Breaking with my usual tradition of a top ten list (but then, I’m never one for imposing rules) today I’m sharing the Top Country House Weekend Wedding Venues in and around the Cotswolds. I did originally set out to create a ‘Top Ten Weekend Wedding Venues’ post (in line with my other venue posts such as ‘London’s Top 10 Wedding Venues with Green Spaces’ and ‘Top Ten Blank Canvas Venues London’) but then I realised there are too many amazing weekend wedding venues to choose from. So, instead, I’m giving you more by splitting the list into different categories. Keep your eyes peeled for a future post featuring rustic/outdoorsy weekend wedding venues. But, for now, let’s talk Country Houses in the Cotswolds…
For those that don’t know – a weekend wedding doesn’t just mean a wedding taking place at the weekend. It means a wedding that spans the entire weekend. Everyone stays on-site together. And celebrations are enjoyed across multiple days and events. From the rehearsal dinner right through to a post-wedding brunch. Weekend weddings are all about ‘making a weekend of it’ and creating more fun for you and your guests.
Needing space for multiple events and accommodation, many couples choose to escape London’s city life and head to the countryside. With some parts of the Cotswolds as little as an hour from London, it’s no wonder it is a popular choice for weekend weddings (along with neighbouring towns and villages).
Barnsley House
Depicted as a ‘timeless country house’ with ‘storybook gardens’ – Barnsley House in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, is the perfect weekend wedding venue in the Cotswolds. The picturesque house can host up to 100 guests for a ceremony. You get exclusive use of the restaurant (able to seat 70 for your wedding breakfast). As well as the cinema, spa, and gardens (where you can have a marquee reception for up to 120). And with 18 bedrooms, and a further 6 in The Village Pub across the road, Barnsley House is a gorgeous getaway for you and your guests to enjoy.
Euridge House and Orangery
The exclusive use Euridge House and Orangery near Castle Combe, in the Cotswolds, is a distinctive and romantic weekend wedding venue. Set within 450 acres of private grounds, three of the six licensed ceremony locations are outdoors. Indoors you can host dinners for up to 180 in the elegant ballroom. Or choose a marquee reception (for up to 300) on the lawn. 19 of your guests can stay on-site, with plenty of other accommodation nearby.
Cowley Manor
With its very own church on the Cowley estate, and a license to hold ceremonies in the house itself – Cowley Manor has your legal ceremony covered. The modern, stately home can host intimate receptions of up to 50 guests in the Garden Room. Or you can make use of the outdoor space and host up to 200 guests in a marquee. With 31 bedrooms, and an award-winning spa, the Cheltenham country house is a unique getaway for your weekend wedding in the Cotswolds.
Cornwell Manor
Near Chipping Norton, on the Oxfordshire-Gloucestershire borders, lies Cornwell Manor. The exquisite Cotswolds, stately home is never open to public but is available for exclusive weekend wedding hire. Seating up to 100 guests, The Ballroom is licensed for civil ceremonies. There is also a pretty church less than 200 metres from the Manor, or the option of a blessing in the beautiful gardens. The Ballroom can accommodate 72 for a seated meal. Alternatively, you can have a marquee reception for up to 150 in the Walled Garden. Or up to 300 on the field. Cornwell Manor has 12 bedrooms, sleeping 24 people in the house. You can also arrange glamping for up to 26 guests – keeping more guests on-site for the weekend celebrations.
Elmore Court
Elmore Court is a historic stately home in Gloucestershire, with views over the Cotswolds and River Severn. Dating back to around 1580, the country house wedding venue is licensed for civil ceremonies. The venue also boasts a purpose built, soundproofed, dinner and dancing space called The Gillyflower – for celebrations of 60 to 200. And once your friends and family have finished partying the night away, there are 15 guest bedrooms in the main house to recharge.
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Set within Oxfordshire’s beautiful countryside, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons was created by chef Raymond Blanc OBE. So, as I’m sure you can imagine, it’s a haven for foodies. With 32 bedrooms/suites, ceremony space for up to 90, dining for up to 120, and exclusive use of the house and gardens, it’s not just the culinary expertise that will delight your guests. If you are looking for a weekend wedding that tastes out of this world – this country house venue is for you.
Has that enticed you towards a country house weekend wedding in the Cotswolds? With oh-so inviting guest accommodation, and dream décors – any of these stately home venues would provide an amazing base for a weekend of celebrations. And, with a creative wedding planner like me on your side, together we can bring your wedding weekend to life.
If you would like to talk about possible venues for your weekend wedding, I’d love to hear from you. And don’t forget to look out for the next in my venues series. I’ll be sharing the top barn, outdoorsy and rustic weekend wedding venues.
