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 UK’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.
Leez Priory, Essex
![Outdoor ceremony at Leez Priory]()
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.
Where: Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 1JP
Book now: Leez Priory
Gosfield Hall, Essex
![The exteriors at Gosfield Hall]()
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 can host alfresco ceremonies, providing an elegant backdrop to your outdoor wedding. The party can then migrate indoors to the chandelier-clad ballroom for a party as opulent as the setting.
Where: Gosfield, Essex, CO9 1SF
Book now: Gosfield Hall
Stoke By Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa, Essex
![Wedding tipis at Stoke by Nayland Hotel]()
What: The grand surrounds of this venue makes for the perfect backdrop to any alfresco celebration. Outdoor weddings at Stoke by Nayland take place in a tipi, adding a touch of boho chic to your special day. Couples exchange vows outdoors amongst the beautiful wildlife, and then take to the tipi’s dancefloor for dancing under fairy lights into the wee hours. It’s hard to think of a more fitting celebration for the rustically inclined.
Where: Colchester, Essex, CO6 4PZ
Book now: Stoke By Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa
Shires Oast, Kent
![Couple in gazebo]()
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, and the experienced team will take care of everything on the day, so you can focus on the important part - getting married!
Where: The Hop Farm, Kent, TN12 6PY
Book now: Shires Oast
Leeds Castle, Kent
![The grand setting of Leeds Castle]()
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!
Where: Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL
Book now: Leeds Castle
Painshill Park, Surrey
![Outdoor wedding banquet benches at Painshill Park]()
What: Painshill Park sits in 158 acres of 18th century landscaped gardens, tucked away in the Surrey countryside. Originally built to be a ‘living painting,’ and renowned as one of the finest examples of the English Landscape Movement, the grounds of Painshill Park are really something to behold. Think pristine lawns, a walled garden, tranquil lakes and historic ruins. Need we go on?
Where: Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1JE
Book now: Painshill Park
Farnham Castle, Surrey
![The sweeping wedding venue at Farnham castle]()
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.
Where: Farnham, Surrey, GU9 0AG
Book now: Farnham Castle
Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey
![Vineyard wedding at Denbies wine estate]()
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.
Where: Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA
Book now: Denbies Wine Estate
Warren House, Surrey
![An outdoor wedding at Warren House]()
What: This Victorian Manor house in Surrey is set within the peaceful and secluded Coombe Estate, home to manicured gardens and beautiful English blooms. Warren House specialises in customised weddings, meaning you can tailor each element to suit your vision. And with 40 luxurious bedrooms on site, your guests need not worry about making the journey home when the day is done.
Where: Kingston, Surrey, KT2 7HY
Book now: Warren House
Silvermere Inn On The Lake, Surrey
![A ceremony by the lake at Silvermere Inn]()
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.
Where: Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1EF
Book now: Silvermere Inn On The Lake
St. Audries Park, Somerset
![Wedding amongst the manicured gardens at St Audries Park]()
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.
Where: Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4DS
Book now: St. Audries Park
Pennard House, Somerset
![The outdoor aisle at Pennard house]()
What: Nestled in the beautiful Somerset countryside, Pennard House blends classic charm with rustic elements, creating an enchanting venue for your open-air wedding. The pretty garden pavilion is the perfect setting for outdoor ceremonies, while the vast 180 acres of meadows, woodland and apple orchard are a bewitching backdrop for your reception and photos. Also present at the venue is a croquet lawn, freshwater swimming lake, and a tipi, should the weather disappoint.
Where: Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6TP
Book now: Pennard House
Osea Island, Essex
![Outdoor ceremony by the shore on Osea Island]()
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.
Where: Osea Island, Essex, CM9 8UH
Book now: Osea Island
Once you’ve selected your perfect venue, it's time to get planning the nitty-gritty details – have you considered what your first dance song will be? Take a look at our first dance song ideas for some musical inspiration.