With its endless rolling hills, quaint villages, and pretty market towns, it’s easy to see why the Cotswolds is such a popular wedding location. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers parts of five British counties including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire, and is home to the historic cities of Bath, Gloucester, and Oxford. Stretching across some of the most beautiful corners of the country, we've rounded up the best wedding venues in the Cotswolds to guarantee you a picture-perfect celebration.
Whether you’re planning a classic summer wedding or a cosy winter celebration, there is so much on offer in this idyllic part of the UK. And despite its rural setting, the Cotswolds also has the advantage of excellent transport links, easily reachable from London via the M40. There are also a number of well-connected train stations, and Bristol airport is just a 45-minute drive away.
Before you start your venue search, it's important to consider exactly what you are looking for. Make sure you have written your guestlist and put a rough budget together. It’s also a good idea to consider your top priorities - maybe you want to have overnight accommodation on site, or perhaps a wedding license is a non-negotiable? Either way it’s good to have these things decided early.
At this point, you should know whether you need a large venue for a more traditional wedding or something small and intimate for a select guestlist – either way, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From grand manor houses to rustic barns, sprawling country estates to boutique hotels, it’s fair to say there is no shortage of wedding venues in the Cotswolds and all of them benefit from picturesque surroundings.
Wild Thyme & Honey
![Two wedding breakfast set ups at Wild Thyme and Honey]()
What: Located in the pretty village of Ampney Crucis, outside Cirencester, Wild Thyme and Honey is the ideal setting for a pretty countryside wedding. Having recently undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment, this is a venue that benefits from a range of event space as well as 24 rooms and suites, allowing you and your guests to stay onsite after the celebrations!
Where: Cirencester, GL7 5RS
Find out more: Wild Thyme & Honey
Burleigh Court Hotel
![The exterior of Burleigh Court Hotel]()
What: If you’re looking for a venue for a traditional wedding, Burleigh Court Hotel is a great option. The Grade II listed Georgian Manor house is full of history, with original features, ornate finishes, and romantic pastel colour schemes. The outside of the venue is every bit as impressive, with three and a half acres of pretty gardens, and views across the Golden Valley. With the capacity for 60 seated guests for your ceremony and reception, the venue including 18 bedrooms, is available for exclusive use.
Where: Stroud, GL5 2PF
Find out more: Burleigh Court Hotel
Ingleside House
![A recently married couple celebrating outside Ingleside House]()
What: Stylish couples will love the interiors at this gorgeous boutique hotel. Dating back to 1812, the space has been beautifully restored, combining rich colours and sleek finishes for a more luxury feel. The friendly team offers a flexible approach, allowing you to create a day that works for you. There is a choice of event space on offer for your ceremony and reception, plus overnight accommodation available across 11 bedrooms.
Where: Cirencester, GL7 1BN
Find out more: Ingleside House
The Manor House
![A bride and groom outside The Manor House Exclusive Collection]()
What: If you love the idea of marrying on your own private country estate, The Manor House could be the venue for you. Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Bybrook Valley, this 14th Century manor house is exclusively yours for the duration of your celebration, including the house, grounds, and 50 onsite bedrooms. In the warmer months you can make the most of the riverside location with an outdoor ceremony under the bandstand. Meanwhile, pretty Italian Gardens offer the perfect backdrop for your photos, whilst lawn games will be provided to keep your guests entertained. With an onsite spa and 18-hole championship golf course, this is the ideal venue for a full weekend experience.
Where: Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 7HR
Find out more: The Manor House
Owlpen Manor
![The exterior and a wedding breakfast table setup at Owlpen Manor]()
What: This impressive Tudor house has all the grandeur you’d expect from a historic venue, with the added benefit of being family-run, for a truly personal touch. Fully licensed for your ceremony, you can choose to make your vows in the Great Hall, the Cyder Barn, or outside in the picturesque gardens, and for couples wanting a church service, the parish church is within walking distance. When you hire Owlpen Manor for your wedding, the entire estate will be yours for three days, including nine cottages to accommodate 40 guests.
Where: Dursley, GL11 5BZ
Find out more: Owlpen Manor
Clearwell Castle
![The decorated aisle at Clearwell Castle]()
What: Not actually in the Cotswolds, but located in nearby Gloucestershire, this spectacular castle venue is the ultimate destination for a fairytale wedding. Reached via the enchanting Forest of Dean and surrounded by lush green lawns, Clearwell Castle is every bit as special inside and out. The historic ballroom is a magical setting for your ceremony, allowing you to make your big entrance down an impressive 75ft aisle. Alternatively, say ‘I do’ outside, with the surrounding forest as your backdrop. In terms of accommodation, there are 15 bedrooms available, as well as onsite cottages, and there are 24 additional rooms available in the nearby Wyndham
Where: Forest Of Dean, GL16 8LG
Find out more: Clearwell Castle
The Stroud
![Decorated table tops at The Stroud]()
What: Set in the charming market town that shares its name, The Stroud is a boutique hotel, ideal for a chic wedding in the country. The Grade II listed building has recently had a revamp, perfectly combining its traditional features with contemporary design. Welcome your guests with a drink in the cocktail bar, before heading into the designated event space for a sit-down meal for 60, or a drinks and canapes reception for up to 90. The in-house catering team will put together a seasonal menu with the very best local produce. And you won’t have to go far following the festivities, with 24 bedrooms providing plenty of space for the bridal party.
Where: Gloucestershire, GL5 3AP
Find out more: The Stroud
Cripps Barn
![The aisle at Cripps Barn]()
What: If you’re looking for your dream venue for a relaxed but stylish country wedding, look no further than this 18th century Cotswold Stone Barn. This licensed venue can host your ceremony and reception, with capacity for up to 200 people. Your guests will feast on delicious dishes prepared on open barbecues and French rotisseries, all washed down by award-winning cocktails.
Where: Cirencester, GL7 5BA
Find out more: Cripps Barn
Stone Barn
![The decorated aisle at Stone Barn]()
What: Also part of the Cripps group, Stone Barn is another rustic venue full of charm. With stone walls, original beams, and roaring fires, Stone Barn would be just as lovely for a winter or summer wedding. Couples with a large guestlist will be pleased to know that Stone Barn has the capacity for 200 guests in the day and up to 250 for your evening reception. Your speeches and any live music will be heard loud and clear through the venue’s state of the art sound system. And you can party late, with a 1am license.
Where: Cheltenham, GL54 3RF
Find out more: Stone Barn
Hopefully this have given you lots of inspiration, but if you’re still undecided, make sure you check out our full directory of wedding venues to search by location or venue.