Wedding venues

Claridge’s, Mayfair W1

This iconic Art Deco hotel needs no introduction—it has been hosting Society weddings for well over a century. Couples often choose to hold their ceremony in the light-filled Drawing Room, but different rooms suit parties of varying sizes, from the legendary Ballroom to more intimate spaces, such as the French Salon or the Foyer Private Dining Room. The events team can help couples to plan every detail of their big day, from the catering to the cake—staff are accustomed to organising weddings from 30 people all the way up to 300. And, of course, for those who don’t want to go home yet the accommodation on offer is some of the best in town (020–7629 8860; https://claridges-weddings.venuecrew.com).

The Ned, Poultry EC2

London’s former Midland Bank building was reopened as a grande dame hotel six years ago and offers a handsome location right in the heart of the city. Couples can choose between six wonderfully characterful rooms of different sizes and shapes for their ceremony, from the cosy Rose Room to the Tapestry Room with its beautiful walnut panelling—although most larger weddings take over the entire sixth floor for exclusive use. There are a number of different wedding packages available or couples can go completely bespoke; either way the service, catering and accommodation will all be terrific—as will the photographs from the two spectacular outdoor terraces overlooking the City (020–3828 2000; https://the-ned-weddings.venuecrew.com).

Queen’s House, Greenwich SE10

Originally built as a ‘House of Delight’ for James I’s Queen, Anne of Denmark, this former palace in Greenwich is an impressive place to celebrate your union in style. The Great Hall is an historic setting for a wedding ceremony, with its original 17th-century black-and-white sunburst floor and seating for up to 120 guests. In the summertime, outdoor receptions on the south lawn offer spectacular views across Greenwich Park and beyond. After the wedding breakfast, guests head down to The Undercroft, a series of three vaulted underground rooms. With capacity for up to 150 people, it’s perfect for a party with its dedicated dance floor, bar and lounge area (020–8312 8517; www.rmg.co.uk/venue-hire).

Classic countryside

Coworth Park, Berkshire

As the English country-house outpost of the Dorchester Collection, couples holding their wedding at Coworth Park can rest assured they’re in safe hands. Set in rolling Berkshire countryside, Coworth Park is equally happy hosting both intimate and large-scale weddings. In terms of outdoor locations, the enormously romantic 10-acre wildflower meadow is hard to beat, although the rose garden gives it a run for its money. Heading inside couples can choose between the magnificent Oval Room, the Oak Room, the Garden Room or the more informal setting of the renovated barn. There are a number of wedding packages to choose from, including accommodation for the bridal party and a host of fun added extras (01344 630539; www.dorchestercollection.com/en/ascot/coworth-park).

Wild Thyme & Honey, Gloucestershire

Located in Ampney Crucis just outside Cirencester, boutique hotel Wild Thyme & Honey’s recent refurbishment has delivered next-level tasteful country chic in spades. With 24 bedrooms (including No 3 London Road— arguably the finest suite in the Cotswolds), wedding parties book exclusive use of the hotel so they can have the run of the entire place. Couples can either have a church wedding in Cirencester or get married on-site in the Secret Garden Room, the Courtyard or the Wild Thyme & Honey Suite, which has room for 100 guests for supper and 140 in the evening. The events team is on hand to help couples plan their dream day. The food and beverage options are top class and the venue works with a network of local suppliers to source the finest in everything from flowers to photographers (01285 851806; www.wildthymeandhoney.co.uk).

Kin House, Wiltshire

This handsome Georgian country house, beautifully appointed throughout, promises to provide wedding parties with a pictureperfect home from home for a whole weekend. At the heart of the house, The Hearth Room, with its 18th-century fireplace, has space for up to 100 guests and makes a wonderful location for a ceremony; alternatively, the Garden House and the romantic outdoor Arbour can accommodate up to 200 people. Receptions are held in the Kilvert Hall, which sits in its own separate wing, after which night owls can take the party on to the Fitz Bar. Kin House sleeps 24 guests in 12 bedrooms, and its owners can organise classes, therapies and activities throughout the weekend, from early morning yoga to a restorative massage (01249 479385; www.kinhouse.co.uk).

Wedding venues

Romantic castles

Neidpath Castle, Scottish Borders

A castle wedding should provide romance first and foremost, and Neidpath near Peebles in the Scottish Borders has no shortage of wow factor. Located only an hour from Edinburgh, the venue offers wedding parties exclusive use of the castle over three days, with up to 94 guests on the big day itself. Choose to get married in The Laigh Hall, with its dramatic vaulted ceiling, or outside in the grounds, which offer a multitude of spectacular locations for photographs (a snowy winter wedding here is unforgettable). Drinks receptions take place on the battlements with their far-reaching views and the wedding breakfast is held in the storied Great Hall. The castle itself sleeps 16 overnight. Queen Mary’s Chamber— where Mary, Queen of Scots once slept as a friend of the Hay family—makes for a particularly special bridal suite (01721 720333; www.neidpathcastle.com/weddings).

Hay Castle, Powys

The history of Hay Castle goes back almost 1,000 years, from medieval sieges right up to the Swinging Sixties. Set in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, this historic venue sits against the spectacular backdrop of the Black Mountains and offers different options for a wedding ceremony from The Great Hall to the impressive Former Stateroom. Most weddings take place after the castle has closed to the public and are glamorous evening affairs, with room for 70 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and 120 for the reception. Couples looking to find out more should check the website for information on the Hay Castle Weddings Fair, to be held in the early summer (01497 820079; www.haycastletrust.org).

Cluny Castle, Aberdeenshire

For sheer kerb appeal, wedding venues don’t get much better than Cluny Castle, a 14th-century Aberdeenshire property that is still a much-loved family home. Wedding parties have exclusive use of the venue for the weekend, including its spectacular private chapel. Drinks are held on the lawns in front of the castle and the wedding breakfast takes place in the Tenants’ Hall with its stained-glass mullioned windows, parquet flooring and seating for up to 94 guests—larger parties can opt for a marquee. With room for up to 26 guests overnight, the bride and groom can party the night away in this magnificent setting with all their favourite people (01330 833302; www.clunycastle.com/weddings).