offers plentiful outdoor space, golf course views and greenery. Golf lover or not, this splendid setting will certainly bring the fresh air into your marriage.
Not only does That Amazing Place have an extremely unique name, this country house is also unique in that it offers exclusive hire of the venue and it’s stunning grounds. Ceremonies are held outside in a homely wooden gazebo, with views to a small lake.
A lovingly restored 16th Century timber barn is the main feature here at The Barn Colchester, however there is plenty to explore outside including tying the knot next to rustic thatched outbuildings. If you can’t stop dreaming about a barn wedding, take a look at some of our favourite barn wedding venues in Essex here!
Set on the edge of a cricket ground, The Boundary is surrounded by absolutely stunning English landscapes. Their beautiful marquee offers a blank canvas for couples to create the wedding day that they’ve always dreamed of.Could this be the ideal place for you to tie the knot? Check them out!
If you’re looking for a true English country garden wedding, call off the search! The Lawn’s brand new cedarwood wedding gazebo sits in front of their spectacular rose garden, providing an amazing backdrop for your ceremony on a warm summer’s day.
The Thurrock Hotel stands in the Thames-side town of Purfleet, where you’re less than an hour’s drive away from Central London. Contemporary decor combined with intimate private gardens make this an ideal outdoor wedding reception venue to remember.
This venue fuses ancient with modern, showing off its new garden wing that sits alongside the meticulously renovated historic house that is The Thurrock Hotel, Colchester. Located on the Sunken Lawn, you can find their Garden Gazebo – perfect for summer ceremonies, overlooking the historic parkland and magnificent cork oak trees.
This working organic farm is situated in the village of White Roding, on the Herts/Essex border. Colville Hall’s 14-acre ancient wood (nicknamed the ‘Bluebell Wood’) is a romantic setting in the spring and summer months. Check out the red brick archway and thatched duck pond gazebo for some fabulous photo opportunities.
This traditional Tudor house in Bishop’s Stortford has been transformed into The Legacy Great Hallingbury Manor Hotel, where lush lawns and quaint country gardens can be the setting for your big day. And if you’re loving this place to tie the knot, you should most definitely have a sneak peek at these other wedding venues with outdoor spaces!
A classy drinks reception is to be had on The Rayleigh Club’s spacious decking area, overlooking the seemingly endless golf range. Situated in the south of Essex, parkland views are aplenty in the pleasant countryside surroundings of Rayleigh.
Ashwell Sports & Country Club provides an idyllic setting for your open-air wedding day, exhibiting remarkable views, immaculate landscape gardening and even a barbeque package upon booking. Have an alfresco feast with your nearest and dearest!
If you’re looking for an authentic farm experience, with a touch of style included, The Reid Rooms have an outdoor wedding gazebo that you will be transported to by tractors and trailers! You can even have a post-ceremonial boat ride on the river to round off your memorable day.
The courtyard suite at Little Channels, Chelmsford, opens up directly onto a private outdoor courtyard that is a perfect location for your ceremony or drinks reception. Keep your wedding low key and intimate whilst enjoying outdoor games with your guests!
For those who like their privacy, Forrester Park is able to offer a bespoke ‘secret garden’ area, where you can tie the knot whilst surrounded by beautiful, green golf course views. A remarkable terrace and garden area is also available for your celebratory drinks reception, great for mingling with your guests.
Le Talbooth is truly a magical setting for any wedding day, but most importantly for an outdoor enthusiast! What makes it a standout outdoor wedding venue in Essex is it’s unrivalled position beside the river Stour, offering fantastic views over the open water.
That’s it – our top 32 alfresco wedding venues in Essex! But don’t worry if you haven’t found the setting that you’ve been daydreaming about…
Simply head over to Bridebook.co.uk’s Wedding Venue Search, type in Essex or your preferred location and click ‘outdoor’ in the filters for some more fresh air wedding goodness! It also doesn’t take long to make a guestlist, input your figures to the budget page and tick off your checklist along the way – this allows you to have all your wedding plans in one place!
Was this article helpful? Check out these top picks for you!
Lush Italian-style gardens among unspoiled countryside are the setting for De Rougemont Manor Hotel & Suites, where up to 250 guests of yours can celebrate in fine surroundings! Take note of the wonderfully ornate Goldings Suite with delicate gold touches – just perfect for Asian weddings in Essex.
Chelmsford is home to Boreham House, a Grade I listed stately home overlooking its own stunning formal lake next to the grand driveway. Offering two beautiful reception suites and able to cater for up to 400 guests, this is the place to feel special in the company of a large wedding party.
Whether you want to say ‘I Do’ in the Walled Garden or the Roman-inspired Orangery, you know you’ll celebrate in style at Braxted Park. Opulent chandeliers and luxurious touches follow you through this splendid manor house, making it a fine Asian style Essex wedding venue in the Witham area.
This next one definitely screams ‘big bash’! Able to accommodate nearly 1,000 guests for your wedding reception (yes, you read that correctly!), Civic Hall boasts fab amenities, modern tech and easy access from London, too. No need to cut people from the guestlist with this incredible reception venue!
The charming country house of Fennes features timeless decor combined with a homely ambience in beautiful Braintree. Choose from an intimate reception in the house or an extravagant party in the Pavilion – either way, we think Fennes is one of our favourite Asian wedding venues in Essex.
A grade II listed mansion and breathtaking Grand Pavilion belong to Hylands Estate, where up to 300 of your guests can take in endless countryside in the centre of the county. And of course, what is an Asian wedding without plenty of lavishness? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of chic chandeliers and contemporary flair to go round.
Another of our Asian wedding specialists is Orsett Hall Hotel, where the versatile spaces can be completely transformed into your dream setting. This private country house boasts 5 bridal suites, 56 luxury bedrooms, a brand new spa and of course a wonderful restaurant. What more could you want?!
North-West Essex is home to Parklands Quendon Hall, a sophisticated Georgian mansion sitting on the Essex/Hertfordshire border. From a ceremony within the exquisite 17th Century house to a party for up to 650 in the luxury marquee, the expert team here can cater for any number of guests.
Nestled in 250 acres of glorious Essex countryside, this English Country Manor House features gorgeous neutral palettes and stylish decor to compliment any theme. It is a combination of this and it’s large capacity that makes it an ideal Asian style Essex wedding venue.
Fancy a bit of exposed brick and wooden beams integrated into your Asian wedding? The 18th Century Coach House at Marks Hall Estate offers just that, and along with its private garden and nearby main Mansion House, we’re convinced this is the one of the most perfect Asian wedding venues in Essex!
If you’re looking for a classy setting close to London but with a secluded feel, The Kings Oak Hotel is the one for you! Contemporary decor in the heart of Epping Forest is the best way to describe this truly stunning venue. Want to see more places to tie the knot in and around London? Take a look at some of our favourite Asian wedding venues in London!
Be the envy of all your guests at Three Rivers Golf & Country Club in the centre of the county and surrounded by idyllic countryside. A range of contemporary suites with floor to ceiling windows and bespoke services are available here at this dream Asian wedding venue in Essex.
A wonderfully spacious wedding reception venue is Castle Green in Dagenham, an Essex/East London gem for Asian style weddings. High ceilings and timber walls make this wedding location a massive yes for extravagant celebrations with a long guestlist (up to 500!)
Against an unrivalled backdrop of Colchester stands Stoke by Nayland Hotel, where the Devra Suite is the most glamorous and tasteful place to hold Asian weddings in North Essex. Don’t forget to take a trip to the spa, pool and enjoy the views from the suite’s exclusive balcony. Divine!
The boutique-style Ivy Hill Hotel features seamless modern decor and luxurious furnishings alongside its charming country house character. It’s contemporary design reminds us of some of our favourite flawless Asian wedding venues in the UK.
The Georgian mansion house of Barnston Lodge is a real oriental treasure, treating guests to magical gardens, a serene lake, romantic jetty and wood-carved furniture. And of course, there’s plenty of lush grounds to set up a luxury marquee for an unforgettable wedding reception, where you and 300 of your guests can party into the night.
We don’t know about you, but we are loving all of these Asian wedding venues in Essex! In fact, we think it would be pretty hard to choose your ideal place to tie the knot – so don’t panic if you haven’t made up your mind just yet.
Head over to Bridebook.co.uk’s Wedding Venue Search where you can type in ‘Essex’ as your preferred location and click ‘Asian’ in the venue style filters – we’re sure you’ll find the perfect venue there. (Don’t forget to utilise our budget, checklist and guestlist tools while you’re there, too!)
Among the plain and the simple, there is always room for some gloriously unique wedding venues – and Essex is a fab place to start! From terrific towers and vibrant vineyards to seaside celebrations, this county truly does have some outstanding unusual wedding locations to wow your guests.
Crisp contemporary decor with neutral grey tones works perfectly against the green golf course of Blakes, a unique clubhouse setting with panoramic landscape views. Nestled in the countryside of Epping and easily accessible from London, this alternative Essex wedding venue will steal any Pinterest-lover’s heart.
Steeped in history and dating back to 1086, Apton Hall comprises of gorgeous red brick courtyard buildings and rustic wooden features, with splendid views around for all to enjoy. Aside from the beautiful Grade II listed bridal suite, it offers a range of newly-renovated barns for an alternative charming twist.
Brandy Hole claims to be ‘not your average wedding venue’ – and we think that describes it perfectly! Hidden away in Hullbridge, this incredibly flexible location not only offers views over the estuary but is the ideal place to host your DIY wedding. Choose from an all-inclusive package or total dry hire (or a bit of both!) to create a wedding day of dreams.
If you’re after something a little different for your outside celebrations, we could recommend Browning Bros! With an alternative orchard and a serene water meadows setting up for grabs near Colchester, just add some boho tipi tents and you’ll have a standout wedding day sorted.
The family run Bury Lodge showcases a 16th Century barn with exposed wooden beams and rustic iron chandeliers – basically the venue of dreams! The icing on this scrumptious cake is the romantic two storey bridal suite and range of boutique rooms within the historic hotel building. Lush.
Are you and your partner tennis lovers? If so, what else could seal the deal than getting wed at Frinton Lawn Tennis Club?! Sitting near the North East coast of the county, this unusual thatched wedding venue in Essex doesn’t just come with the courts – there’s a wonderful vaulted ballroom in which to celebrate, too!
Moving down to the South East coast of Southend-on-Sea, another alternative location to get married is Garon Park Golf Club. You can have use of the clubhouse and adjoining luxury marquee, boasting incredible green views. If you’re feeling like you could do with exploring some more alternate locations, take a look at some of our wedding venues with a difference.
High House is a countryside oasis nestled in the centre of the county with six acres of lovely gardens and seemingly infinite meadows! Inside, a rich Grade II listed barn awaits featuring exposed red brick and a charming ambience. Finished off by a cosy Brides Cottage, this eloquently designed venue stands out as one of our favourite quirky wedding venues in Essex.
A majestic Tudor gatehouse, panoramic river views and perfectly preened grounds – if that doesn’t sum up unique, we don’t know what does! Layer Marney Tower combines wonderful architecture and delicate terracotta decoration to form a grand and memorable venue in the countryside of Essex.
Quirky Essex wedding venue Marygreen Manor Hotel is a 16th Century house that has it all! It intertwines historic features with contemporary opulence across its range of period function rooms and relaxing courtyard garden.You won’t find another venue like this!
Are you a pair of wine lovers, or did you do wine tasting on your first date? An incredibly unique Essex wedding venue is Mersea Island Vineyard, an outdoor paradise with a luxury marquee set up on the vineyard lawn, the perfect place for you to taste some fine British wines!
The Lakeside Suite at the Oysterfleet Hotel overlooks Canvey Island’s glorious lake, while being an ideal place to host a wedding with a difference! Create a totally bespoke package here, where the decor compliments pretty much every wedding theme you could think of.
Award-winning venue The Roslin Beach Hotel is one of Southend’s finest! It’s coastal setting (just yards from the beach!) makes it a unique Essex wedding venue to remember… you’ll find some seaside themes continuing inside the gorgeous function rooms, from where you can enjoy the sea view. If you can’t get enough of seaside weddings, you can find some of the best beach wedding venues here!
What makes this next location an unusual Essex wedding venue is its blank canvas feel. High House Barn boasts high ceilings, exposed beams and rustic brickwork with a mixture of historic and modern touches – and you can do with it what you wish to create your dream setting.
Nestled in the North Essex countryside, you will find the incredible venue The Compasses at Pattiswick. Combining historic features with contemporary decoration and neutral palettes, this cosy setting has a homely feel that will help you and your guests fit right in on the big day.
Golf players, listen up! The clue’s in the name, and we’re pretty sure you’re going to love it. Breathtaking parkland surrounds Golf World in the Bishop’s Stortford area, and you can enjoy these glorious views from inside the clubhouse or from the Oak Framed Pavilion, where outdoor ceremonies take place. It’s up to you!
Craving a little bit more of these alternative wedding venues in Essex? Fear not! Simply head over to the Bridebook.co.uk Venue Search, type in your preferred location and click ‘unique’ in the filters. We’re sure you’ll find the dream venue for you!
While you’re there, why not use the other Bridebook.co.uk features to help make your wedding planning a little easier? Forget the pen and paper – keep notes of your budget, guestlist and checklist all in one place.
Weddings don’t always have to be at a huge venue with hundreds of guests and ice sculptures in every room! Forget the helicopter entrances – we’re about to prove that smaller weddings can be just as beautiful. And what better county to prove it with than Essex?! Think less TOWIE and more low-key, classy and simply stunning.
Head over to Bridebook.co.uk after you’ve seen our top 20 intimate wedding venues in Essex and start your own Wedding Venue Search to find your dream location (if it isn’t already in our list!)
Aside from the beautiful Tudor barn at Crondon Park Golf Club, this wedding location also offers a 17th Century Baronial Hall – ideal as an intimate wedding ceremony venue. Move into the beamed barn for a unique reception setting with your nearest and dearest in the Essex countryside.
In the beautiful town of Maldon, a mixture of rural countryside and gorgeous water views, Forrester Park is a small wedding venue in Essex that is what dreams are made of! The timeless country house and 16th Century barn create a flexible venue with a cosy garden area, perfect for a ceremony for up to 50 guests. Sweet!
Nestled in 75 wonderful acres of parkland, Prested Hall is another country house setting – but this time with gorgeous lake views! The gardens are particularly special, as the bridge overlooking the water is the ideal place to get married with your closest loved ones looking on.
Award-winning food, a stunning thatched barn with timber frame and a warm ambience can be found at The Barn Colchester. What makes it a competitive intimate wedding venue in Essex is the mezzanine level, where you can host a cosy ceremony looking out over the entire barn.
Of all the North Essex wedding venues, The Compasses at Pattiswick specialises in bespoke experiences for a bride and groom. Your special day will be like no other at this exclusive-use, beautifully converted country pub with an unrivalled countryside surrounding it.
The ‘capital of Essex’ known as Chelmsford is home to Maiden’s Barn, where the brand new Oak Barn combines luxury and rich wooden beams to create a homely feel. Use the mezzanine to get up close and personal with your guests for a paramount intimate Essex wedding.
Just on the outskirts of the county, Smeetham Hall Barn and its working farm stand in all its glory! The rustic decor and flexible space means that it is easy to transform into a cosy chandelier-lit dinner space for you and under 100 of your guests. If this type of setting is definitely for you, take a look at some of our favourite barn wedding venues here!
The Tudor manor house at Newland Hall’s glorious country estate is a classic jewel of the small Essex weddings world! Dating back to the 15th Century, this house keeps some historic features while generating a timeless look, and there are some gorgeous ceremony rooms you won’t want to miss out on.
A Grade II listed, 200-year-old windmill could be the place you tie the knot! We’re going super intimate here, as you’ll only be able to take 20 guests to the top of this unique venue to witness your vows. It also offers some stunning views over photograph opportunities in the picturesque town of Rayleigh and is sure to be an unforgettable wedding ceremony venue.
Award-winning Fennes makes a great reception venue if you’re after a traditional manor house with a homely feel and a series of lovely rooms made for mingling! Say your vows in the intimate Parlour, host your drinks reception in the Library and sit down to fine dining in the starlit Pavilion.
Boutique setting Ivy Hill Hotel boasts contemporary design in the form of function suites, that add a touch of luxuriousness to your big day. You and your guests can dine in total privacy after a relaxed ceremony out on the lawn – the perfect backdrop to say your ‘I do’s!
The distinct ivy-covered Friern Manor is a favourite for intimate weddings in Essex. The country house boasts gorgeous lawns (possible ceremony location perhaps?!) along with classic interiors and 5-star service – and don’t forget to get your photo taken at the entrance!
Moving to the Great Baddow area of Essex, Pontlands Park offers Victorian architecture combined with modern design and oozing grandeur from every room! The Disraeli dining room suits parties of up to 32, while the Conservatory can cater for up to 90 guests – and both are stunning.
Found on the Essex/Herts border, Pledgdon Barn is a Tudor delight with gorgeous beams and iron chandeliers. And the amazing thing is, you can do anything with the space inside, so close it off and use spotlighting to make a cosy, intimate feel within a larger venue.
The country hotel of De Rougemont Manor is idyllic as a small wedding venue in Essex. Find exquisite features, ornate decor and a sense of grandeur in each room – and let’s not forget the Italian-style gardens! We absolutely love this golden piano room as a ceremony setting for a sophisticated intimate wedding.
The Tower Hotel is located in Harwich, East Essex – the Italian style building dates back to the 17th Century and cleverly combines elegance and history to form a heavenly wedding reception venue. Invite 30 guests to witness your marriage, and dine with up to 60 of your closest friends and family members.
Of all small wedding venues in Essex, this next one needs no explanation! But here is some anyway… Maison Talbooth country house hotel boasts picturesque views across Dedham Vale and the surrounding countryside – and what better place for your intimate wedding to commence than beside the pool in the stylish Pool House?!
An 18th Century barn, a classic venue with adjoining marquee, and acres of golf courses to feast your eyes upon – yes, this all means you’ve arrived at The Warren Golf Club Venue! Connect your tables closer for an intimate dinner here so that you can talk to all of your guests.
The town of Brentwood is home to Mount Avenue Banqueting Suite, a great Essex wedding reception venue that will cater for your big day – no matter how big or small your guest list is! If you’re after more intimate wedding inspo, take a look at some of our other top picks for your intimate wedding.
We absolutely love these Essex gems, but if you haven’t found ‘the one’ yet, don’t panic. Bridebook.co.uk’s Wedding Venue Search is a quick and simple way of finding the right venues for you, so click the filters, choose your number of guests and type in Essex as your preferred location. We’re sure that your dream venue is just around the corner…
Don’t forget to use the budget, guestlist and checklist features while you’re there to get the most out of your wedding planning time.
Some of us want big, white weddings with a huge party, and some of us just want a small ceremony and breakfast with our closest family and friends. So as intimate weddings are getting more and more popular nowadays, we’ve found some of our favourite small wedding venues in London that cater for a lower number of guests – but ones that don’t skimp on style whatsoever!
If you think an intimate wedding is for you, use Bridebook.com’s Wedding Venue Search and select your approximate guest capacity for a wonderful range of smaller venues. Prepare yourselves for some truly awesome settings…
What better place to gather your wedding guests than in front of Fulham Palace – a red brick Tudor building with a charming courtyard and beautiful fountain. The private chapel is perfect as an intimate wedding ceremony venue, making a cosy ambience surrounded by your favourite people.
Despite being able to host events for up to 200 people, South Place Hotel is also well-equipped for small London weddings, too! Choose from one of the private dining rooms, where contemporary style and luxury ooze from every crevice, and spend your wedding breakfast really getting to chat to your guests.
Exclusive-use RSA House is a standout city venue full of Georgian architecture and modern facilities. The art-lined Great Room isn’t just for huge wedding parties – strategic decor and clever lighting can instantly make this space into something more intimate – and you still get a little bit of wow factor!
Cosy city pub from the outside and historic house from the inside, Trafalgar Tavern is one of the ultimate small wedding venues in London. Exuding character and charm throughout, this Tardis of a venue will make your day truly one-of-a-kind beside the river.
Host a sophisticated candlelit dinner in the Former Courtroom at Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel for as little as 10 of your most important VIPs. Just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle while gracing your day with serenity, this could be one of your favourite intimate wedding venues in London.
Elizabethan architecture and stunning grounds can be found at Great Fosters in the Surrey countryside. The grand stately home and rustic barn is also home to a gorgeous Orangery, surrounded by red brick and full of warmth, making it an idyllic setting for a small wedding.
The Richmond Hill Hotel brings the Queen’s Room, where you and up to 40 of your guests can dine in style in Georgian splendour, or the Stafford Room, a cosy reception space with a private balcony for up to 24 to enjoy. If you need a little more inspiration, check out some of our favourite hotel wedding venues here.
Back into the centre of London we go, and to the posh neighbourhood of Mayfair! Dukes Hotel offers a quintessential English atmosphere with many magnificent rooms to host your ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception – with fireplaces galore to make you feel at home.
Coltsford Mill’s contemporary barn wedding location is another stunning place to get married within the Surrey countryside. In fact, you’ll forget you’re even near the capital when you arrive at this rural oasis and say your vows in front of your nearest and dearest.
Thinking of a little country retreat just outside of London? Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel boasts a flexible barn room that can be used to host an intimate dinner for 20 or a spectacular feast for 200 – and it’s a characterful stunner of a venue!
Capturing panoramic city skyline views from the embankment, The Yacht would be an unforgettable choice for an intimate wedding in London. Start with a cosy ceremony beside the water, followed by a relaxed dinner for parties of 100 or less for a truly special experience.
Another stunning wedding reception venue for smaller crowds is Best Western Ship Hotel, on the outskirts of the city. Combining traditional features and contemporary decor, you can have an intimate dinner under the chandeliers of this flexible place to tie the knot.
Situated in the vibrant Covent Garden area, One Aldwych Hotel brings chic and plentiful luxury to small London weddings. From the striking exterior down to the finest details, this unique city venue will be something really special when it reopens this spring. We can’t wait!
After something a little quirky and different? Arrive by boat to the London Canal Museum, where you and your guests can experience a very different wedding day! Take advantage of dry hire and use this blank canvas as you wish to create your perfect intimate setting.
Located in Richmond and boasting wonderful views over the capital, expect timeless interiors and cosy rooms that suit small weddings down to a T. Sit down for your wedding breakfast with up to 30 of your loved ones at The Petersham Hotel, one of the best intimate wedding venues in the London area.
St. Bart’s Brewery is a flexible venue in the heart of London that offers rustic charm with a cool 21st-century sheen. For a winning small London wedding, utilise the mezzanine level of this relaxed brewery for a private, intimate and laid back reception that all can enjoy.
Just outside of London is an idyllic wedding location that would be a shame not to mention! Tewin Bury Farm Hotel is a cosy country hotel and red brick barn where you can choose from 4 reception spaces depending on your numbers.
Moving East just into the Essex countryside, Friern Manor boasts romantic gardens and gorgeous views that your guests (however few!) won’t stop talking about. To make this the perfect small wedding ceremony venue, walk down the aisle outside beside the fountain and say your vows surrounded by glorious grounds.
Bring up to 50 of your guests for a stunning wedding breakfast in the Warren Room of this next elegant venue. With doors leading out into a private garden, this intimate space at Kingswood Golf & Country Club is a modest and cosy setting for your big day.
Charming contemporary interiors and picturesque views across the golf course can be found at Woldingham Golf Club. A range of suites to suit your small celebration means that you and your guests can have a day to beat all intimate weddings in London. To find more venues for a smaller crowd, take a look at some of our other intimate wedding venue picks.
If none of these intimate venues live up to your expectations, don’t worry! Use the Wedding Venue Search on Bridebook.co.uk and simply select your number of guests in the filters, typing in London as your preferred location. You can also use the guestlist feature, plus the handy budget and checklist tools while you’re there.
Get even more inspired! Check out similar articles:
Marquee wedding venues are all the rage at the moment – and we know why! There’s something about the luxury and the neutral tones that make a wedding classy – so we’ve picked out our top 20 favourite wedding locations with (or with plenty of space for) a gorgeous awning area.
However, if after reading this you are still indecisive, simply head over to Bridebook.co.uk’s Wedding Venue Search and click on ‘Marquee Permitted’ on the venue features filter. Easy peasy! Now, get ready for some amazing marquees…
At the Old Vicarage, you’ll find a romantic bandstand where you can have a summer ceremony surrounded by the lush gardens. As well as being the perfect place to host an intimate wedding inside the boutique building, the grounds have ample space for a marquee for the ideal outdoor reception.
This Somerset lakeside dream boasts a luxury barn venue within 200 acres of land, and what better way to utilise it than to have a gorgeous marquee on site for your big day?! With hillside and water views at this stunning wedding location, it would be hard to disappoint your guests at Quantock Lakes!
Dating back to 1700, Wentbridge House Hotel makes an idyllic backdrop with perfectly preened gardens and grounds. How about having your ceremony outside beside the statement architecture, followed by a canopy wedding reception within the 20 acres of land? This is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful outdoor wedding venues in the UK.
Next, a countryside oasis in the name of Gants Mill & Garden! Expect a charming historic mill set in a secluded valley and a beautiful awning wedding venue within a true English country garden. Just perfect! If this is right up your street, you’ll want to take a look at more of our favourite countryside wedding venues.
17th Century Innes House offers a wonderful summer house marquee that brings the garden into your wedding! Be at one with nature at this special Scottish venue, where the space is transformed with fountains and plants galore – all while you’re undercover. Splendid!
Capture bohemian vibes with a cool tipi set up in the grounds of Godwick Great Hall & Barn, holding 450 years of history and boasting wonderful views. This slightly more quirky choice gives you outdoor flexibility and brilliant wedding photo opportunities against the glorious red brick building.
A working farm in Kent is the perfect agricultural wedding setting, right? The Night Yard goes one step further and allows you to extend into a marquee on the grounds, meaning you can invite everyone on your guest list. What’s more, you’ve got panoramic views of rural bliss right on your doorstep!
Oozing contemporary design and impressive outdoor space, Russets Country House makes the ideal backdrop for a marquee wedding venue. Look out from your reception over green gardens and tree-lined landscapes for a truly unforgettable and magical day on the Surrey/Sussex border.
Cumbrian log cabins in a secluded setting next to the Hidden River is an idyllic place to tie the knot – and why not add an awning? The first field along from the cabins is the perfect place to construct a marquee – feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but close enough to the luxury accommodation!
There’s plenty of choice at Thornton Manor, where you can decide on the Waterside Pavilion, the Lakeside Marquee or the Walled Garden Marquee as your ideal wedding location! In addition to the stunning manor house, these structures offer some really beautiful views of the grounds. Browse some more manor house wedding venues!
Ever fancied a medieval wedding? Hales Hall & The Great Barn boasts just that, but with a luxury boutique twist. Aside from the to-die-for rustic barn, how about taking advantage of the grounds and using a marquee as your wedding ceremony venue, looking out onto the Norfolk meadows?
32 acres of private land is home to Kilminorth Cottages, where a marquee wedding goes down perfectly. Explore the magical woodland, beautiful orchard and meadows, before sitting down to dine in your very own clear-top marquee – so you can take in even more of the Cornish countryside.
Want to be nearer the capital? Fulham Palace is one of the top places to get married in London – with it’s gorgeous riverside location and historic country house, you’ll forget you’re even in the city at all! Add a stunning marquee in the courtyard or gardens, and you’ve got yourself the full package.
With arguably the best coastal views of all reception venues, Polhawn Fort is an idyllic place for an outdoor marquee set up. Experience seaside panorama and garden games at the site dating back to 1867, where the grounds have ample space for the ultimate canopy wedding reception party!
Secluded in a private valley and with 3 gorgeous lakes within its heritage garden, Busbridge Lakes is one of the most ideal country garden wedding settings for an outdoor celebration. Throw a set of tipi tents or a magnificent awning into the mix and you’ll have an amazing canopy wedding venue on your hands.
Inside Applewood Hall, you are greeted with a fabulous combination of character and contemporary touches – but it’s outside where the marquee fun starts! Luxury glamping pods and camping pitches set up you and your guests for an adventurous night in the grounds of a wonderful marquee wedding venue.
The exclusive-use Manor Hill House brings modern design to the rural countryside, where the gorgeous buildings and perfectly preened gardens are a magical backdrop for your big day. Extend your celebrations into the adjoining marquee and you can continue to enjoy the scenery undercover!
20 acres of rolling countryside, all for you and your guests! If your ideal wedding is set in the countryside, Lodge Farm House could be the perfect place for you and the love of your life to tie the knot. Still looking? Take look here to find more country wedding venues.
A medieval abbey, 10 acres of splendid grounds and views over the Chilterns can be expected at Missenden Abbey. Sit down to dine in a divine marquee on the lawns to take your Bucks wedding breakfast a little al fresco in the warmer months.
Our last fave place to get married is the wonderful Eaves Hall, located in amidst the Ribble Valley. Making the most of the delightful countryside and with charming interiors, this heavenly Georgian mansion could be an incredible place to have a marquee celebration with your loved ones.
For outdoor wedding lovers and festival couples, Redhill is one of the most fun venues on this list! Set smack in the middle of Surrey countryside, this premier wedding venue offers panoramic views of the country and a laidback vibe that you and your guests will absolutely love!
Wow’ your guests with breathtaking beauty is this magical outdoors wedding venue. Surrounded by tree-lined pathways and chamomile, this picturesque venues can offer you the festival wedding of your dreams! The wedding team at Tadley will make sure your every need is met, and that your day is put together just as you imagined it.
With eight acres of beautiful farmland, Romsey Venues is perfect for a festival or outdoor wedding. The tent-like marquees and haystacks give it a fun vibe that you and your guests will love… and speaking of guests, this baby can host up to 500 people! If you’re having a big wedding, this could be the place.
We don’t know about you guys, but we sure are loving marquees right now! If you’re the same, try out Bridebook.co.uk’s Wedding Venue Search for a personalised way of finding your ideal venue. And if you can’t get enough of marquees, click on the filters and select ‘marquee permitted’ and any other must-have venue features!
And why not have a look at thousands of wedding venues across the UK:
