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The Cotswolds is brimming with some of the best wedding venues in the UK. From quintessentially English manors to romantic boat houses and lush manicured gardens, you’re spoilt for choice. No wonder it’s one of the most popular locations for saying I do. Are you looking at Cotswolds wedding venues but not sure where to begin? Let me help you narrow down your choices and find your perfect Cotswolds wedding venue.
the best cotswolds wedding venues
euridge manor and orangery, chippenham
One of my ultimate favourites and for good reason, Euridge Manor is truly one of the best wedding venues not just in the Cotswolds but in the UK. If you’ve read my Euridge Manor wedding venue guide, you’ll know how much I adore this 450-acre paradise. With 6 different indoor and outdoor spaces available, it’s perfect for multi-day weddings and celebrations. And here’s an added bonus. It’s just 20 minutes away from Castle Combe, the prettiest village in England.
Euridge Manor Wedding Venue Guide
Boat House Photo (top left) – Planner and Stylist: Jennifer Louise Weddings | Floral Design: Lola London
barnsley house, cirencester
If luxury, spa, and hotel are three of your favourite words, then Barnsley House might be the wedding venue for you. With its fairytale gardens and country house, it can host between 40 to 140 guests. Whether you’re going for an intimate or bigger wedding, Barnsley House won’t disappoint. You won’t have any problem when it comes to hosting your guests for your Cotswolds destination wedding either. It has 18 beautifully designed bedrooms plus an additional 6 more at the Village Pub just across the road.
hyde house, cheltenham
Mix the charm of the Victorian era and the alluring beauty of the English countryside and you’ll find this among the list of Cotswolds wedding venues. With a good variety of available spaces, Hyde House can host civil ceremonies and blessings for up to 150 guests in its converted beamed barn, The Grange. And if you prefer an outdoor wedding, you can have it under the oak arbour with acres of lush greenery as your backdrop.
Hyde House is a good choice whether you fancy exploring the Cotswolds or just staying within the property grounds. It has a bar, a lounge, a library, and a loft with make-up stations – perfect for getting ready on your wedding day. The main Victorian building has 12 bedrooms for your family and closest friends. And if that’s not enough, the Coach House has 8 more bedrooms available to use.
the best cotswolds wedding venues
kiftsgate court gardens, mickleton
A newcomer to the wedding scene, Kiftsgate Court Gardens is the labour of love of three generations of female gardeners. Having opened as a wedding venue only in 2021, it’s quickly become a favourite among couples both based here in the UK and overseas. If you love gardens, then there’s no shortage at Kiftsgate. My favourites? The water garden and the lower garden for outdoor ceremonies. Each one is surrounded by greenery and a beautiful water feature. You might want to advise your guests to wear comfortable or flat shoes if you choose the lower garden as it requires a little trek down a challenging steep terrain. For the wedding reception you have two venues – the water garden can also be used as a cocktail area and the Bluebell Wood is big enough to have your own Cotswolds marquee wedding.
There’s a lot of local accommodations available near Kiftsgate Court Gardens. But if you’re hoping to stay onsite, then there are two options available. The lodge sleeps up to 4 while the Courtyard sleeps up to 6.
elmore court, gloucester
This grade II listed mansion is truly unique and one of the best Cotswolds wedding venues. Elmore Court offers exclusive access to a wonderfully designed stately home and a well-maintained estate. The Hall is perfect for civil ceremonies. And for Christian weddings and blessings? There’s the historic Elmore Church which is less than a mile away from Elmore Court.
At the heart of Elmore Court is the Gillyflower, the award-winning “future-rustic” space that was built with sustainability in mind. It’s made from timber sourced within Elmore Court’s own woodlands and soundproofed so you can party as much as you like. It’s also designed to host both intimate and large weddings and celebrations from 60 to 200 or more.
cornwell manor, oxfordshire
Another popular choice for multi-day weddings, Cornwell Manor is available for your exclusive hire. Take note that for long weekends between June and September, they require a minimum stay of three days. But trust me, three days isn’t enough once you’ve seen this Georgian mansion and its breathtaking gardens.
Get married in Cornwell Manor’s ballroom or have your outdoor Cotswolds wedding ceremony in its expansive gardens. St Peter’s, a charming Norman church, is also less than 200 meters away and available for religious ceremonies of up to 80 people. And for your Cotswolds wedding reception, the formal gardens overlooking the lakes and countryside is a perfect space. But if marquee weddings are your thing, the field overlooking the main house is a beautiful setting and can accommodate up to 300 guests. Fireworks may not be allowed at Cornwell Manor but you can party until 2 am.
thyme, southrop
A village within a village, Thyme is a collection of historic buildings surrounded by the sprawling English countryside. More than a wedding venue, Thyme also offers various experiences for its visitors. Thyme’s own school offers cookery, floristry, and painting classes, among others. Its Botanical Bothy is perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful place to retreat and relax. And did you know that Thyme’s own Meadow Spa was featured as one of the best UK spas for 2022? Thyme is for you if you’re looking for a wedding venue that can double as a honeymoon destination.
Thyme’s Chef’s Table in the Ox barn and 16th-century Tithe Barn can accommodate intimate celebrations from birthday parties to intimate weddings. And for religious ceremonies, St Peter’s Church is just a quick 30minute drive away.
manor by the lake, cheltenham
Perfect for both intimate and larger weddings, the Manor by the Lake has a good variety of beautiful spaces for your wedding. The Manor Arches, the Italian Pavilion, and the Lakeside Pavilion are all picturesque backdrops for your outdoor wedding ceremony while the Maximilian or the Lyderick are wonderful indoor alternatives for up to 100 guests. And for your indoor Cotswolds wedding reception, you can have the ballroom for up to 250 guests or the Lyderick for intimate celebrations. Thinking of staying over for a few days? The Manor has 12 bedrooms in the main house and 2 in a cottage nearby.
Here’s a bonus. Every now and then, the Manor has seasonal and special offers on particular dates ranging from complimentary bedrooms to 50% off additional guests. And if you’re one of those who like to leave things at the last minute, the Manor by the Lake offers significant one-time-only savings which are only shared on their Facebook group page.
the best cotswolds wedding venues
the manor house in castle combe
Anyone who’s been to Castle Combe has probably seen signs leading to the beautiful Manor House. Situated right in the heart of “the prettiest village in England”, this 14th-century luxury hotel and wedding venue has 365 acres of land surrounding it, making it perfect for marquee weddings. You can reserve the Manor House on an exclusive basis and have the entire property to yourselves on your wedding day.
If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll love that the Manor House offers Michelin-starred dining at the Bybrook Restaurant. Chef Robert Potter heads a team of chefs who create scrumptious seasonal dishes from only the finest local ingredients.
After a long day of partying and enjoying delightful dishes, your guests will have a place to stay the night to enjoy even more time in the Cotswolds the next day. The Manor House offers 50 unique bedrooms and suites within the main house and the Mews Cottages.
blenheim palace in woodstock – the best luxury cotswolds wedding venue
Last but definitely not the least is the majestic Blenheim Palace sitting right at the edge of the Cotswolds. You must think I’m biased after being named one of Blenheim Palace’s preferred wedding photographers. But it’s really on top of my list for the best luxury wedding venues in the Cotswolds. Can you blame me for being in awe of this 18th-century Baroque architectural masterpiece? Famed as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the Blenheim Palace is licensed to hold both civil ceremonies and partnerships.
Say I do at the light-filled Orangery or the breathtaking Marlborough room. For religious ceremonies, St Mary Magdalene Church is a 5-minute drive. Choose between the Great Hall and the Long Library for your Blenheim Palace wedding reception of up to 300 guests. Or have your own marquee wedding within the picturesque 2,000-acre property, a unique advantage over Cotswold wedding venues. Whether you’re going for an intimate 12-guest wedding to a grand 2,000 guest celebration, you’re in for a treat at the Blenheim Palace.
choosing your own cotswolds wedding venue (or venues!)
With so many options to choose from, it’s a real challenge to find the best venue for your Cotswolds wedding. But not when you know what to look for and ask. Here’s a wedding venue checklist/ guide to help you decide. Want to have your own copy to take along when you go for your venue visit? Head to this link for your own free downloadable wedding venue checklist.
Looking for a fine art wedding photographer for your Cotswolds wedding? Look no further! Get in touch to check my availability. I’d love to hear from you!
Cristina x
