country houses & castles - uniquehomestays.com many country houses and castles operate on an...

What could be lovelier than a whole wedding

weekend of celebrations? Many country houses and castles operate on an exclusive-use basis, meaning the whole place is entirely for you and your guests for the duration. These are often rather flexible spaces, with various rooms to use as you wish for different parts of the festivities.

Amid stunning grounds and enchanting interiors, you can have a welcome dinner the night before, the wedding itself, and then a farewell brunch. There’s usually accommodation on site, too, at least for the couple and bridal party. These factors make country houses and castles perfect for those with a larger guest list. But don’t despair if you’re in love with the romance of a country house or castle and have a more bijou guest list. Some have smaller spaces you can hire.

& CASTLESCOUNTRY HOUSES

MOOR PARK

HertfordshireThis 17th-century mansion is brimming with character and charm. The impeccably manicured grounds and the grandeur of the building will

win anyone over. The opulence continues with ornate interiors

and beautiful furnishings. hitched.co.uk

youandyourwedding.co.uk 19

THESE SUBLIME SPACES ARE ALL ABOUT CLASSIC

ROMANCE

Photography by: Nkima Photography

Styling by: The Events Designers

Flowers by: Blue Sky Flowers


GOSFIELD HALL

EssexThere’s much to admire here, from the picturesque grounds to the luscious Rococo bridal suite. With crystal chandeliers

and panelled walls, the ballroom is an elegant wedding breakfast setting. Plus, there’s a licensed courtyard for outdoor vows.

hitched.co.uk

ORCHARDLEIGH ESTATE

SomersetThe only difficulty with getting married at this 500-acre estate is deciding which of the spaces to use. Do you have a candlelit ceremony in a lakeside church or say “I do” in the idyllic Italian Garden? Decisions, decisions...

hitched.co.uk

T ILSTONE HOUSE

CheshireThis 18th-century gem started life

as a hunting lodge. Now, it’s an exclusive-use country house that’s perfect for a party, with stunning

gardens and accommodation, as well as a variety of beautiful

spaces, from the intimate library to the elegant drawing rooms.

hitched.co.uk

BELVOIR CASTLE

LeicestershireThis storybook castle has a

variety of historic spaces for an elegant celebration, from the

state rooms to the rose garden. There’s also a luxurious lakeside

marquee. Or, for something more boho, you can hire woodland

wonderland Frog Hollow.hitched.co.uk

DORFOLD HALL

CheshireThe gardens surrounding this Jacobean stately home are

bewitchingly pretty, with hidden dells, a lake and a 1,000-year-

old Spanish oak. There’s accommodation for up to 20, including two cottages, and a variety of ceremony spaces.

hitched.co.uk

CLEARWELL CASTLE

GloucestershireWith an idyllic setting in the Forest

of Dean, this venue has the feel of a romantic hideaway. There’s

a variety of party-perfect spaces within and even a children’s room,

complete with toys and games.hitched.co.uk

ALLERTON CASTLE

YorkshireGo alfresco at this gothic-revival

stately home with a marquee wedding breakfast, or head inside to the handsome ballroom. Then

dance the night away in the enchanting Great Hall.

hitched.co.uk

COUNTRY HOUSES & CASTLES


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NEWBY HALL & GARDENS

YorkshireThe interiors at this Georgian

country house are the epitome of elegance. From the newly

renovated orangery to the marquee site that overlooks the River Ure, everything is designed to delight.

hitched.co.uk

PEMBROKE LODGE

LondonSet in tranquil Richmond Park, Pembroke Lodge feels a million

miles away from urban hustle and bustle. There are two wedding spaces: the modern Belvedere, and the characterful Georgian-

inspired Russell Suite.hitched.co.uk



22 youandyourwedding.co.uk

COMPTON VERNEYWarwickshire

KENSINGTON PALACELondon

ACKERGILL TOWERCaithness

PECKFORTON CASTLECheshire

BAYFIELD HALLNorfolk

EASTNOR CASTLEHerefordshire

FLORINCeredigion

BORTHWICK CASTLEMidlothian

LEEZ PRIORY

EssexThis exclusive-use Tudor mansion is perfect whatever the season. With acres of parkland and a

courtyard with croquet lawn, it’s ideal for outdoor celebrations in

spring/summer. In cooler months, open fires and wood-panelled interiors are warmly inviting.

hitched.co.uk

VOEWOOD

NorfolkThe house and gardens may

have a traditional English country look, but the vibe here is cool and unusual. And there’s not

a wedding package in sight – you design the day you want, with as much or as little input from the Voewood team as you desire.

hitched.co.uk

THE LOST ORANGERY

WiltshireThe grounds at this captivating manor house are nothing short of spectacular. Verdant lawns,

a glorious lake and a crumbling castle as the backdrop – it really is

a one-of-a-kind setting. uniquehomestays.com

SILCHESTER HOUSE

BerkshireIf privacy is your priority, this

exclusive-use hideaway is ideal. The Victorian manor house features

beautiful ceremony and reception spaces, 14 bedrooms, manicured gardens and countryside views.

hitched.co.ukBIRTSMORTON

COURT

WorcestershireThis 12th-century manor house is captivating. The waterside veranda is an obvious draw, but there are plenty of other

ceremony and reception spaces here, from the pretty gardens to

the atmospheric Great Hall. hitched.co.uk

LANGLEY CASTLE

NorthumberlandThis medieval castle has historic charm in abundance, from the

exposed stone walls to the suits of armour on display. You can hire the whole thing on an exclusive basis, but there are also some gorgeous spaces if you want a

LANGLEY CASTLE

NorthumberlandThis medieval castle has historic charm in abundance, from the

exposed stone walls to the suits of armour on display. You can hire the venue on an exclusive basis,

but there are also some gorgeous spaces for a more intimate affair.

hitched.co.uk

YOU’LL ALSO LOVE…

RANGER’S HOUSE

LondonAn elegant Georgian villa that

brings the feel of a country house to London. There’s a lovely walled garden – ideal for a marquee. Or celebrate amid Renaissance art in

one of the grand rooms.hitched.co.uk

STUBTON HALL

LincolnshireAll the rooms at this country

house are delightful, but we have to reserve praise for the sublime orangery. The light-filled space is licensed for ceremonies and is also a wonderful spot for the

reception. Outside, there are acres of heavenly parkland.

hitched.co.uk

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HAMPTON COURT PALACE

LondonThere are few settings grander than the medieval Great Hall at

this Tudor palace. With tapestries, stained glass windows and a soaring beamed ceiling, it’s

guaranteed to enchant your guests. hitched.co.uk

LEEDS CASTLE

KentA favourite residence of Henry

VIII, during one visit to this magnificent castle, he was said

to have brought a retinue of 5,000! Couples getting married here tend to have rather smaller guest lists, but can still enjoy a

celebration fit for royalty.hitched.co.uk

HEDSOR HOUSE

BuckinghamshireThis is a blank canvas venue on

a truly luxe scale. Everything is just so, from the elegant

interior styling to the beautifully maintained park grounds. And privacy is all but guaranteed – the house sits at the end of

a kilometre-long driveway.hitched.co.uk


LOUGH ESKE CASTLE

County DonegalIt’s all about romance at this

lakeside estate. Set amid stunning scenery, there’s a renowned spa for pre- or post-celebration pampering and truly lovely accommodation –

check out the garden suites.hitched.ie


ALNWICK CASTLE

NorthumberlandThis venue was used as a

backdrop for Hogwarts in two Harry Potter films. The banqueting hall has a magical atmosphere, but

for extra enchantment, there’s a 13th-century ruined abbey on site.

hitched.co.uk

PENNSYLVANIA CASTLE

Dorset As well as daytime celebrations,

this Gothic revival castle is known for its twilight weddings – picture

an outdoor ceremony as the sun sets, followed by a candlelit

reception under the stars. hitched.co.uk

CROSSBASKET CASTLE

LanarkshireThis glorious castle effortlessly

blends contemporary luxury and character. Period features abound, and there’s a 16th-century tower that houses a beautiful suite, just

made for newlyweds.crossbasketcastle.com

BOTLEYS MANSION

SurreyIt’s glamour all the way at this Palladian country house. The stunning spaces are ideal for

large-scale celebrations, with a capacity of 250 for the wedding

breakfast and 500 evening guests.hitched.co.uk


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country houses & castles - uniquehomestays.com many country houses and castles operate on an...

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