14 Beautiful Destination Wedding Venues In England

If you’re planning a wedding, the destination is the most important consideration – other than your partner, of course. Nowadays, it can be seen as a little dull to opt for a traditional church or hotel wedding and many couples are looking for more adventurous, unusual and spectacular locations to exchange their vows. Here are 14 suggestions for out of the ordinary wedding venues in England.

The Barbican Conservatory, London

If you love Brutalist architecture and an abundance of greenery, surely there’s no better place to tie the knot than London’s Barbican Centre? The Conservatory can be hired out for nuptials with capacity for up to 250 people to watch you say ‘I do’ and accompany you for your wedding breakfast and evening festivities. Can you imagine a more Instagram-friendly wedding venue?

Preston Court, Kent

Preston Court, Canterbury, +44 7595 190326

Victoria Baths, Manchester

Why not get married in a swimming pool? Victoria Baths is a listed Edwardian swimming baths on the outskirts of Manchester city centre, boasting many original features including beautiful tiling throughout and three (currently empty) swimming pools. Generally booked up for a couple of years in advance, this is one of the most popular wedding venues in the area thanks to its ornate and unusual features that help to create memorable wedding photos. https://www.instagram.com/p/BWYF-XQjUng/?taken-at=2110085

Carnglaze Caverns, Cornwall

Carnglaze Caverns offers couples the opportunity to tie the knot next to a serene underground lake. There are three chambers of caverns open to the public, the lowest featuring a crystal clear lake that would look stunning in your wedding photos. Weddings may also be conducted in the Rum Store underground concert venue, in the Vine Conservatory or in the Enchanted Dell, offering a variety of option for all preferences.

Alnwick Garden, Northumberland

Treehouse

The spectacular surroundings of Alnwick Garden are among the most impressive wedding locations in the country. Choose from an outdoor ceremony in the enchanting wooden treehouse or a more lavish affair hosted in the Pavilion, dependent on your personal taste. The treehouse hosts al fresco ceremonies all year round with the canopy of trees changing throughout the seasons to provide photogenic foliage.

The Gherkin, London

Building

Getting wed in London? Can you imagine anything more glamorous or dramatic than hosting your wedding at the top of the Gherkin? The top two floors of the towering glass building are licenced for wedding ceremonies, offering jaw-dropping views over the capital’s skyline. Not for those with a fear of heights but perfect for anyone who loves the views of the city from above.

Tunnels Beaches, North Devon

Building

If you’ve always dreamed of having your wedding on a beach, this stunning Devon location may be just what you’ve been searching for. The slick contemporary building is accessed through a series of hand-carved tunnels in the cliffs, boasting its own private beach and a deck that looks out over the water. Tunnels Beaches offers everything for your big day with plenty of options for where to eat, dance, take your photos and actually tie the knot.

Shilstone House, Devon

If a grand country house is what you’re after for your dream wedding, Shilstone House is the perfect destination. This Georgian manor house can be exclusively hired to give you and your guests the run of the house and grounds. Choose to have your ceremony in the house itself or in the gardens, then dance the night away inside the huge marquee.

Castle Howard, Yorkshire

Building

This 18th-century historic house is one of the most majestic buildings in Yorkshire, boasting beautiful grounds with lakes, temples and walled gardens. Inside, the stately home showcases elaborate original features and striking artworks, providing the perfect place for a luxurious wedding ceremony and evening celebrations.

Forde Abbey, Dorset

This 900 year old abbey is in excellent condition, providing a truly historic venue for a dream wedding. Choose to have your ceremony in either the Great Hall or the Monk’s Refectory, dependent on how many guests (up to 200 in the Great Hall). Following the vows, guests are led out onto the lawn for celebratory drinks before being led to the Undercroft for the wedding breakfast and evening celebrations.

Ness Botanic Gardens, Ness

Merchant Adventurers Hall, York

This lavishly romantic timber hall is a beautiful choice for an indoor wedding. Say your vows in the spectacular Great Hall before exploring the various nooks and crannies of the 660 year old building to take memorable photographs. The walled garden provides the perfect place for pre-dinner drinks during the warmer months while the Undercroft hosts a dance floor and bar for the evening’s celebrations.

Hawkstone Park Follies, Shropshire

Park

One of the most unique wedding venues in the country, Hawkstone Park is a 400 acre site in the Shropshire countryside. Alongside the main house, there is also the option to say your vows in the Grotto or by the Gothic Arch, two stunning follies in the grounds of the property. Following the ceremony, guests can enjoy champagne and canapés by the follies before returning to the main house for further celebrations.

The Royal Pavilion, Brighton

Building

It’s possible to get married in the most beautiful building in Brighton! The Royal Pavilion is available to hire for weddings with both the Music Room and the Red Drawing Room licenced for ceremonies. Following photographs taken throughout the building and the adjoining gardens, an evening ceremony can also be booked in either the King William IV room or the Adelaide rooms.

About the author

Emma Lavelle

Based in the north of England, Emma Lavelle is a freelance writer and keen photographer with an endless wanderlust. Read about her latest travels on www.fieldandnest.com or on Instagram @fieldandnest