FIND THE BEST UK WEDDING VENUES

STATELY HOMES / LUXURY BARNS / ART GALLERIES / INDUSTRIAL VENUES / ICONIC HOTELS

There are so many wonderfully wedding venues to choose from, that it is all a bit overwhelming right?

When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding venue, there are so many possibilities. Whether your vibe is a rustic barn complete with stone flagged floor and rolling hills, a modernist art gallery in the centre of a city, a library packed to the rafters with history and amazing portraits, or a luxurious barn or stately home, whatever you decide, there is a venue for you.

So to help you find your perfect wedding venue, we’ve put together some of our favourite wedding venues from around the country so you don’t have to do the leg work.

Without further ado, and in no particular order, here our some amazing wedding venues for you to choose from:

WHARFEDALE GRANGE

When it comes to luxury, Wharfedale Grange has it all. An original farm building once home to tractors and combines, now oozes style and sophistication. A stone’s throw from Leeds city centre and round the corner from upmarket Harrogate, Wharfedale is on the doorstep to Harewood House. They can accommodate parties of 50-250 and has it’s own onsite ceremony room with full height fairylight wall, luxurious cocktail bar, it’s very own bridal prep suite and lovely comfy sofas for the older guests next to a roaring log burner. Outside is a gorgeous patio area for drinks receptions in the summer months and ample parking for all your guests.

Did we mention the prosecco tap in the ladies? No to mention a charging station so your guests phones will never run out of charge (selfie alert), and even the toilets are pretty amazing. Whatever your heart desires, Wharfedale can make it happen.

Opening in 2020 is an amazing farmhouse next door which will be available to hire for the bridal party.It really is one of our favourite wedding venues and the staff are amazing.

THE GLADSTONE LIBRARY AT 1 WHITEHALL PLACE & ROYAL HORSEGUARDS HOTEL

Old style glamour in the centre of London. When it comes to city centre hotels, The Gladstone Library is one of our favourite wedding venues. Formerly home to 250,000 books, the Grade 1 Listed Gladstone library now hosts weddings for up to 250 people.  The timber panelled library interlinks with the beautiful Reading and Writing Room, which has views over the Thames and the London Eye, and guests can have exclusive use for their event.

Built in 1884, the Library is quintessentially British and features a whole host of decor including intricate ceiling adornments, original columns and glamorous chandeliers and is perfect for both ceremonies and dinner. The Reading and Writing room has decorative wall panels and Victorian tiles, whilst Churchill’s bar next door (so named because the former Prime Minister spent quite a bit of time in the club) is perfect for evening drinks and cocktails, It’s perfectly positioned in the centre of London with the tube over the road, yet quiet enough to not even know you’re smack bang in the centre of a major city.

THE HEPWORTH GALLERY

Designed by renowned architect David Chipperfield, the Hepworth Gallery is the ultimate in cool wedding venues. Not only can you get married right next to Barbara Hepworth’s famous sculptures, but you can enjoy a glass of celebratory fizz surrounded by lots of wonderful artwork from an ever changing selection of artists. Set on the banks of the River Calder, the Hepworth is the epitome of cool. with nods to the location’s industrial heritage, floor to ceiling windows to admire views of the city, boatyard and Chantry Chapel.

All ten of their galleries are licensed for civil ceremonies, whilst downstairs provides enough space for dinner and dancing til the early hours for up to 90 guests.

Their new Tom Stuart Smith garden has recently opened allowing space for outdoor wedding portraits.

BIRDSALL HOUSE

Whether you want a wedding with 20 of your closest friends or a big scale banquet for 250, there are lots of options at Birdsall House.

The ballroom and dining room are both licenced for civil ceremonies, or you can choose to walk to St Mary’s Church on the Birdsall Estate for a religious ceremony. There is also the option of outdoor ceremonies next to the lake with a humanist celebrant. For larger weddings, there are lots of spots in the beautiful landscaped gardens for marquees or sperry tents, in fact, you can pretty much do anything your heart desires at Birdsall.

Lady Cara who still lives in the house, will be on hand throughout the day, along with her dedicated staff to make sure your wedding is perfect. The house itself is packed full of antiques, and the walls adorned with paintings whilst the bridal suite is large and spacious with enough room for the whole wedding party.

Set in the rolling hills of Malton, the estate is a 40 minute journey into York and a stone’s throw from Castle Howard. If you want to turn your wedding into a weekend long affair, the estate also offers Clay Pigeon Shooting and mountain bike rides.

It is one of the loveliest yet down to earth wedding venues in Yorkshire.

KIRKSTALL ABBEY

Not for the faint hearted, Kirkstall Abbey is an 800-year-old  cistercian monastery that boasts no windows and no roof! It is beautiful though and in the summer, makes for a spectacular wedding venue. Even if you’re not religious, who could fail to be wowed by the enormous main chapel and the incredible architecture. Just make sure you bring a brolly!

Situated on the banks of the River Aire, the Grade I Listed building  is not currently licensed for ceremonies, but lots of my couples opt to do the paperwork elsewhere and have a humanist celebrant ceremony instead. The ruins are surrounded by lovely parkland if you’d prefer to get hitched next to the river.

Drinks receptions can take place amongst the ruins, whilst there is no end of amazing photograph opportunities, or alternatively in the Colonel North Room. If you want something that is the ultimate statement, but you’re prepared for all kinds of weather, Kirkstall is one of the most amazing wedding venues. It’s neighbouring venue, the Gatehouse, can cater for up to 60 dinner guests or 175 for a drinks reception.

 

COLSHAW HALL

Luxurious Grade II listed Colshaw Hall is situated on a 300 acres private estate in Cheshire. It offers exclusive use for weddings, with ceremonies taking place in the Stables – complete with oak beams and marble floors. For outdoor ceremonies, there is a choice of either the Magnolia Garden or the Walled garden.

Wedding breakfasts take place in the Peel Suite and there are lost of outdoor photo opportunities too including a Japanese style garden and miniature lake.

It also provides on-site accommodation for the bridal party plus costy Courtyard cottages or Irlam Lodge.

Click here to see a Colshaw Hall wedding.

FFOREST FARM

If you’re planning a more down to earth boho or festival style wedding, look no further than the amazing Fforest Farm in Wales.

Enough onsite accommodation for all your friends and family, including garden rooms, crag lofts, bell tents, eco domes, and a lovely farmhouse too, it really is the perfect venue for people who love the outdoors.

Take it over for the entire weekend and enjoy al fresco pizza next to the outdoor fire pit on arrival, and maybe a couple of pints of ale in the on-site pub with its’ roaring fire and cosy interior. Ceremony wise, the world is your oyster. Most people opt for getting hitched nestled in the bottom of the old quarry or you can say I do overlooking the river.

Afterwards you can celebrate in the Long Barn and have a knees up in the giant hat tipi. If your idea of fun is a big fire, lots of beer, places for the kids to run around, having a sing song in the 200-year-old pub, and watching the sun set over the Welsh hills, this is for you.

Check out Rhian and Kim’s amazing Fforest Farm here. It’s one of our favourite boho laid back wedding venues.

 

 

CARLTON TOWERS

If you want a gobsmacking history filled venue, then Carlton Towers could be it. A 17th century hidden gem set in 250 acres of parkland, complete with minstrels gallery, wood panelling and opulent drawing rooms, it’s like something straight out of Harry Potter.

With 16 bedrooms onsite, there’s enough accommodation for the entire bridal party, and there are three options for your ceremony. If you fancy an outdoor ceremony, there are beautiful formal gardens and parkland aplenty.

When it comes to grand wedding venues, this is top of our list. Head over to the blog to see Katherine and Nick’s black tie wedding.

BRYMPTON HOUSE

Award winning wedding venue boasting a 750 year old castle, Church and estate, Brympton House is just beautiful.

For civil ceremonies, you can tie the knot in the gorgeous Church, or in the historic house or the under the Temple on the South Terrace. If you’d prefer a humanist option, there are numerous spots perfect for a more informal wedding or Mandap.

There are three options for dinner, including the 228 capacity Ballroom, whilst the Library bar is perfect for pre dinner and pre ceremony drinks.

For the party animals, the party barn is open for dancing and drinking til the early hours with space for 200 dance floor addicts – and there’s no last orders! You wanna party til 6am? Go ahead!

To see more images from Brympton House, click here.

LEFT BANK

Inner city wedding venues tend to be a bit limited to hotels and bars, but Left Bank is here to prove that when it comes to wedding venues, a deconsecrated church is where it’s happening.

Beautiful Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, huge high ceilings, and the biggest dance floor ever! I love Left Bank. Located in student land, it’s not the most picturesque of locations, but it sure makes up for it once you step inside.

Built in 1907, the former church fell into disrepair until a group of trustees bought it in 2002 and began the slow process of rebuilding it. It is now an art space and hosts numerous events throughout the year, along with weddings.

When it comes to decor, it doesn’t really need much – it’s pretty splendid on its’ own and makes a perfect backdrop for amazing portraits. Outside there is a little garden for family pictures and al fresco drinks reception and impromptu brass band dancing. But inside is where the magic is.

Local song bird Corrine Bailey- Rae also got married here.

YORK MAZE

Just a few miles out of York city, is York Maze, a little place known and loved by parents across Yorkshire for its’ amazing ability to entertain kids from morning to dusk on slides, bouncy pillows, pig races, tractors and getting wet and sandy not to mention, getting lost in a maze!

But every April, May and June, they also open the main barn for a select number of weddings. And what a barn it is! You get three day exclusive use so you and your friends can pitch up and camp for the entire weekend – and you get to play in the kids section!

The brick and timber barns have space for 150 guests and are licensed for weddings. If you like it informal, York Maze is for you. Plus you can decorate the barns as much as you like so you can make your wedding entirely you.

Included in the hire are all the tables, chairs, heating and toilets plus a stage for the ceremony, a stage for the band and the biggest giant sand pit for the young at heart! And if the weather is lovely, the front of the barn has a removeable front so you can dine al fresco!

And of course, everyone needs a go on the bouncy pillow after dinner! Who’s in?

If this floats your boat, check out Ben and Nichola’s York Maze wedding.

THE STAR INN AT HAROME

If a country wedding with some of the finest Michelin starred food in the land is more your thing, the renowned Star Inn at Harome could be your perfect wedding venue.

Built in the 14th Century, on the edge of the north yorkshire moors, the Star Inn is a favourite amongst foodies and is as picturesque as it comes with its’ pretty thatched roof and country style.

Set across two venues , the amazing rustic Wheel House at Cross Lodge House is licensed for marriages and can seat up to 40 for dinner, or there is space for sperry tents, marquees or tipis in the garden for larger celebrations. For dinner, there is private dining in the eaves of the thatch across the road at the Inn for smaller wedding parties, or if you really wanna see the chefs hard at work, you can hire the kitchen table.

There’s a beautiful private terrace for drinks receptions and the country lodge style with large fire places and comfy armchairs, is perfect for some of the guests who want to break away for a bit of peace and quiet.

There are nine unique bedrooms for the bridal party, including one with a piano (bet the neighbours love that!) and one with its’ very own snooker table! And they are due to start adding even more rooms to accommodate more guests.

This is a gastro lovers dream of a wedding venue, plus it’s in a beautiful rural setting with lots of options for photographs including their very own gypsy caravan.

If this sounds like your kind of wedding venue, why not check out Mark and Pam’s big family wedding at the Star Inn.

BOWCLIFFE HALL

Who wouldn’t want to get married at a wedding venue that had a plane in it? Bowcliffe Hall, which sits just outside of Wetherby, is an engineers dream.

The Grade II listed building was home to aviation pioneer Robert Blackburn, and played host to the likes of Amy Johnson and Winston Churchill. It’s now a wonderful and varied wedding venue sitting in beautiful landscaped grounds.

Along with a Georgain country house, there is a magnificent contemporary wing structure overlooking the landscape that is perfect for big parties. There’s a large terrace for drinks receptions and has space for marquees or sperry tents for larger celebrations.

Bowcliffe offers complete exclusivity, but only take a small number of weddings throughout the year.

Licensed for weddings, there are several options for ceremonies including the bright and airy Bowcliffe Room, the intimate Driver’s Club room (packed with motoring memorabilia), the ballroom (an opulent room complete with art deco bar, gilded ceiling and oak floor) and the incredible multi-award winning Blackburn Wing – a treehouse shaped like an aeroplane wing nestled in ancient woodland.

To see a real wedding at Bowcliffe Hall, click here.

HEALEY BARN

Part of the Cripps Barn company, Healey Barn is an 18th century stone building set around a beautiful courtyard that has echoes of rural France and Italy. When the weather is beautiful, it’s like a different world!

Set in the Northumberland countryside, the wedding venue can accommodate up to 144 guests for dinner or 200 for an evening celebration and is surrounded by woodland and rural landscapes.

There’s a late licence til 1am for the party animals, and accommodation for up to 34 guests at the nearby Healey Hall – plus they will shuttle you at the end of the night! Winner.

One of the really cool things about Healey is its’ BBQ – there’s nothing quite like your feast being cooked to perfection on its’ outdoor grill. In the evening, there are fire pits to roast marshmallows on, and roaring fires indoors to keep everyone warm and cosy.

Healey Barn is licensed for marriage ceremonies in its’ stone and timber barn, or if you prefer, there is a beautiful garden or courtyard setting for a humanist celebration.

Why not check out Fran and Leo’s beautiful Healey Barn wedding.

TOWN HALL HOTEL, BETHNAL GREEN

If luxurious architectural splendour is your kinda vibe, than look no further than the award winning  Town Hall Hotel at Bethnal Green.

Set in the heart of London’s vibrant East End, it’s a five minute walk to the tube, and has an amazing Michelin starred restaurant, a swimming pool and the coolest bar, all packed into a stylish hotel for the discerning.

All the Town Hall’s event spaces are licensed for ceremonies, but the absolute piece de resistance, is the historic council chamber. Dinner can be served in a variety of spots including the contemporary De Montford Suite complete with grand piano, or the art deco inspired Bethnal Hall.

Voted as one of the top 100 wedding venues in the world by Conde Nast, the Town Hall really is as cool and as effortlessly stylish as they come. Don’t forget to look out for the Persian Bear, and the naughty mural!

And there’s enough rooms for all your guests to stay with a choice of double rooms, studios sleeping 2-3 including fully fitted kitchens, or one and two bedroom apartments, all boasting one-off vintage pieces of furniture, luxury toiletries and barista quality coffee!

Check out Jenny and Ben’s seriously stylish wedding at the Town Hall.

CAMP KATUR

If you like the great outdoors and dream of a festival style wedding, Camp Katur could be your perfect wedding venue.

Based in North Yorkshire, it is an off-grid glamping site set in 250 acres of Camp Hill Manor Estate. It’s perfect for those who prefer an outdoor ceremony under a blue sky or nestled in the forrest.

There’s plenty of space for your guests too, with a plethora of safari tents, hobbit pods, geo-domes, cosy cabins and numerous other places to stay on site. Wedding packages include a two day exclusive hire so no bumping into other guests. Wedding dinners can be as formal or informal as you like on long rustic tables in the main stone and timber barn which can cater for up to 130 seated. Drinks can be enjoyed in the meadow after the ceremony and there’s plenty of outdoor space for kids to run around and adults can be as noisy as they like.

There’s communal campfires and tipis in the meadow for late night singalongs and toasting marshmallows too.

The Orangery Pavilion is a light filled former dairy farm and features beautiful arched windows and can accommodate up to 150 for dinner. For larger weddings, there is an option to add on a marquee or tipi for up to 1000.

To see a real wedding from Camp Katur, click here.

ALLERTON CASTLE

You know that old nursery rhyme about the Grand Old Duke of York? Well this is the place they were talking about. Allerton Castle is a premium wedding venue for those who dream of elegance, aristocracy  and a love of a by-gone era. Think Downton Abbey and you’re just about there.

Set within open parkland in North Yorkshire, it was built by Lord Mowbray, Segrave and Stourton in the 1840s and is steeped in history. It was once owned by Prince Frederick (the Grand Old Duke of York), and is a magical gothic revival castle for those who want to Lord it up for the day.

The Great Hall is licensed for marriages in front of the famous elephant amid the wood panelling, and drinks receptions can be on the patio overlooking the formal Memorial gardens. There’s lots of space for beautiful photos, whilst dinner is in the magnificent vaulted Ballroom for up to 120 guests.

Bridal or groom prep is in the beautiful Palace Suite and there’s also access to the Billiard Room too.

Check out this beautiful winter wedding at Allerton Castle.

CAPESTHORNE HALL

Set in 100 acres of beautiful picturesque Cheshire countryside, sits the family-owned stately home and wedding venue, Capesthorne Hall.

Licensed for ceremonies in the elegant Drawing Room with it’s Italian paintings and big chandeliers, along with a variety of locations in the grounds including the Gazebo overlooking the lake, the Courtyard and the Woodland Dome.

Drinks receptions take place in the Saloon with its magnificent fireplaces and sculptures, or on the terrace and expansive West Lawn. Dinner is served in the formal Queen Anne room which seats up to 80 or the Drawing Room for up to 120.

When it comes to party time, the less formal Lakeside wing is the spot for evening entertainment for up to 180 guests.

For larger weddings, the Lakeside is can accommodate 180 for dinner overlooking the lake and gardens or if your party is even larger, there are plenty of options for marquees on the lawns.

There is on-site accommodation for the bridal party including the South Tower Cottage, Lakeside Cottage and six lodges.

To see a wedding from Capesthorne Hall, click here.

THE NORMANS, BILBROUGH

Rustic former cowshed turned beautiful wedding venue, the Normans sits surrounded by countryside just on the outskirts of York.

Owners Oliver and Laura held their own wedding here a few years back and decided that it was the perfect wedding venue. Fast forward a few years and it’s now a well loved brick and timber venue that still continues to be a working farm. Couples get exclusive use of the entire venue, including the §8th Century candlelit Threshing Ceremony Barn, contemporary courtyard, Grain Shed and cow stalls with bar.

Dinner for up to 140 is served in the Grain shed with a choice of rustic trestle tables or traditional round tables. There’s plenty of space for dancing and a big band too.

There’s lots of parking onsite and a small amount of accommodation for the bridal party. When it comes to photography, you are spoiled for choice. The barns are great when it’s raining and the grain fields are beautiful at sunset.

To see more images of The Normans, click here.

CASTLE HOWARD

If you want to feel like royalty for the day, then look no further than the incredible Castle Howard.

Packed full of history, this 300-year-old palace is gobsmackingly beautiful. It also served as the backdrop for Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel as well as the filming for Brideshead.

Ceremonies take place in the grandest of halls with the impressive fireplace and domed ceiling, whilst drinks can be taken in the adjoining room overlooking the formal gardens and on the patio. For larger weddings, dinner is served upstairs in teh grandest of rooms, whilst dancing or smaller celebrations, take place in the Temple of the Four Winds.

It really is quite something else. However, because the house and estate is open to the public, they take only a small amount of weddings each year and ceremonies only take place later in the afternoon once the house is closed to visitors.

Why not have a look at one of our Castle Howard Weddings here.

TITHE BARN, BOLTON ABBEY

Built in the early 16th century, the Tithe Barn at Bolton Abbey is a truly beautiful rustic yet luxury wedding venue.

It sits in a commanding position overlooking the Priory Ruins and the River Wharfe and is absolutely enormous. The barn is run by Cripps and Co, and is big enough to cater for weddings up to 200 guests. Along with its’ impressive oak beams, the Tithe Barn’s other feature is the glass fronted open kitchen and indoor BBQ and french rotisseries.

The barn is licensed for civil ceremonies or if you prefer, you can get hitched in the estate’s pretty famous church!

they have a selection of round tables or rustic trestles, a bar area, comfy sofas and a big old dance floor which is open til 1am. Party on!

Check out this beautiful Tithe Barn WeddingTithe Barn Wedding.

HOLDSWORTH HOUSE

Historic Jacobean manor and four star hotel, Holdsworth House sits on the outskirts of Halifax.

The Grade II listed house itself has connections to Anne Lister (made famous in the TV series, Gentleman Jack) and the Bronte family and is quintessentially old country house. Mullioned windows, big fireplaces, wood panelling and quirky corridors, stairs and rooms, it really is as British as it comes. Even the Beatles have stayed here!

Ceremonies, dinner and dancing takes place in the Stuart Room for up to 120 guests. For smaller weddings, The Abraham Brigg room is also available along with a handful of other rooms for intimate weddings. Alternatively, the ground floor Hall or the Mullion Room can also be used. For brave souls who want an outdoor ceremony, the stone gazebo is also available for up to 120 guests or for smaller weddings, there is the Colonnade Courtyard.

There’s plenty of rooms for your guests to stay overnight and lots of spots for photography too.

NEWBY HALL & GARDENS

If you’re a Peaky Blinders fan, you’ll probably know Newby Hall. Some of the scenes from the famous TV series were filmed here, and as well as being open to the public, you can also get married here.

One of England’s renowned Adams houses, built by Sir Christopher Wren, it’s an estate full of fascinating details – including the gate from Newgate Prison that highwayman Dick Turpin’s rival Jack Shephard escaped through, houses a replica set of the Crown Jewels, and has an IOU from King Charles II that was never paid and is now worth a staggering £400million!

Set in 40 acres of landscaped grounds, this venue is pretty diverse. Whether you want to get married in the estate’s pretty church, have a small wedding in the Statue gallery, dinner in the Library or hold a huge scale wedding in a sperry tent on the lawn, Newby can facilitate it.

Dinner and Dancing can also be taken in the beautiful Orangery and there’s plenty of spots for outdoor ceremonies too.

There’s a gorgeous room for bride or groom prep and outdoor drinks.

ASPIRE, LEEDS

Originally, this wedding venue was home to the Yorkshire Penny Bank, but AspireAspire have lovingly restored it and now you can get hitched in its history packed building.

What’s more amazing is that this venue is smack bang in the middle of vibrant Leeds city centre. It’s a two minute walk to the train station!

There are several spots for wedding ceremonies including the main Banking hall for larger weddings, the Mezzanine, or for smaller weddings, the directors Boardroom or the Ledger Suite. There is something for everyone.

There’s a mix of old architecture with some modern design thrown in, but it’s all done sympathetically and once inside, you wouldn’t know the busy streets were just a few feet away.

I love shooting here especially if you’re a couple who loves the city life and can embrace cool pictures on the streets of Leeds.

Check out this wedding at Aspire Leeds.

So there we go, some amazing wedding venues in some amazing places. So much to choose from. Perhaps the best advice is to first figure out what kind of wedding venue you’d like and then go check out some of your favourites. There are some incredible wedding venues up and down the country and there will be one that is the perfect fit for you. Prices for wedding venues can be anything from £3k to £40k before you start with food, floristry or decor, so if you have a small budget, email your wedding venues beforehand to save driving over only to discover it’s way out of your budget.

Also, like everything in the wedding industry, wedding venues tend to get booked up well in advance. If you’re planning on getting hitched on a saturday in August, you might want to contact wedding venues a good 18 months to a year in advance. And don’t forget to ask what’s included in each of the wedding venues. Some wedding venues include table and chair hire, cutlery and crockery, candles and even turning on fairy lights. Other wedding venues will charge you for all the little details on top, so check with your chosen wedding venue before you sign the contract and that way, there’s no hidden surprises for your dwindling budget.

Once you’ve chosen your perfect wedding venue, why not give me a call and we can book you in for a consultation or a beer to talk about your wedding plans.