THE TOP UK WEDDING VENUES TO BOOK FOR 2024
After completing the first initial steps of planning your wedding, selecting the perfect wedding venue stands out as the most pivotal decision you will make during the wedding planning process. It will be the backdrop to your entire day, a cornerstone that not only commands a significant portion of your budget but also lays the foundation for the overall design and guest experience. As a dedicated luxury wedding planner who plans many celebrations throughout the UK, I always like to keep up to date with the most beautiful venues that align with the weddings I love to be involved in crafting. This selection of my top UK wedding venues to book in 2024 showcases exquisite orangeries, bathed in natural light, Georgian-inspired manors seamlessly infused with a contemporary edge, glamorous and decadent London city wedding venues, and opulent country estates designed to unfold the magic of one-day events and weekend weddings. Each venue on this list is a testament to my passion for planning weddings that embody elegance, sophistication, and timeless beauty.
WILDERNESS RESERVE
AN EXPANSIVE COUNTRY ESTATE IN SUFFOLK
Nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of Suffolk, the wedding venue Wilderness Reserve stands as a picturesque haven for couples seeking a truly magical setting for their special day. This idyllic estate, renowned for its commitment to preserving nature's beauty, offers a dreamlike backdrop for weddings set in 8000 acres of quintessentially British countryside. Divided across the Sibton Park and Chapel Barn estates, choose from either a grade II*-listed Georgian manor house complete with an orangery, or a restored 15th-century farm shed, designed to host those looking for a superlative barn wedding venue.
A UK wedding venue that is absolutely perfect for hosting an epic wedding weekend Wilderness Reserve really is one of my favourites. From the charming ceremony locations surrounded by nature to the sophisticated reception spaces, fill your weekend's itinerary bike riding through the parklands, huddling around a bonfire in the woods sipping champagne, picnicing on the lakes in a rowing boat, wine tasting, and enjoying relaxing spa treatments.
THYME ENGLAND
A COUNTRY-EXCLUSIVE USE HOTEL IN THE COTSWOLDS
The "hamlet" of Thyme is located in the heart of the Cotswolds in England. A collection of honey-stoned buildings that stand as an enchanting and refined wedding venue, offering couples a timeless and romantic setting combined with a serene countryside ‘classically British’ escape. This idyllic estate exudes a sense of rustic elegance, with its historic buildings, lush gardens, and picturesque natural surroundings.
Thyme provides a harmonious blend of charm and sophistication, ensuring a memorable and intimate multi-day experience for couples and their guests. The venue caters to various wedding styles, from classic and traditional to more contemporary tastes, with versatile spaces designed to accommodate ceremonies, receptions, and pre and post-wedding celebrations. The commitment to detail extends to Thyme's culinary offerings, emphasizing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients for a gastronomic experience that complements the natural beauty and tastes incredible.
I was here in December 2023 executing an event in The Tithe Barn for my dear friend Katie Julia to celebrate her ICONIC members and would love to be back for a wedding soon!
CORNWELL MANOR
A WEEKEND WEDDING VENUE IN THE COTSWOLDS
Cornwell Manor stands as a breathtaking wedding venue in the Cotswolds. This historic estate, with its beautiful gardens, meandering pathways, and stunning architecture, offers a dreamlike setting for couples seeking a weekend celebration that is at the pinnacle of British country garden elegance. Cornwell Manor's many enchanting spaces, from the charm of outdoor ceremony locations to the Orchard (an ideal spot for a post-wedding hangover brunch), and the breathtaking Tapestry room; complete with a gallery for your reception band and an epic floral installation! Every nook is meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere that delights and surprises guests at every turn. There is also an option to erect a marquee and design a blank canvas of your own that seamlessly blends luxury with the beauty of the countryside.
COWLEY MANOR EXPERIMENTAL
AN EXCLUSIVE-USE HOTEL IN THE COTSWOLDS
Cowley Manor Experimental stands as a newly renovated hotel with roots dating back to 1965, offering an enchanting blend of tradition and modernity. Serving as the muse for Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, the venue boasts an eclectic design characterized by vibrant colours, unique furnishings, and artistic accents, creating a visually striking atmosphere that is both modern and stylishly experimental.
With St Mary’s Church within the grounds, you can host a religious or non-religious ceremony on-site, with receptions inside playing host to up to 85 guests. The manor itself can also pose as a stunning backdrop to a marquee hosting up to 150 guests. When taking exclusive use of the venue your 70 guests staying on-site can enjoy their beautiful spa inspired by the tranquillity of water, as a haven for self-care, a tonic for the soul complete with a spectacular 15m outdoor pool and a 17m slate lined indoor pool. Cowley Manor Experimental promises a unique and immersive celebration amidst its timeless charm and contemporary allure.
OAKLEY COURT
A SOHO HOUSE WEDDING VENUE IN WINDSOR
Oakley Court is a historic Victorian country house hotel owned by Soho House and located in Windsor, Berkshire. Renowned for its idyllic setting along the River Thames, this luxury retreat seamlessly blends modern design with timeless elegance across its 35 acres of grounds. Oakley Court boasts a private kitchen garden, tennis courts, a health spa, and an outdoor riverside restaurant. For an extraordinary weekend wedding experience, the entirety of Oakley Court, encompassing all 95 bedrooms and various event spaces is at your disposal. The ornate Drawing Room accommodates up to 60 seated guests, while larger celebrations find a home in The Big Room for 150 inside the hotel, or the Tea Tent and River House for outdoor celebrations under the cover of a beautiful luxurious yurt structure.
Oakley Court also work with amazing independent chefs who will design bespoke seasonal menus using ingredients from their kitchen garden. Anything from Japanese cuisine by critically acclaimed Akira, beautiful pasta dishes from Mateo (aka The Pasta Man), or effortlessly stylish and seasonal dishes from Johnnie Collins plus all your usual Soho House favourites. Immerse yourself in a world of refined luxury and personalized celebration at Oakley Court.
KEW GARDENS
A GLASSHOUSE IN RICHMOND LONDON
Kew Gardens, officially known as the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, is a world-famous botanical garden located in southwest London. Kew Gardens is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse plant collections, and iconic glasshouses which can be utilised as part of a beautiful and unique backdrop to your wedding celebration. The Nash Conservatory is a stunning setting for your ceremony followed by a drinks reception in the landscaped gardens or Princess Of Wales Conservatory, then onto dining and dancing in either the newly refurbished Orangery or famous Temperate house (Pictured above left).
HECKFIELD PLACE
AN EXCLUSIVE-USE HOTEL IN HAMPSHIRE
A luxury country hotel in Hampshire, Heckfield Place epitomises a country haven, the Georgian House is fashion-forward and effortlessly welcoming. The hotel's expansive grounds, adorned with a walled garden, lake, and farmland, foster a self-sustaining relationship between the manor and its natural surroundings, creating a true haven.
Ideal for weddings, Heckfield Place accommodates up to 120 guests during the day and 90 guests for overnight stays, while larger events of up to 150 guests can be seamlessly hosted with the addition of a marquee. Beyond its capacity to host memorable celebrations, Heckfield Place stands out for its commitment to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices and showcasing a culinary ethos centred around locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Head chef Syke Gyngell will prepare bespoke menus for your wedding stay that celebrate simplicity, flavour, and the seasons.
The dining experience at Heckfield Place extends beyond the wedding day, with various indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the estate. The glasshouse, bathed in southern sunlight, provides an ideal setting for cocktail receptions or leisurely hangover brunches. Marle, among many other spaces, offers a versatile backdrop for dining and celebration. As a weekend wedding destination, Heckfield Place unfolds a portfolio of spaces for relaxation and enjoyment, including 'The Little Bothy,' a natural spa, badminton courts, and a cinema. Elevate your wedding experience at this exceptional venue, where luxury meets sustainability and every detail is designed for your utmost enjoyment and unwinding.
KIN HOUSE
A COUNTRY HOUSE IN THE COTSWOLDS
Kin House emerged in 2022 as an enchanting Grade II*-listed manor, surrounded by walled gardens and private woodlands. The distinguished architectural touch of Barlow and Barlow elevates Kin House's interiors to an unparalleled level of uniqueness than any other UK wedding venue I have seen. Barlow and Barlow’s interior design throughout the entire property is not only eye-catching and beautiful, it also somewhat of a blank canvas allowing couples to infuse their own style, complete with a shell grotto photobooth!
Built by wedding venue experts Kin House demonstrates meticulous consideration for the intricacies of a wedding day. Purposeful features such as wedding prep rooms, a well-equipped dressing room with a changing area, and even a barbershop have been seamlessly integrated. For the couple's post-vow moments, there's a thoughtful breakout space offering privacy for that special alone time. The venue ensures smooth logistics with convenient access for all suppliers and provides an array of stylish lounge breakout spaces and bars.
Kin House will play host to our first wedding there with the lovely Hannah and James in April 2024!
CLARIDGES
A CITY WEDDING VENUE IN LONDON
Claridges is a 5* hotel in the centre of Mayfair and is the perfect compromise of mixing timeless elegance with contemporary relevance making it the perfect choice for couples seeking a wedding venue of unparalleled sophistication. The Ballroom, adorned with a monochrome backdrop reminiscent of the roaring '20s, serves as an ideal canvas for your celebration. Its versatile ambience allows for personalization, whether through the addition of grand floral installations for a touch of opulence or maintaining a minimalistic allure, thereby amplifying the inherent glamour.
As a premier UK city wedding venue, Claridge's extends beyond its architectural and reputational allure. The venue's commitment to creating a magical experience is reflected in its meticulous French-inspired menus, service, and facilities. Their culinary offerings, infused with global influences, exude decadence and mirror the grandeur that defines this iconic establishment.