26 of the best wedding venues Essex has to offer

When it comes to getting married, the county of Essex is among the most popular locations in the UK. The best wedding venues in Essex range from traditional grade-listed manor houses and long-standing hotels, all the way through to cosy barn venues and quirkier options like intimate windmills and festival-style tipis. With so many choices, and probably a little pressure, finding the best Essex wedding venue for can be tricky. So we’ve rounded up the best of the best for every style, many of them just a short journey from London.

Any wedding expert will tell you that choosing the right venue is crucial to ensuring that your day goes off without a hitch. You’ll find a whole host of Essex wedding venues primed to cater to your needs, whether that be pastoral landscapes and jaw-dropping interiors, or more practical requirements, such as on-site accommodation and car hire to ferry your guests to and from the venue.

Of course, the fact that Essex is home to so many lush fields and rolling hills means that it is also a great location for couples who are looking to host outdoor ceremonies. If you have your heart set on tying the knot in the summer, there are plenty of wedding venues in Essex with marquees and yurts on hand to combat the unreliable British weather. You may even find outdoor weddings on the grounds of historic houses, so you can have your something blue and something old all at once.

To help you choose from the plethora of gorgeous locations in the area, we’ve rounded up the best wedding venues in Essex and divided them into neat and helpful categories. Read below to see our top picks and start your wedding planning journey.

The best traditional wedding venues in Essex

If you have always dreamed of a classic wedding day, you’ll be glad to hear that Essex is home to many wedding venues that are steeped in history and oozing grandeur. Check out our pick of the best wedding venues in Essex with a more traditional feel.

St Osyth Priory, St Osyth

What: With over 900 years of history, and a few myths and legends too, St Osyth Priory has become one of the most enviable wedding venues in Essex. It was one of the largest and most important religious houses in England and was visited by Queen Elizabeth I twice during her Royal Progress. Whether you're planning a smaller event with 60 guests at Darcy House, or a grand evening in The Great Hall with an overnight stay, weddings here are sure to make an impact. It's your time to stand out, so why not raise the bar?
Where: West Field Lane, C016 8GW
Find out more: St Osyth Priory

Downham Hall, Downham

What: Downham Hall is a gorgeous country house which presents a fascinating setting for those wanting a historic venue with heaps of charm. Dating back to the 16th century this exclusive venue has been renovated to retain its original character but with a fully adaptable marquee space which can accommodate up to 110 guests for a seated wedding breakfast. For smaller ceremonies head to the Orangery, a well-lit space with glass windows and impressive views of the surrounding gardens.
Where: Castledown Road, CM11 1LG
Find out more: Downham Hall

Hedingham Castle, Halstead

What: Found on the Suffolk-Essex border, Hedingham Castle is possibly one of the most gorgeous Georgian wedding venues in the county. Set without 160 acres, and blessed with onsite accommodation for up to 35, weddings here are known to be all-weekend affairs. Whether you go for one day, or a multi-day wedding you’ll get the chance to dine in the Tapestry Room and carry on the night with dancing on the Garrison Floor above. You can also host your ceremony at Hedingham Castle, whether in the Banqueting Hall or the lawn overlooking the lake.
Where: Bayley Street, CO9 3DJ
Find out more: Hedingham Castle

Rose and Crown Hotel, Colchester

What: Steeped in history the Rose and Crown Hotel has been a local favourite for wedding ceremonies since 1996, so you're sure to be in safe hands. The Rose and Crown Hotel certainly knows how to create a warm and inviting setting to mark your occasion. The Oak Room, one of the original spaces of the 14th-century building, boasts beautiful oak beams and a roaring fireplace which adds to the overall romantic atmosphere of the venue.
Where: East Street, CO1 2TZ
Find out more: Rose and Crown Hotel

Apton Hall, Rochford

What: A grade II-listed farmhouse which has undergone a series of renovations with weddings in mind. Apton Hall makes a great choice for couples searching for a dreamy country venue with a modern feel. You can tie the knot under a handcrafted gazebo, or in the renovated barns before mingling in the revamped stables and courtyard. Whether you prefer a sit-down meal, BBQ or buffet, Apton Hall has you covered, take your pick from an extensive menu or create a personalised banquet.
Where: Apton Hall Road, SS4 3RH
Find out more: Apton Hall

Gosfield Hall, Gosfield

What: Mesmerising Gosfield Hall is the kind of country manor house that Essex is famous for. Weddings here are destined to make a statement - the Queen Charlotte’s Gallery features large windows that let in plenty of natural light, while the 120-foot-long aisle means the wedding party can make a truly memorable entrance. There are photo opportunities at every corner. Getting married in the warmer months? You'll also have the option to tie the knot in the inner courtyard surrounded by manicured lawns.
Where: Hall Drive, CO9 1SF
Find out more: Gosfield Hall

Leez Priory, Chelmsford

What: If you have your heart set on a grand affair for your wedding day, the stunning Tudor manor house Leez Priory should be right up your street. This exclusive-use venue features three main event spaces to choose from, each with a grand, old-school feel thanks to high ceilings and wooden beams. For summer weddings, make the most of the croquet lawn and lake backdrop by hosting your cocktail hour outdoors. You can even make your vows under the tower, it makes for a very pretty picture.
Where: Hartford End, CM3 1JP
Find out more: Leez Priory

Creeksea Place, Burnham-On-Crouch

What: This 16th-century Tudor mansion has all the makings for a traditional fairytale wedding in Essex. Creeksea Place offers a variety of licensed ceremony locations, including the luxurious interiors of The Panelled Room, The Regency Room and The Music Room. But you can also say 'I do' in The Walled Garden surrounded by magnolia trees, The Orchard under a glorious marble gazebo or take the romance lakeside with a floating pavilion fitted with romantic lighting and amplified sound. As darkness falls, the buildings are illuminated with candles, spotlights, and burning torches.
Where: Ferry Road, CM0 8PJ
Find out more: Creeksea Place

Braxted Park Estate, Great Braxted

What: Braxted Park Estate is among the most in-demand wedding venues in the whole of Essex and it’s not hard to see why. You will pull up to the imposing estate via a long driveway lined with trees to reach an imposing red brick manor with intricate windows. Beyond the house itself, you can find a secret walled garden and a charming pavilion. The most popular space is the Roman Orangery, which has hand-painted murals, views over the garden and plenty of natural light.
Where: Braxted Park Estate, CM8 3EN
Find out more: Braxted Park Estate

Talbooth Restaurant, Dedham

What: Talbooth provides a winning combination of countryside chic and high-end glamour; the River Room building boasts 16th-century Tudor architecture and a riverside setting, while the marquee can be dressed with glittering chandeliers and colourful floral centrepieces. Talbooth Restaurant boasts over 70 years of experience planning weddings, and you'll have a dedicated events manager on hand to make sure everything goes to plan. Plus, you have the option to stay overnight in a luxury suite.
Where: Gun Hill, CO7 6HP
Find out more: Talbooth Restaurant

That Amazing Place, Harlow

What: An exclusive-use wedding venue with a memorable name, That Amazing Place is perfect for those who want to add a touch of exclusivity to their special day. The country manor house comes complete with 13 on-site bedrooms, and waterside views. You can host your ceremony in one of the traditional, light-filled events spaces, or under a stunning wood gazebo, before moving to the outdoor marquee for your reception to dance the night away.
Where: Hubbards Hall Farm, CM17 0NH
Find out more: That Amazing Place

Prested Hall, Colchester

What: Found just outside Colchester, Prested Hall is a 15th-century manor house with not one, but four separate event spaces including a whimsical outdoor gazebo, marquee, oak-panelled room, and lawn. Prested Hall is best suited to intimate weddings with a maximum of around 60 guests, but you can still have the wow factor thanks to the Instagram-friendly surroundings, a moat, and a tree-lined drive. You'll also have the chance to hire 14 stunning bedrooms with period interiors, just in case you want a little more magic. 
Where: Feering, CO5 9EE
Find out more: Prested Hall

Boreham House, Chelmsford

What: It’s difficult to overestimate the beauty of Boreham House. It's an 18th-century Georgian property set in 35 acres of grounds with a large lake out front. Inside, the venue is just as alluring, with high ceilings, charming fireplaces and a staircase from the former residence of Henry VIII featuring carved wooden accents and cast iron railings. Essentially, your photographer won't have to worry about making too many touch-ups. Boreham House is an exclusive-use venue, so you'll have all the privacy you need to celebrate your first party as a married couple
Where: Main Road, Boreham, CM3 3HY
Find out more: Boreham House

Parklands, Quendon

What: If you want your wedding day to be an entirely uninterrupted affair, surrounded by friends and family, Parklands is an outstanding choice. Set on the grounds of a deer park, Parklands is a 17th-century Georgian Manor House which can host weddings of various sizes. Licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, happy couples can say 'I do' within traditional interiors, a spacious marquee, or in the open air. An in-house wedding coordinator is on hand to make sure things go smoothly, including on-site accommodation and table arrangements.
Where: Quendon Hall, CB11 3XN
Find out more: Parklands

Stock Brook Country Club, Billericay

What: Found in the Essex countryside surrounded by 275 acres, Stock Brook Country Club has been hosting weddings for more than 25 years. The venue is home to a handful of event spaces - The Banqueting Suite overlooks the gardens and includes the option to have a ‘curtain’ of twinkling fairy lights behind the bridal table, while The Rosewood Suite boasts access to a private garden which features a giant chessboard for all your wedding shenanigans. As for the food, whether you fancy a traditional breakfast, a banquet, or an outdoor barbecue it's all possible.
Where: Queens Park Avenue, CM12 0SP
Find out more: Stock Brook Country Club

The best barn wedding venues in Essex

For a rustic wedding day - a barn wedding venue in Essex can offer everything you are looking for, with wooden beams and a relaxed countryside feel. Explore our pick of some of the best barns in Essex where you can say 'I do".

High House, Althorne

What: Found deep in the Essex countryside, High House is set among six acres of gorgeous gardens and offers exclusive use to guarantee privacy and intimacy on your wedding day. It’s a truly stunning venue, with plenty of greenery and rustic charm. Whether you're planning a ceremony under the thatched gazebo or in the rustic but well-appointed barn, you can follow up with festivities in the garden. Plus, there's a mesmerising bridge over a pond, which is the perfect place to take your official wedding day portraits.
Where: Old Heath Road, CM3 6EW
Find out more: High House

Crondon Park, Chelmsford

What: Oak timber beams and rosewood flooring characterise the Baronial Hall at Crondon Park as a traditional, rustic wedding venue. The secluded setting also means your guests have the chance to travel in style, perhaps via a party bus or vintage cars. Blessed with extensive gardens, you'll also have the perfect backdrop for a fireworks display at the end of the evening. There's also on-site accommodation, including a country-style Bridal Suite so you won't have to worry about creasing your dress before the ceremony.
Where: Stock Road, CM4 9DP
Find out more: Crondon Park

Blake Hall Weddings, Ongar

What: Blake Hall is among the list of highly desirable summer venues, with picturesque lawns and terraces ideal for alfresco celebrations. But it's not just London, with three spacious barns, Blake Hall is sure to provide a magnificent backdrop all year round. Exchange your vows under the charming canopy of the old Saddlery, and embark on a wildly romantic ceremony amidst tranquil rose gardens and surrounding ancient trees. It's quite hard to believe you can have all this after a short drive from Central London. 
Where: Bobbingworth, Ongar, CM5 0DG
Find out more: Blake Hall Weddings

The Barns at Lodge Farm, Epping

What: The Barns at Lodge Farm is an exclusive-use venue which provides various events barns suited for weddings. You can host your ceremony in the traditional Granary Barn and enjoy your cocktail hour in The Yard, before heading to The Grain Store for late-night dancing. If you’re planning a summer wedding, there’s a field which is perfect for outdoor ceremonies, as well as permitting marquees and tipis for larger gatherings. It also includes a fully stocked bar and a selection of props to decorate as you wish. 
Where: Epping Road, CM16 6FS
Find out more: The Barns at Lodge Farm

Colville Hall, White Roding

What: An organic family-run farm that doubles up as a wedding venue, Colville Hall is best suited to those looking for a taste of the countryside on their big day. You can either tie the knot in an outdoor ceremony or opt to use the venue’s Orchard Barn, which can host up to 200 guests. A traditionally rustic venue with striking chandeliers and wood beams, Colville Hall also benefits from plenty of natural light thanks to large glass windows. Meanwhile, the lush 10 acres of gardens are perfect for photographs of the happy couple and the bridal party.
Where: Chelmsford Road, CM6 1RQ
Find out more: Colville Hall

The Essex Barn at The White Hart, Halstead

What: The White Hart is a 15th-century coaching inn that hosts The Essex Barn, a rustic wedding venue with a mezzanine floor and homey decor. It's a large spacious venue with surrounding gardens packed full of flowers. The Essex Barn can host up to 200 guests for your special day, while the wedding party can make the most of on-site accommodation, with 13 bedrooms to choose from including a Bridal Suite so you can relax in luxury after all the excitement of your big day. You'll also have a bridal prep room so you and your party can get ready in style. 
Where: Pool Street, CO9 4HJ
Find out more: The Essex Barn

Smeetham Hall Barn, Sudbury

What: Owned by the same family since 1906, Smeetham Hall Barn is a rural and romantic wedding location set on a farm that's still running to this day. Whether you're set on a barn wedding or considering a marquee setting, you'll have exclusive access so you can relax, celebrate and dance the night away in total privacy. Smeetham Hall Barn is surrounded by 400 acres of lush greenery, wildflower meadows, and gardens with colourful borders to form the backdrop for your wedding portraits. You'll also have a private room to get ready and prepare, with every detail taken care of. 
Where: Smeetham Hall, CO10 7EU
Find out more: Smeetham Hall Barn

The best alternative and unique wedding venues in Essex

If you are looking to host a wedding to remember, check out our top pick of Essex wedding venues that take an alternative and unique approach. Ranging from boho tipis to an old windmill, these unique venues should have what you’re looking for.

Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa, Colchester

What: Planning a summer wedding? Make the most of the warmer weather with a tipi wedding at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa. Here, you can enjoy an outdoor ceremony before throwing your reception in Big Hat Tipis dressed with twinkling fairy lights. By daylight, it's a whimsical bohemian location. By night, the atmosphere takes on an exclusive and romantic character. It comes with a fully serviced bar, and if you fancy staying overnight there are glamping tents available too. It's ideal for festival-loving couples, but don't worry, the toilets are just as classy as the venue.
Where: Keepers Lane, CO6 4PZ
Find out more: Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa

Colchester Castle, Colchester

What: To some, a castle wedding venue isn't so unusual - after all, that's where fairytale marriages happen, right? But what is unique about Colchester Castle is that it doubles as a museum and gallery. After you've said your vows in the Secret Chapel hidden in the eaves of the building and accessible only via a grand staircase, you'll proceed onto a wedding breakfast in The Charles Gray Room which can be opened out to give your guests a view of the museum galleries while they dance the night away. Alternatively, you can make your way to the Town Hall, and marvel at the ceiling frescoes.
Where: Colchester Castle, CO1 1TJ
Find out more: Colchester Castle

Browning Bros Events, Great Tey

What: We all know that every wedding should be unique. Browning Bros Events takes that standard to another level. Weddings here are all about setting the rules aside. Whether you’re up for a three-course meal, fancy a more communal event like a hog roast, or are really into the food truck scene it’s all possible. There are two venues to choose from, one with luxury cabins for up to 200, the other a more intimate woodland setting for 120 and glamping nearby. You'll still get a wedding coordinator and bridal tent accommodation, so why not take the chance and let loose a little?
Where: 2 Brook Road, CO6 1JE
Find out more: Browning Bros Events

Rayleigh Windmill, Rayleigh

What: If you have got your heart set on having a quirky wedding, there are few venues more unique than Rayleigh Windmill. Grade-II listed and set across six storeys, the windmill is licensed to host weddings and civil ceremonies, guaranteeing your guests a day to remember. The venue is best suited to intimate nuptials, with the ceremony room featuring a large brick fireplace, original wooden beam work and windows that allow for natural light.
Where: South Street, SS4 1BW
Find out more: Rayleigh Windmill

With the venue all sorted, the next step is invitations. If you're keen to try a sustainable solution that's both time and cost effective, just take a peek at our guide to digital wedding invites.