What To Include On Your Information Sheet

Starting to put together your wedding invitation suite? Then a big well done from us because that likely means you’ve sorted your Guest List – and that’s no mean feat! Now, if you haven’t already, you’ll want to take a look at our introduction to your wedding stationery and start off by getting to grips with all the different items you’ll need. Done that? Then read on to learn all about your wedding information sheet.

Psst! Need to know where to send your invitations? Try using our handy Address Collector to sort it all out in just one click.

What Is Your Wedding Information Sheet For?

Well, as we always say, your wedding is the celebration of the century – and while that means tons of fun, it also means lots of logistics! Since your wedding invitations only include the very basics (date, time, location), your wedding information sheet lets your guests know everything else: how to get to the venue, where they can stay, what they should wear… Plus, it lessens the chance that you’ll have to field a ton of last-minute queries on the day!

Bridebook.co.uk- order of service written on a blackboard
By Guy Hearn

What Information Should You Include On Your Wedding Information Sheet?

Well, every wedding is different – so your wedding information sheet will be specific to the details and requirements of your own wedding. The easiest thing to do is to put yourself in the shoes of one of your wedding guests and think about what questions they might have! To get you started, here are a few things we’d expect to find on most information sheets:

1. Directions

Always include directions to your ceremony and/or reception venue. You may also want to include maps of surrounding area for guests who aren’t familiar with the location. Bonus points if you throw in a list of local attractions and your recommendations for any guests combining your wedding with a getaway!

Psst! If you’re still looking for the perfect place to tie the knot, why not use our Venue Search Tool?

2. Transport Links And Taxis

It’s always helpful to add a list of transport links (eg. the closest train station, the best airport to fly into) for guests who don’t drive or are coming from further afield. It’s also a good idea to provide your guests with the contact details of local, reputable taxi firms or the details of any nearby car parking.

Bridebook.co.uk- guests sitting on hay bells
By Weddings Vintage

3. Accommodation

It’s more likely than not that at least a few of your guests will want to stay nearby so make sure to offer them a few recommendations for accommodation. If you’re not sure, ask your wedding venue where they recommend guests stay. And if you can, why not reserve a few rooms at a local hotel or bed and breakfast in advance? That way, you’ll know they’re not fully booked and you can just let your friends know to mention your name to secure a room.

4. Dress Code

If your wedding has a dress code, you will most likely have included it on your invitation – but now’s your chance to go into a bit more detail. For example, if you’re getting married in a marquee, you might want to let your guests know they’ll need “lawn-friendly” shoes. Or if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony in mid-winter, make sure to mention to your guests that they’ll want to pack their mittens!

5. Children

Are you planning on having children at your wedding? Your wedding invitation will most likely indicate in some way if you’re planning a “child-free” wedding but it’s always worth reiterating on your information sheet to make sure everyone’s got the message! If you will be including children but you’ve made any special arrangements (eg. providing a crêche), here’s where to go into detail.

cards and gifts table with a suitcase
By Guy Hearn

6. Presents

If you’re nervous about mentioning your gift list – don’t be! If you don’t put the details of your gift list on your wedding information sheet, your guests will just ask you directly instead. Or, if you want to be a little more subtle, you could always have your gift list details printed separately onto small cards you can slip into your envelopes alongside your invitations.

7. The Bar!

If you already know you’ll be having a cash bar, now’s a good time to let your guests know. Make sure to let them know any extra details too, like which cards the bar accepts and whether or not they’re cashless. 

Psst! If you need some help deciding between an open bar and a cash bar, check out our guide to wedding alcohol here.

8. Carriages

Ever struggled to get everyone out at the end of a house party? Well, “Carriages” is an easy way to avoid that happening at your wedding! It lets your guests know the latest time by which they’ll need to leave the venue. Including it on your information sheet means they can make arrangements for getting home in advance.

9. The Day After

Are you planning activities for the day after? Whether you’ll be hosting brunch or organising a golfing trip, let your guests know the details so they can plan accordingly.

Of course, you don’t have to send out an information sheet – and not all couples do. A great alternative – whether it’s because you want to cut costs or reduce waste – is to set up a wedding website and include the URL on your invitations. Then you can host all the above information there – and update it for everybody any time. Make sure to include your contact details, as well as those of your best (wo)man or maid/man of honour, so that your guests can ask any additional questions.

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How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

When it comes to hosting a memorable wedding, food and drink are a huge contributing factor. Including canapés and arrival drinks, a three or four-course wedding breakfast and a spread for the evening buffet, your guests will spend a large portion of their time at your wedding enjoying some delicious food and drink.

But how much does wedding catering cost, so you know exactly how much of your budget you need to dedicate toward keeping your guests fed, watered (or wined!) and – ultimately – happy?

In this post we’re going to take a look at the average cost of catering a wedding and what can affect that cost – including the alcohol.

How does the pricing work?

Photo © Pure Indulgence Catering | See their Bridebook profile

The first thing you need to know is that, depending on the venue, catering can often be done in-house. But, if the venue doesn’t offer catering that suits your taste, you can hire caterers to come to your venue separately. Venues that include catering are usually priced per head, meaning there will be a set price for every guest which will include food (a buffet or sit-down meal), the venue rental and sometimes half a bottle of wine per person for the meal and some bubbly for the toasts.

If a venue is priced at a lump sum, it usually means that catering is not included and what you are paying goes towards securing the venue. For more information check out our post on the cost of a wedding venue.

What is the average cost of catering a wedding?

Photo © The Wedding Kitchen | See their Bridebook profile

How much your wedding catering costs depends entirely on how many people you’re looking to invite. The more people you invite the more hungry mouths there will be, and of course the higher the cost will be.

In our ultimate guide to budgeting a wedding, we outlined that to cater an 80- to 90-guest wedding you can expect to spend an average of £5,700 overall. This may initially sound like a lot, but it actually equates to just over £65 per person, which is quite reasonable when you consider it’s their food for the entire day. However, it’s also enough to make you think twice when liberally handing out those +1s.

Of course, if your wedding is more intimate than that – or more grandiose – it can drastically change that figure. Based on this, to cater a 40-guest wedding the average cost will be around £2,600, and a 160-guest wedding will cost around £10,400.

This is of course based on the average, and depending on your budget there’s a range of options available:

  • Affordable – £20 – £40 per head
  • Moderate – £40 – £60 per head
  • Luxury – £60 – £80 per head
  • Super luxury – £80+ per head

Is it cheaper per head the more guests there are?

Photo © Create | See their Bridebook profile

You may expect the price per head to reduce depending on the greater the number of guests there are, but this isn’t always the case when it comes to catering a wedding. It will usually depend on several factors, including the venue, the number of kitchen and wait staff required, and the dining style.

For example, the price per head will be cheaper if you provide buffet-style food or food trucks than it would with a four-course meal, regardless of how many guests are attending.

How much does a wedding breakfast cost?

Photo © Lettice Events | See their Bridebook profile

The wedding breakfast will generally be one of the most expensive parts of your wedding reception. They’re usually multi-course sit-down meals that are meticulously run from a busy kitchen like a well-oiled machine – and that kind of operation comes at a cost.

The average cost of a wedding breakfast will be around £30-40 per head, but certain venues and vendors can charge more than three times this amount.

To make sure you get all the information you need, check out our post on what questions you should ask your wedding caterer.

How much does an evening buffet cost?

Photo © Dine | See their Bridebook profile

Your evening buffet is a far more relaxed meal, which offers a greater choice of food and the need for fewer servers. It also offers you the chance to fill the bellies of your guests who could only come to the evening reception.

The average cost of a buffet is usually around £20-30 per head, however, this can also vary depending on the selection of dishes on offer and the type of cuisine. For example, chicken and chips will be far more affordable than hand-made sushi!

What else can affect the cost of catering a wedding?

Photo © Le Mange Tout | See their Bridebook profile

The above costs are all averages, and you’ll make plenty of choices that will make that cost go either down or way (WAY) up. These include:

  • Style of service: the cost of a buffet, sit-down meal, or food truck can vary hugely. For example, for a sit-down meal, you would have to factor in the wages of the waiters (it’s recommended to have 1 per 11 guests) and a buffet would have a wider selection of food options. There are thousands of caterers offering a wide variety of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
  • Menu choice: The more options you offer your guests outside of the standard meat, fish or vegetarian/vegan, the more you’re likely to pay.
  • The venue: Does it have its own catering team? If you’re hiring a catering team separate from the venue, you may also need to factor in the cost of hiring a marquee and portable kitchen. These costs can quickly add up, adding several thousand to the cost of your catering. Some venues have a list of preferred caterers, so make sure you ask your chosen wedding venue if there are limitations.
  • The food: Some food is cheaper to make than others. If you’re keen to offer oysters and caviar, don’t be surprised if it’s more expensive than if you were to offer sandwiches and vol-au-vents.
  • The ingredients: Some caterers may offer premium ingredients, and if imported or organic produce is important to you then expect to pay a little extra.
  • The number of courses: Are you happy with a three-course meal, or would you like to offer hors d’oeuvres, a fish course, palate-cleansing sorbets, and mignardise? The more courses there are (and the more complex they are to make) the pricier it will be.
  • The date: you can expect to pay higher rates during peak times, such as during the summer and at weekends.

What about the alcohol?

Photo © Caper & Berry | See their Bridebook profile

While it can be tempting to offer an open bar, a wedding is one of those rare occasions when people tend to let their hair down. As a result, many of your guests will want to partake in a drink or two (or five or six). The cost of an open bar can quickly become eye-wateringly expensive, which is why many couples opt instead for a bottle or two of wine per table, plus a glass of bubbles on arrival and for the toasts. Then, if guests would like any other drinks, they’re free to choose what they like from a cash bar.

Remember, if you choose to supply your own fizz or bottles of wine, the venue may charge a corkage fee, which can be around £5-11 per bottle.

For more information check out our ultimate guide to wedding alcohol.

Ready to plan your big day?

Need a hand (or two) with wedding planning? Join Bridebook and get all the tools you need to plan your big day from start to finish. Plan your wedding budget, find your wedding venues and suppliers, organise your guest list and more.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding catering, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to help you keep costs down. 

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Happy Planning!

Outdoor Wedding Venues in London

We’re here to help you choose from our list of outdoor wedding venues in London, from the countryside to seaside, with nature’s scenery in your eyeline and wholehearted happiness in your heart.

There are so many ways to get married al fresco, and these London wedding venues don’t disappoint!  From waterfront hotels and museums to manor houses and marquees, London is blessed with a multitude of open-air options. Here are a few you might want to check out!

1. Royal Botanic Gardens

Outdoor Wedding Venues in London

The large, open plan design of the Orangery makes it the ideal venue for your wedding. With high ceilings and grand, arched windows, the room is filled with natural light. During the summer months, your guests can enjoy the large terrace with its spectacular views of the Gardens.

2. WWT London Wetland Centre

wwt london wetland centre set up for wedding ceremony.

WWT London Wetland Centre offers an unrivalled setting for civil partnership and marriage ceremonies. The venues, which are approved for ceremonies, are the Observatory and Wetland Living.  Bringing the countryside into London, this is an amazing alternative wedding destination.

3. Chelsea Physic Garden

bride poses in chelsea physic garden

The Chelsea Physic Garden is a botanical garden venue with a large marquee as an optional hire.  This outdoor wedding venue with glorious spaces is available for dry hire and has a Wedding Ceremony Room available for up to 70 guests but blessings in the gardens are welcomed.

4. Hill Garden and Pergola

Hill Garden and Pergola wedding venue.

Tie the knot in one of London’s secret beauty spots.  The Pergola and Hill Garden is a licenced venue for weddings and civil partnerships. This beautiful and secluded place makes a wonderful location for such ceremonies.  

5. Chiswick House Gardens

Chiswick house gardens decorated with flowers all over.

Do you dream of a wedding that is stylishly simple, or is your heart’s desire an elaborate party with every trimming?   Chiswick House & Gardens is a hidden gem in the heart of West London, 65 acres of glorious landscaped gardens where your wedding will be truly unique and memorable.

6. The Hurlingham Club

wedding dinner at the hurlingham club.

As far as UK Country wedding venues go, this one is both unique and memorable. Many happy couples have made their special vows in the Club’s beautiful venue with many a celebration!  They’re able to accommodate wedding parties between 8o to 1,000 for decadent sit down wedding breakfasts, to more informal buffets and dancing.

7. The Conservatory at Painshill

Lake at conservatory at painshill

You’ll love saying your I Do’s within this stunning setting of a 160-acre park.  The purpose-built marquee is situated within Painshill’s private walled gardens, creating a breathtaking venue for any special occasion.

8. Vanstone Park

Vanstone park tents at night.

You can find this beautiful woodland venue just outside Hertfordshire, close to both Hitchin and Stevenage. This marquee wedding venue partners with Country Tipis to add a fun factor to your wedding, and guests always enjoy them – They provide a great talking point.

9. Paradise Wildlife Park

newlyweds look at tiger at paradise wildlife park

The Marquee is located in a private area of the Park with a beautiful secret garden with pergola, stream and bridge; perfect for wedding photos either before or after the ceremony. Complete with a fully licenced bar and resident DJ our private marquee makes the purrrfect venue for your wedding ceremony and reception.

10. Selsdon Park Hotel & Golf Club

newlyweds pose with their classic car in front of seldsdon park hotel & golf club

Weddings here come with beautiful views stretching out across the gardens onto 200 acres of Surrey countryside grounds. As the only wedding venue in Croydon licensed to host outdoor ceremonies, you can also say your vows outside in a pretty pagoda in the hotel’s secret gardens.

You’ve chosen to have an outdoor Wedding for the space, where your guests can enjoy being outside instead of struggling to squeeze past each other at an indoor venue.  Obviously, outdoor wedding venues in London are a lot of fun, unique and ideal for brides who don’t mind their guests bringing children to the venue (Bless them)!

If you enjoyed our list and want some more ideas, take a look at our outdoor wedding venues in Essex.  When you’re about to start looking at wedding venues, it might be about time to look at some tools we have just for you like our Budget Planner, Checklist and even help with your Guestlist!

Don’t delay… Get booking today! From all of us at Bridebook,

Happy Planning!

Barn Wedding Venues in Cheshire

So you’re looking at Cheshire wedding venues, for something unique… something a little quirky and different.  A barn wedding venue can offer an abundance of space for your big day.  We think that barns make great wedding venues because they’re a blank canvas for creative couples.

We’ve found some awesome Barn wedding venues in Cheshire for you to take a look at.  These rustic and charming, elegant and inspired spaces are the perfect place to begin a future with the person you love.

1. Sandhole Oak Barn

wedding ceremony set up at sandhole oak barn.

For your special day, nothing could be more idyllic than saying ‘I do’ in this stunning oak barn beside a tranquil lake. Sandhole Oak Barn’s wedding venue is set in 400 acres of rolling Cheshire countryside and offers a magnificent setting for your wedding day.

2. Heaton House Farm

Barn Wedding Venues in Cheshire

Nestled on the hillside of a working farm and surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Cheshire and Staffordshire, the gorgeous setting for this incredible wedding venue awaits. This Family-run establishment will help you with something big and extravagant, or quaint and intimate.

3. Owen House Wedding Barn

newlyweds pose outside owen house wedding barn

One of the most beautiful Barn wedding venues in the UK and set on a working farm that is family run and offers a truly unique wedding experience.  Situated in a stunning location you wouldn’t want to leave, allows for holding your ceremony and celebration at the same venue!

4. The Plough Inn

the plough inn wedding lunch.

The Plough Inn is licensed to hold Civil Ceremony Weddings and offers the perfect setting for your special day.  The historic Barn is ideally situated for formal or informal ceremonies and promises to make your wedding distinctive and unique with delightful gardens making the perfect setting for wedding photography.

5. The Oak Tree of Peover

gorgeous dining room with oak beams at the oak tree of peover.

Oak Tree of Peover is a unique contemporary venue is set in the heart of Cheshire surrounded by stunning countryside views. Oak beams and lots of natural light makes this venue fresh and bright whilst subtle lighting in the evening gives it a magical, romantic feel.

6. Stock Farm Wedding and Events Barn

stock farm wedding

Set within beautiful farmland situated on the edge of Tatton Park in Cheshire, one of the prettiest Farm wedding venues in the UK, Stock Farm wedding & Events Barn offers the perfect setting for your special day in an exclusive location with idyllic countryside views giving you and your guests complete privacy.

7. The Holford Estate

outdoors wedding ceremony amongst the trees in the holford estate.

One of our Barn wedding venues in Cheshire is a real hidden gem, The Holford estate secluded idyllic setting, is steeped in history, alongside stunning formal gardens and a state of the art contemporary wedding Barn.

8. Styal Lodge

Beautiful large wedding lunch decorated with long sheets  and styal lodge.

A family run venue in the beautiful National Trust Village of Styal, in the grounds of Styal Golf Club. Built in 2009 a beautiful Lodge filled with natural light, a blank canvas & private gardens.

9. Curdlands Barn

guests gather outside curdlands barn

Of all the UK Country wedding venues, this stunning location boasts unrivalled views over the Cheshire plains towards the Welsh hills and gives you complete exclusivity on your special day.  The Barn is an airy indoor space with a fabulous terrace, perfect for the drinks reception or evening soirée.

10. Duddon Mill Farm

Duddon mill farm.

Duddon Mill Farm is a wedding and events venue situated near Tarporley in the heart of rural Cheshire.  With mature apple orchards, pond, barns and a stream running right through the middle of the estate, there are endless photo opportunities for lovers of the outdoors.

Wow, we don’t envy you! There is just so much to choose from. Remember, your wedding can be as extravagant, or as intimate as your imagination allows.  Choosing your wedding venue will be a big decision you’ll make as a couple, and it’s good to think of your options straight away.

To help you, we’ve created some handy tools for your Budget, your Checklist (very important!) and, of course, your Guestlist.  And if all of the above venues aren’t nearby, check out our barn wedding venues in Essex or our barn wedding venues in Yorkshire.

For more wedding venues in the UK, go to Bridebook’s Wedding Venue Search to apply your own custom filters and find ‘the one’.

Well? What are you waiting for?  HAPPY PLANNING!

Small Wedding Venues in Yorkshire

With modern weddings becoming bigger and more expensive than ever before, many couples are starting to turn to smaller, more personal options.  So whether it’s in a Church, Chapel, Castle or Priory, there is something special and heartwarming in choosing one of these Yorkshire Wedding Venues.  

Now we know that big is beautiful, but here in Yorkshire, EVERYTHING is beautiful, and sometimes dynamite comes in small packages.  From urban history to the rural panoramas, these are truly some of the best intimate wedding venues in Yorkshire.

1. Grays Court

grays court and gardens on a sunny day.

Whatever your event might be, there is plenty of room for you and around forty guests at this beautiful house steeped in history.  Take pleasure in the antique character and luxury of your surroundings as they work hard to ensure that your memorable day runs smoothly.

2. The Grange Hotel

the grange hotel at night

A special venue for your perfect day!  The Grange is an exclusive, privately owned, 41 bedroom Regency townhouse of great charm and character, superbly restored and luxuriously furnished in classic country house style.

3. The Kilnwick Percy Resort

the kilnwick percy resort.

If you are looking for modern and unique wedding venues in Yorkshire, then look no further! Regarded as being one of the best small wedding venues in Yorkshire, this space overlooks 180 acres of glorious woodland and Yorkshire Countryside; providing the perfect setting for your wedding photos!

4. York Castle Museum

york castle museum

This venue pick for your intimate wedding at the beautiful Hospitium at York Castle Museum is not only oozing with character and style, it’s also a sensational venue for that idyllic fairytale wedding day that you’ve been dreaming of.

5. Howsham Hall

howsham hall gardens

This one has made it onto our small wedding venues in Yorkshire, but by no means is it minor! Full event management and catering service is offered at this stunning Grade I listed Jacobean treasure near York. What a stunning venue for a perfect wedding!

6. Bedern Hall

bedern hall

With its soaring beamed ceiling, arched windows and warm stone walls, Bedern Hall in York is an intimate and individual setting for your wedding ceremony and reception.  This cosy and authentic wedding venue is the perfect place to say I Do!

7. Applewood Weddings Ltd

applewood weddings

Applewood provides the perfect backdrop for your romantic outdoor wedding. With ceremony area, seating areas, woodland walks and large decking in the heart of the trees with a large open area for your wedding structure that is reached by following the fairy light lit pathways.

8. Owston Hall Hotel

Small Wedding Venues in Yorkshire

You’ve found the perfect partner, and now you’ve found the perfect place to celebrate your love, surrounded by friends and family. Whether you’re looking for an intimate celebration or a lavish party, if you’re looking at hotel wedding venues in the UK, look no further, you’ve found a Gem.  

9. Pontefract Town Hall

pontefract town hall.

Pontefract Town Hall is an 18th Century architectural jewel located in the heart of the town’s ancient historic centre and is a lovely venue for your wedding day, with a beautiful building, good facilities and an excellent location.

10. Burythorpe House

burythorpe house

This is a truly idyllic and romantic manor house wedding venue.  Burythorpe House holds a civil license, allowing couples to host civil weddings and civil partnerships at the hotel. This enables you to hold your ceremony, wedding reception and evening celebrations all at the same venue!

11. Marmadukes Town House Hotel

marmadukes town house hotel

With a central location in York, Marmadukes Town House Hotel is an elegant small wedding venue with an award-winning restaurant and cosy spaces that is sure you make your wedding day extra special.

12. Priory Cottages

priory cottages.

Surrounded by the stunning North Yorkshire countryside, the barns offer an intimate setting for smaller weddings or a marquee that can accommodate larger groups in this gorgeous setting.

There are many positives to having a small wedding.  For instance, trimming the size of your Guestlist not only means you will save money, but it also means you can use your resources for quality, rather than quantity.

Make sure you have everything ticked off your Checklist!  This is important.  Use this tool to ensure things run smoothly.

Another helpful tool is for your Budget. With more flexibility, you have the option to splurge on the things that matter most, whether it be a stunning designer gown or a gourmet wedding breakfast!

If you’re looking for something further afield, we have a list of some of the best small wedding venues in London and small wedding venues near Essex.

And of course…. HAPPY PLANNING!!!

Top 10 Best Asian Wedding Venues in Birmingham

If you’re looking for a Birmingham Wedding Venue and have a wedding date for later this year or in 2020, planning the perfect Asian wedding takes time and patience.  Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event that will represent who you and your partner are as a couple, whilst seamlessly integrating your cultural beliefs so that you have the perfect fairytale wedding.

So, whether you’re planning a traditional Asian wedding or a more intimate affair, there are a variety of different options to explore to make sure your wedding is everything you want it to be. To help, we’ve put together a list of Asian Wedding venues in Birmingham to assist you in your wedding planning.

1. SK D’Grand Cabana, West Midlands

dining room at SK D'Grand Cabana

A premium wedding and banqueting venue suited to weddings in the Midlands. The New Owners are renowned for their Banqueting and Wedding Halls back in India with of over 15 Hotels and Banqueting Halls under their profile.

2. Hilton Hall, Staffordshire

beautiful outdoors ceremony at hilton hall.

Hilton Hall is a stunning 17th Century country house Wedding Venue on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. This impressive and romantic grade I listed building offers complete privacy and promises to be the perfect setting for your flawless asian wedding.

3.  Nailcote Hall Hotel, Golf & Country Club, West Midlands

beautiful lake and gardens at nailcote hall hotel

Nailcote Hall Wedding Venue provides a picturesque backdrop for your Wedding, thanks to our 17th Century Country House Hotel, complete with panoramic views and an idyllic setting.

4. Ramada Solihull Birmingham, West Midlands

wedding dinner set up in tones of purple at ramada solihull.

This lavish venue, fondly known locally as ‘The George’ will ensure your  Wedding is memorable for all the right reasons. They offer a flexible approach to each event, allowing you to make your special day individual to you.

5. Alrewas Hayes Events Ltd, Staffordshire

Asian Wedding Venues Birmingham

Alrewas Hayes is a Grade II listed Queen Anne residence in the heart of rural Staffordshire and set in beautiful parkland, providing a venue which is exclusively yours for the day. This Manor House wedding venue provides an exceptional setting for all special occasions, with beautiful scenery and grounds for those picture perfect photos.

6. Holiday Inn, Birmingham

Holiday Inn, Birmingham.

This Asian Wedding venue in Birmingham is proudly able to offer weddings suited to your cultural needs. Their weddings coordinators are experienced in arranging multicultural weddings and will endeavour to tailor their venues to your needs as much as possible.

7. Ramada Park Hall Hotel, West Midlands

Wedding lunch at ramada park hall hotel.

This Grade II listed Georgian hotel is one of the most elegant and prestigious wedding venues in the West Midlands. Set within five acres of stunning landscaped gardens with distant views of the rolling Staffordshire countryside, this is the perfect location for outdoor wedding ceremonies.

8. Walsall Football Club, West Midlands

walsall football club asian wedding.

You are at the beginning of a very special journey, and this is a once in a lifetime occasion. why not have an unusual wedding venue and blow everyone’s mind!  Enjoy your wedding at the home of Walsall Football Club, with flexible packages to provide the perfect Asian wedding experience.

9. The Belfry, Warwickshire

beautiful gardens at the belfry wedding venue.

This is the perfect venue for the most unique and memorable Asian wedding. With enough space to cater for up to 276 guests, The Belfry has the capacity and facilities to ensure an unforgettable celebration.

10. Heart Of England Conference and Events Centre, Warwickshire

wedding dinner set up at heart of england.

One of the most beautiful and unique wedding venues in Warwickshire, the Heart of England is the ideal place to start your new lives together.  This venue has become increasingly popular as an Asian wedding venue and with photographic opportunities… Who can blame us!

All of these venues have a wealth of experience in hosting Asian weddings and we hope we have provided the finest inspiration for both extravagance and tradition and they don’t come any more special than these wonderful Asian wedding venues in Birmingham. If you’re looking for something completely different, go to our wedding venue search and find the perfect venue for you!

For more inspiration or if you’re looking further afield, why not see our finest London venues for Asian Weddings and, if you’re interested in that area, we have put together some beautiful Asian wedding venues in Essex for you to look at!

Please help yourself to our wedding tools to assist with your planning.

  1. Wedding Budget
  2. Wedding Planning Checklist
  3. Guest List

From all of us at Bridebook, HAPPY PLANNING!

Unusual wedding venues in London

London is home to some very unique wedding locations if you are looking for a different kind of celebration. All of the unusual wedding venues in London offer picturesque settings you won’t find anywhere else. Indoors, outdoors, private or public … you name it, London has the perfect location for your big day!

Picture a beautiful wedding at the country’s most visited sites or walk down the aisle in one of London’s historical churches, which bring an element of rich history and old-fashioned elegance to any ceremony.  Any way we spin it, we are sure you’ll find your happy place at one of these top London Wedding Venues.

1. ArcelorMittal Orbit

the arcelormittal orbit

Say your vows at 250ft at the lower viewing platform, before moving to the upper viewing platform at 262 feet to experience a spectacular wedding breakfast, all set against the stunning panorama of London’s stunning skyline!

2. House Of Commons, Palace Of Westminster

house of commons set up for wedding dinner.

Steeped in history, the Houses of Parliament / Palace of Westminster in London provides a unique setting for a wedding celebration. Dominating the banks of the River Thames, the Palace’s façade heralds this UNESCO World Heritage site as one of the most iconic in the world.

3. The Kings Oak Hotel

newlyweds pose in front of the pool and the kings oak hotel

Whatever time of year you want your special day to be, the Kings Oak Hotel bordering Essex and London, and nestling in the beautiful Epping Forest will enchant you and your guests and provide Lifelong memories, not to mention the WOW factor!

4. RSA House

confetti shot in front of RSA house

With its graceful Georgian architecture, stunning interiors and central location, the RSA House is the perfect venue for a quintessential London wedding offering Georgian grandeur, contemporary style and some surprising spaces all under one roof.

5. ZSL London Zoo

Bride and owl at ZSL zoo in London.

If you’re looking a quirky and unusual wedding venue in London, look no further!  ZSL London Zoo has an event space to suit you. This usual wedding venue will blow your mind! Add some animal magic to your event, enjoy a roaring wedding celebration and arrange an animal encounter for your guests, making it a rip-roaring success!

6. HMS Belfast

newlyweds kiss outside in the HMS Belfast ship.

We think this is one of the most iconic and unique Wedding Venues in London. Steeped in history and naval charm, HMS Belfast promises an event your guests will never forget.  Permanently moored between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast is the most significant surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship.

7. Southbank Centre

Southbank centre illuminated with fairy lights at dawn.

For a wedding venue with unforgettable views and an esteemed cultural heritage, Southbank Centre is the perfect choice. Our pavilion spaces in Royal Festival Hall offer unique locations in a Grade 1 Listed building with romantic riverside views over central London and the Thames.

8. The Yacht London

chairs set up for an outdoors ceremony at the yacht in london.

The Yacht London is a permanently moored 1927 luxury steam yacht with a fabulous history. Situated on the North Bank of the Thames, between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars, in what is known as “The Mayfair of the River”. This is one of the most unique wedding venues, offering you fantastic views of the London skyline for a memorable and picturesque wedding.

9. Shoreditch Studios

Unusual wedding venues in London

Shoreditch Studios is a beautiful railway arch warehouse and studio space licensed for ceremonies and receptions.  Unlike traditional London wedding venues which offer only fixed wedding packages restricting catering or decor, this unique wedding venue in London is a blank canvas at which you can unleash your creativity and make your own.

10. V&A Museum of Childhood

Gorgeous dinning room flooding with light and long tables.

This is one of London’s best-loved museums and offers a unique and historical venue on the edge of the City. In this magnificent, grade II listed Victorian building are remarkable spaces and many original 19th century features, including the elegant and historic Marble Floor laid by female prisoners from Woking gaol.

11. Cecil Sharp House

colourfully decorated wedding lunch setting at cecil sharp house.

An iconic Grade II listed 1930’s building near Regent’s Park in London, has 5 spaces to hire that can accommodate weddings of all sizes.  As Cecil Sharp House is the home of the English Folk Dance and Song Society they would be happy to assist you with booking entertainment for your event.

12. London Eye

views from above the london eye.

At 135 metres above the majestic sights of London,weddings at the London Eye include a flight in a private capsule, beautifully decorated with flowers for 2 rotations (one hour). Wedding capsules can accommodate up to 16 people in the ceremony capsule including the happy couple.

13. The National Gallery

the balcony of the national gallery

Have you ever pictured yourself entertaining next to the world’s greatest artworks? Located at the very heart of London, The National Gallery is one of the best-loved art galleries in the world. This alternative wedding venue with a difference is full of culture, interest, elegance and romance.  

14. Garden Museum

newlyweds coming down the stairs as guests cheer at the garden museum.

Situated by the River Thames and next to Lambeth Palace, The Garden Museum provides the perfect location for wedding receptions.  From initial site visit up until the day of the event itself, they are on hand to offer advice, inspiration and practical ideas for making your celebration a unique and memorable experience.

15. Hoxton Hall

artistic newlyweds shot at hoxton hall.

This beautiful Victorian Music Hall is perfect for your quirky East London wedding. Tie the knot in style in a beautiful venue home to artists, performers and pillars of the community.  Each wedding at Hoxton Hall is unique and perfect for ceremonies, wedding breakfasts, banquets and parties.

16. Swan, Shakespeare’s Globe

fairy tale style wedding dinner at Shakespeare's globe.

There are few places that evoke centuries of romance like the Globe Theatre. From the youthful passions of Romeo and Juliet to the comic lovers in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, love has always been at the heart of Shakespeare’s plays at the theatre. A stunning exclusive use wedding venue in the heart of London with views looking out onto the Thames.

17. OXO2

wedding lunch at OXO2

This stunning riverside wedding venue in the iconic OXO building is a truly unique way to celebrate your Big day!  OXO2 is a truly special place for couples to start their life together. The chic, contemporary space of OXO2 makes a breathtaking romantic setting for your wedding day.

18. Chelsea Physic Garden

Bride posing in the beautiful autumn gardens.

Hidden in the heart of London, Chelsea Physic Garden is a beautiful and magical setting for your special day. Chelsea Physic Garden provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding day, it is quite simply the ultimate garden wedding venue!

19. The Oyster Shed

newlyweds first dance at the oyster shed.

A wedding on the banks of the Thames – what could be more perfect? How about a wedding on the banks of the Thames in your very own elegant pub with a feast of glorious gastronomy? Thought so!  This unique wedding venue in London boasts amazing views of The Shard through the impressive curved floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

20. Selhurst Park Stadium (Crystal Palace Football Club)

wedding lunch with tones of yellow and orange the selhurst park stadium.

The ideal venue for a football fan or someone looking for an alternative setting for their big day.  Selhurst Park is a truly special place and provides a unique personal wedding venue filled with glamour and class.

We hope you’ve loved our list of unique and quirky wedding spots to say I do in!  We had a lot of fun picking them out just for you. If you still couldn’t find “the one” on this list, head over to Bridebook’s Wedding Venue Search, when you will find the perfect place to tie the knot!

To help you get your planning underway, go over to our budget tool where we show you how easy it is to do all the planning yourself!  We also have a checklist tool and even a guestlist tool that you can use free of charge!  

HAPPY PLANNING!

How To Design Your Perfect Wedding Menu


Whether you’ve already booked your wedding caterer or are still considering options, you’re probably starting to think about what’s going to be on the menu. But half the time, it’s hard enough to decide what to eat for dinner on Tuesday night – let alone what to serve at your wedding! So here’s our five step guide to designing the perfect wedding menu.

1. What’s Your Theme?

If you have a theme (and we recommend you do!), use this to guide your decisions when it comes to your wedding menu. A hog roast, for example, is perfect for an informal, outdoor celebration – but not so good for a black tie wedding, where you’re more likely to want to serve elegant canapés and petit fours.

2. Do (Most) People Like It?

Well, there’s a reason chicken is such a wedding staple! More adventurous options like veal, venison, lamb and lobster can be more divisive and may result in some of your guests forcing down food they’d rather avoid. So you have two options: stick with something safe (and of course, what this is depends on the cuisine you and your guests are used to) or offer a few different options to make sure there’s something for everyone.

3. Do You Like It?

It’s your wedding – so what do you want to eat to celebrate marrying the love of your life? Remember, you’ll almost certainly need to accommodate the dietary requirements of at least a few guests – so if you can, serve what you want but offer alternatives for those who may not share your taste.

4. Will It Keep You Full?

You don’t want to end up in a food coma before the speeches – but we’d always avoid light bites in favour of something with at least a bit of substance. Remember, weddings can stretch on well into the night – and the last thing you want is your guests nipping out to McDonalds for a late night snack! Plus, we’re sure any guests who are drinking will appreciate the opportunity to line their stomachs…

5. Is It Low Risk For Allergies?

If you can, stay away from well-known allergens like peanuts, shellfish and soy – especially if you know one of your guests is at risk. Even if you can provide them with an alternative, avoiding allergens altogether will put your mind at rest.

Ask yourself these five questions and you’ll be well on your way to designing your dream menu. And if you’re still on the hunt for your perfect wedding caterer, why not check out our fabulous directory here?

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Wedding Films : 4 Reasons Why You Should Book a Videographer

Book a Videographer


A wedding photo album is a wonderful thing! It captures the moments of your special day that can instantly be re-lived via a physical album or on-screen photos. For this reason, almost everybody books a wedding photographer. Without one, there would be no record of your day and you would be solely reliant on your own memory. Not so many people, on the other hand, book a wedding videographer. Many still do, but it’s not seen as a necessity. Here are 4 reasons why we think you should book a videographer.


1. Film trumps photo in capturing the moment

A picture speaks a thousand words. But a film speaks ten thousand. Capturing the sounds and movements of your day is a priceless treasure. The sounds of talking, music and laughter may seem insignificant, but they really do add an extra dimension. In the same way, facial expressions, hugs and dancing all come to life in film in a way they never could in a photo. The best way to demonstrate this is to look at a video on your smartphone and compare it to a photo. Which one captures the moment better?


2. Ceremony

The most important part of your wedding day! You don’t want to miss a moment. Guaranteed to be emotional and joyful all at the same time. A photo will capture this moment beautifully, but to capture the words, tears and wobbly voices, a film is the only option.


3. Speeches

You may or may not want to remember the speeches depending on whether you are the one who is giving one. The speeches however are often filled with lovely moments. Not just the jokes, quotes and touching sentiment, but also the unexpected moments of participation from the guests. A film of the wedding speeches is not something you would watch every day, but it is a beautiful memory to keep a record of. And in this case, a photo just won’t cut it!


4. First dance

The first dance includes many aspects that your photographer won’t capture: The first dance song, the cheers of your guests and…..the actual dancing. The first dance is one of the most intimate parts of your wedding day and this is reflected far more effectively in a short 3 min film.


Your wedding day is jam-packed with moments that you want to remember. You will of course be able to capture these moments in photos…..and you definitely should! Don’t do away with the photographer! But strongly consider booking a videographer too! Sure, it’s an extra expense, but this is a purchase that you benefit from for the rest of your life. If you need to cut costs with your decorations to make the funds available to book a videographer, it’s probably worth the sacrifice. Many wedding purchases last only 1 day(your wedding day), but a film of your wedding is a pleasure you can keep for life.

Are you convinced? Read our videographer checklist before booking.


How to Confirm Your Wedding Music List

Wedding Music List


The time has come to finalize your list of music with the band or DJ. If you haven’t created a playlist yet, read our guide on choosing your wedding music.

Once you have your final evening music list, pass this over to your band or DJ. If you have hired a band, they may not be able to play everything on your list but might be willing to learn a few songs. It’s best to ask bands for their song list before hiring them to ensure they will be able to play the songs you want. If you have hired a DJ however, they should be able to play anything you ask them to. You can read more about choosing a wedding band or DJ in our guide.

Once you have provided the band/DJ with your playlist, check with them if there is enough material to cover their set length. If there isn’t, they may be willing to add other suggestions to fill the gaps to save you some time. If you choose to go with this option, make sure they show you the final playlist before the big day or, alternatively, you can provide them with a “do not play” list which would include a list of songs that you DON’T want played. This is for the adventurers among us who want a musical surprise on the wedding day. This can be a fun option if you want to experience your wedding as your guests are experiencing it.

If you want to go SUPER ADVENTUROUS, try this. Provide your band/DJ with a small playlist of 4-5 songs and ask them to play other songs of a similar style. This is the “shuffle” of the wedding music world.  You don’t know what’s coming next.


How to Write Wedding Invitations – A Template

How to Write Wedding Invitations


These days, customised wedding invitations are extremely popular. Beautiful designs and low prices make this a great option for many couples as it saves hours of making and writing invitations.

For this reason, much of the art of invitation writing has been forgotten with pre-built invitations being delivered to you needing nothing more than a name and address. This isn’t a bad thing as it’s one less thing for you to think about(let’s face it! You’ve got enough to do!). But, if you do want to write your own, where do you start? What is the correct wording?

Well the truth is….there is no correct wording. Wedding etiquette traditions have been reworked by a new generation as we have seen a rise of informal language gracing our wedding stationery.


Although the etiquette has been remodelled, it’s still important that you give your guests all the information they need. So here is everything you need to include on your wedding invitations. The order and wording is up to you. Just make sure it’s all on there:

  1. Name of person and any +1’s
  2. “You are invited to the marriage of” [a line making clear that they are invited]
  3. Bride’s name &
  4. Groom’s name
  5. Date
  6. Time of day
  7. Location of wedding – Name of venue and full address
  8. Reception information
  9. Gift list information

If one(or both) of your parents are hosting, you can add the following at the beginning:

  • Names of parents
  • Request your presence(replaces line 2 above)
  • At the marriage of their daughter/son

Next up, it’s time to send your invitations


You may also find our hack on writing save-the-dates useful


What to Pack For Your Honeymoon

What to Pack For Your Honeymoon


Ideally, you should try to complete this task before your wedding to allow you to jet off immediately. After the wedding, you will probably end up with a load of gifts, flowers, left over cake, decor etc. to take home with you. This will make packing your suitcase a lot more difficult so try to avoid this by packing beforehand. Just so you know what you need to pack for your honeymoon, we’ve made a list of everything you need.


Documents

  • Boarding pass/Airline tickets
  • Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • Reservation confirmation
  • Health insurance information
  • Photocopies of the above documentation
  • Credit card
  • Money
  • Prescription medicine in the original bottle

Toiletries bag

  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Hairbrush
  • Deodorant
  • Razor
  • Shaving cream
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Hand cream
  • Body lotion
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellant
  • Soap
  • Lip-balm
  • Floss
  • Makeup bag
  • Makeup remover
  • Cotton buds
  • Tweezers
  • Nail clippers
  • Antibacterial wipes
  • Plasters
  • Aspirin
  • Paracetamol
  • Ibuprofen
  • Antacid
  • Antihistamine
  • Asthma Inhaler
  • Contact lens solution
  • Period care toiletries and medicine

Clothing

  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Bras
  • Dresses
  • T-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Shirts
  • Blouses
  • Sweater
  • Light sweater
  • Light jacket
  • Swimsuit

Shoes + Accessories

  • 2-3 pairs of shoes
  • 1 pair of old shoes
  • 1 pair of sandals
  • Glasses or contacts
  • Spare glasses
  • Sunglasses
  • Canvas tote
  • Jewellery
  • Slippers
  • Evening bag
  • Light scarf
  • Sun hat
  • Canvas bag
  • Day excursion backpack
  • Hair accessories
  • Travel umbrella

Tech

  • Phones
  • Camera
  • Tablet/E-reader
  • Headphones
  • Chargers for all of the above
  • Electrical adapter

Other

  • Paperback book
  • Hair drier
  • Maps, Guidebooks
  • ID tags for luggage
  • Deck of cards

Wedding Venues : 4 tips for choosing the perfect venue

The Hunt for Wedding Venues


Arguably the most important part of your entire wedding is choosing the perfect venue. This single decision affects every other decision that you will make. But where do you start? How do you know choose from the vast array of wedding venues? Here are our quick tips to help you choose the ideal location.


1. Think about location

Sounds obvious, but if you have your heart set on a rustic barn wedding in the middle of nowhere, it might be difficult for some of your guests to get there. Think about transport solutions for your guests. Can large coaches get there with ease(i.e. are the roads too narrow? Is the driveway wide enough?). The best place to start is asking the venue what previous couples have done. As long as it’s not a brand new venue, they will have some good ideas on the practical aspects of getting people to and from the venue.


2. What’s included in the price

Do they include catering or is this an additional add-on? Are drinks included? Canapés? Evening snack? Many wedding venues supply you with a package that includes all of these things as standard but it’s worth checking as the costs can rack up quickly if they aren’t included. Think about the cost of the meal per person. It’s a good idea to get your guest list done before choosing your venue as it will make estimating your costs a lot easier.


3. Visualise your Wedding Day

When you visit a venue, think about how the venue can be used to make your day more enjoyable for yourself and the guests. For example, the venue may have a room that can be used for a drinks reception before you move to the main area for your meal. Small things like this can make the flow of your day more natural and interesting. Also think about photo opportunities. Do they have pleasant grounds? If it’s raining on your wedding day, what areas do they suggest you can use for photos inside?


4. Does it feel right?

You may visit a few venues. Hopefully, you will visit one and just know that it’s the right one. There are many guides you can read(like this one) which give you step-by-step instructions on how to choose the perfect wedding venues but in the end, you need to go with the one you love. Even if it’s the most impractical. It may be in the middle of nowhere. It may be a dung-filled cow shed. It may have no heating and only available on Christmas Eve, but if that’s the one you love, your guests will just have to put up with it. It’s your wedding, so do it the way you want.


Thoughts or concerns? Contact us at [email protected]

15 Cheap Wedding Venues in London

The average cost of a wedding venue in London can be well over £20,000. But if you’re planning your big day, don’t let that number scare you! There are plenty of creative methods to implement budget wedding ideas without sacrificing what matters most to you.  

Researching cheap wedding venues in London is really the first step in planning a wedding – everything else hinges on the location.  So start off your wedding planning right, by making the most cost-effective decision. Here are 15 ways to do just that.

1. The Kings Oak Hotel

Newlyweds toast in front of the pool at The Kings Oak Hotel

In the heart of Epping Forest lies the Kings Oak Hotel, a charming destination & award winning wedding venue offering the WOW factor & something different for your special day! Over 100 couples a year choose the Kings Oak as their preferred wedding venue.

2. The Dickens Inn

Wedding dinner set up with green and red tones at The Dickens Inn

This venue will surely meet your ‘Great Expectation’!  It’s a picturesque restyled and reconstructed 18th-century pub and event venue nestled in St Katherine Docks. This is one of the more historic budget wedding venues in London and ensures a stunning setting for the most memorable of occasions.

3. London Shenley Club

Marquee set up for wedding lunch with greenery and autumn tones.

A unique and attractive year round location for the perfect wedding. Set in the idyllic Hertfordshire countryside – a stunning backdrop against which to capture everlasting memories! All you have to do is let them know what would make your wedding perfect and they’ll help you to create it.

4. Regency Banqueting Suite

Dancefloor at Regency Banqueting Suite

The Regency is a beautiful & newly refurbished venue with crystal chandeliers & painted dome ceilings, carpeted and finished in tones of grey and white giving you a very modern, classy appearance. This stunning venue is the perfect backdrop special day.  

5. Gilwell Park London

Gilwell Park London at sunset.

If you want to experience your wedding exactly the way you choose, then Gilwell Park is like no other. A quintessentially Georgian country house in a stunning rural setting perfectly located on the border of Essex and London, Gilwell Park is one of London’s best kept budget wedding venue secrets.

6. 5 Cavell Street

5 Cavell Street table set up with a pink background.

One of the new cheap wedding venues in London is this gem, a modern & well-recognized hotel located in the heart of East London, this venue offers couples the opportunity to celebrate both their Civil Ceremony & Wedding Reception.

7. The Register Office

15 Cheap Wedding Venues in London

If you’re looking through affordable wedding venues in London, here’s one for you!  Simple yet traditional, and boasting a lovely garden, you can get married in the beautiful ceremony rooms in the heart of Southwark.

8. London Rowing Club

Tables set up inside the London Rowing Club, ready for a wedding lunch.

London Rowing Club, founded in 1856, is the oldest club in the world and offers glorious panoramic views of the River Thames.  This exclusive use wedding venue allows you to decorate and adorn the space as you see fit and take pictures from the balcony overlooking the river.

9. Hackney Town Hall

Hackney Town Hall boasting with natural light.

A stone’s throw away from London Fields and Hackney Central Stations, this building boasts five separate weddings, event and meeting spaces all offering a mixture of period features, natural daylight and striking architecture.

10. The Dukes Head – Putney

Dad giving his wedding speech as guests laugh.

Riverside Grand Victorian grade II listed building, the Duke’s Head echoes with history, style and laughter, and has a brilliant array of gorgeous spaces available for any part of your special day.

11. Q vardis & the mallard suite

Garden and lake at Q vardis

Exclusive wedding venue set in a picturesque location near the river & lake Fully licensed wedding room. packages that are not just unbeatable in cost but take so much of the stress away from you, leaving you to revel in your special day!

12. Langdon Hills Golf & Country Club

Chairs set up for wedding ceremony at Langdon Hills

Langdon Hills Golf and Country Club really is the perfect place for your special day. Both function rooms are licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships and they are able to accommodate both small and large weddings. Both rooms are air-conditioned and offer fabulous views. The rooms even have their own music!

13. Sopwell House Hotel

Tables set up with big greenery pieces and dim lighting.

This manor house wedding venue, nestled on the edge of the Roman city of St Albans with its elegant period architecture, beautiful interiors and picturesque gardens create a stunning backdrop for your special day.

14. Blakes Events

Bride and Groom exchanging rings

Are you looking for a more an intimate ceremony on a budget? Blakes Events would be perfect for you! As one of the more affordable wedding venues in London, the views are magnificent with rooms overlooking their spectacular spacious surroundings. This wedding venue screams Photo Opportunity!

15. Glenmore House

Blue and white themed wedding lunch with large vases for centrepieces.

Since 1921, they have been welcoming discerning guests to this romantic venue of contrasts, rich in history and character.  A landscaped park provides the perfect backdrop for wedding photographs. They will ensure that your special day is one that you will remember forever.

There you have it!  That’s just a few of our budget wedding venues in London. If you want to look beyond Greater London, head over to Wedding Venue Search where you will find thousands of venues all over the UK.

To help you even further, why not use our handy budget feature to assist with your planning.  We even have a special wedding planning checklist for you to follow as well as a Guestlist tool which will prove extremely useful when inviting those long lost cousins!

Happy planning!

15 Small Wedding Venues In Kent

If you’re planning to elope or tie the knot in complete privacy or if you’ve dreamed of a romantic, small & very personal wedding, surrounded by close relatives and family – then an intimate wedding venue in Kent is the ideal pick for you.  

Often situated in magical, stunning landscapes and with amazing views, you have to see the small wedding venues in Kent we found for you! If you’re still left looking after this article, head over to Bridebook’s Wedding Venue Search and browse thousands of UK wedding venues.

1. The Barn, Tunbridge Wells

Happy newlyweds' confetti shot at The Barn.

An Intimate and Personal venue, The Barn in Tunbridge Well has a rustic feel with a modern edge, ideal for your low-key small chic wedding. It has been built in the traditional Kentish style with oak beams and columns and this creates a truly wonderful atmosphere.

2. Winters Barns, Canterbury

Newlyweds kiss surrounded by fairy lights in the garden.

There’s nothing like the romance of a beautiful barn wedding. No barns match ours for beauty, intimacy, and traditional Kentish character. With enchanting gardens and a stunning interior, Winters Barns is the perfect blend of old and new – a secluded historical venue steeped in history

3. The Lost Village Of Dode, Luddersdown

Two tables set up for an intimate wedding dinner in The Lost Village of Dode

This one makes it onto our list of top venue picks for your intimate wedding! It’s truly unique with no other venue offering the seclusion, history or atmosphere in an original medieval building and approached by a winding lane overhung with trees and lit by candles and braziers.

4. Hever Hotel, Edenbridge

If you’re looking for hotel wedding venues in the UK, then the Hever Hotel is one to visit!  Situated in the beautiful village of Hever; a mile from the historic childhood home of Anne Boleyn – an idyllic venue, perfect for your special day!

5. George Vaults, Rochester

George Vaults

We are sure you’ve never seen anything quite so unique as this one! This was once a church, then an inn, and now provides the perfect intimate wedding venue for a wedding day in a remarkable 14th-century Vault! This is one of our favourite intimate wedding venues in Kent.

6. The Barnyard, Sittingbourne

The marquee at the barnyard.

As far as barn wedding venues in the UK go, this one is really special! Nestled in the heart of the Kentish Countryside surrounded by 150 acres of stunning landscape combining rolling hills, natural woodland and romantic orchards, The BarnYard is an enchanting setting for the most memorable day of your life.

7. St Martin’s Priory, Canterbury

Bride and her bridesmaids at St. Martin's Piory.

This is one of the most beautiful, intimate wedding venues in Kent and is nestled in the heart of Canterbury and located next to the oldest church in England. St Martin’s Priory boasts 2.5 acres of enchanting Gardens and breathtaking views of Canterbury Cathedral.

8. Knockwood Bespoke Receptions, Canterbury

Newlyweds pose.

Situated in the Garden of England, nestled in the countryside between the historic city of Canterbury and towns Maidstone, is the perfect wedding venue in Kent.  With idyllic country surroundings in an area of outstanding natural beauty, you are free to create everlasting memories.

9. The Ferry House, Sheerness

Newlyweds holding hands in a field of wheat

Host your small but special occasion at The Ferry House. Peacefully set beside the Swale Estuary in the Kent countryside, this 16th century inn is the perfect hideaway place for an intimate occasion, with packages for 2-30 guests, award-winning dining and 4* accommodation for 70+.

10. The Bull Hotel, Wrotham

Confetti shot at The Bull Hotel.

Seen as one of the cosiest hotel wedding venues in the UK, The Bull Hotel is a unique and beautiful country inn situated in the historic village of Wrotham. Boasting charm and character, The Buttery offers an intimate space for your ceremony and reception.

11. The Black Horse Inn, Maidstone

The Black Hourse Inn a cheap wedding venue in kent.

The Black Horse Inn is a relaxed and unpretentious, rural, family-run Inn set in the Kentish countryside and provides an intimate and relaxing location for your wedding. Being that this location is one of many small wedding venues in Kent, it’s hosted some excellent parties and weddings.

12. Cooling Castle Barn, Rochester

Newlyweds pose in front of castle tower at the cooling castle barn.

Large or small, formal or informal, Cooling Castle Barn has spaces for any kind of wedding and promises that no two weddings are the same!  Kick back and enjoy this intimate wedding venue in the spotlight, along with a scrummy breakfast, elevenses, a glass or two of bubbles and the undivided attention of everyone around you.

13. Hoath House, Edenbridge

Bride and her bridesmaids pose in front of venue.

Hoath House aims to make your special day as you always imagined it would be. Get married under their wedding arch, or under a gazebo. Hoath House, a magnificent Tudor period building boasting idyllic history and wooden beam features, is the perfect wedding backdrop.

14. Whitstable Castle Trust, Whitstable

15 Small Wedding Venues In Kent

Named one of the best UK Castle Wedding Venues, Whitstable Castle boasts beautiful lawns, a fabulous fountain, multiple reception rooms, sea views and a roof terrace for drinks and photographs, what more do you need? Feel like a queen and say I DO to this fabulous intimate venue.

15. Elmley Nature Reserve, Sheerness

Newlyweds walking along the fields.

You have to see this one!  Elmley is a 3,300-acre estate based on an island in the Thames, situated away from the bustle of North Kent, just an hour from London. A vast wilderness. The spectacular landscape, soul-stirring skies. An absolute sight to behold.

 

We couldn’t wait to show you these Kentish gems!  We know it takes time, so if you haven’t found ‘the one’ yet, don’t panic. Bridebook.co.uk’s Wedding Venue Search is a quick and simple way of finding the right venues for you, so click the filters, choose your number of guests and type in Kent as your preferred location. We’re sure that your dream venue is just around the corner!

Don’t forget to use the budget, guestlist and checklist features while you’re there to get the most out of your wedding planning time.

Happy Bridebooking!

15 Cheap Wedding Venues In Kent

Your wedding is a special and important day. If you feel overwhelmed at the prospect of planning and booking a wedding in Kent, don’t panic! We are here to help you plan your ‘simply perfect’ and totally affordable Kentish wedding!  Because of its abundance of orchards and hop gardens, Kent is traditionally known as “The Garden of England”. The stunning countryside, rolling valleys and the white chalk cliffs make it a very popular place to get married.  

The variety of Wedding Venues in Kent is endless with manor houses, converted barns and Castles. Kent also offers Zoo’s, Farms and even Wildlife Parks to choose from!  In recent years converted barn and castle locations have become extremely popular and cheap wedding venues in Kent. With great commuter links to and from London, this has resulted in Kent being probably one of the most popular counties for a wedding.

 

1. Hayne House

Newlyweds kiss in Hayne House garden.

Hayne House is a family run venue, set in 35 acres beautifully landscaped grounds. Offering you exclusive use of the brand-new unique purpose-built Orangery, former Hunting Pavilion and pretty garden.  Whatever season you have in mind for your wedding, the versatility of Hayne House makes it a unique setting for your big day.

2. The Barn

Wedding guests throw confetti outside The Barn. A cheap wedding venue in Kent.

The Barn is a unique venue which has been rebuilt from a centuries old Elizabethan barn in a Kent village to its present site some years ago. It has been built in the traditional Kentish style with oak beams and columns and is a rustic venue with a modern edge, ideal for your chic wedding reception.

3. St Martin’s Priory

Marquee set up for a wedding at St. Martin's Priory

Of all the affordable wedding venues in Kent, this one definitely has the WOW factor when it comes to event settings. Hidden away from Canterbury’s bustle, this picturesque venue includes a beautiful 2.5-acre tiered garden, which is the perfect backdrop for a marquee wedding venue, and can accommodate up to 200 guests.

4. The Bull Hotel

Guests throw rose petals at newlyweds.

If you’re looking for something with Spark and Style, but also want a cheap wedding venue, then this Gem is for you!  Situated in the historic village of Wrotham, near Sevenoaks and Maidstone, this 600-year old coaching inn boasts charm and character you won’t forget.

5. The Black Horse Inn

The black horse inn.

The Black Horse Inn provides an intimate and relaxing location for a Wedding and Reception. Situated in the Kentish countryside on the historic Pilgrims Way, the Black Horse Inn and it’s beautiful gardens provide a welcoming and spectacular location for hosting weddings and for the solemnization of civil marriages and partnerships.

6. Lordswood Leisure Centre

Purple themed wedding at Lordswood Leisure Centre.

The Wedding Suites are inside Lordswood Leisure Centre which is set in 14 acres of beautiful woodland surroundings.  The venue is located within the Medway towns, both the M2 and M20 motorways are only a short 10-minute drive away. Easily accessible and beautifully scenic, this venue could be the one!

7. Greenhill Farm

Marquee in the lawn at greenhill farm.

This is no ordinary Farm Wedding Venue.  When you choose Greenhill Farm for your special day you have their expert team to ensure the day goes to plan and you stay the blushing bride all day. Talk to them to planning your wedding and feel confident that every detail will be looked at to ensure your event runs smoothly.

8. The Hawkenbury

The Hawkenbury inn

Add some spice and pizzazz to your wedding!  The Hawkenbury Inn can accommodate your guests – whether it’s a small party of 18/20 to a full wedding for 90 guests, offering a dance floor, disco, hog roast and even live cabaret! Who doesn’t love a show? Say ‘I Do’ at one of the most affordable wedding venues in Kent.

9. The Thatched Barn

Newlyweds pose in front of helicopter at The Thatched Barn

Right in the heart of Kent lies the Thatched Barn, a beautiful 16th century building that’s a great choice for an idyllic and unique wedding day. Within the stunning grounds is a private helipad so if you are looking for the ultimate mode of transport for your wedding why not consider a helicopter! Fancy right?

10. Oakley House

Oakley House is a licensed wedding and civil partnership venue. Set in this ideal location and combining a tastefully decorated wedding room in which to hold your service with the convenience of a large banqueting hall PLUS in-house catering facilities, you can’t go wrong!

11. Riverview Manor

Wedding marquee decorated with lavender paper spheres.

Get in here and book for a place to marry.  You will be so happy you did. Riverview Manor would love to help make your dreams become a successful reality at their very unique venue. This budget wedding venue won’t break the bank and the flexibilities and opportunities are literally endless. Yes, Literally!

12. Bewl Water

15 Cheap Wedding Venues In Kent

Breath-taking panoramic views across the reservoir and hundreds of acres of outstanding natural beauty make Bewl Water the picture-perfect location for your special day and one of the most unique Wedding venues in Kent on a budget.  Choose to marry to the backdrop of the South East’s largest stretch of open water.

13. Tower House

tower house

Create your perfect day in our intimate and sophisticated venue, offering a touch of originality and a sense of grandeur. Tower House is fully licensed to host your wedding, civil ceremony or reception for up to 70 people at very little cost.

14. Beach Hut Weddings

Happy newlyweds and their friends dip their feet in the ocean.

Dream of getting married at a beach wedding venue? We think this one comes pretty close! Herne Bay has been purpose built to help create the perfect setting for you and your loved ones on your special day. Exchange your vows surrounded by all the charm and beauty that Herne Bay’s seaside has to offer.

15. Stonelees Golf Club

Newlyweds chat on the bride at Stoneless Golf Club, a cheap wedding venue in Kent.

This delightful and picturesque wedding venue offers a unique wedding setting that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests. As one of the best wedding venues in Kent on a budget, they have a wealth of experience to inspire creativity and expression when planning the unification of your marriage.

 

Who says you can’t have the perfect wedding on the cheap?  These are just SOME of the wonderful options Kent has to offer at affordable prices.   

Take a look at our handy budget feature to help you keep your costs low, as well as well as a useful checklist to ensure everything runs smoothly.  We also have a guest list feature you can use to make sure all the aunts and uncles are invited to share in your special occasion!

From here on, it’s up to you!  

HAPPY PLANNING!

 

10 Vineyard Wedding Venues in the UK

Sweeping views over and through the vineyards make for beautiful wedding pictures and fantastic memories.  Vineyard weddings are most often destination weddings. Couples and their guests board planes and travel to the most picturesque locales for wine-centred festivities. But budget or logistical constraints can thwart a couple’s plan to wed in Spain, France or Italy.

But fear not! Before abandoning the dream of throwing a soiree amid a verdant estate, consider booking one of these UK Vineyards.  If you’re looking for a truly unique wedding experience, a vineyard wedding can offer the best of a destination wedding, with a local setting. Come with us as we explore the top Vineyard Wedding Venues to make your special day spectacular.

If you’re still left looking after reading this, use Bridebook’s award-winning wedding venue search to find your ideal spot to tie the knot!

1. The Vineyard, Berkshire

Newlyweds kiss outside the vineyard wedding venue in Berkshire

A special occasion deserves an equally special setting… from intimate celebrations to opulent gatherings, The Vineyard is the perfect destination for your Vineyard wedding. The Vineyard is a 5 star Relais & Châteaux hotel, renowned for its impeccable service, 3 AA Rosette restaurant & award winning 30,000 bottle wine cellar.

2. Knightor Winery, St Austell, Cornwall

Newlyweds walk through the pathway surrounded by greenery, in Knightor Winery.

Knightor is a very special, timelessly Cornish venue set in four acres of vineyards, pasture and orchards, with historic granite barns, beautiful rustic buildings and open countryside surroundings it truly is the ideal wedding location for English wine lovers!

 

3.  Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey

Vineyards lit up with sunshine as newlyweds stare into each other eyes.

Celebrate your Wedding in the beautiful landscaped setting of the vineyard. Set in the heart of the Surrey Hills, an area known for its outstanding natural beauty, Denbies prides itself as one of the finest places to get married in Surrey.

4.  Little Wold Vineyard, South Cave, England

Bride and her bridesmaids pose at Little Wold Vineyard,

When your venue’s main ambition is to ensure you and your loved ones can share an unforgettable experience in a magical setting, making memories that will last a lifetime, you know you have a keeper!  This stunning site is set in the rolling hills of the Yorkshire wolds, in 30 acres of meadow grass, above Little Wold Vineyard.

5. Yorkshire Heart Vineyard, York, North Yorkshire

Bride and groom pose in the vineyard, the bride is sitting on a chair and the groom has his hand on her shoulder.

Yorkshire Heart Vineyard is a stunning picturesque venue for anyone looking for somewhere a bit different to hold their special day… you don’t get much more unique than a Vineyard wedding venue in the heart of York.  The perfect outdoor wedding venue.

6. Hambledon Vineyard, Waterlooville, Hampshire

Couple poses happily in from of the vineyard on a foggy day.

For a quintessentially English UK Country wedding venue that’s memorable, unique and beautiful, Hambledon Vineyard has it all.  Offering a reception that’s romantic, picturesque and stylish, this Vineyard wedding venue, nestled in the Hampshire countryside is your dream location.

7.  Nutbourne Vineyards, Pulborough, West Sussex

Nutbourne Vineyards on a sunny day

This is quite the unique vineyard setting, boasting an exciting and unusual wedding venue. Nutbourne is a working farm and prides itself on being bigger on atmosphere than frills. Their facilities are charming but rustic and once you see it, you’ll be delighted at the possibilities!

8.  Mersea Island Vineyard, Essex

Merse Island Vineyard

This is a beautiful and unique outdoor venue with.  This easily accessible location provides a spacious marquee wedding venue and a reception hall and is nestled within a stunning British vineyard.

9. High House Weddings, Essex

vineyard wedding venues

High House is a family run, stunning, award-winning, exclusive use wedding venue set in six acres of landscaped gardens and rolling meadow in the Essex countryside.  This is the perfect setting, nestled within the rolling countryside of elegant English country gardens offering a spectacular backdrop to your day.

10. Froginwell Vineyard, Devon

Froginwell Vineyard wedding venue.

A stunning barn nestled within twenty acres of beautiful Devonshire countryside makes this an idyllic wedding venue. Family owned and run, Froginwell has undergone a series of improvements over its years as a wedding venue, which has culminated in a stunning space.

With some special spaces for some special people, your wedding will be the talk of the town with dynamite photography in beautiful settings.  These are the memories that will last a lifetime!

Start your adventure today by choosing one of these unique venues.  While you’re at it, take a look at our budget, checklist and guestlist features to help you get a headstart on your Wedding Planning!

20 Garden Wedding Venues in the UK

You’re going to put plenty of thought into choosing the perfect Wedding Venue in the UK, and space and aesthetics are going to be top priority and foremost in your mind. Gardens offer both of these and are a very popular big-day venue choices. Since they have their own natural décor and beautifully sculpted landscapes, not only is it practical, but its elegant and timeless and exciting to host a wedding in a garden.

We have discovered the ultimate wedding venues, which vary in style but are all undeniably beautiful:


1. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, West Midlands

Birmingham Botanical Gardens on a beautiful sunny day.

Nestled within and surrounded by fascinating, elegantly sculpted landscape gardens, Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers three striking event spaces for your dream wedding. Whatever the weather, you could not ask for a more stunning backdrop for your wedding photography.


2. Gants Mill and Garden, Somerset

Gants Mill Garden blooming with colourful flowers on a blue skies day.

This really is the perfect outdoor Wedding venue with glorious space. You get exclusive use of the secluded river valley, the idyllic gardens and the historic Mill. Choose your own caterers, there’s No corkage and your Guests will be raving about this one for years!


3. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Wedding hall decorated with big flowers and fairy lights at kew gardens wedding venue.

Create a mesmerising event for you and your guests with this luxurious experience, This is truly a stunning venue surrounded by beautiful colours and smells creating the perfect atmosphere for your Wedding party.

4. Stubbings Estate, Maidenhead

The Stubbings Sstate viewed through the entrance lawn.

This posh historical Estate (80 acres) was home to Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and provides a gorgeous backdrop with beautiful garden. Here’s to YOU being queen for a day! Those Wedding photos are going to be special.


5. Flaxbourne Gardens, Milton Keynes

Newlyweds kiss in front of arched balcony, at flaxbourne gardens.

You HAVE to see this one to believe it! Come and lose yourself in Wonderland at this stunning garden & marquee wedding venue. Features include a hidden waterfall & grotto, Roman archways, stunning ponds & more.


6. Kilminorth Cottages, Cornwall

Groom tells bride a secret as they prepare as their outdoors wedding ceremony ends.

Tie the knot at Kilminorth, Surround yourself with breathtaking countryside. This 32-acre estate encompasses an orchard, wild meadows and enchanting woods. For a woodland Wedding venue, it doesn’t get more exciting than this, making it a day that you and your guests will never forget!


7. The Orangery, Maidstone

Gazeebo wedding ceremony at The Orangery in Maidstone.

From the moment you step into the grounds the sheer magic will encapsulate your dreams for that perfect day. The Orangery is a beautiful venue set in stunning gardens, making it a once in a lifetime magical experience!


8. Chelsea Physic Garden, London

Bride poses amidst delicate autumn colours at the Chelsea Physic Garden.

Hidden in the heart of London, Chelsea Physic Garden is a beautiful and magical setting for your special day. Your party won’t be too travel weary to enjoy the wedding ceremony in a room available for up to 70 guests and blessings in the gardens are welcome!


9. The Glade at Rosliston Forestry Centre, Derbyshire

Bride and her bridesmaids pose outside The Glade at Rosliston Forestry Centre

A venue offering the chance to enjoy your wedding day surrounded by your nearest and dearest in stunning nature. Your “I do” at The Glade will certainly be remembered and treasured for a lifetime!


10. Helmingham Hall Gardens, Stowmarket

Newlyweds drive down the road at Helmingham Hall Gardens.

You’ll be beaming from ear to ear when you see this stunning location in Suffolk. 500 years of history will give you a magical, fairytale experience. Helmingham Hall Gardens is a truly picturesque venue for your ideal country wedding.


11. New Close Farm, Sacriston

Bride poses with alpaca amidst the tipis at New Close Farm. A garden wedding venue in Sacriston.

New Close Farm is set in a beautiful location only a few miles from Durham City. If you’re looking for something truly exciting and unique, look no further! A Farm Wedding Venue is just what you need. The bonus is, you can get involved as much – or as little as you’d like!


12. Lodge Farm House, Hertfordshire Wedding Venues

Tipi style marquee lit with fairly lights at Lodge farm House

Set within 20 acres of rolling countryside, this garden wedding venue provides a tranquil and peaceful setting, offering a stunning canvas for you to create your perfect day. If you want to create picturesque memories, this is a great place to start!


13. The Stanwick Hotel, Northampton

The Stanwick Hotel

The Stanwick Hotel is a beautiful location for your wedding. Set in well-landscaped gardens, you will have a perfect day. This Hotel wedding venue is licensed for civil ceremonies and they have a purpose built events suite.


14. The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland

The Alnwick Garden

The Alnwick Gardens is a gorgeous, mesmerising venue offering amazing, atmospheric backdrops for both your ceremony and for wedding photos. Every moment will feel truly special.

15. Knockwood Bespoke Receptions, Kent

Knockwood Bespoke Receptions

Whether you choose to walk down an aisle to the ceremony area or create a circle of Love in the meadows overlooking the surrounding countryside, the choice is yours. Either way, you’ll have a relaxed and inviting space to create your perfect day!


16. Larmer Tree Gardens, Wiltshire

Newlyweds smile at their garden wedding venue in Wiltshire.

This is a wonderfully scenic and tranquil setting for a wedding, with stunning historic gardens creating a magical atmosphere and so much to see, you’ll be spoiled for choice as to where to say ‘I Do’!

17. Whalton Manor, Northumberland

Whalton Manor

A Manor House wedding has to be one of the most exquisite settings for your perfect ceremony and the stunning gardens of Whalton Manor don’t disappoint! This will provide the most beautiful and unique setting for couples seeking an exclusive wedding ceremony and for memories that last a lifetime.


18. Bennetts Water Gardens, Dorset

Bennets Water Gardens gazeebo.

Picture This! The bride makes an entrance, magically appearing from the Monet style Japanese bridge, her dress reflecting in the water lily lakes within the heart of these beautiful gardens… This is a memory to last a lifetime!


19. Rectory Farm, Cambridgeshire

Rectory Farm, a garden wedding venue in Cambridgeshire.

This Amazing venue in Cambridge is surrounded by 50 acres of beautiful gardens. Perfect for those wedding album photos! Invite your guests to stay over and continue making memories into the night.


20. The Wild Garden, West Sussex

Garden Wedding Venue in the UK

Weddings at The Wild Garden are very sought after! It’s a private estate where deers roam and you get to discover beautiful gardens, lush in their natural beauty… this would truly make an idyllic wedding venue!

Let’s find the PERFECT Garden Wedding venue! Search Bridebook.co.uk’s other outdoor venues for some more options… yes, there are more! Personalise your options and find your dream location.

We understand how hard it is to remember everything you need to do. That’s why we offer our budgetchecklist and guestlist features to make sure everything runs smoothly on your big day.

Make Beautiful Memories. 1, 2, 3… Start Planning!

How to Plan a Diverse Wedding

Diverse weddings are very typical these days. It’s likely that the wedding guests and even the engaged couple themselves will come from a variety of backgrounds, such as different geographical locations, religions, cultures, and lifestyles. Diverse weddings can be beautiful and unique due to differing customs and traditions. Couples are always trying to think of ways to personalise the wedding ceremony or reception with special touches that show who they are as a couple and including cultural and traditional touches is a great way to do it. The question is, how do you plan a diverse wedding that blends geographic, religious, lifestyle, and cultural elements?

black-african-wedding

Do Your Research

The obvious place to start is to research the different wedding traditions of each family. Parents and grandparents can be a wealth of knowledge in this area. Ask them about the traditions they had at their own weddings and have them explain any customs you don’t know about. After you’ve picked their brains thoroughly, turn to online resources such as Pinterest and Google for more ideas. Blogs, websites, and books are great places to find tips on how to incorporate the different customs and traditions at your ceremony and reception.

Narrow Down Your Choices

Once you’ve done your research, you’ll probably have a pretty extensive list of ideas. Narrow down your list and decide which ones you want to include. Creating a board on Pinterest is a great way to organise your favorite images so that you can share them with your vendors, family, and wedding party for input. Remember, you don’t have to include every single custom or tradition… just use the ones that feel right to you and have the most meaning to you and your fiancé.

Choose Your Wedding Planner Carefully

Many wedding planners will specialise in weddings that celebrate specific lifestyles, backgrounds, or cultures. If you can find a wedding planner that knows about the various menu items, music, dances, traditions, and customs you want to include, your planning will go much more smoothly. Often, your wedding planner will even have a list of vendors and other resources who can help you create exactly the feel and your going for with your multicultural ceremony and reception.

Hire an Officiant Who’s Open to Performing a Diverse Ceremony

Some officiants won’t be open to performing a ceremony that might be quite a bit different than what they’re used to. When you meet with officiants, be careful to explain what you’re looking for in detail, and make sure they’re comfortable with it. If you can’t find someone on your own, don’t hesitate to ask your friends, family, and wedding planner for recommendations. One option for an interfaith ceremony may be to have two officiants that work together to perform the ceremony, one from each religion or culture you wish to incorporate.

Be Sure Your House of Worship Will Allow an Interfaith Ceremony

If you plan to have your ceremony at a house of worship, you’ll need to follow the same guidelines you did for choosing your officiant. Some houses of worship will be fine with diverse ceremonies that incorporate different faiths or lifestyles, but others may not. To avoid problems later, be very clear when you make your booking what your vision is for the ceremony and make sure they will allow it.

Create a Wedding Program

Creating a wedding program is a great way to explain different traditions and customs from the ceremony. It’s a great way to elaborate on parts of the wedding ceremony that some guests might not know about. If you need help writing the descriptions, ask your officiant or wedding planner to help you.

Music and Special Dances are a Great Way to Incorporate Different Cultures

Music is a great way to include different faiths and backgrounds. “Make sure your DJ or band is familiar with any special dances or songs you want to include at the ceremony or reception,” recommends the wedding music experts from Around Town Entertainment. You might even want to search out a band or DJ that specialises in the type of music you’re looking for. If the two of you plan to do a traditional dance that you don’t already know, be sure to sign up for some lessons ahead of time and learn the steps. If you really want to make an impression, you could have your entire bridal party learn a specific dance and perform it at the reception.

Create a Diverse Menu

Another fun way to incorporate different cultures and backgrounds is with the food. Create a diverse menu that includes dishes from each of your backgrounds. Work with your caterer to create a menu that incorporates your favorite flavors and recipes from both of your regions or cultures. Even your cocktail choices, wedding cake, and desserts can be inspired by your cultural diversity.

Consider “Traditional” Fashions

One way to honour your heritage is to wear “traditional” dress during your ceremony or at your reception. In China, the bride often wears a red dress. In Korea, brides and grooms wear a garment called a hanbok. In India, the bride wears a saree. Be sure to let your photographer know if you plan an outfit change so that they set aside time to photograph both looks.

Consider Holding More Than One Ceremony

If there are several traditions you want to include or incorporating two faiths into one ceremony isn’t working out, you might want to consider having a second ceremony. The second one could be held on a different day and in a different place, or you could have them both on the same day. If you held them on the same day, you could hold just one reception for both sides of the family.

Make it Your Own

Although the whole idea is to honor both backgrounds, make sure that the details reflect your own personal sense of style. You don’t have to make culture the theme for your entire day, just include elements that complement the feel and look you’re going for. For example, if you want to honor Jewish tradition by having a chuppah during the ceremony, choose one that complements the style of the rest of your wedding, whether it’s minimal, modern, or romantic florals.

Planning a diverse wedding may take some extra work, but it will be worth it. By incorporating different elements from each of your backgrounds, you will create a ceremony and reception that are completely unique to the two of you. These special touches can make your day one that you and your guests will remember for years to come.

20 Exclusive Use Wedding Venues

Your wedding is most likely going to be one of the best and most memorable days of your life, right? So you’ll want to have a fab time with all your guests and not worrying about anyone crashing the wedding.

Here at Bridebook.co.uk, we’ve put together a list of some of our wonderful exclusive use wedding venues so that you and your husband or wife-to-be can enjoy some privacy on the big day.

To search for some more wedding venues in the UK, head over to our Wedding Venue Search here!

 

1. Kings Chapel, Buckinghamshire Wedding Venues

Kings Chapel is an historic wedding venue in the town of Amersham, very close to London. The converted chapel has a main hall that is absolutely breathtaking, along with other function rooms that exude elegance.

2. Peckforton Castle, Cheshire

Medieval style dining room in Peckford Castle, an exclusive use wedding venue in Cheshire.

Dating back to 1851, the medieval style Peckforton Castle boasts vaulted ceilings, rustic stone interiors and even a candle-lit cellar for an intimate ceremony. Arrive by helicopter on the lawns for that extra touch of VIP to this exclusionary place to get married!

 

3. Hunters Hall, Norfolk

Hunters Hall barn set up with chairs and an altar, for a wedding ceremony.

Offering both the Victorian Barn and the Starlit Barn for your big day, you’ll have the whole site to yourselves at Hunters Hall within the Norfolk countryside. Experience an authentic country wedding as you get ready in the Farmhouse Lounge and stay on-site in one of the historic buildings.

 

4. Maidens Barn, Essex

Maidens Barn set up for a wedding lunch.

Say your vows in the privacy of the gardens or in the beautiful new Oak Barn in rural Essex. Maidens Barn combines rustic features with touches of luxury to make every bride and groom feel special – even the secret bridal accommodation of Hideaway Cottage has a feel of exclusivity about it!

 

5. Melville Castle, Edinburgh

Exclusive use wedding venue in UK

Feel like royalty at Melville Castle as you have a whole country estate for the day. Oozing Scottish charm, grandeur and opulence, the magical Ballroom provides views across the many acres of parkland and woodland, so it’s safe to say you won’t be disturbed by a single soul.

 

6. The Oak Tree of Peover, Cheshire

The Oak Tree of Peover, an exclusive user wedding venue

Expect plenty of natural light cascading through the exquisitely designed wooden barn at The Oak Tree of Peover. Of all exclusive wedding venues, this one is contemporary yet rustic and has definite vibes of chic written all over it. For more barn wedding venues just like this one, take a look here. h

 

7. Beeston Manor, Lancashire

Beeston Manor in Lancashire

Guaranteed exclusivity is high up on the list at Beeston Manor, so you and your guests can have the run of the place. Nearby woodlands and stunning countryside landscapes provide the backdrop to this blank canvas venue, making it the ultimate rural wedding wonderland.

 

8. Busbridge Lakes, Surrey

Busbridge Lakes in Surrey, bridemaids approach wedding ceremony by the lake.

Just when you think there can’t be any more beautiful countryside wedding escapes, Busbridge Lakes comes around with it’s heritage garden and private valley location. With three lakes surrounded by thriving wildlife and some really unique photo opportunities (a cave being one!), this open canvas venue makes a very exclusive wedding setting.

 

9. Great Fosters, Surrey

Great Fosters in Surrey

50 acres of gardens offers the ultimate exclusivity of all private wedding venues, as Great Fosters prides itself in helping to create the most memorable day. Luxury contemporary facilities added to Elizabethan architecture equals something truly incredible!

 

10. Dalhousie Castle, Midlothian

Newlyweds pose on their antique cars, in front of Dalhousie Castle.

Prepare to be taken back in time to the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, where turrets and moats greet you from the outside – and now a relaxing spa and award-winning restaurants meet you on the inside. Dalhousie Castle is an exclusive use wedding venue ready to help you finally live the fairytale wedding you’ve been dreaming about! Find more incredible castle wedding venues right here.

 

11. The Barnyard, Kent

The Barnyard, an exclusive use wedding venue in Kent.

Nestled within 150 acres of lush green landscapes, woodlands and orchards, The Barnyard gives you the utmost privacy on your special day. Choose the rustic barn or the luxury marquee as your wedding setting out in the sticks of the Kent countryside.

 

12. Thornton Manor, Cheshire

Thornton Manor in Cheshire

Be Lord and Lady of the Manor for the day at this Grade II listed, 19th Century exclusive use wedding venue. Thornton Manor boasts several romantic outdoor ceremony locations, including the Walled Garden and the Waterside Pavilion, in addition to full access to the grand house.

 

13. The Mill Barns, West Midlands

The Mill Barns lit up with purple and blue lights for a night party.

Step onto the grounds of a former 17th Century water mill that has now been transformed into The Mill Barns. Find three waterfront oak-framed barns surrounded by eight acres of gardens and divine on-site accommodation – so you and your guests can revel in luxury and have the grounds to yourselves.

 

14. Knightor Winery, Cornwall

Guests mingle outside in Knightor Winery in Cornwall

Private wedding venues can’t really get better than open countryside landscapes…unless you add wine to the mix! Knightor Winery provides a gorgeous authentic vineyard setting complete with a stunning stone barn, farmhouse and a romantic pond area for ceremonies. A definite for wine lovers!

 

15. Middleton Lodge Events, North Yorkshire

Middleton Lodge

Expect grand rooms, a sweeping staircase and luxurious furnishings at Middleton Lodge, a contemporary twist on Georgian splendour. Set within 200 acres of inspiring rural Yorkshire, Brides and Grooms can use their wedding celebrations as a retreat – don’t forget to get a massage! If you’re looking for luxury venues like this one, we’ve found plenty more for you!h

 

16. Wentbridge House Hotel, West Yorkshire

Couple embrace in the gardens of Wentbridge House Hotel

Described as ‘uniquely yours’, Wentbridge House Hotel dates back to 1700 and offers timeless decor combined with stylish charm. Find your own space and privacy within this incredible country house and gorgeous romantic gardens.

 

17. That Amazing Place, Essex

that amazing place in essex

This Grade II listed manor house, nestled into the Essex countryside, really does live up to its name. Offering you completely exclusive use of the manor house, brand new Bridal Cottage and picturesque gardens, this venue is a perfect blank canvas for letting your imagination run wild on.

Finding a venue that offers complete exclusivity is harder than it sounds, and really makes a difference when your guests (and you!) know they don’t have to worry about a taxi home.

 

18. Hunters Hall, Norfolk

Set on a secluded farm (yes, animal guests included!) in the heart of Norfolk, this exclusive use venue is truly perfect if you’re dreaming of a rustic wedding. Both of the venue’s barns have been lovingly transformed into idyllic spaces for ceremonies or receptions.

Hunters Hall offers overnight accommodation in the main farmhouse or dairy courtyard, so you and your guests can relax and enjoy the champagne, as well as the unspoilt countryside views!

 

19. The Lawn, Essex

This elegant Georgian mansion, surrounded by over 100 acres of woodland, could be exclusively yours for your big day. Offering multiple indoor reception rooms and manicured outdoor lawns (as to be expected!), any couple will be spoilt for choice.

 

20. Hales Hall & The Great Barn, Norfolk

This quintessential, sprawling country estate offers ultimate romance and seclusion for your wedding weekend. That’s right, we said weekend – this venue offers an exclusive three-day hire! The majestic Grade I listed Great Barn is arguably the centre of attention, with an impressive vaulted roof, underfloor heating, integrated sound system and space to seat over 200 guests.

 

If you still haven’t had enough exclusivity with these venues, go ahead and use our wedding venue search, clicking ‘exclusive-use’ in the must-haves filter!

Don’t forget to update your wedding checklist once you’ve found your perfect wedding location, and input your wedding budget, wedding guest list and wedding supplier shortlist too for an easy peasy wedding planning process.

Happy planning!