Weddings undoubtedly come with a number of tricky decisions – whether they be big or small, fun or practical, cost-cutting or expensive. And with this undeniably comes a lot of pressure, opinions, an overwhelming amount of choice, and some unavoidably stressful situations for the happy couple. But one element of your celebration that shouldn’t cause undue stress is who you surround yourself with on your special day.
In all the noise, it can be easy to forget what weddings are really about: celebrating your loved one, with your loved ones. And for this reason, an increasing number of engaged couples are turning away from grand celebrations in favour of more intimate, meaningful and personal weddings, which come with a more distilled, curated guestlist. After all, there’s something undeniably romantic about sharing your most special day with only your partner and the people you love and trust most in this world.
While for some an all-out grand celebration is the only way to go, if this isn’t your style, there are a number of fantastic wedding venue options to choose from. With a growing trend towards downsized weddings, a number of fabulously intimate wedding venues in the UK have cropped up – meaning there’s almost certainly something for everyone. Another benefit of having a smaller guest list is the range of possible venue options it opens which are only available for smaller parties.
Whether you’re dreaming of a countryside retreat with your nearest and dearest, or a cosy dinner reception in a city centre, here is our selection of the best small wedding venues in the UK. This fantastic selection of venues will no doubt help you create a warm, memorable day surrounded by your most cherised loved ones.
The Clockspire, Somerset
![The interiors of The Clockspire's wedding venue and a bride standing outside]()
What: A 19th century building nestled in Somerset's stunning countryside, The Clockspire offers a classic setting for your wedding. With three small spaces to choose from, which can be hired together or individually, there are plenty of options for a perfectly intimate celebration. The central restaurant hosts up to 30 guests and features double-height ceilings, huge windows and elaborate chandeliers. While the West Wing and Mezzanine Bar, both with the capacity for 40 guests, are the perfect locations for a standing reception with your nearest and dearest.
Where: Sherborne, Somerset, DT9 5BA
Book now: The Clockspire
Ingleside House, Gloucestershire
![A couple celebrating outside Ingleside House]()
What: Set within the breathtakingly beautiful Cotswolds, Ingleside House has been stylishly restored to honour its period features. Though the venue has a license to host marriages and partnerships for up to 180 guests, there is a choice of smaller rooms to host your special day in. The Drawing Room hosts up to 40 guests and is licensed for civil ceremonies up to 36, and is lit by a warming fireplace adding to its quintessentially Cotswolds countryside charm. Alternatively, opt for the Music Room, which is licensed for civil ceremonies of up to 55 guests, or sit down wedding breakfasts of up to 36. There are also 11 luxury boutique hotel rooms for your most treasured family and friends to stay in.
Where: Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1BN
Book now: Ingleside House
Wild Thyme and Honey, Gloucestershire
![The wedding breakfast table at Wild Thyme and Honey]()
What: Located in the pretty Cotswolds village of Ampney Crucis, this venue’s picture-perfect setting makes it the ideal spot for a charming English countryside wedding. Discover a range of event spaces to choose from – The Wild Thyme & Honey Event Suite, The Secret Garden Room and The Courtyard – all decked out in tasteful decorations befitting the venue’s quaint and cosy location. If you’re after a church wedding, the venue is also just a stone’s throw away from numerous churches, and will be ready and waiting for your post-ceremony celebration. Not to be forgotten is the beautiful local scenery, making for an ideal backdrop for your wedding photos.
Where: Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 5RS
Book now: Wild Thyme and Honey
The Roseate, Edinburgh
![Two small wedding breakfast options at The Roseate]()
What: Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s capital, The Roseate is a hidden oasis to hold your intimate wedding. Host a ceremony with up to 30 guests in one of the venue’s choice of spaces, all elegantly kitted out in beautiful decor. The verdant Roseate Garden offers a space for you to host your ceremony among twinkling fairy lights and lush greenery, while your guests watch from sheepskin-clad seating. Afterwards, move through to the conservatory for a wedding breakfast doused in sunlight, all the while protected from the chill of Scottish evenings.
Where: Haymarket, Edinburgh, EH12 5JQ
Book now: The Roseate
Hawksmoor, Edinburgh
![The smaller private dining room at the Hawksmoor Edinburgh]()
What: Forget any preconceived notions you have about steak restaurants. The Edinburgh outpost of Hawksmoor’s ever-popular franchise holds a wonderful surprise, which could be the perfect answer for your wedding day. Housed in the former National Bank of Scotland Banking Hall, a Grade A-listed building, the venue boasts two intimate private dining rooms tucked away from the sprawling grandeur of the main restaurant. The smaller of the two, the McLellan Room, holds up to 13 people for a celebration with your inner circle around one grand dining table. Or, opt for the Tellers’ Room, a lavish dining room with a seated capacity of up to 46 guests.
Where: Edinburgh, EH2 2AA
Book now: Hawksmoor Edinburgh
Burleigh Court Hotel, Gloucestershire
![The Georgian exterior of Burleigh Court Hotel]()
What: This impressive Georgian manor house is brimming with history, and is the perfect choice for those looking for a traditional wedding venue. Set against the Cotswolds' picturesque landscape, Burleigh Court Hotel’s impressive architecture by no means stops it from hosting an idyllic intimate wedding. The venue is equipped to host 60 ceremony and seated guests, who are then welcome to stay in one of the hotel’s 18 guest rooms, each laced with antique details and ornate finishes in keeping with the site’s history. Or, if you’re after an ultra-minimalist guestlist, the hotel also specialises in elopements – the elopement wedding package includes a three-night stay in the honeymoon suite with a full Cotswolds breakfast each morning.
Where: Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2PF
Book now: Burleigh Court Hotel
The Crown at Ampney, Gloucestershire
![Wedding pods at The Crown at Ampney]()
What: A sister venue to Wild Thyme & Honey, The Crown at Ampney holds two cosy private dining spaces in its historic walls. For something more unique, The Crown also has three alfresco domes by the water of Ampney Brook – what could be more romantic than saying 'I do' by a babbling brook in the English countryside?
Where: Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 5RS
Book now: The Crown at Ampney
Parnacott House, Devon
![Parnacott House's exterior]()
What: If you’re looking for a relaxed countryside wedding surrounded by tranquility, look no further than Parnacott House. A traditional country house that offers accommodation for up to 14 guests, this venue’s crown jewel is its setting. Sitting on the border between Devon and North Cornwall, you can exchange your vows against a backdrop of beautiful scenery. Plus, it's only a stone’s throw away from some of the country’s best beaches. This is a distinctive setting for creating memories that you and your loved ones will cherish forever.
Where: Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7JD
Book now: Parnacott House
Selly Manor Museum, Birmingham
![A couple celebrating outside Selly Manor Museum]()
What: One for history buffs or couples looking for a wedding with a difference, Selly Manor Museum is a unique option for your nuptials. The building dates back to the 14th century, and couples can choose to say their vows in the Medieval cruck framed hall, standing on ancient flagstones in front of up to 40 guests. While the manor is conveniently located in Birmingham, its village setting provides tranquil surrounds for your day. Sitting at the heart of Bounville village, which was built by George and Richard Cadbury (of chocolate fame), this is a venue with a story to tell.
Where: Birmingham, West Midlands, B30 2AE
Book now: Selly Manor Museum
Downham Hall, Essex
![The aisle and countryside setting of Downham Hall]()
What: Downham Hall’s panoramic views are ideal for couple's looking for secluded countryside bliss. While some of the venue’s spaces have capacity for larger parties, the Orangery’s blissful views over the site’s gardens make for a perfectly elegant, intimate wedding. Couples can also choose to make the most of the grounds by saying 'I do' outside, exchanging vows in front of the moat and surrounded by the area’s rolling hills.
Where: Downham, Essex, CM11 1LG
Book now: Downham Hall
The Minories Art Gallery, Colchester
![Courtyard arches at The Minories Art Gallery]()
What: Looking for the accessibility of a city wedding but the tranquility of a countryside setting? The Minories Art Gallery solves this problem – an utterly romantic haven to host your special day in the heart of Colchester. Couples can exchange vows among the flowerbeds and cobbled floors of the site’s intimate fairytale garden, in the shadow of one of the oldest surviving Gothic revival buildings. The party can then move to the ornate ballroom inside, which comes complete with neoclassical columns.
Where: Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UE
Book now: The Minories Art Gallery
Newland Hall, Essex
![The exterior and wedding breakfast space at Newland Hall]()
What: For a venue steeped in history, but with updated modern décor, look no further than Newland Hall. Just four miles from Chelmsford city centre is this Grade ll-listed Tudor Manor House, surrounded by enchanting woodland and able to host weddings for as few as 10 people. Couples can choose to be married in the Henry VIII room, the pretty English rose gazebo, or, for those looking for a more rustic space, the woodland pagoda is available for ceremonies.
Where: Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 4LH
Book now: Newland Hall
The Eastbury Hotel & Spa
![The smart entrance of the Eastbury Hotel & Spa]()
What: Keen to ensure your wedding day is as fuss-free as possible? The Eastbury Hotel & Spa is ready and waiting to ensure your day goes off without a hitch. With full use of the venue’s spaces, which includes beautiful walled gardens, the Garden Suite room, and idyllic surroundings, The Eastbury provides a sanctuary for you to celebrate with your most cherished guests.
Where: Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3BY
Book now: The Eastbury Hotel & Spa
Once you’ve selected your dream venue, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll decorate it. If you don’t know where to start, have a browse of our wedding table and décor ideas for a memorable day.