Thinking outside the box for your wedding? Take a peek at some alternative wedding venues your guests won’t expect and choose one that echoes your personalities and looks utterly cool at the same time. Here are our top 29 alternative venues perfect for that wow-factor moment.
If none of these float your boat, remember we’ve got lots more choice over at Bridebook.co.uk! Just start a Wedding Venue Search and click the ‘alternative’ filter. Easy peasy!
1. Greenwoods Hotel & Spa , Essex Wedding Venues
Dating back to the 17th century, Greenwoods Hotel & Spa provides a memorable experience in Ingatestone, from intimate parties of 10 in the manor house, to large gatherings of 300 in its beautiful gardens.
2.Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire Wedding Venues
Quarry Bank Mill is well-loved heritage site in Cheshire that has become a place where you can tie the knot! The 18th Century Cotton Mill, with all rustic features and beautiful river setting, this venue is the ultimate alternative backdrop if you’re after an industrial feel!
3. The Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour, Glasgow Wedding Venues
Ahoy! Here’s a wedding idea with a difference for a nautical-loving couple. The Tall Ship dates back to 1896 and gives you and up to 200 of your guests an impressive backdrop right on the harbour, hosting a combination of new and old decor to suit every sailor.
4. Roulotte Retreat, Scottish Borders Wedding Venues
Thinking of going green and having an eco-friendly wedding? At Roulotte Retreat, you can do just that and never compromise on style. This unique venue nestled in the hills is complete with chic gypsy caravans, where you and your loved ones can rest your heads under the stars. It’s definitely one of the coolest alternative wedding venues in the UK!
5. River & Rowing Museum, Oxfordshire Wedding Venues
Bring the outside indoors with you at this special wedding venue. Oxfordshire’s River & Rowing Museum boasts a contemporary setting with panoramic 360-degree views out over meadows and the river. Outdoor couples can be at one with nature in the glass-fronted Thames Room – definitely a venue your guests won’t forget!
6. Fawley Hill, Buckinghamshire Wedding Venues
All aboard the wedding train! Fawley Hill is a totally quirky choice as you will discover a Victorian carousel, 20 types of animals, not forgetting it’s own train station. Tie the knot on the train carriage before sitting down for a feast inside the station museum. We love it!
7. Deckerdence – Unique Mobile Venue, Warwickshire Wedding Venues
Alternative you want, alternative you’ve got! Based in Warwickshire but mobile across the UK, Deckerdence is the double decker with on-board bar (and cocktail lounge upstairs) that can be the centre of your wedding – literally! Turn it into a draping canopy or a full marquee for a show-stopping venue of your very own.
8. Ivory Vaults, London Wedding Venues
Nestled between some of London’s most famous landmarks, Ivory Vaults is the hidden gem in the cellars of Grade II listed Ivory House. This historic 200-year-old setting oozes charm and character, while intimate dining areas create a personal touch for your alternative day.
9. The Keeper & The Dell, Norfolk Wedding Venues
If you’re after a hip bohemian wedding or just a beautiful rustic location, The Keeper & The Dell is quite possibly the venue for you! In a gorgeous woodland dell sits the Gamekeeper’s Barn and an array of canvas marquees, where you can celebrate with friends and family as you wish.
10. The Isla Gladstone Conservatory, Merseyside Wedding Venues
The restored Victorian glasshouse of The Isla Gladstone Conservatory is an oasis in the city of Liverpool. Surrounded by dramatic lakes, rose gardens and a romantic bandstand, this light-filled setting is just the thing for a wedding with a difference.
11. Chiltern Open Air Museum, Buckinghamshire Wedding Venues
Chiltern Open Air Museum really is alternative with a vintage feel. Boasting a working 1940’s-style farm, an Iron Age roundhouse, and Medieval barns in which to say your vows, this venue is truly memorable. With exclusive use of the entire grounds and over 30 historic buildings, you can enjoy your wedding your way.
12. Yoghurt Rooms, West Sussex Wedding Venues
Shabby-chic, quirky and a little bit different – introducing Yoghurt Rooms. This oak-beamed barn is at the centre, where an open fireplace and rustic furniture make this space a cosy and inviting venue. It’s farmland is set in 300 acres and offers a honeymoon yurt on site, so you can make a glamping trip into your wedding day!
Like what you see? We’ve compiled even more unique wedding venues in the UK for you!
13. The Plaza Stockport, Greater Manchester Wedding Venues
Fancy seeing your name in lights? This totally glam venue is The Plaza, an auditorium with a capacity for 1,300 with adjoining art deco cafe. If you’ve always dreamed of being a film star, take a seat with a bucket of popcorn and enjoy your wedding day 1930’s style.
14. HMS Unicorn, Dundee City Wedding Venues
Take your fantasies one step further – with a wedding day trip on HMS Unicorn! It’s Scotland’s oldest wooden warship so expect plenty of history, character and a huge on-board unicorn of course! This venue is totally unique and will provide you and your guests with memories of a lifetime.
15. Dufferin Coaching Inn, County Down Wedding Venues
A seemingly normal venue from outside, Dufferin Coaching Inn is a Northern Irish gem that hides an enchanting secret. Wonderfully combining original rustic features and contemporary decor, the venue has glorious dining spaces and an attached guesthouse with 7 bedrooms to retire to after your celebrations.
16. Vallum Farm, Northumberland Wedding Venues
The ultimate setting for a country wedding is Vallum Farm, just a stone’s throw away from Newcastle. Use the grounds as a blank canvas, whether you’re after a simple rustic theme or something a little more weird and wonderful. Don’t miss out on the home grown produce from this stunning farm, too!
Check out more farm wedding venues in the UK
17. Ironbridge Gorge Museums, West Midlands Wedding Venues
Ironbridge Gorge Museums transports you back in time for your big day, where you can celebrate with views out to the incredible iron bridge. It also hosts Blists Hill Victorian Town and several culturally and historically-rich buildings. Find something new round every corner at this unorthodox but utterly stunning venue!
18. M Shed, Somerset Wedding Venues
Want to make a grand entrance with Bristol’s harbour as your backdrop? Make your guests jaws drop with a dramatic entrance on a boat, or perhaps swing in from a crane on your big day with M Shed. Spectacular harbourside views and a stunning Event Suite aren’t far behind in this venue with a difference.
19. Voewood, Norfolk Wedding Venues
Surrounded by woodland and set in lush sunken gardens, Voewood is an arts & crafts house with a fun, playful feel. While some rooms take on historic tributes and retro furnishings, others have a contemporary spin that will knock you off your feet. There’s something new lurking around every corner at this quirky venue!
20. Rum Warehouse at The Titanic Hotel, Merseyside Wedding Venues
At the site of Liverpool’s infamous Titanic Hotel is Rum Warehouse, a spacious venue with the ultimate industrial feel. This 1950’s warehouse can cater for up to 500 guests, but is completely versatile depending on the size of your guestlist. What’s more, you can party the night away here knowing that accommodation is right next door.
21. Canal Boat Cruises, Lancashire Wedding Venues
Canal Boat Cruises presents the only cruising restaurant boat of the North-West – aptly titled ‘Romance’. Perfect for intimate receptions and celebrations, this sailing sensation offers miles of beautiful countryside views – and you can even get involved with opening and closing the locks! Incredible.
Explore more outdoor wedding venues in the UK
22. Welsh Green Weddings at Penybanc Farm, Carmarthenshire Wedding Venues
This gorgeous organic farm boasts farmyard ceremonies and tipi celebrations for a totally unique wedding day. Whether you fancy a vintage afternoon tea in the gardens or a cosy rustic gathering in the Old Dairy, Penybanc Farm is sure to stand out as the perfect eco venue.
23. The Soul Camp: The Soul House, East Sussex Wedding Venues
Are you both festival-goers and want to resonate that in your venue? Soul House could be the ideal place, as you transform it into your very own Soul Camp with a firepit, glamping facilities and a chance to create special memories. Festival vibes galore!
24. Islington Metal Works, London Wedding Venues
The 19th Century Victorian factory of Islington Metal Works is definitely a London venue with a difference. The versatile space can be used to cater for intimate gatherings or a more grand affair, with 2 bars and the famous tube carriage cocktail bar! Quirky with a capital Q.
25. West Street Loft, West Sussex Wedding Venues
Step into West Street Loft, a casual venue with a very alternative feel. It has it’s own cinema screen (awesome!) and is the perfect blank canvas if you want to put your own spin on the space. Not far from the vibrancy of Brighton, the charm of this unique venue will go a long way in impressing your guests.
26. Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Somerset Wedding Venues
The world’s first luxury ocean liner is now an incredible venue for your big day! Brunel’s SS Great Britain is steeped in history and oozes romance at every deck, including the Weather Deck where you and your loved ones can sip bubbly overlooking panoramic harbourside views. What more could you want?
27. Belle Vue Park Pavilion & Conservatories, Newport Wedding Venues
Belle Vue Pavilion is a glorious outdoor structure (one of few in South Wales) where you can tie the knot amidst unrivalled gardens and views. If you’re after a vintage theme, have your ceremony in the bandstand and follow up with a quaint buffet in the conservatory!
28. The Bull & Gate, London Wedding Venues
With a variety of versatile areas in which to host your wedding celebrations, London’s The Bull & Gate is a stand-out alternative venue! While mixologists offer up unique cocktails and musicians play on the baby grand piano, you can focus on having the time of your life in this quirky setting.
Discover even more unusual wedding venues in the UK!
29. Hobbs of Henley, Oxfordshire Wedding Venues
Hobbs of Henley offers two flawless services – transport to and from your wedding venue over the Oxfordshire waters, or hold your entire wedding reception on one of the luxury vessels. Either way, you’ll be hiring the ultimate ferry for your big day!
30. Nine Adam Street, London Wedding Venues
In the middle of the Capital’s hustle and bustle, Nine Adam Street is a contemporary venue that is just that little bit different. You’ll find exposed brickwork and modern decor that acts as a blank canvas whatever your theme may be. This classy event space will breath fresh air into your wedding planning for sure!
31. The Glasshouse Hotel, Edinburgh Wedding Venues
The Glasshouse Hotel in Edinburg is the perfect mix between the traditional and contemporary style. Once home to the Lady Glenorchy Churchill, this venue will make you feel like you’re a lord /lady yourself, with all the modern edge of the 21st century.
Perfect for intimate ceremonies, you can tie the knot on the terrace or you can exchange your vows on the two-acre roof garden in front of your guests. The choice is yours!
32. Woodhorn Museum, Northumberland Wedding Venues
If you want different, go for the Woodhorn Museum in Ashington. The colliery buildings combined with cutting edge 21st-century architecture will give an original setting for your wedding. Plus, you can style the venue any way you want! In your wedding, YOU are the boss!
33. Fforest, Pembrokeshire Wedding Venues
Fforest will give you all the natural elements you require for your wedding. If you want a relaxed, weekend-long, informal venue to celebrate, then this place is for you! Besides having a beautiful nature-filled background, you can also entertain your guests with different activities. Sit by the large communal firepit or relax in the cedar barrel sauna, the weekend is yours!
See more woodland wedding venues in the UK!
34. Barnutopia, Shropshire Wedding Venues
Have your perfect rustic wedding at Barnutopia. Nested in Shropshire, Oswestry, literally on the border between England and Wales, this venue has everything you need for a countryside ceremony AND you can even have a visit from the Barnutopia kunekune pigs, Felix and Fiona to make you´re wedding all the more entertaining.
Don’t panic if your dream alternative wedding venue wasn’t listed here – head on over to Bridebook.co.uk’s Wedding Venue Search and click the ‘alternative’ filter to view plenty more beautiful backdrops with a difference.
We’re here to help you even further – Bridebook.co.uk’s other features include a wedding budget tool, wedding guest list manager, wedding checklist, wedding supplier shortlist as well as tons of wedding advice about planning your special day. All in one place, too!
Still looking for your dream wedding venue? Check out some our top suggestion articles:
The 23 Best UK Country Wedding Venues
The Best Barn Wedding Venues in Essex
25 Cheap Wedding Venues in the UK
The UK’s Best Beach Wedding Venues
Or have a browse of some amazing wedding venues all over the UK:
- Wedding Venues in England
- Wedding Venues in Scotland
- Wedding Venues in Wales
- Wedding Venues in Northern Ireland