May 2, 2023
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 event planner, primarily covering the Cotswolds I’m here to help you to find ‘the one’. This blog features some of the very best wedding venues situated in Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds.
Berkeley Castle, Photography by Rob Tarren
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 not planning a huge guest, you might want to look at more intimate venues, equally if you’re looking at larger numbers make sure the venue you select can accommodate them comfortably. Capacity will quickly streamline the number of venues in the running.
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.
Rob Tarren Photography
Number of days
Is a one day celebration enough for you, or have you been dreaming of a wedding spanning a couple of days or more?
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 and your budget. Some may have an in house co-ordinator, others offer dry hire. If you need extra support on the day take a look at this useful blog on how to decide what level of support you might need.
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!
Beautiful Wedding Setup at Elmore Court, Photography by Rob Tarren
If you need any more help, or advice we would love to help. Please get in touch to book a discovery call and we can go from there.
Lots of love,
Rach x