Always imagined saying ‘I do’ within the grand surrounds of a country house wedding venue? We can’t imagine a more perfect backdrop than one of these magnificent country homes, which are staggeringly beautiful both inside and out. From a gothic-style mansion to a stately Georgian home, these extraordinary wedding venues are where dreams really do come true.
Country house weddings are a popular choice for many reasons. For one, their historic nature means they offer charm and character in spades, and have been restored to carefully protect their period features. From double-height ceilings to crystal chandeliers, oak panelled walls and original fireplaces, your wedding day is an important occasion and deserves the grand interiors to match.
Another benefit of stately home wedding venues in the UK is their outdoor spaces. Usually set in sprawling grounds, they make a fantastic choice if you’re looking to host a wedding with an alfresco element. Many of the options below are surrounded by landscaped gardens, manicured lawns and magical woodlands, which not only promise spectacular views, but also offer a tranquil setting that feels a million miles away from the rest of the world. So, whether it’s a Champagne reception set against a rural backdrop, or you've always dreamed of saying your vows in a magical walled garden, it's possible to hold part or all of your wedding outside if you so wish at most of these spots.
Finally, country houses are known famously for their size, with most offering boutique rooms for the happy couple and their guests to stay overnight - especially useful if you have friends and family travelling a long way.
Ready to start planning? From Warwick to Essex, check out our pick of the best country houses to get married in across the UK. Wedding venues this special get booked up fast, so make sure to send an enquiry plenty of time in advance. Happy hunting!
Capesthorne Hall, Cheshire
What: Embark on the enchanting landscapes of Capesthorne Hall. With breathtaking sights of Cheshire's picturesque countryside and tranquil lakes. A top choice for couples who want a nature-immersed nuptial this charming venue spans 100 acres of natural beauty. Insistent on having a wedding breakfast? At Capesthornes choose from the hall or lakeside venue for an unforgettable breakfast, which can facilitate up to 160 guests. And say ‘I do’ in the great outdoors with the option of the woodland dome at your fingertips.
Where: Siddington, Macclesfield, SK11 9JY
Find out more: Capesthorne Hall
Grove House, London
What: Looking for a country house wedding venue near London? You're in luck. This grade ll-listed Georgian mansion finds its home close to Richmond Park, overlooking a picturesque lake and gardens in south London. You'd never know you're so close to the city! Four acres of grounds offer photo opportunities aplenty, while a combination of small and large spaces ensure its suitable for weddings of all sizes.
Where: Froebel College, Roehampton Lane, London, SW15 5PJ
Book now: Grove House
Cowdray Estate, West Sussex
What: Nestled in the heart of West Sussex, Cowdray Estate provides a diverse venue engulfed in magnificent gardens and manicured lawns. A dramatic setting for couples who are after a striking backdrop to capture their photos. At Cowdray guests are set to enjoy a splendid sit-down dinner in The Castle Room. Need to get ready on-site? All visitors have the chance to book accommodation on the estate, with smaller bungalow-style self-catering cottages to luxury lodges and tree house retreats available to you and your guest.
Where: Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9AL
Find out more: Cowdray Estate
Dabton House, Thornhill
What: Steeped in history, Dabton House is a spectacular Georgian country house setting, which is available for exclusive use. Built-in 1820, The Dabton not only showcases incredible interiors and a majestic garden but also boasts an appealing selection of facilities which assist in bringing your wedding vision to life, no matter the style. Opting for a substantial celebration? Head to the tennis courts for a marquee reception, where up to 200 guests can enjoy the evening while encompassing rolling views across the country.
Where: Dabton House, Dumfries & Galloway, DG3 5AR
Find out more: Dabton House
Grantley Hall, North Yorkshire
What: A historic country house located in the Yorkshire Dales, Grantley Hall presents an exceptional setting for you and your partner to tie the knot. Boasting a rich heritage, elegant decor and exquisite country gardens, at Grantley Hall you and your guests are set to endeavor an unforgettable affair. Featuring a beautiful selection of celebration spaces which display a beautiful blend of history and modern luxury, with an exciting champagne and cocktail bar for guests to enjoy during the afterparty.
Where: Ripon, HG4 3ET
Find out more: Grantley Hall
Royal Berkshire, Exclusive Collection, Berkshire
What: Within easy reach of Ascot and Sunninghill, Royal Berkshire is the perfect destination for hopeless romantics. Set within 15 acres of land, this country house retains a lot of its traditional charm, featuring floor-to-ceiling art deco-style mirrors, pretty outdoor terraces and a jaw-dropping secret walled garden, perfect for lovers of the outdoors. Your wedding can be made truly personal with a custom-curated food menu that reflects your personality and relationship, whether you are looking for a sweet station or a Champagne buffet.
Where: Ascot, SL5 0PP
Find out more: Royal Berkshire, Exclusive Collection
Cliveden House, Berkshire
What: For a venue seeping with opulence, head to Cliveden House. A picturesque setting with enchanting contemporary finishes. Cliveden House features several luxurious rooms which are suitable for large and small celebrations. Available for exclusive hire, with 47 lavish rooms and suites for those who intend on spending the evening within these magnificent walls. Would you prefer an outdoor ceremony? Celebrate with up to 250 guests in their beautifully manicured grounds by renting a marquee.
Where: Taplow, SL6 0JF
Find out more: Cliveden House
Northbrook Park, Surrey
What: Northbrook Park is a Grade II listed eighteenth-century manor house, which sits peacefully on the Surrey and Hampshire border. A brilliant escape from the rush of the city with easy transport links, Northbrook Park provides unparalleled views across the countryside, setting the tone for a refined and relaxed ceremony. Catering for up to 250 guests, Northbrook Park makes a top pick for Asian weddings. Need some help with the finer details? From florists and expert cake makers to wedding stylists, Northbrook Park can provide a list of recommended supplies.
Where: Farnham, GU10 5EU
Find out more: Northbrook Park
Lainston House, Hampshire
What: Introducing Lainston House, a 63-acre English country estate dating back to the 10th century set within 63 acres of land. Boasting a traditional heritage brick exterior, a rustic barn and an outdoor pavilion, Lainston House offers a selection of dynamic spaces which are certain to add to the appeal of your celebration. The largest celebratory space, The Dawley Barn, accommodates up to 120 guests for a seated ceremony. During the warmer months say ‘I do’ from the pavilion whilst overlooking the rolling Hampshire countryside.
Where: Winchester, SO21 2LT
Find out more: Lainston House
Easthampstead Park, Berkshire
What: Just one hour outside of London, Easthampstead Park is a beautiful country house hotel with timeless charm. Surrounded by 80 acres of woodland, parkland, and manicured gardens, this picturesque venue is truly scenic. The idyllic property boasts a variety of flexible wedding spaces, exquisite bespoke wedding menus and a license for civil ceremonies of up to 110 people. Tailor your wedding and create an unforgettable experience for you and your partner.
Where: Wokingham, RG40 3DF
Find out more: Easthampstead Park
Bourton Hall, Warwickshire
What: Nestled in the heart of Shakespeare country and surrounded by 12 acres of woodlands, gardens and parkland, Bourton Hall is an Italian Renaissance-style mansion and the perfect destination for your wedding day. Offering the perfect blend of luxury and homeliness, this sprawling country house boasts beautiful spaces both inside and out. Enjoy a tipple with guests in the Chandelier Bar before saying your vows in the spectacular former Catholic Chapel. Alternatively, the Portico adjoining the front terrace is a sight to behold on sunny days if you fancy an outdoor ceremony. Finally, you can dine up to 120 in the Banqueting Hall, which boasts a fully stocked bar and views across the rolling countryside.
Where: Main Street, Bourton on Dunsmore, Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ
Book now: Bourton Hall
Leez Priory, Essex
What: This Tudor wedding venue in Chelmsford offers an impressive seven ceremony rooms, including three indoor spaces and four outdoor settings. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony in the church-like Tower, or a grand affair in the Great Hall, weddings large and small are catered for here. Equally, those planning an alfresco wedding will find a wealth of options to suit.
Where: Hartford End, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 1JP
Book now: Leez Priory
Holmewood Hall, Peterborough
What: Holmewood Hall is an 18th-century Tudor gothic-style mansion set in 10 acres of beautifully manicured grounds and parkland. Guests can choose to hold their ceremony in either the Gold Room, a magnificent space with a 50-foot-long aisle and an 18-carat gold leaf ceiling, or outside at the Bandstand, with views over its pristine grounds. Once you’ve said ‘I do’, the next step is to enjoy a fine dining meal in its chandelier-adorned dining room, cooked by a team of in-house chefs. The venue also enjoys three conveniently-located bars throughout (The Champagne Bar, The Terrace Bar and The Garden Bar) so you’re never far away from a tipple.
Where: Church Street, Holme, Peterborough, PE7 3BZ
Book now: Holmewood Hall
Gosfield Hall, Essex
What: Tying the knot at Gosfield Hall really is the stuff of fairytales. This Georgian mansion is set amongst 10 acres of lawns, gardens and parkland, with a tranquil inner courtyard and an impressive fountain located to the front of the house. Inside, the beauty continues. Tie the knot in the Queen’s Gallery, which features a 120-foot-long aisle and oak-panelled walls, or enjoy the regality of the Grand Salon with its double height ceilings, sash windows and a feature fireplace. Finally, move from one grand space to another for your wedding breakfast, which is held in the former Marquis of Buckingham's Ballroom and features crystal chandeliers and double height mirrors.
Where: Hall Drive, Gosfielkd, Essex, CO9 1SF
Book now: Gosfield Hall
Cain Manor, Hampshire
What: Step back in time at this charming Tudor manor house in the heart of Hampshire. From original oak beams to cathedral-like windows, each and every space is bursting with beautiful period features. When you book a wedding at Cain Manor, the venue is exclusively yours for 24 hours, with room inside and out for up to 123 guests for a ceremony, and 170 for an evening reception. The rustic Music Room is perfect for both ceremonies and receptions, and can be transformed throughout the day to ensure your celebrations flow seamlessly.
Where: Church Road, Headley Down, Hampshire, GU35 8SR
Book now: Cain Manor
Notley Abbey, Oxfordshire
What: Hidden at the end of a tree-lined driveway, Notley Abbey is one of the most romantic country house wedding venues on this list. During the summer, its walled garden blooms with lavender, cherry blossom and wisteria for the most magical backdrop for alfresco weddings. Or, say ‘I do’ inside Abbot’s Hall, the original ‘main room’ of the house with an ancient, beamed ceiling and inglenook fireplace.
Where: Aylesbury Road, Thame, Oxford, HP17 8TN
Book now: Notley Abbey
Botleys Mansion, Surrey
What: Set amongst 56 acres of Surrey parkland, Botleys Mansion is a picture-perfect Palladian country house wedding venue available for exclusive hire. And the inside is just as mesmerising as its façade. Step into the marble reception beneath crystal chandeliers, with gold leaf adorning the walls and an airy glass atrium. Elsewhere, the Green Room is a pastel-hued space suited to more intimate gatherings, while the Library and Morning Rooms are soaked in period elegance.
Where: Stonehill Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0AP
Book now: Botleys Mansion
Want your wedding to be a little more low-key? Twilight weddings are great for couples who aren't keen on the idea of a formal event. Find out everything you need to know about evening ceremonies with our complete guide.