Discover Your Dream Gloucestershire Wedding Venue: Top Picks from a Wedding Photographer

A bride and groom share an intimate moment under blossoming trees at a scenic wedding venue in Worcestershire. The bride's elegant lace gown and long veil add a touch of timeless beauty to the serene outdoor setting.

Expert Insights from a Wedding Photographer in Gloucestershire: Exploring the Perfect Venues

Have you ever dreamt of the perfect Gloucestershire wedding venue nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Gloucestershire? Whether you envision a grand manor house, a charming rustic barn, or a unique space that tells your story, Gloucestershire has it all. Let's embark on this exciting journey to discover your dream Gloucestershire wedding venue that will turn your special day into a memorable celebration!

  • Gloucestershire offers an eclectic mix of wedding venues, from elegant manor houses and rustic barns to unique contemporary spaces, promising to couples' couples' diverse preferences and styles.

  • The county features picturesque outdoor wedding settings, including romantic gardens, serene forest and countryside scenes, and tranquil waterfront locations for a memorable exchange of vows.

  • Gloucestershire caters to all budget ranges with affordable wedding venues and luxurious options. It offers customisable packages, accommodations, and comprehensive wedding planning services to ensure a smooth and personalised celebration.

The bride and groom share a joyful moment as they walk hand-in-hand through a lush garden, surrounded by greenery, on their wedding day.

Picture-Perfect Gloucestershire Venues

Brimming with breathtaking beauty and diversity, Gloucestershire offers an array of picture-perfect wedding venues. From the elegance of manor houses to the rustic charm of barns and unique spaces that provide a modern twist to traditional wedding venues, each venue offers a distinctive charm to make your special day even more memorable.

Bride and groom smiling at each other in a lush garden setting, with the bride in a strapless white wedding dress and the groom in a dark suit.

Manor Houses

Imagine saying your vows in a sophisticated, historic manor house surrounded by your lovely Gloucestershire countryside. Gloucestershire manor houses, like the charming 17th-century Hatherley Manor Hotel and the stately Homme House, are the epitome of elegance and grandeur, offering exclusive use and stunning grounds for your wedding day.

These venues allow couples to design a truly unique and personalised wedding experience. To illustrate:

  • Homme House allows you to work closely with their team to ensure your wedding is distinctive and perfectly suited for intimate gatherings.

  • Owlpen Manor offers different spaces, such as the Great Hall, drawing room, or a 15th-century Cyder Barn, allowing you to create the perfect setting that aligns with your vision.

  • Hatherley Manor Hotel can accommodate a range of wedding sizes, giving you the flexibility to create the wedding you've always dreamed of.

A bride and groom share an intimate moment in the enchanting Italian Garden at Arley Arboretum. The couple stands in front of a charming stone archway, surrounded by lush greenery

Rustic Barns

If you're after an informal, relaxed atmosphere, look no further than the rustic barns of Gloucestershire. These venues, like Stone Barn and The Kingscote Barn, offer a charming ambience amidst the beautiful countryside.

Take The Barn at Upcote as an example; it presents a truly magical country wedding experience with its beautiful features:

  • honey-hued stone

  • high beamed ceilings

  • twinkling fairy lights

  • dedicated spaces for both indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies

Another delightful venue, The Great Tythe Barn, can accommodate up to 90 guests, making it ideal for small and large gatherings.

Bride and groom walking down the aisle under a beautiful floral arch, holding hands and smiling, as guests look on during their wedding ceremony.

Unique Wedding Venues in Gloucestershire

If you're looking for something distinctive, Gloucestershire also provides an array of unique venues for an unforgettable celebration. From Asian-inspired courtyards at the Matara Centre to modern venue experiences at Elmore Court, these unique venues combine different styles and settings to create a memorable celebration.

The Matara Centre offers six licensed spaces for civil ceremonies, including three beautiful outdoor ones. The Old Lodge in Stroud offers a delightful combination of indoor spaces and an enchanting outdoor pagoda for civil ceremonies. Whether you're looking for a grand celebration or a small gathering, these venues offer flexible options to suit your needs.

Take The Gillyflower at Elmore Court, for example. It can accommodate up to 200 guests, whereas Ingleside House is perfect for more intimate gatherings, accommodating guest lists from 15 to 150 attendees.

A bride with elegantly styled hair gets the finishing touches with a mist of hairspray. The scene captures the intimate moment of bridal preparation against a backdrop of floral wallpaper,

Scenic Outdoor Wedding Locations

If you've ever envisioned exchanging your vows surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil waters or beneath a canopy of charm, Glancestershire's outdoor wedding venues could be your dream come true. Offering an array of breathtaking backdrops, these venues set the right tone for a romantic and unforgettable wedding day.

Bride and groom share a romantic moment in a dimly lit forest setting, with the groom kissing the bride's hand as she smiles in her lace gown.

Gardens & Grounds

Garden weddings possess an undeniable romantic charm. The beautifully manicured spaces, the scent of blossoming flowers, and the picturesque vistas make garden venues in Gloucestershire a perfect setting for your nuptials.

The lush landscapes of venues like Ellenborough Park, Elmore Court, Oxleaze Barn, and Painswick Rococo Garden, with their rolling hills, create an enchanting atmosphere for your special day. To enhance the romantic ambience, these gardens and grounds can be beautifully transformed with beautiful floral arrangements, twinkling fairy lights, charming lanterns, delightful bunting, and elegant outdoor furniture.

A bride and groom share an intimate embrace under the night sky, framed by tall trees and an open gate. The black and white photo captures the romantic atmosphere of their wedding day, highlighting their love in a serene and private moment.

Forest & Countryside Settings

If you're a nature lover, a wedding amidst the tranquillity and natural beauty of a forest or the countryside could be your dream. Some venues that offer enchanting forest settings include:

  • Ellenborough Park

  • Elmore Court

  • Oxleaze Barn

  • Painswick Rococo Garden

  • Forest Park

These stunning wedding venue options provide a serene and natural setting for your special day, making them an excellent venue choice.

These venues offer a diverse array of wildlife, from graceful deer and playful foxes to charming squirrels, and an abundance of beautiful flora, including wildflowers, delicate ferns, and majestic moss-covered trees, creating a truly enchanting and picturesque backdrop for a wedding celebration.

Bride and groom walking hand in hand with bridesmaids in vibrant pink dresses, celebrating with colorful smoke bombs in a scenic outdoor setting.

Waterfront Locations

Consider a waterfront wedding venue in Gloucestershire if you prefer a tranquil and magical ambience. With stunning views of serene water features and the peaceful atmosphere they create, these venues offer a dreamy setting for your special day.

Venues like:

  • Ellenborough Park

  • Elmore Court

  • Oxleaze Barn

  • Painswick Rococo Garden

  • Eastwood Park

  • Glenfall House

  • Cowley Manor

These wedding venues offer serene water features that create a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere for your wedding festivities. Whether it's a serene lakeside ceremony at Maisemore Park and Ellenborough Park or a charming riverside reception at a marquee wedding venue, waterfront locations add a unique charm to your wedding celebration.

drone wedding photo of bride and groom on bridge above the River Severn

Luxury Wedding Venues in Gloucestershire

If you're searching for a lavish and elegant backdrop for your special day, a multitude of luxury wedding venues are available in Gloucestershire. These venues provide an exquisite backdrop for your celebration, with their innate elegance and opulence requiring less decor.

Venues like Clearwell Castle, Cowley Manor, Eastington Park, Ellenborough Park, Kingscote Barn, The Manor House Hotel and Golf Club are known for their stunning settings, luxurious accommodations, and top-notch service. They offer excellent amenities such as exclusive venue use, guest accommodations, on-site bespoke catering, flexible package options, and beautiful grounds for photography.

Black and white photo of the groom being joyfully tossed into the air by his groomsmen during the wedding celebration, capturing the excitement and camaraderie of the moment.

Intimate Wedding Venues

Weddings aren't always grand affairs with hundreds of guests. At times, you might prefer a smaller, more intimate gathering for your special day. Intimate wedding venues in Gloucestershire cater to smaller guest lists, offering cosy and romantic spaces for your ceremony and reception.

Venues like Wyck Hill House in Stow-on-the-Wold and Cowley Manor near Cheltenham are among the best for intimate weddings. They offer beautiful garden views, ornate ceilings, and opulent decor suitable for fewer guests. These venues incorporate soft lighting, lovely floral arrangements, elegant drapery, and romantic colours to enhance the romantic ambience.

Silhouette of a bride and groom dancing under dramatic blue lighting in a wooden-beamed hall, creating an elegant and captivating atmosphere.

Accommodation & Facilities

Providing comfortable accommodation and facilities at your wedding venue contributes to a smooth-running event, allowing you and your guests to revel in the celebration without concerns. Whether it's the guest lodging, bridal suites, or spa facilities, Gloucestershire wedding venues have it all.

Bride and groom standing under a white umbrella in front of a beautifully lit wooden venue at night, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere.

Guest Lodging

Ensuring your guests have a comfortable place to stay is crucial when planning your wedding. Gloucestershire wedding venues offer a fantastic variety of guest lodging options. For example, The Barn at Upcote can accommodate up to eight guests, while Hatherley Manor Hotel offers 56 bedrooms and two unique honeymoon suites for newlyweds.

Several nearby hotels are available for guests who prefer to stay off-site. For instance, guests attending weddings at The Barn at Upcote have fantastic nearby lodging options like the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and The Frogmill Inn.

Bride and groom joyfully spraying champagne in celebration at Arley Arboretum's Italian Garden, with a backdrop of lush greenery and evening sky.

Bridal Suites & Preparation Spaces

Having a luxurious and private space to get ready for you and your wedding party is essential to your wedding day. Bridal suites in Gloucestershire, like those at Stonehouse Court Hotel, offer incredible facilities to ensure a comfortable and luxurious preparation experience.

These bridal suites are designed to be absolutely stunning. They feature elegant decor, comfortable seating areas, and spacious dressing rooms equipped with large mirrors for the bride to get ready. Some suites even include private balconies or outdoor spaces for extra luxury.

bride and groom being sprayed with bubbles at wedding evening reception

Spa & Leisure Facilities

Relaxation before and after your wedding day is vital to enjoying the whole wedding weekend experience. Many Gloucestershire wedding venues, like Ellenborough Park, offer spa and leisure facilities for relaxation and enjoyment.

Guests can indulge in a variety of spa treatments, such as massages, beauty treatments, acupuncture, and reflexology, and full use of facilities like the sauna, steam room, gym, and heated pool. For instance, Hatherley Manor Hotel offers a serene spa for pre- and post-wedding pampering.

Wedding Planning Services

Although planning a wedding can be complex, it can evolve into a seamless and stress-free journey with the right assistance. Gloucestershire offers various wedding planning services, including a dedicated wedding planner, to help you create your dream wedding.

Full-service planning involves a wedding planner handling all aspects of pre-wedding preparation, including booking vendors and managing contracts. At the same time, day-of coordination is limited to managing the wedding day itself. The average cost for a wedding planner in Gloucestershire starts from £3,000 for complete wedding planning and goes upwards of £20,000, depending on the wedding size.

bride and groom and smoke bombs

Customisable Packages & Catering

A standout feature of Gloucestershire wedding venues is the possibility of crafting a personalised and unforgettable experience through bespoke packages and catering options. From the ceremony to the reception, these venues offer a range of options to tailor your wedding to your unique style and preference perfectly.

Catering at these venues is a genuinely personalised affair. Venues like Drakestone House and The Barn at Upcote offer bespoke catering services, providing a unique dining experience tailored to the individual needs of each wedding celebration. Some of the catering options available include:

  • Fun food and drink vans

  • The freedom to choose your own catering company

  • The opportunity to hire caterers with experience in diverse settings like marquees, yurts, and mansions

These venues ensure that your all-important wedding photos and catering are a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

Accessibility & Transportation

When choosing a wedding venue, accessibility and transportation are crucial aspects to consider. Gloucestershire wedding venues ensure a convenient and hassle-free experience for you and your guests, with options for nearby airports, train stations, and ample parking.

Bristol Airport and Birmingham Airport are the nearest airports for out-of-town guests, providing accessible and convenient travel options. Venues like Stonehouse Train Station make it convenient for guests to access several wedding venues. In contrast, many venues offer sufficient parking spaces and shuttle services, ensuring convenience for guests arriving by car.

Bride and groom share an intimate moment under a pergola adorned with string lights and foliage in a garden setting, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere at night.

From the elegance of manor houses and charm of rustic barns to the tranquillity of forest settings and captivating waterfronts, Gloucestershire offers a delightful variety of wedding venues to couple's couple's tastes and budgets. With many services like accommodations, spa facilities, planning services, customisable packages, and catering, these venues ensure a seamless and memorable wedding experience. So, whether you are planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Gloucestershire has the perfect venue for your special day.

Bride and groom holding hands and touching foreheads in front of The Fleece Inn, surrounded by blooming flowers, with signs indicating Nick and Charlotte's wedding on

Creative Wedding Photography

Civil Ceremony Wedding Photography

Pre Wedding Photo Shoots

Half Day Wedding Photography

Custom Wedding Photography

Civil Ceremony Wedding Photography

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the cheapest to get married?

The cheapest place to get married is abroad, with places like Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Zanzibar, and Seychelles offering affordable wedding packages for less than £14,000. When looking to save on wedding costs, consider these tropical destinations for a dreamy and budget-friendly celebration.

What is the cheapest day to book a wedding venue?

For the most affordable option, consider booking a wedding venue on a weekday like Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Weekdays are cheaper and more likely to be available, making them suitable for more intimate-sized weddings.

What's a cheap way to get married?

Consider renting a pub, campsite, village hall, sports club, or big holiday property that can double as a wedding venue and accommodation. These can be inexpensive options for celebrating your wedding. Just make sure to seek the owner's approval!

What types of wedding venues are available in Gloucestershire?

Gloucestershire offers diverse wedding venues, from elegant manor houses to charming rustic barns, scenic outdoor locations, and intimate venues. You'll have plenty of options based on your preferences and budget.

Do Gloucestershire wedding venues offer accommodation and facilities for guests?

Yes, Gloucestershire wedding venues often provide accommodation and facilities such as guest lodging, bridal suites, and spa and leisure amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable guest experience.