Join the rewards club for food lovers and unlock rewards

Downham Hall

Up to 110
Exclusive Use
Wedding Licence

About Downham Hall

Downham Hall is a beautiful wedding venue in Downham, Essex, surrounded by stunning countryside views for the perfect rural backdrop. Dating back to the 16th-century, this historic venue has been lovingly renovated to retain plenty of character while providing couples with a luxurious space in which to celebrate their special day. Boasting five luxury ensuite bedrooms, three function spaces, a gorgeous wedding marquee and stunning grounds, it offers everything you need for a truly spectacular wedding – from start to finish.

Downham Hall is an exclusive-use wedding venue and is able to accommodate both large and small parties. It’s also licensed for ceremonies meaning you can host everything under one roof. For larger weddings, its beautiful marquee is its biggest function space, able to cater for up to 110 for a wedding breakfast. It features a fully stocked bar, dance floor area and flexible seating, and can be adapted for all weathers. In the summer, the sides can be opened to provide views of the moat, while in winter the marquee can be heated to provide a cosy sanctuary away from the elements.

The de Beauvoir suite, meanwhile, is able to hold 60 for a ceremony and 40 for sit-down meal. Located inside the main hall, it’s a beautiful space with stunning bay windows which makes for great photo opportunities. Finally, the Orangery is a light-filled space that’s idea for smaller weddings, with wraparound glass windows and views of the south wing gardens.

Downham Hall is also able to cater for outdoor weddings in its stunning grounds, a wonderful way to make the most of the lush Essex countryside during the warmer months. There is also the option to host twilight weddings, perfect for those who prefer to use the late afternoon and evening for their ceremony, and would rather skip a formal sit-down meal for a more casual celebration.

Read more +

Good to know

Wedding Facilities
Bridal changing facilities, In house wedding coordinator, Marquee permitted, On site parking, Pet Friendly
Essentials
Alcohol Licence, Confetti permitted, Disabled access, Exclusive Use, On site Accommodation, Wedding Licence
Type of Venue
Country house, Country venue, Historic, Hotel, Marquees, tipis and yurts, Restaurant, Small and intimate
Venue Style
Luxury, Modern

This venue also offers

Downham Hall Rooms

Marquee

Marquee

Seated Wedding Breakfast Capacity: 110
Ceremony Capacity: 110
Reception Capacity: 110

If you would like to make the most of our stunning outside grounds, our lawns overlooking the moat are the perfect backdrop to say "I Do". Our wedding couples walk along the front of the Hall to the rear of the grounds and enjoy country views all around surrounded by wildlife. Secluded, quiet and the perfect private area for our couples and their guests, this is a fantastic backdrop for our couples to enjoy and make the best memories.

Enquire about this room


De Beauvoir Suite

De Beauvoir Suite

Seated Wedding Breakfast Capacity: 40

Reception Capacity: 87

The de Beauvoir suite, named after the most significant family to have owned the place in the past, carefully decorated in tasteful colours, this is the perfect room to walk up the aisle, with views all around of the hills above and a bay window which perfects outlines our wedding couples when they sit to sign the registrar.

Enquire about this room


Orangery

Seated Wedding Breakfast Capacity: 30
Ceremony Capacity: 40

Our light and airy Orangery holds commanding views over the North Wing gardens situated at the back of the Hall. It's the perfect space for an elegant, intimate wedding, with stunning natural colours used within the room to reflect the outdoor space.

Enquire about this room


Special offers for Downham Hall

Offer

2025 Twilight Weddings

Expires on 18 October, 2025

Venue hire (main house 3:30-6pm, marquee til 12am)
Bridal Dressing room from 3:00pm
Choice of ceremony locations
Picturesque grounds
Evening food
DJ from 7pm- 11:45 pm
Bridal Suite incl breakfast
Experienced wedding coordinator
Fo H team to manage your day
Marquee for your evening celebrations
Round tables, Chivari chairs, white
linen, fairy lights
Licensed bar
£4,500
Mon - Thurs (excl BH)

Offer

2025 Intimate Weddings

Expires on 18 October, 2025

Venue hire (main house 11am-6pm -
Orangery until 10pm)
Bridal Dressing room from 8am
Choice of ceremony locations
Picturesque grounds
2 Reception drinks
3 choice canapé menu
3 course wedding breakfast
½ bottle of house wine pp
Tea/coffee
Prosecco toast
Evening food
Bridal Suite incl breakfast
Experienced wedding coordinator
FofH team to manage your day
Cutlery, crockery and glassware
Cake stand and cake knife
£5,600
Mon - Thurs (excl BH)

Offer

2025 Full Day Weddings

Expires on 18 October, 2025

Venue hire (main house 11am-6pm,
Marquee till 12am)
Bridal Dressing room from 8:00am
Choice of ceremony locations
Picturesque grounds
2 reception drinks
3 choice canapé menu
3 course wedding breakfast
½ bottle of house wine per person
Tea/coffee
Prosecco toast
Evening food
DJ from 7pm until 11:45 pm
Bridal Suite incl breakfast
Chair sashes: ceremony & wedding
breakfast
Wedding coordinator
FofH team to manage your day
Marquee for your wedding breakfast
and evening celebrations
inclusive of round tables, Chivari chairs,
white linen, fairy lights
Licensed bar
Cutlery, crockery and glassware
Cake stand and cake knife
Mon-Thurs £8,500
Fri & Sun £9,500
Sat & BH Sun £10,500

Videos and 360 tours

Downham Hall
Christmas Weddings at Downham Hall
Evening Fun at Downham Hall

Location for Downham Hall

Castledon Road, Downham, Downham, Essex, CM11 1LG

01268 422 464

Website

Testimonials For Downham Hall

Our WeddingJANUARY, 2023

We just want to say an enormous thank you to Christina and Andrew for making our wedding day so very special. The day was everything we had hoped for and so much more. Where to begin... It's hard to get it all in one review. However, these are the main highlights for us:- Service From our initial call to Downham Hall, we received such personable service from the owner Christina, who personally guided us every step of the way. Together with her team, they went above and beyond in creating a bespoke wedding ceremony package for us from start to finish. Food We had nothing but praise and excitement from our guests about the food. The chef and his team worked so hard to create extraordinary and outstanding menus for our special day. Venue Downham Hall is beautiful with expansive grounds and breathtaking views and ample parking too. The farmyard is a unique edition and provided enjoyment especially to our younger guests on the day. Guest Feedback Our guests absolutely loved the venue and food. Special thanks go to Adrian for his unwavering service at all times and attention to detail. Overall, we would highly recommend the venue to to any prospective couples looking to get married who want that five-star service in a stunning location. Thank you to you All. Angela and RobMore

Angela and Rob More

Just BeautifulDECEMBER, 2022

After many date nights at Downham Hall there was no question that this was the place we would celebrate our marriage. On the 5th December we had our wedding reception at Downham Hall - it was beyond perfect and we could not have wished for a better day. The staff were amazing, the food was superb and as always the location was idyllic. Nothing was too much trouble and it was everything I had dreamt of. Thank you so much x

Leanna

I love the family run feel!NOVEMBER, 2022

Our wedding reception was originally booked for the 23rd December 20. Because of all the Covid restrictions changing it meant we had to change our plans many times. Although unfortunately due to Covid restrictions it was postponed from December until May 21. We only had a matter of months to then rearrange our wedding reception. The Downham Hall staff were excellent in trying to get us what we wanted re our reception.

Donna Searles

A wonderful wedding venueJULY, 2022

We celebrated our daughter's wedding at Downham Hall last weekend and could not fault the entire experience, from arrival on Friday evening (when we enjoyed the pizza and tapas public event possibly a little too much!) to our private breakfast on Sunday morning. The setting, rooms, service and food were exemplary and we are extremely grateful to the team at Downham Hall.

Anne-Marie


FAQs

What's included in the venue hire price?

Event coordination from the moment you book, exclusive use of the venue and grounds from 11am on the day of your wedding, a dedicated wedding coordinator on hand to oversee your perfect day, onsite parking for up to 45 cars, full use of the bridal dressing room from 8.30am, use of our sound system, allowing you to play your choice of music for your ceremony and wedding breakfast, cake stand and knife hire, round tables, chivari chairs, white linen, silverware and glassware, a licensed bar run by our team of experienced event staff, DJ package from 7pm, all 5 luxury bedrooms for an overnight stay with breakfast, Christmas tree and decorations (December weddings only).

Helpful? 0

What's not included in the venue hire price?

Any registrar or celebrant fees for your ceremony, catering, drinks packages and decor.

Helpful? 0

What is the maximum capacity of the venue?

Downham Hall can hold up to 110 seated guests and up to 180 guests for the evening reception.

Helpful? 0

Can we use our own caterers?

The venue is not set-up to successfully have external caterers. Its team of highly skilled chefs creates everything in house, and you will be invited along to a wedding tasting to help you select your menu.

Helpful? 0

Can we supply our own alcohol?

No external alcohol can be brought on to the premises at Downham Hall. The venue offers customisable drinks packages to suit all tastes and budgets and are more than happy to discuss your options during the planning process.

Helpful? 0

Do we have to book all of the accommodation for the night of our wedding?

Yes. Although it also operates as a boutique hotel, all weddings are booked on an exclusive-use basis. Therefore, it requires all five rooms to be booked by the wedding party on the night of your wedding.

Helpful? 0

What is the finishing time for music and the bar?

Last orders at the bar must be taken by 11.30pm. Music must then finish by 11.45pm.

Helpful? 0

Do we have to use your preferred suppliers?

The team do request that you opt for its DJ service that is included in the venue hire package for weddings and also ask that chair sashes and aisle carpets are booked either through the venue or directly with its preferred supplier to ensure the best quality and a seamless service. For all other services, you are welcome to use your own suppliers, however, it does have a recommended suppliers list that provides you with trusted companies that know the venue well.

Helpful? 0

Will you be able to help with venue decorations if we do not use any recommended suppliers?

In order to give you the best possible service and ensure that your wedding day runs perfectly, staff will be focusing on behind the scenes, so will not be able to arrange any venue decoration for you. It advises that you always use a supplier for this so you have fewer things to arrange. However, if this is not possible, it recommends that your wedding party help with this.

Helpful? 0

Are fireworks permitted?

The venue does not allow fireworks at Downham Hall out of consideration to its neighbours and nearby livestock.

Helpful? 0

Can guests that didn't stay at Downham Hall join us for breakfast?

You are welcome to invite people to join you for breakfast the next morning - simply let the team know in advance. The cost of breakfast would then need to be covered by either yourselves or the returning guests.

Helpful? 0

Can I view the venue for an event or wedding?

You are very welcome to view the venue. For weddings, you will need to make an appointment to allow a member of the team enough time to show you around and explain the venue to you. For other events, we recommend booking to guarantee that a member of the team can show you around. However, you are welcome to visit and look around yourself. Please note, on wedding days, some of its rooms may not be available to view.

Helpful? 0
Request pricing

Request Pricing

By submitting this request you are agreeing to our privacy policy.

Close
Downham Hall
Request pricing
Request Pricing

By submitting this request you are agreeing to our privacy policy.

Other Wedding Venues you might be interested in

Request a free brochure