Wedding venues galore!
Engaged? Congratulations!
Now to the fun bit. That’s planning everything from the flowers and food to the fantastic venue – not forgetting a bespoke ceremony written just for you and your day, by me. I’m on hand to help you tell your story, fine tune all wedding ceremony related proceedings, and help make your big day as memorable as possible – for all the right reasons!
When it comes to venues, pretty much anything goes with a celebrant led ceremony. You are free to have your wedding ceremony exactly to your liking. Just remember to sort out the legalities of your marriage in an increasingly popular 2+2 Ceremony at the Register Office in advance of your venue ceremony. Once that’s in place I would be proud and honoured to hold your bespoke ceremony and announce you officially married in front of all your special guests to get the party started!
In your search for your venue, you'll have found that some are licensed premises for Registrars, and some are not, so you have lots of options for the type of ceremony you want. There is something for everyone – which is great!
It's worth knowing though that although some Registrars seem like Celebrants, and Councils provide celebration packages, Council ceremony content will only repeat legal statements about marriage and won't provide you with a bespoke, tailor-made ceremony. You can check out my About pages for a little more information about the roles of Celebrants and Registrars if that's helpful. It can be rather confusing!
But anyway – on to having a look at some of the wonderful wedding venues in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. This is only a handful, but should give you a taster of what’s both on your doorstep and perhaps a little further afield.
In no particular order…
Elcot Park, The Retreat, Berkshire
RECOMMENDED CELEBRANT - HURRAY!
The Retreat at Elcot Park is the perfect blend of quirky British sensibility and elegant authentic luxury; old and new; the refined and the comfortable, the local and the worldly.
It’s a beautifully re-imagined Georgian Country House Hotel & Spa (oh yes - we’re talking both hydrotherapy indoor and outdoor pools - located between Newbury and Hungerford, at the heart of the North Wessex Downs – a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. With sixteen acres of stunning grounds, rolling countryside and endless local attractions, it’s the perfect spot for a country wedding.
It’s outside and indoor spaces are cosy yet impressive, and each beautifully designed. You have small intimate rooms and larger ones including the stunning orangery to choose from, as well as the option of EXCLUSIVE USE. What’s not to love?
Photo source: Elcot Park website
Visit: https://www.retreatelcotpark.com/
Dorney Court, Wedding Venue, Berkshire
With its fairy tale gabled roofs, landscaped gardens and charming 12th Century buidlings, Dorney Court is a beautiful and complete country wedding venue close to the M4 for your easy access, not far from Windsor and Eton. Indoor and outdoor ceremonies are splendid and well catered for here, so lots of options too!
Your entire wedding day can unfold on the estate, from the ceremony to late-night partying in the perfectly renovated Coach House Barn. The gardens, including lawns and courtyard, provide a lovely setting for drinks and pics.
Photo source: Dorney Court website
Visit: https://dorneycourt.co.uk/weddings/
The Great Barn, Oxfordshire / Northamptonshire
Set within a 250 acre farming estate, this romantic and spacious 18th Century barn is breath-taking thanks to its Cotswold stone facade and wonderful exposed oak beams. The Great Barn is a stunning venue on the Northamptonshire / Oxfordshire border, located near the rural village of Aynho, not too far from Bicester and Banbury.
It provides a magical setting for weddings and receptions, with its high ceilings, and exposed beams - great if you are looking for a rustic feel and period charm. The Barn is illuminated with soft lighting to highlight the original timber framework and beams, giving it a special glow that complements the natural daylight which floods in through the windows. By night, the lights are dimmed and the Barn’s atmosphere changes to provide the perfect backdrop for dining, drinking, dancing and celebrating your big day. The garden and patio provide the perfect space to relax outdoors once your fun and fabulous celebrant led ceremony has concluded for the party to get started!
Photo source: thegreatbarn.net/gallery and website
Visit: https://wwwthegreatbarn.net
Stratton Court Barn Wedding Venue, nr Bicester, Oxfordshire
Stratton Court Barn is an exclusive use wedding venue and every celebration here is completely bespoke, offering you the chance to celebrate in the most personal way. Which is, of course, excellent if you are also wanting a totally bespoke wedding ceremony!
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony and fine-dining experience with your closest friends and family or raising the roof with a large and lavish celebration, this is an great choice.
It has wonderful indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony spaces providing numerous options for your ‘I do’ moment along with exquisite interior design and landscaped grounds. Want a rural countryside wedding not far from Bicester? Take a look…
Photo source: www.strattoncourtbarn.co.uk ; Sam Bennet Photo + Film; Paul Nelson Weddings
Visit www.strattoncourtbarn.co.uk
The Swan at Streatley Wedding Venue, Oxfordshire
This wonderful venue on the edge of the River Thames and set within 17 acres of countryside, offers a pretty spectacular backdrop for your wedding. The modern glass orangery will protect you from the weather or welcome it in. The lawns too are perfect for drinks and canapes, and even the wedding ceremony. Contact the team at The Swan to find out what your options are and how you can make this venue your very own for your wedding day!
Photo source https://www.coppaclub.co.uk/theswanatstreatley/weddings/
Bisham Abbey Wedding Venue, Buckinghamshire
Formerly the holiday home of Henry VIII dating back all the way to 1260 AD, Bisham Abbey is a gem of a Grade I listed manor house located near Marlow in Buckinghamshire. It offers the Warwick room overlooking beautiful lawns and the River Thames, and The Great Hall, majestic and steeped in history.
The venue is on hand to guide you through the entire planning process from initial enquiry all the way up to the big day. Just remember to mention you are leaning towards a celebrant-led ceremony with me!
In short, from a wedding breakfast in one of the historic rooms, to an elegant outdoor setting in some stunning gardens, their team are always on hand to make your special day memorable.
Photo credit: www.bishamabbeynsc.co.uk
Visit: https://www.bishamabbeynsc.co.uk/abbey/weddings/
Crazy Bear Wedding Venue, Oxfordshire
On an intimate or a grand scale, a wedding at The Crazy Bear, Stadhampton, will be a unique and memorable occasion – so a celebrant led wedding ceremony is pretty much a must have here!
As they say themselves, this stunning and surprising Oxfordshire wedding venue is a spectacular setting for your big day, whether it be a wintry affair, or a midsummer soiree. And I wholeheartedly agree.
Dramatic interiors and characterful gardens will create an exclusive area for your wedding ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception. Its countryside location also provides a stunning backdrop for the all-important photographs!
They have a team of specialist wedding coordinators and events managers to guide you from start to finish, to create your dream wedding. If you think it’s too crazy – don’t judge a book. Go and see for yourself!
Photo credits: The Crazy Bear, Stadhampton, Website
Visit: https://crazybeargroup.co.uk/stadhampton/weddings/
Danesfield House Wedding Venue, Buckinghamshire
For an extraordinary country house wedding reception, you would be hard pressed not to choose Danesfield House Hotel and Spa.
Whether you’re planning a lavish party for 110 guests or an intimate affair for just close friends and family, the elegant architecture and interiors, stunning landscaped gardens with enviable views, and luxurious spa at this stunning venue provide the perfect ingredients for your special day.
Photo credit: Danesfield House Hotel & Spa, Marlow, website
Visit: https://danesfieldhouse.co.uk/weddings
Easthampstead Park Wedding Venue, Berkshire
Easthampstead Park is a beautiful Country House Hotel set in the gorgeous Berkshire countryside just an hour outside London.
Surrounded by 80 acres of woodland, parkland and formal gardens, it is a magnificent Victorian Mansion Hotel - and perfect for weddings. Its gorgeous Wedding Pavilion, impressive original stained-glass window and elegant Downshire Ballroom are perfect spaces to ensure your special day is as relaxed and memorable as possible.
Photo credit: Easthampstead Park, Wedding Venue, Berkshire
Visit: https://www.eastpark.co.uk/weddings
Monks Barn Wedding Venue, Hurley, Berkshire
I’m a little biased with this one – it’s where I held my wedding 17 years ago now when the barn was in its infancy for such events! And it was FAB! So, if you’re looking for a truly unique venue to celebrate with your loved ones this might well be it.
Monks’ Barn is a Grade II* listed medieval barn in the centre of the picturesque village Hurley and is the perfect blank canvas to hold your wedding reception, ceremony or party.
With room for up to 150 guests, you can create your own special day by picking your own caterer, florist, furnishings and wedding celebrant, of course! The barn also offers an intimate outdoor space for your guests to enjoy your event both inside and out.
With a campsite close by, your guests can either camp or take a room in many of the B&B’s or The Old Bell Hotel just up the road.
Picture credit: Monks’ Barn website
Visit: https://hurleyriversidepark.co.uk/about-us/monks-barn/
Monkton Barn Wedding Venue, Buckinghamshire
Hidden away on the edge of the Chiltern Hills near the stunning riverside town of Marlow, Monkton Barn offers the perfect retreat for your wedding celebration. From barn to courtyard, over to the meadow marquee, then perhaps on to the charming woodland; formal or informal, laidback festival-style, traditional garden fete or something entirely different!
Anything goes. Add bonfires and fireworks, dancing to live music. You can even treat your guests to a night of glamping under the stars... And, the immaculately converted traditional farm barn with original beams and oak floors is great for countryside ceremonies. They even have a secluded dell for woodland weddings and celebrations. Perfect for a celebrant led wedding ceremony! Go and see it – it won’t disappoint!
Photo credit: Monkton Barn Wedding Venue website
Visit: https://monktonbarn.co.uk/monkton_services/barn-weddings-and-receptions/
Notley Tythe Barn Wedding Venue, Buckinghamshire
Nestling in a picturesque fold in the Chiltern Hills on the Bucks and Oxon border, Notley Tythe Barn is an ancestral part of the rural landscape. With its magnificent hall and gallery, with barn doors leading directly to the garden, Notley Tythe Barn could be the perfect setting for your bespoke wedding ceremony. Every detail is meticulously planned. Since 1991 they have hosted well over 2000 weddings and take genuine pleasure in arranging successful events. They would be delighted to extend a warm welcome to you.
Photo credits: Notley Tythe Barn website
Visit: https://www.notleyfarm.co.uk/
Old Luxters Barn Wedding Venue, Hambledon Valley, Oxfordshire
RECOMMENDED CELEBRANT - HURRAY!
Since 1990, Old Luxters has been the venue of choice for weddings in Oxfordshire with each event tailored exclusively to each couples needs and wishes for the day - a bit like a celebrant led ceremony!
The lovely 18th century converted barn has a charming rustic appeal, with all modern conveniences discreetly to hand. Seating from 60 adult guests up to 114 guests, and drinks receptions up to 150 guests, this flexible space can be personalised for any occasion, whether lavish or casual in style. Old Luxters offers a reception barn, bar area and raised gallery with DJ console too. The beautiful orchard to the left of the barn makes an ideal space for a marquee or even a yurt, creating a lovely outdoor space. And... the beauty is that if having a celebrant led ceremony, there are no restrictions on using the outside space for your wedding ceremony.
Old Luxters Barn is located in the Hambleden Valley, near Henley-on-Thames, set within a renowned Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The barn is part of Chiltern Valley Winery, Brewery & Vineyard so another bonus is that you'll never risk running out of drinks for your guests. Pop it on your must see list if thinking of a barn venue that is truly a one-off and magical experience.
Pictures courtesy of https://www.instagram.com/oldluxtersbarn
Visit: https://www.oldluxtersbarn.co.uk/
The Olde Bell, Tythe Barn Wedding Venue, Oxfordshire
As one of the oldest inns in the World, The Olde Bell is situated in the picture-perfect village of Hurley in Berkshire. This luxury traditional coaching inn offers the versatility to make each ceremony and reception unique to you and your wishes.
From the rustic charm of a sensitively restored 16th Century Tudor Barn wedding to the more classic tone of a ceremony held within the oak panelled Malthouse, and a large lawned garden to boot – couples have the freedom to create the wedding of their dreams with the backdrop of an unforgettable location.
Photo credits: The Olde Bell Hotel Wedding Venue website
Visit: https://www.theoldebell.co.uk/
I hope that was useful for you!
And don’t forget…once you’ve chosen your venue, as well as creating and writing your bespoke ceremony I’m also very happy to help marshal the rest of your day’s proceedings if you need an extra pair of hands!
That’s acting as your MC from the end of the wedding ceremony right up to announcing the first dance and the cutting of the cake!
Worrying about your wedding day speeches? Please don’t! I can also help with speech writing or editing, as well as share some top tips on public speaking to minimise any butterflies on your special day.