19 of the best outdoor wedding venues in the UK

If there’s one thing you can be certain of in the UK, it's our unpredictable weather. While England isn’t famed for its sunshine, what our generous rainfall does mean is that we’re home to some stunning verdant landscapes. And if you're lucky enough to catch the English outdoors on a day when the sun makes one of its rare appearances, something quite magical happens. It’s for this reason that many couples still chance their luck and opt for an outdoor wedding. And who can blame them? 

There are a vast selection of fantastic UK wedding venues with outdoor space that make the most of the country's picturesque landscape. So, whether you plan to spend your whole day al-fresco, would simply like to pop a bottle of Champagne outdoors, or fancy a boogie under the stars to round off celebrations, spending at least a portion of the day outside is a must for many couples. Many, of course, look to make the most of the natural lighting opportunities an alfresco event offers for their wedding photographs, be it a sunset couple photo or even a wintry wedding scene. 

If the weather’s still a concern, many of these venues are more than prepared for any eventuality. Many offer weather-proof back-up plans in the form of boho tipis, sheepskin blankets and roaring firepits. Whatever the British weather brings, these venues will ensure that your special day isn't compromised by wind or rain. Besides, a little rainfall makes for a fun anecdote anyway!

Here we’ve selected some of the best UK wedding venues with outdoor space that are as beautiful as they are functional. Whether you want to exchange vows under the stars, walk down an aisle perfumed with blooms, or frolic with your newly betrothed surrounded by some seriously impressive gardens, we hope you find your dream venue within this selection.

Farnham Castle, Surrey

What: Should you wish to mix and match indoor and outdoor elements of your day, the two on-site chapels at Farnham Castle are a romantic setting to exchange your vows – choose between the ancient Norman Chapel, the oldest part of the palace, or the unique 17th century Bishop’s chapel. The Great Lawn sits in front of the sprawling castle, offering a magnificent location for your post-ceremony drinks or reception. Not forgetting the stunning grounds provide a backdrop for frameable snaps.
Capacity: Up to 260
Where: Castle Street, Farnham, GU9 0AG
Find out more: Farnham Castle

Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey

What: When it comes to vineyards, you might think of sunnier climes such as France or Italy, but with English winemaking on the rise, you can inject the splendour of a vineyard into a wedding closer to home. This independent estate offers alfresco ceremonies in its romantic Courtyard Pavilion, located in the centre of the winery, or you can host your ceremony overlooking rolling hills and vines. Plus, you'll get to toast your marriage with a glass made on the land you exchanged vows on. 
Capacity: Up to 300
Where: London Road, Dorking, RH5 6AA
Find out more: Denbies Wine Estate

The Grove, Hertfordshire

What: Set within 300 acres of landscaped parkland, The Grove is a five-star mansion hotel that is sure to bring some serious grandeur to your wedding day. The Sunken Garden is particularly well suited for outdoor ceremonies, and makes for idyllic wedding photos, whilst the Potting Shed (a restored glasshouse in the walled garden) is perfect for more intimate celebrations surrounded by greenery. Every couple will be assigned a dedicated wedding coordinator to handle all the little details, leaving you to enjoy the day.
Capacity: Up to 450
Where: Chandler's Cross, WD3 4TG
Find out more: The Grove

Gosfield Hall, Essex

What: Like something out of Bridgerton, Gosfield Hall is a Georgian mansion set amongst acres of manicured lawns, gardens and woodlands, and overlooks an expansive lake. On warmer days, the inner courtyard is a magical spot for hosting alfresco ceremonies, providing an elegant backdrop to your outdoor wedding. The party can then migrate indoors to the chandelier-clad ballroom for a reception as opulent as the setting, with 23 suites where your friends and family can relax after a busy day of celebrations.
Capacity: Up to 250
Where: Hall Drive, Gosfield, CO9 1SF
Find out more: Gosfield Hall

Leeds Castle, Kent

What: Are you in the market for a wedding fit for royalty? Look no further than Leeds Castle. The former Tudor palace is, confusingly, a Kent venue that was used by Henry VII – a slice of history which infuses your day with a touch of grandeur. Couples who choose an outdoor celebration here will benefit from grand turrets, an impressive stone building and manicured gardens as the background to their day. Perhaps the most unique aspect of this venue is that the resident owl can fly down the aisle to present you with your rings – a memorable moment you and your guests will remember for years to come!
Capacity: Up to 200
Where: Maidstone, ME17 1PL
Find out more: Leeds Castle

All Saints Resort, Suffolk

What: Surrounded by a lush green 18-hole golf course, All Saints Resort is a luxury wedding venue with picture-perfect outdoor space. While ceremonies often take place inside, many opt for an al freso moment, with wedding guests gathered in the planted Courtyard during warmer months. Licensed for up to 170 people, the immaculate outdoor area is also perfect for wedding photos, drinks receptions and sun-soaked evenings. And if you want to seek shelter, there's a stunning Gallery and a Landscape suite with an illuminated dancefloor inside. 
Capacity: Up to 170
Where: Bury St Edmunds, IP28 6JQ
Find out more: All Saints Resort

Burghley House, Lincolnshire

What: Located in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside, Burghley House is a gorgeous Elizabethan property, originally built by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I. For intimate outdoor ceremonies, the Summer House sits within the idyllic South Gardens, boasting stunning views of the lake and parks with capacity for up to 27 guests. Elsewhere, the Rose Garden is well-suited to summer drinks receptions amongst sprawling roses and lavender bushes, offering a secluded backdrop for you to celebrate with your nearest and dearest.
Capacity: Up to 180
Where: Stamford, PE9 3JY
Find out more: Burghley House

The Freston Boot, Suffolk

What: Just outside of Ipswich, this 17th-century pub blends original character with polished features for a charming outdoor wedding. The spacious garden is adorned with twinkling fairy lights, cobbled paths and colourful flowers, perfect for a drinks reception or taking wedding photos. With tipis dotted around the garden, guests can mingle under shelter and in the winter, roaring fires keep everyone warm. Tuck into menus of classic pub fare, with bespoke menus made using the best Suffolk produce.
Capacity: Up to 200
Where: Freston, Ipswich, IP9 1AB
Find out more: The Freston Boot

Leez Priory, Essex

What: For couples who want to wed outside, but still retain a sense of grandeur to their ceremony, Leez Priory offers the perfect solution. Couples can tie the knot in front of The Great Tower, a majestic red brick building nestled in the estate's private gardens. Beyond that, its sprawling grounds span a courtyard garden (replete with a croquet lawn), a magical lake and surrounding woodland. Make the most of 40 acres of private land, with exclusive hire options if you’re looking to have the entire venue to yourself.
Capacity: Up to 250
Where: Hartford End, Chelmsford, CM3 1JP
Find out more: Leez Priory

The Gonville Hotel, Cambridgeshire 

What: Found right in the heart of Cambridge, The Gonville Hotel’s outdoor spaces are ideal for those looking for an al fresco hideaway in the city centre. Its standout Teepee offers a unique space for ceremonies and receptions for up to 150 guests, complete with fairy lights and your very own private bar. The Terrace provides a more relaxed feel to your special day, with views across Parker’s Piece and space for up to 46 guests for a seated wedding breakfast. Expect flexible wedding packages that cover everything from drinks and dining to finishing touches such as cheese boards and plenty of fizz.
Capacity: Up to 150
Where: Gonville Place, CB1 1LY
Find out more: The Gonville Hotel

Boringdon Hall, Devon

What: When it comes to wedding venues with serious wow factor, Boringdon Hall delivers in spades. This centuries-old manor house sits on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, boasting dramatic stone architecture with luxurious interiors and a wide selection of both indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces. The 120-person Arbour is ideal for more intimate civil ceremonies, allowing you and your partner to exchange vows beneath the rose-covered structure. Elsewhere, the Marquee can accommodate up to 500 for large-scale ceremonies and receptions - an idyllic al fresco setting that you can make your own.
Capacity: Up to 500
Where: Boringdon Hill, PL7 4DP
Find out more: Boringdon Hall

Shires Oast, Kent 

What: It’s hard to think of a more romantic setting for a wedding than walking down a paved aisle to a white garden pavilion, exchanging vows amongst seasonal blooms, and then toasting your new union with a drink in a private garden. Shires Oast offers exactly that, with varied spaces where you can tie the knot, whilst surrounded by the sprawling Kent countryside. The experienced team will help take care of everything on the day, so you can focus on the important part - getting married!
Capacity: Up to 250
Where: The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY
Find out more: Shires Oast

Crazy Bear Stadhampton, Oxfordshire 

What: For couples after something a little less traditional, Crazy Bear brings its bold style and plenty of personality to the heart of Stadhampton. Set in the Oxfordshire countryside, this eclectic venue offers everything from intimate ceremonies in the cosy Log Cabin to full-scale celebrations in the Glasshouse, complete with cocktail bar, dance floor and space for up to 250 guests. Outside, couples can make the most of tropical gardens and plenty of woodland space, creating a striking backdrop for al fresco dos.
Capacity: Up to 400
Where: Bear Lane, OX44 7UR
Find out more: Crazy Bear Stadhampton

New Place Hotel, Hampshire

What: Looking for an outdoor wedding venue in Hampshire? New Place Hotel is a striking Grade I-listed manor house set within 32 acres of landscaped gardens. There are plenty of spaces for elegant indoor ceremonies, allowing you to tie your knot before heading out to the tranquil grounds for drinks receptions and unforgettable photos. Those looking for an outdoor ceremony can take over The Garden, with plenty of different packages up for grabs whether you’re planning a twilight wedding, an intimate celebration, or something more large-scale.
Capacity: Up to 110
Where: High Street, Shirrell Heath, SO32 2JY
Find out more: New Place Hotel

Silvermere Inn On The Lake, Surrey

What: If you’re looking for a venue where you can be totally surrounded by nature, Silvermere Inn on The Lake is the one for you. This secluded venue sits on the edge of a glistening lake and looks out onto a woodland - dreamy, right? In the warmer months, the venue offers ceremonies on The Island, where you can exchange vows beside the lake against fairytale scenery, before hosting up to 200 guests for a sit-down wedding breakfast. Make the most of luxurious wedding packages, including options for lakeside drinks and canapes on the Island.
Capacity: Up to 200
Where: Redhill Road, Cobham, KT11 1EF
Find out more: Silvermere Inn On The Lake

Plas Y Rhosyn at Celtic Minor, Swansea 

What: Surrounded by 100 acres of rolling Welsh countryside, Plas Y Rhosyn is one of the region’s finest outdoor wedding venues. Its white birdcage is a particular favourite amongst couples, whether you’re looking to tie the knot here or host an elegant drinks reception. Make the most of sweeping views and lakeside backdrops, with plenty of photo opportunities allowing you to capture this special day. Menus are packed full of locally sourced ingredients, whilst a range of accommodation allows you to continue the outdoor celebration in glamping pods.
Capacity: Up to 120
Where: Palleg Road, SA9 2QQ
Find out more: Plas Y Rhosyn at Celtic Minor

St. Audries Park, Somerset

What: Surrounded by ten acres of deer park, you might be greeted by some surprise guests when hosting your wedding at St Audries Park! At the heart of the venue is a Georgian manor house dating back to 1086, which overlooks the meandering Quantock Hills and Bristol Channel. If you want to reap the benefits of both an indoor and outdoor celebration, the Victorian Orangery is soaked in natural light and fully licensed to hold civil ceremonies. Tie the knot, before heading out for drinks and photos in the grounds.
Capacity: Up to 250
Where: West Quantoxhead, Taunton, TA4 4DS
Find out more: St. Audries Park

The Martin’s Arms, Nottinghamshire 

What: Tucked away in the Vale of Belvoir, The Martin’s Arms is a picture-perfect 17th-century pub, bringing heaps of character and a relaxed feel to your wedding day. Inside, antique furnishings and a striking Jacobean fireplace create a cosy, intimate atmosphere, while outside, the garden offers space for up to 150 guests. Make the most of an al fresco ceremony in the summer months, with drinking and dancing in the open air, and varied wedding packages including barbecue buffet spreads and hog roasts. Make the most of several boutique bedrooms for those looking to extend their celebration.
Capacity: Up to 150
Where: School Lane, NG12 3FD
Find out more: The Martin's Arms

Osea Island, Essex

What: It’s hard to believe that this heavenly island is in the UK, and not a remote location somewhere amongst sunnier climes. Harder to believe still, is that Osea Island is only an hour from London. This makes it not only an accessible wedding location, but the perfect place to hold an outdoor celebration. Guests can sit by the stunning shores of the peaceful water that surrounds the 386-acre island while you exchange vows in the open air. There are also a number of quirky, industrial-tinged indoor wedding spaces on the island, should you choose to move part of your nuptials indoors.
Capacity: Up to 500
Where: Osea Island, CM9 8UH
Find out more: Osea Island 

Once you’ve selected your perfect venue, it's time to get planning. Those looking to keep it al fresco may be inspired by our guide on how to plan a festival-themed wedding, whilst others may be on the hunt for tips and tricks for hosting a twilight wedding ceremony.