Choosing a venue is one of the most important decisions that a couple needs to make when planning their wedding. There are many factors to consider, such as; location, venue capacity and the style of the venue. Once upon a time it was traditional to pick a classic hotel, but now many couples often choose something alternative or even a beautiful country estate. We have found four stunning UK venues which we believe offer options for every couple’s desires and dreams.
Often a UK wedding means London and there is one hotel which encompasses everything which a London wedding could be. The Landmark is quintessentially British and benefits from its historic location right opposite Marylebone train station (a wonderful location for wedding photographs). The hotel has four ballrooms, the biggest of which, The Grand Ballroom, can seat up to 500 guests for a sit-down dinner reception. The Marble Ballroom, which can seat over 300 people for a sit-down dinner, is visually appealing with the added benefit of street access, in addition to plenty of natural light and beautiful high ceilings. The hotel boasts 300 beautifully appointed rooms and 51 beautiful suites for your guests to stay in. Worth particular mention is the stunning Landmark Suite and the charming Atrium Suite which overlooks the infamous glass Atrium and The Winter Garden, both of which would be ideal for a bride looking for a bright and spacious room to get ready in for her big day.
A wedding is always about the lead-up and the events surrounding it, as much as it is about the day itself, and The Landmark can offer the perfect location for all of your events. They are famous for their Sunday brunch as well as their outstanding champagne afternoon tea, both of which take place in the beautiful Winter Garden Restaurant. This is a glorious space filled with greenery, flowers and charm, and which feels as though you are sitting outside, despite being comfortably sheltered from the elements by the expansive glass atrium above. It is also home to the infamous and equally glamorous Mirror Bar which serves a delectable array of cocktails and is the perfect place for your guests to have a drink whilst soaking in the charm of this classic London hotel.
If you are looking for a venue which is in the very heart of London, offers something slightly different to a hotel ballroom and is both historic and yet modern, then look no further than The Brewery. This expansive venue is set in the heart of the City of London and has been around since the Byron era. It was the location of the former Whitbread Brewery in East London until 1976 and since then it has gone on to be one of London’s most sought-after event spaces.
The Brewery has multiple spaces for hire and can accommodate wedding parties of 40 to 1000 guests, depending on whether you want something intimate or something on a larger scale. The Porter Tun room is one of the most unique spaces in London and prides itself on its fully exposed King Post timber roof which is visually appealing with an extraordinary height of 60ft. It offers guests a clear and unobstructed view across the entire room. It can host up to 600 guests and has the benefit of already being fitted with a sound system and fully integrated LED lighting to make your wedding that bit more special.
If you are looking for something a little smaller but you love the character of The Brewery, then you could opt for the King George III room which has not just a royal name (linked to a Royal Visit in 1787) but also exposed brickwork and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Despite this room being smaller in scale than The Porter Tun, it can still comfortably accommodate up to 250 guests for dinner and dancing, and it directly connects to the Queen Charlotte Room, which offers the perfect separate location for your ceremony and reception. Despite not being a hotel and offering accommodation, you need not worry about where to get ready for your big day or how far you will have to go to rest your weary dancing feet! The venue is a one-minute walk from and right next to the fabulous Montcalm London City. This hotel is home to the stunning Barbican Suite, which, with its floor to ceiling windows and duplex layout, is perfect for getting ready for your wedding.
Getting married in England doesn’t always have to mean London. In fact, you could have your very own destination wedding within the UK, just outside of the big city. The first of our out-of-London venues is both classic and yet modern. It is under two hours from London and within close proximity to Heathrow Airport (perfect for your overseas guests), and it offers the perfect country retreat. The Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is set amongst 500 acres of uninterrupted countryside. The main restored 18th Georgian century manor and estate, which was where Henry VIII first met Catherine of Aragon, offers the perfect location for those couples who want something typically British, but also appreciate the tranquillity of the rolling hills of Hampshire.
One of the attractions of getting married out of London is the ability to have an outdoor ceremony and this venue has the perfect option with The Walled Garden which is the ideal setting for an intimate ceremony. If having the entire wedding outdoors is your vision, then The Orchard can offer you just this with its open space and beautiful apple trees. The Orchard is also the ideal place for your welcome event, and can cater for BBQ’s should you want something more laid back and relaxed to kick start your celebrations.
However, with the unpredictability of the British weather, there are also options for indoor rooms, such as The Four Seasons Ballroom. This room can host up to 200 guests for a sit-down dinner and as it is totally pillarless, it is the perfect location for being able to see all of your guests without any obstructions. For something more intimate, then you could choose The Mandeville Ballroom. This space has the benefit of having the attached Foyer which makes for the most stunning bridal entrance with its beautiful imposing marble staircase, which is perfect for that stunning train on your dress to cascade down. This ballroom, whilst providing an intimate can comfortably host up to 100 guests with a round banquet table layout.
One of the advantages of this picturesque venue is the experience which your guests can have whilst staying there. The hotel has 133 guest rooms and 22 luxurious suites and in particular, the Park Suite is perfect for the bride and bridal party. Just imagine having your photographer capture those electric pre-wedding moments in your suite, with the backdrop of the expansive grounds and the abundance of natural light streaming through the large and beautifully draped windows. Your guests could avail of the activities offered on-site which range from horseback riding through the beautiful grounds, to playing tennis on the private courts or even just going for long country walks. You could take this time to relax and prepare for your big event by pampering yourself in the luxurious spa with one of their signature “Neom De-Stress” massages or even having some pre-wedding one-on-one time with your fiancé and booking a “Just the Two of You” treatment. The Four Seasons Hampshire really is the perfect location for your idyllic wedding, and if one of your bridal party happens to include a “furry” ring bearer in the form of your beloved dog, then rest assured, this hotel is dog friendly too!
Our final venue is renowned for its exclusivity, history, and 376 acres of National Trust Land in Berkshire. Cliveden House was built over 350 years ago by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham and has a long history of hosting some of the most beautiful events and soirees. The property passed between various members of British nobility and high society until it was bought by William Waldorf Astor before ultimately becoming one of Britain’s best and most luxurious five-star hotels in 1985. It has all of the modern amenities whilst maintaining a true period feel with an abundance of romantic architecture.
This imposing venue can host up to 120 guests on an exclusive use basis, which means that you can truly make this stately venue home for your guests for the duration of your wedding. From the opulence of the Parisian styled French Dining room to the more contemporary Waldo’s, there are multiple unique event spaces within this historic house that are perfect for the many aspects of a wedding. However, if you have something bigger in mind then they can also arrange for the hire of a marquee in the grounds which can seat up to 230 guests. This venue is also perfect for memorable wedding photos and a romantic stroll through the tranquil Water Garden would be perfect for capturing those ethereal and memorable shots.
Despite this property being intimate, you might want some time away from your guests to relax and bask in your stunning surroundings and the Spring Cottage is the dreamiest of hideaways and perfect for this. The cottage is situated on the bank of the River Thames and is the ideal location for you to get ready for your wedding or spend some time revelling in your newly married status with some quality time with your new spouse. There are an additional 47 lavish bedrooms in this English stately home, giving your guests every reason to stay over and enjoy this historic British venue.
In between your events, you and your guests can try the four walking trails on offer, which will take you through the historic grounds of Cliveden House and along the banks of The River Thames. Alternatively, you could venture off-track and explore the two miles of woodland which is on your doorstep. One of the benefits of this venue is the fact that it is neighbouring some of the UK’s most historic areas and desirable sites and for your guests, being able to explore the nearby Windsor Castle or even watch a race from the famous grandstand at Ascot racecourse, would make for a wedding weekend experience to remember.
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