Finding a Wedding Venue in The Cotswolds

Before you start getting carried away reaching out to florists, bands and photographers you need to find the best venue for you and set a date. If you’ve type wedding venues into a search engine, you’re likely to be feeling overwhelmed with options. As an experienced luxury wedding and event planner based in South Gloucestershire with a wealth of experience in The Cotswolds I’m here to help you to find ‘the one’. This blog features some of the very best wedding venues in Gloucestershire and surrounding Cotswolds. 

Sudeley Castle Rose Garden, Jasmine Andrews Photography

Things to consider before you start searching

Where would you like to get married? Is there an area you’re looking at in particular, maybe you have a local church that you need to be a sensible distance from. Consider ease of travel for guests. What style of venue can you see yourselves celebrating in; castle, stately home, marquee, barn, or something completely unique?

Berkeley Castle is an exclusive-use weekend wedding venue in Gloucestershire with 2 nights accommodation as part of their offering. 

Rob Tarren Photography 

Guest numbers

How many people do you need to accommodate? If you’re planning on smaller guest numbers you may want to look at more intimate venues such as The Pig in The Cotswolds do just a handful of exclusive hire events each year and can offer a boutique, intimate feel to your celebrations. Looking at larger numbers? Make sure the venue you select can accommodate them comfortably. Getting a clear idea on capacity will quickly streamline the number of venues you are considering.

Elmore Court is an exclusive-use stately home in Gloucestershire, topped of with a separate eco-friendly party space, giving you two venues in one! Available for single, or multiple days with onsite accommodation and brand new treehouses available too. Having worked here for many years before starting my own planning business, this is one of my absolute favourites!

The Gillyflower at Elmore Court, Eve Dunlop Photography

Number of days

Is a one day celebration enough for you, or have you been dreaming of a wedding spanning across an entire weekend? We adore Cornwall Manor in Chipping Norton, and Coombe End nr Cirencester that offer luxury hire of their private homes with the space to add a marquee for the main celebration. Both boasting a wonderful outdoor pool space there is the option for a wonderful post-wedding pool party!

When do you want to get married? 

Popular wedding venues typically book up 12-18 months in advance so don’t delay in starting the search. If possible, be flexible on dates but consider what season is best suited to you, your style, guest numbers and budget. 

Accommodation

Does this need to be nearby or onsite? If guests are travelling more than an hour for your wedding make sure you choose somewhere with accommodation onsite, or a reasonable taxi distance away. Consider arranging transport to and from your reception if the majority will be staying in one place. As planners this is something we are happy to assist with. 

Ceremony/Rehearsal Dinner Space at Kin House, Owen Gale Photography

Kin House in Wiltshire offers exclusive hire for weekend weddings and events for the most incredible celebrations. Every detail has been carefully considered with two pamper spaces, plentiful luxury onsite accommodation, reception rooms and the ultimate party room and bar for you and your guests to dance the night away! 

Restrictions 

Make sure when speaking with venues that you areas that are important to you. Enquire about cut off times, restrictions around music, corkage, fireworks, external catering, and recommended suppliers. 

Cost

Decide on the amount of money you’re willing to spend on the venue, this is a tricky one as they will all offer different elements within the hire rate. Make sure you look into the detail before committing – most will kindly hold a date for a week or two while you do some sums, and check availability (and book) your officiant – believe me, this does occasionally get forgotten! 

Photo by The Curries

If you would like support with planning your big day, please get in touch to find out more and we can book a discovery call.

Lots of love,

Rach x