Best country house wedding venues in the UK: 11 magnificent spots to say 'I do'

Always imagined saying ‘I do’ within the grand surrounds of a country house wedding venue? We can’t imagine a more perfect backdrop than one of these magnificent country homes, which are staggeringly beautiful both inside and out. From a gothic-style mansion to a stately Georgian home, these extraordinary wedding venues are where dreams really do come true.

Country house weddings are a popular choice for many reasons. For one, their historic nature means they offer charm and character in spades, and have been restored to carefully protect their period features. From double-height ceilings to crystal chandeliers, oak panelled walls and original fireplaces, your wedding day is an important occasion and deserves the grand interiors to match.

Another benefit of stately home wedding venues in the UK is their outdoor spaces. Usually set in sprawling grounds, they make a fantastic choice if you’re looking to host a wedding with an alfresco element. Many of the options below are surrounded by landscaped gardens, manicured lawns and magical woodlands, which not only promise spectacular views, but also offer a tranquil setting that feels a million miles away from the rest of the world. So, whether it’s a Champagne reception set against a rural backdrop, or you've always dreamed of saying your vows in a magical walled garden, it's possible to hold part or all of your wedding outside if you so wish at most of these spots.

Finally, country houses are known famously for their size, with most offering boutique rooms for the happy couple and their guests to stay overnight - especially useful if you have friends and family travelling a long way.

Ready to start planning? From Warwick to Essex, check out our pick of the best country houses to get married in across the UK. Wedding venues this special get booked up fast, so make sure to send an enquiry plenty of time in advance. Happy hunting!

Bourton Hall, Warwickshire

What: Nestled in the heart of Shakespeare country and surrounded by 12 acres of woodlands, gardens and parkland, Bourton Hall is an Italian Renaissance-style mansion and the perfect destination for your wedding day. Offering the perfect blend of luxury and homeliness, this sprawling country house boasts beautiful spaces both inside and out. Enjoy a tipple with guests in the Chandelier Bar before saying your vows in the spectacular former Catholic Chapel. Alternatively, the Portico adjoining the front terrace is a sight to behold on sunny days if you fancy an outdoor ceremony. Finally, you can dine up to 120 in the Banqueting Hall, which boasts a fully stocked bar and views across the rolling countryside.
Where: Main Street, Bourton on Dunsmore, Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ
Book now: Bourton Hall

Leez Priory, Essex

What: This Tudor wedding venue in Chelmsford offers an impressive seven ceremony rooms, including three indoor spaces and four outdoor settings. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony in the church-like Tower, or a grand affair in the Great Hall, weddings large and small are catered for here. Equally, those planning an alfresco wedding will find a wealth of options to suit.
Where: Hartford End, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 1JP
Book now: Leez Priory

Holmewood Hall, Peterborough

What: Holmewood Hall is an 18th-century Tudor gothic-style mansion set in 10 acres of beautifully manicured grounds and parkland. Guests can choose to hold their ceremony in either the Gold Room, a magnificent space with a 50-foot-long aisle and an 18-carat gold leaf ceiling, or outside at the Bandstand, with views over its pristine grounds. Once you’ve said ‘I do’, the next step is to enjoy a fine dining meal in its chandelier-adorned dining room, cooked by a team of in-house chefs. The venue also enjoys three conveniently-located bars throughout (The Champagne Bar, The Terrace Bar and The Garden Bar) so you’re never far away from a tipple.
Where: Church Street, Holme, Peterborough, PE7 3BZ
Book now: Holmewood Hall

Gosfield Hall, Essex

What: Tying the knot at Gosfield Hall really is the stuff of fairytales. This Georgian mansion is set amongst 10 acres of lawns, gardens and parkland, with a tranquil inner courtyard and an impressive fountain located to the front of the house. Inside, the beauty continues. Tie the knot in the Queen’s Gallery, which features a 120-foot-long aisle and oak-panelled walls, or enjoy the regality of the Grand Salon with its double height ceilings, sash windows and a feature fireplace. Finally, move from one grand space to another for your wedding breakfast, which is held in the former Marquis of Buckingham's Ballroom and features crystal chandeliers and double height mirrors.
Where: Hall Drive, Gosfielkd, Essex, CO9 1SF
Book now: Gosfield Hall

Syrencot, Hampshire

What: Every step of your wedding day is carefully considered at Syrencot, a gorgeous Georgian house in rural Essex. Start with morning wedding preparations in its vintage Billiard Room, while guests enjoy drinks at the bar. Following a scenic walk through its beautiful walled gardens, say ‘I do’ within the light-filled Glasshouse, before enjoying a feast in the ultra-luxe Farmshed with its timber and metal framework and statement lighting. Of course, when all the dancing is done, you and your guests can retreat to one of its 12 boutique bedrooms.
Where: Figheldean, Salisbury, Hampshire, SP4 8LB
Book now: Syrencot

Pelham House, East Sussex

What: Dating back to the 16th century, Pelham House offers magnificent sprawling suites, extensive manicured grounds as well as a choice of locations for your ceremony. One of the benefits of this country house is its location. Despite being centrally located in Lewes and a stone's throw from the station, its peaceful landscaped gardens ensure you feel a million miles away from the rest of the world.
Where: St Andrews Lane, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UW
Book now: Pelham House

Cain Manor

What: Step back in time at this charming Tudor manor house in the heart of Hampshire. From original oak beams to cathedral-like windows, each and every space is bursting with beautiful period features. When you book a wedding at Cain Manor, the venue is exclusively yours for 24 hours, with room inside and out for up to 123 guests for a ceremony, and 170 for an evening reception. The rustic Music Room is perfect for both ceremonies and receptions, and can be transformed throughout the day to ensure your celebrations flow seamlessly.
Where: Church Road, Headley Down, Hampshire, GU35 8SR
Book now: Cain Manor

Notley Abbey, Oxford

What: Hidden at the end of a tree-lined driveway, Notley Abbey is one of the most romantic country house wedding venues on this list. During the summer, its walled garden blooms with lavender, cherry blossom and wisteria for the most magical backdrop for alfresco weddings. Or, say ‘I do’ inside Abbot’s Hall, the original ‘main room’ of the house with an ancient, beamed ceiling and inglenook fireplace.
Where: Aylesbury Road, Thame, Oxford, HP17 8TN
Book now: Notley Abbey

Botleys Mansion, Surrey

What: Set amongst 56 acres of Surrey parkland, Botleys Mansion is a picture-perfect Palladian country house wedding venue available for exclusive hire. And the inside is just as mesmerising as its façade. Step into the marble reception beneath crystal chandeliers, with gold leaf adorning the walls and an airy glass atrium. Elsewhere, the Green Room is a pastel-hued space suited to more intimate gatherings, while the Library and Morning Rooms are soaked in period elegance.
Where: Stonehill Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0AP
Book now: Botleys Mansion

Grove House, London

What: Looking for a country house wedding venue near London? You're in luck. This grade ll-listed Georgian mansion finds its home close to Richmond Park, overlooking a picturesque lake and gardens in south London. You'd never know you're so close to the city! Four acres of grounds offer photo opportunities aplenty, while a combination of small and large spaces ensure its suitable for weddings of all sizes. 
Where: Froebel College, Roehampton Lane, London, SW15 5PJ
Book now: Grove House

Baddow Park House, Essex

What: This country house in the heart of Essex specialises in luxury weddings with a modern twist. The day begins with wedding preparations in the calming Salon overlooking the gardens, while for the ceremony a wealth of options are open to you, from the cosy Oak Room to the bright and airy Orangery. Don't miss its statement gardens, which boast a natural stone terrace and a perfectly crafted pavilion.
Where: West Hanningfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 7SY
Book now: Baddow Park House

Want your wedding to be a little more low-key? Twilight weddings are great for couples who aren't keen on the idea of a formal event. Find out everything you need to know about evening ceremonies with our complete guide.