Summer wedding venues: The UK's best spots for celebrating in the sunshine

We appreciate the beauty of all the seasons, but is there really anything like a summer wedding? Summer means bright mornings, getting ready with your best friends in a light-filled hotel room, and raising a glass to your love through golden hour, when everything looks even more beautiful. Ceremonies might take place in colourful wildflower fields, while receptions rage on into the long, warm evenings, with canapes enjoyed on manicured lawns, dancing around fire pits and glasses of vino sipped under fairy light-strew courtyards.

Any wedding is magical, but summer weddings make us feel like anything is possible - there’s just something in the air. And, where does it all start? The venue, of course. Your summer wedding venue is the backdrop of your entire day. It helps define the character of your celebration and hosts your friends and family, ensuring that they’re comfortable and entertained.

We know that choosing a wedding venue can be overwhelming - after all, the UK has so many choices. Travel up to bonny Scotland and you’ll find open-sided marquees positioned next to spanning lochs, while down in Cornwall, you could get married on the beach with sand in your toes. Location plays a huge part and here in the UK, we’re so lucky to have fairytale settings like the Cotswolds with its gold-toned villages, as well as London, one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the world.

But, have you thought about size, style and architecture, too? You could keep things intimate with a rooftop bar, meeting guests after the ceremony on a sky-high terrace with views of the Capital. Or, how about a sun-filled orangery on the grounds of a historic country house, perfect for romantic, mid-day ’I Dos’. From rural barns with surrounding fields to grand estates with decorative lakes, we’ve curated a list of stunning wedding venues that have plenty of outdoor spaces and are optimised for both ceremonies and receptions that make the most of summer. We’ve seen it all - from pretty pergolas to boho festival-style events with guests sleeping in bell tents, so take a look at the selection below and maybe you’ll find your summer wedding venue.

Farnham Castle, Surrey

What: Be a princess for the day at Farnham Castle, a historic wedding venue looking out to the Hampshire countryside. Here, you can host an impressive capacity of up to 350 friends, in either The Great Hall or The Great Lawn, depending on the weather. Your guests will enjoy modern British dining led by Head chef Simon Lloyd, whose team work with fresh, seasonal ingredients for a wedding reception feast you’ll never forget. From The Gatehouse, your own private pamper space, to the honeymoon suite, the site is ginormous with so much to enjoy and explore.
Where: Castle Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 0AG
Find out more: Farnham Castle

Lainston House, Hampshire

What: It doesn’t get more picture-perfect than Lainston House, a Queen Anne red brick country house hotel in Wiltshire, surrounded by 63 lush acres of grounds and gardens. There are two enchanting places to tie the knot here, and both at their very best in summertime. Take the 17th-century Dawley Barn, for instance, which boasts lofty ceilings and is filled with light through the day thanks to its sun-trap position. Or, you could say ‘I Do’ under the ornate garden pavilion, as your friends and family look on from the lawn.
Where: Woodman Lane, Sparsholt, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2LT
Find out more: Lainston House

The Manor House, Wiltshire

What: Ivy-covered chimneys, 14th-century architecture, a trickling stream winding its way nearby; is The Manor House straight from the pages of a fairytale, you might wonder? Nestled within the Cotswolds, this country manor hotel offers both a luxurious indoor ceremony suite (with vaulted ceiling, no less) and a Victorian pavilion with fluted columns set against a backdrop of woodland. While there is a selection of wedding packages to choose from, we suggest taking a look at the exclusive-use offer, which includes a seated reception at Bybrook, the in-house restaurant which boasts a Michelin Star. Now, that’s sure to impress your guests.
Where: Castle Combe, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 7HX
Find out more: The Manor House

Cave Hotel, Kent

What: Kent is known as the Garden of England but instead of enjoying its lush pastures and pretty fields in a heritage setting, do something a little different and let contemporary design show off the spanning views and make the most of long summer evenings. The Cave Hotel resides in a sleek, modern building that balances both rustic interiors with a glass bridge, a glass penthouse (which you can use for intimate nuptials) and serene spa, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, bringing the outside in. What’s more, in the summer, couples are invited to host their ceremony under the outdoor pergola and will even be whisked off in a golf buggy for pictures across the site’s 250 acres.
Where: Brickfield Lane, Boughton, Nr Canterbury, Kent ME13 9AJ
Find out more: Cave Hotel

Raven's Ait

What: Fancy tying the knot on a private island? No need to jet off to warmer climes, instead book Raven's Ait, a two acre island sitting in the River Thames. And, don’t worry, you won’t be waving to party goers on the Southbank, as Raven's Ait sits much further down the river, looking out to the stunning Hampton Court - a view that’s utter perfection during golden hour in July and August. Say your vows in The Britannia Suite with its bi-fold doors and terrace, before moving the party to a timeless marquee, with a capacity of up to 250 guests.
Where: Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4HN
Find out more: Raven's Ait

Warren House, Surrey

What: Just wait until you see pictures of this stunning Victorian Manor as spring turns to summer and its front lawns are covered with seasonal blooms - we’ll bet it’ll win you over in an instant. Warren House is an exclusive-use venue, so when booking this beauty you’ll also get access to, not only its grounds and reception spaces, but 40 luxurious bedrooms, too. Think of this like the best slumber party you’ve ever thrown, with your friends and family around you all weekend. If the weather behaves, you’re welcome to say your vows in the manicured gardens or the Wedding Dome, which comes with gorgeous views.
Where: Kingston, Surrey, KT2 7HY
Find out more: Warren House

Tewinbury, Hertfordshire

What: If you’re looking for the real, rustic barn wedding experience, you’ll adore Tewinbury - a 700-acre working farm complete with gardens and the Tythe Barn, an original 17th-century structure, for your wedding ceremony and reception. The capacity sits between 160 and 250 people, who are invited to drink, dance and be merry underneath the fairy light-covered beams of the barn, as well as spill out onto the surrounding grounds. In fact, in summertime, the team offers al fresco hog roast and BBQ dining which goes down a total treat and really brings home that rustic feel.
Where: Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0JB
Find out more: Tewinbury

Brocket Hall Estate, Hertfordshire

What: Bridgerton fans will adore Brocket Hall Estate in Hertfordshire, a period country house where ceilings are covered with hand-painted scenes, walls are decorated with handsome oil paintings and doorways are lined with gold. This is the real deal and while the interiors are a must-see, the team at Brocket Hall Estate are particularly proud of the breadth of their offering, boasting a gorgeous marquee with space for up to 700 guests, too. And, for afterwards, there’s an 18th-century, Grade I Listed Georgian coach house to rest your head.
Where: Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, AL8 7XG
Find out more: Brocket Hall Estate

100 Barrington, London

What: It’s not just countryside ceremonies that get to enjoy the benefits of long summer days, you know? Who would have thought that buried in the heart of bustling Brixton is a wedding venue that brings together history, style and an al fresco courtyard, perfect for celebrating your love. 100 Barrington takes over a former warehouse building with high ceilings and exposed brick. There’s a main dining room for your wedding reception and opposite lies a huge archway leading guests to the evening lounge and private bar to dance the night away. Connecting the space is the charismatic courtyard where you can host your ceremony or reception drinks - it’s a stunning place for your family and friends to socialise.
Where: Brixton, London, SW9 7JF
Find out more: 100 Barrington

Monkey Island Estate. Berkshire

What: There’s nowhere quite like the Monkey Island Estate; sitting on its own private island, this huge site includes several buildings to tie the knot or throw a party - all of which are yours for the weekend. Think two Grade I Listed heritage pavilions, lavish function suites and even your own ballroom, as well as a bar and brasserie, plus bedrooms for all of your guests. From the extensive grounds and ornamental lake, to the views of the River Thames, the Monkey Island Estate is more like booking a staycation for your wedding party than simply a wedding day.
Where: Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 2EE
Find out more: Monkey Island Estate

Runa Farm, Northumberland

What: Calling all boho babes, Runa Farm in the North of England, could be the key to the perfect summer wedding. Share your vows with a backdrop of a colourful, wildflower meadow before saying hello to your guests over drinks on the lawn. You can enjoy your wedding breakfast either in the authentic timber and stone Old Barn, which comes with two enchanting private terraces, or host a more informal, al fresco meal in the Kitchen Garden. This leads us nicely to the food offering at Runa Farm; something the in-house chefs are extremely passionate about. Working with only the best local farmers and growers, the team will create a seasonal menu with fresh, authentic flavours making for a memorable feast.
Where: Durham, Northumberland, DL12 8TA
Find out more: Runa Farm

Hever Castle and Gardens, Kent

What: History buffs, how do you feel about getting married in the childhood home of Anne Boleyn? We thought that might get your attention! This wow-worthy venue in Kent spans three different spaces including the likes of the Astor Wing, commissioned by William Waldorf Astor in 1903 and built in distinctive Tudor style. We asked the team what makes a truly incredible summer wedding, though, and they had to recommend the Italian gardens for drinks and canapes, as well as an idyllic ‘I Do’ spot which overlooks the crystal lake and surrounding forest for your ceremony. Sounds picture perfect, doesn't it? As for outdoor wedding photos, give your photographer a head’s up about the stone piazza and ornate fountain.
Where: Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG
Find out more: Hever Castle and Gardens

Holbeck Ghyll, Cumbria

What: Do you have wisteria hysteria, as the hashtag goes? Then, you’ll love storybook venue Holbeck Ghyll, snuggled deep in the lush Cumbrian Fells. With its turreted roof and ivy covered-facade, this period home could have been dreamed up by Disney, and just wait until May when the whole place blooms with lilac wisteria. In our opinion, it’s the best time to book. Hold your ceremony in one of the heritage rooms, enjoy the recently decorated dining room for your wedding breakfast and guests are welcome to snag some overnight accommodation with cosy bedrooms which benefit from lake views.
Where: Ambleside, Cumbria, LA23 1LU
Find out more: Holbeck Ghyll

St. Audries Park, Somerset

What: Somerset is blessed with idyllic rolling hills and some of the best weather in the UK, so whether you’re lucky enough to be a local, or travelling from out of town, we’re not surprised you want to tie the knot here. St. Audries Park stands tall and proud as a Georgian Manor with an impressive history dating all the way back to 1086. The building promises all of the original features you’d hope for, from high ceilings and gold-gilded cornicing, to four-poster beds and shimmering chandeliers. But, it’s the Georgian Orangery that will really capture your heart with an arched ceiling, ornate columns and tonnes of natural light. You can use this space simply for the ‘I Dos’ or for the whole day, treating guests to Champagne on the lawn while the team re-fresh the chairs and tables.
Where: Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4DS
Find out more: St. Audries Park

Stockwith Mill, Lincolnshire

What: If you’re on the hunt for a unique wedding venue, think a little outside the box. Instead of classic country houses or fancy restaurants, what about a 17th-century water-driven corn mill in the Lincolnshire Wolds? These guys specialise in outdoor weddings and for those banking on a sunny day, the team recommend taking a look at Millers Field, with views that go on for miles. With capacity for up to 100 people, you can start with a celebratory drink overlooking the babbling brook, before moving into the field for festivities. There’s even bell tents available to hire and the in-house team say the best weddings are those that feel more like a festival, with guests pitching up and staying the night.
Where: Spilsby, Lincolnshire, PE23 4NE
Find out more: Stockwith Mill

Wasing Park, Berkshire

What: Wasing Park in Berkshire is a romantic, traditional setting for your special day. A restored farm, couples have exclusive use of the site which includes heritage buildings like the 15th-century Parish Church of St Nicholas, Grade II Listed Castle Barn and a Victorian summer house which looks like something out of a film, with its delicate floral murals, depicting the varieties of flowers from the gardens, across its pretty walls. If planning a high summer wedding, we also think you’ll love the purpose-built Garden Room which, while more contemporary, benefits from features like glass, bi-fold doors that really let the outside in. You can even chat to the team about making use of the outdoor kitchen and hosting a totally al fresco soiree - just imagine your best friends dancing under the stars, while chefs cook seasonal dishes across the fire pit and wood-fired oven.
Where: Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 4NG
Find out more: Wasing Park

Wild Thyme & Honey, Gloucestershire

What: If farmhouse chic is your vibe, we bet you’ve already taken a look at Wild Thyme & Honey. This Cotswolds-based boutique hotel made headlines after its multi-million pound refurbishment in 2022, and was named as one of the hottest openings on the staycation scene. If you like rustic architecture with contemporary furnishings like free-standing baths in the bedrooms and crisp white sheets, you’ll love this chi-chi venue which offers three charming spaces to get married: The Wild Thyme & Honey Event Suite, The Secret Garden Room and The Courtyard. In tune with the surrounding area, the whole space has a natural feel and the award-winning in-house kitchen team also promises to whip up a mouth-watering seasonal feast, which again, will reflect the changing produce found locally.
Where: Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 5RS
Find out more: Wild Thyme & Honey

Right at the start of your wedding planning? Then don't miss our guide on every question to ask your wedding venue before you book.