Looking to tie the knot in ‘the county of opportunity’? Our guide to the best wedding venues in Hertfordshire is brimming with options to make your big day truly special. Known colloquially as the heart of rural England, wedding venues in Hertfordshire are some of the most idyllic in the UK. So we’ve rounded up the cream of the crop, from grand halls with extensive grounds to rustic venues with an intimate feel. Ready to say ‘I do’ in Hertfordshire? Get scrolling, hit ‘find out more’, and set your wedding date.
Renowned for its picturesque landscape, rolling hills, charming villages, and staggering stately homes, Hertfordshire is objectively one of the most serene and romantic backdrops. It’s little surprise that Jane Austen set her watershed novel Pride and Prejudice in this green county. There must be something in the air. If there’s one thing the best wedding venues in Hertfordshire deliver, it's a fairytale-perfect wedding event. However, we promise the process will be decidedly less stressful than Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy’s journey towards the altar.
Although there’s much to be said for lavish stately homes in the seclusion of the countryside, Hertfordshire’s best wedding venues are more diverse than you might first imagine. The towns and cities of this historic county have just as much to offer. Take St Albans, for example, founded during the Roman occupation, the city yields a remarkable array of easily accessible intimate wedding venues from late Medieval buildings to Elizabethan manor houses and Georgian estates that have stood the test of time.
No matter your vision for the day - modern or traditional, intimate or extravagant - our round-up of the very best places to get married in Hertfordshire provides all the wedding day inspiration you may need.
Sopwell House, St Albans
What: Once the private residence of Lord Mountbatten, this Georgian country manor feels designed for traditional weddings. Spread over 12 acres, Sopwell House boasts a walled garden, sweeping lawns, and a metalwork gazebo perfect for pretty photography. You’ll find several elegant event spaces for drinks receptions and nuptial ceremonies for up to 300 guests. Alternatively, the obliging team will be happy to host the event on the magnificent grounds. Plus, you’ll have the option of using one or more of the 128 rooms and suites on-site.
Where: Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, AL1 2HQ
Find out more: Sopwell House
West Lodge Park Hotel, Hadley Wood
What: Nestled within 35 acres of picturesque countryside near Enfield, West Lodge Park stands as a breathtaking wedding destination easily accessible from London. The venue features a historic 16th-century lodge, a landscaped arboretum, a timber pavilion, and an exquisite collection of late 17th-century portraits. Whether you dream of a small Hertfordshire wedding venue or a large celebration of up to 130 guests you’ll have versatile function rooms, charming bedrooms and pristine gardens at your disposal. For even larger parties, enquire about the marquee!
Where: Cockfosters Road, Hadley Wood, EN4 0PY
Find out more: West Lodge Park Hotel
Brocket Hall Estate, Welwyn City Garden
What: Undoubtedly one of the grandest of Hertfordshire’s wedding venues, Brocket Hall Estate is the dream venue for a traditional big day. Sitting pretty on a whopping 543 acres of parkland, Brocket Hall offers several indoor locations for up to 150 guests and an outdoor marquee for 700. The main hall, complete with ornate ceiling frescoes will bring all the drama (so your guests don’t have to). And if you’re considering a Hertfordshire barn wedding venue, the beamed Oak Room is just the ticket. Then, enjoy a bespoke wedding dinner at Auberge du Lac, a 17th-century lodge with tranquil waterside views before retiring to Melbourne Lodge for a luxurious stay.
Where: Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7XG
Find out more: Brocket Hall Estate
Offley Place, Hitchin
What: Offley Place is a country manor wedding venue full of Hertfordshire charm. Whether you’re planning a lavish outdoor Hertfordshire wedding with exclusive use of the manor and 27-acre parkland, or an intimate indoor ceremony, you’ll have a dedicated team where nothing is too big an ask. Picture this: wedding vows lovingly whispered, a historic building clad in ivy, and a stylish conservatory. From the bridal suite to the elegant conservatory, Offley Place offers a memorable journey for couples and their guests, culminating in a restful night's stay and a fresh breakfast buffet to start the first day of marriage. You’ll find various packages at your disposal.
Where: Great Offley, Hitchin, SG5 3DX
Find out more: Offley Place
White Hart Hotel, St Albans
What: Searching for a city wedding, but looking for the allure of a quaint and charming venue? The White Hart Hotel might just be the best wedding venue in Hertfordshire for you. Dating back to 1470, this late medieval Tudor-esque hotel and inn stands in St Albans centre and has been largely preserved in its original condition. It’s an intimate space, with candlelight chandeliers, oak-panelled walls and casement lattice windows. The hotel can accommodate up to 120 guests for a buffet or 45 for a sit-down meal, making it ideal for smaller weddings. For evening celebrations, the elegant restaurant transitions into a lively dance floor.
Where: 23-24 Holywell Hill, AL1 1EZ
Find out more: White Hart Hotel
Dyrham Park Country Club, Barnet
What: One of the most highly rated wedding venues in Hertfordshire, Dyrham Park Country Club offers a unique wedding venue with over 600 years of history, a stunning neoclassical Palladian facade, and 200 acres of gardens and woodland. Greet your guests under Ionic columns and snap some photos before moving on to The Grand Hall, complete with a glistening chandelier for reception drinks. The Terrace Room has a dining capacity of 140 guests, and you can use The Grand Hall for a dance floor. You’ll also be guaranteed a dressing room and can choose from a variety of packages with assistance from the highly experienced team.
Where: Galley Lane, EN5 4RA
Find out more: Dyrham Park Country Club
Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel And Restaurant, Hitchin
What: When you think of a barn wedding, you probably imagine a simple affair usually with a smaller guest list. The Redcoats Farmhouse proves that isn’t always the case, it is possible to host an extravagant barn wedding after all. You’ll find it in an old farmhouse building just outside of Hitchi. Recently refurbished with the newest technology, the barn retains its charming atmosphere with split wooden beams and exposed brick walls. Picture string lights, pitched ceilings and plenty of legroom for up to 120 guests. Plus, you’re guaranteed an impressive farm-to-fork feast from the Farmhouse kitchen.
Where: Redcoats Green, SG4 7JR
Find out more: Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel And Restaurant
Fanhams Hall, Ware
What: If glorious splendour is what you’re after, look no further than Fanhams Hall. Offering a unique wedding venue complete with a medieval hall, Jacobean mansion, Japanese tea house and modern events facilities - it stands out among the top places in Hertfordshire to get married. The stunning grounds also feature natural woodland, a wisteria walk, and manicured gardens for picturesque wedding photos - we recommend the circular garden walkway. And you’ll have the perfect walkway in the form of the Long Gallery. To kick up the grandeur, enquire about the Great Hall & Wadesmill for your ceremony, or consider various garden locations.
Where: Fanhams Hall Road, SG12 7PZ
Find out more: Fanhams Hall, Exclusive Collection
Ashridge House, Berkhamsted
What: Ever dreamed of tying the knot like royalty? Well, now you can. A grade I listed property, Ashridge House was once home to none other than King Henry VIII and Princess Elizabeth I. Granted, with its royal pedigree, opulent design, and marble fireplaces it’s not the cheapest wedding venue in Hertfordshire, but it is one of the most jaw-dropping. Every room is designed differently, and you’ll find photo opportunities at every corner, including vast formal gardens and sweeping staircases. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s just 30 minutes north of London.
Where: Ashridge, HP4 1NS
Find out more: Ashridge House
Coltsfoot Country Retreat, Datchworth
What: Hidden away in the small sleepy hamlet of Bulls Green, Coltsfoot country retreat is a privately owned wedding venue with good access from Welwyn and Stevenage. Surrounded by acres of blissfully quiet countryside, the venue has its own catering team offering varied wedding breakfasts and evening meals to suit any vision. Think fork buffets, substantial canapes, and three-course meals for up to 120 guests. The bright airy space with striking wood beams and vaulted ceilings makes Coltsfoot one of the best barn wedding venues in Hertfordshire, not least because it has a team of alpacas for extra entertainment!
Where: Coltsfoot Lane, SG3 6SB
Find out more: Coltsfoot Country Retreat
St Michael's Manor Hotel, St Albans
What: A blend of city convenience and countryside charm, St Michael’s Manor Hotel is just minutes from St Albans city centre but surrounded by five acres of private English gardens. It’s a listed 16th-century manor house complete with its own lake and a townhouse feel that seems to have stepped right out of a romance novel. With over 50 years of experience delivering couples their perfect day, the team at St Michael’s prides itself on flexibility - after all, no two couples are the same. Consider drinks receptions on the summerhouse jetty, followed by dinner in the panelled Oak Lounge, or the sunlit Orangery Conservatory.
Where: Fishpool Street, AL3 4RY
Find out more: St Michael's Manor Hotel
If you love the idea of a rural wedding, check out some of the most beautiful barn wedding venues in the UK for some more rustic inspiration.