The evolving situation with COVID-19 is undoubtedly a highly stressful and uncertain time for everyone in the wedding industry. With the added unfamiliarity of isolation and working from home, it is more important than ever to remember to look after the mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues, friends, family and of course, our own!
Bridebook have put together 6 top tips for everyone working remotely, isolating or just finding the situation a bit difficult. We hope they help you and your team keep clear-minded and positive during these tough times.
1. Keep your body active, and mind calm.
It is well-known that keeping physically active is crucial for mental wellbeing, particularly now more than ever. Many brilliant gyms are live-streaming free online workouts you can join throughout the day, such as Barry’s Bootcamp, 1Rebel & F45. If you prefer a lower impact workout, there are many brilliant online yoga or pilates classes available (we love Yoga with Adrienne). Starting and/or ending your day with some meditation or mindfulness is a brilliant way to de-stress, re-centre and clear your mind. Apps such as Headspace & Calm are excellent (free!) guided meditations. Give it a try and within a few days, you’ll notice the difference.
2. Get some fresh air when you can
As of 23rd March, we are only allowed out of the house for exercise once a day. It is vital to make the absolute most of this time; fresh air is key to mental well-being and helps reset a frantic mind. Our recommendations on how to use this time are:
Before work, instead of the morning commute, take a brisk walk / run round the block.
If you have an outdoor space at home, simply have your morning coffee in the garden.
During the lunch break, walk the dog (if you have one) or take a stroll on your own or with the kids. Leisurely outdoor walks help to ‘clear the cobwebs’ and reduce any stress or anxiety you may have.
3. Relax and de-stress after work
Now more than ever, you must remember to look after yourself. Whether this is indulging in self-care with a face mask and a hot bath, or just sitting down for an uninterrupted dinner with your loved ones, don’t de-prioritise it.
Use these extra hours after work to give time to your hobbies, whatever they may be. From painting, gardening, playing with a pet, playing an instrument…do whatever keeps a smile on your face.
4. Put some music on and have a boogie!
Many people are keeping spirits high during isolation by simply putting some good music on and dancing it out. Whilst this may sound like nonsense, research shows that dancing actually improves brain function and boosts memory! It also makes us happy, releasing more serotonin levels into our body.
Music streaming services such as Spotify and Youtube also have hundreds of ‘productivity work playlists’ available, if music helps you focus whilst you work.
5. Keep a routine
One of the biggest pieces of advice during this lockdown period is to structure your days. Try and keep your morning and bedtime routine as close to normal as possible, to ensure your body and mind remain in sync and as efficient as possible. If you find you have more ‘downtime’ than usual, make a list of all the things you have been putting off that you can get round to now. We will be sharing some more information about being productive in quarantine soon!
6. Cocktail hours & Netflix parties!
Why not introduce a fun activity like end of day / week ‘cocktail hours’ for your team! Everyone makes their favourite cocktails and has a good ol’ chinwag on a video call. A great way to end the day and stay connected with your colleagues / friends. You could also join over 1,000,000 people and have a Netflix party. Link up with the team and host long distance movie nights and even TV watching parties. A team bonding activity ideal for a weekday evening.
We hope that these top tips will help you and your team balance your mental and physical well-being through these strange times. For more activity ideas, take a look at our fun things to do in quarantine series. As ever, Bridebook is here to support you to the very best of our abilities, so do reach out if you want to chat to a member of the team. The UK Wedding Venues Slack group is a hugely valuable source of community and support, with nearly 700 active members, which you can join here. We will get through this, together.
There is no doubt that COVID-19 will affect the wedding industry – and it already is. All of us at Bridebook HQ are pulling together to do our utmost to support you, our venues. With this in mind, we have put together a few ‘do’s & don’ts’ of COVID-19 that should be at the forefront of your mind through these turbulent times.
The Do’s
Communicate with your couples proactively, and with empathy.
Don’t wait for your couples to contact you with concern – proactively reaching out to them with reassurance will put you in a much better position. At this stage, you may have communicated with all your imminent couples, but do consider reaching out to your late Summer / Autumn couples as well – they will likely be concerned and needing reassurance too.
Be careful and mindful when handling postponements.
Where possible, try and keep any rescheduled weddings in 2020, so as not to impact 2021 finances. If you have to move bookings into 2021- aim for the low season.
Don’t block your high earning dates that you would easily sell anyway – rescheduling to March 2021 is much better than August 2021. Additionally, be very vigilant with discussing insurance cover with each couple. We will be sharing much more on handling postponements soon.
Prepare for effective remote working.
We have all been encouraged to work from home where possible now, and it may last a while. It is crucial to not let this affect your efficiency, team well-being or new business. We recommend getting your team set up on Slack, a super easy online team communication platform, and using an online video conferencing for your meetings, such as Zoom or Google Hangouts. We will be sharing further advice on this topic soon!
The Don’ts
Don’t panic.
Try to remember, this shall pass. The only way to get through this is to act with a calm mind and well thought out actions. Don’t panic your couples or team unnecessarily – ensure you always communicate with clarity and empathy. Try not to let this issue become all-consuming either; find something to make you, your team and your couples smile as often as you can!
Don’t let your wedding marketing fall behind!
Sadly, many venues may lose revenue during the next few months, so continuing to secure new business is crucial. Over the past 2 weeks, Bridebook has seen a year on year increase of 49.45% in enquiry volume across the site. The positive news is that couples are still getting engaged and the new business IS still out there – be it 2021, 2022 or late availability enquiries from those who cancelled destination weddings.
Therefore, make sure you are keeping your Bridebook profile, social media channels & website regularly updated and looking beautiful! We also highly recommend having a video tour of your venue on offer – it doesn’t need to be professional at this stage, but it’ll allow couples to see why your venue is special if they can’t come for a showround.
Don’t forget to support each other.
Now, more than ever, we need to come together as a community and lift each other up. Bridebook have created a UK Wedding Venues Slack group to give venues the opportunity to discuss the evolving situation & support fellow wedding professionals. To join the nearly 800 members, simply click HERE or get in touch with the Bridebook team.
Once again, all of us here at Bridebook HQ want to reiterate that we are here to support you to the best of our abilities. We will be actively communicating and sharing valuable content on the Slack group, as well as keeping tabs on Government updates. This is challenging, uncharted territory for all of us, but by educating ourselves, thinking rationally and supporting each other – we will get through this together.
Engagement Season is now fast-approaching, with Bridebook’s recent predictions in the Evening Standard that December 21 and 22 will be the most popular dates for proposals this year! Considering that 40% of couples are estimated to get engaged during the festive period, between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, it is imperative to be ready to turn the flood of enquiries into confirmed bookings.
Bridebook reached out to an expert in the field, Olivia Riddiford-Mills, founder of Host Venue Consultancy, to gather her top tips on making Engagement Season a truly successful one. Read on for Olivia’s advice on best practices to ensure your enquiries convert!
What can you do to as a venue to capitalise on this extremely busy and often lucrative sales opportunity? Take a look at my top tips below to help you achieve an increased conversion rate.
Ideal client profiling
You need to be completely and utterly laser focused on who you are serving. I’m not talking about engaged couples who live within a 15 mile radius of your property. I’m talking about Sarah who’s 29, an interior designer with a Dachshund called Bertie. I could go on!
Think about those couples in the past who really epitomized your venue. Those who gelled with you as the owner, manager or coordinator, who didn’t negotiate on price, who dearly loved the property inside and out and shouted about their positive experience post-wedding.
I would suggest creating an ideal client profile that you have stuck up in your office as a constant reminder of who is a great fit for your business. Why should you do this? It will save you time and investment in the long run. Everything you do from writing copy to posting on social media must be targeted to your ideal client.
Bridebook Tip: When putting together an ideal customer profile, ask yourself the following 5 questions: What style or ambiance is your couple looking to have at their wedding? What millennial trends are they most influenced by? What is the one thing they won’t compromise on when planning their wedding? Where does the couple get their wedding inspiration from? What is the selling point of your venue for this couple (accommodation, beautiful scenery, exclusive use, etc.)?
First Impressions count
Millennial couples are doing more research than ever before, but at the same time having quick, decisive moments when they’ve found “the one”. You need to make sure that any first impressions they receive are positive. It’s a hugely competitive market place out there. Venues are popping up left, right and center wanting a slice of the £billion UK wedding industry (and who could blame them!).
From your website to your consistent social media posting to photos, videos, show round meetings – think about how you can win them over in one fell swoop. Become a bit of a show off. Why is your venue better than another?
Wedding directories form a large part of a venue’s marketing strategy but they must be kept up to date with relevant information and must showcase the venue impeccably in order for a potential couple to click and make contact. Upgrading to Bridebook’s brand new VenuePro service would be my advice. They are offering a 30 day money back guarantee period to show you the specifically crafted features to ensure you get results.
Website
Your website is your shop window. It should be concise, easy to navigate, contain pricing information, beautiful imagery and video and all the information required to make an informed decision to enquire/book a show round. I always suggest that my clients work hard on implementing first class SEO to ensure that their ideal client is landing on their site when wedding planning.
Bridebook Tip: With increased competition within the wedding industry, SEO is more important than ever, which is why we’ve written an article outlining our top tips on nailing your SEO. Get inspired by examples of wedding venues that lead the way with excellent websites and SEO, like Quantock Lakes, Country House Weddings and The Ravenswood.
Package it up
Now is a good time to review your wedding packages and pricing. What’s been working and what hasn’t over the past 12 months? Do you offer an a la carte flexible option or a “done for you” all inclusive offering? There’s no right or wrong here. I would say, having both options available is a winner but it really depends on your venue type and your ideal client. Just please make sure you have financially costed out the elements properly and are making enough profit per wedding.
Bridebook Tip: Update your pricing in your Bridebook profile making sure is reflective of your 2020 offering. You can upload your brochure or price list to your profile, under the Pricing section, for couples to easily download!
Open days that deliver
Ideally, you should have an open day scheduled for early in the New Year. These events can be hugely successful in obtaining and securing bookings from the flurry of excited couples that got engaged over the festive period. It’s a date that you can give out to every enquirer and chances are they will be very much geared up to attend. When’s yours?
Bridebook Tip: Open Days and wedding showcases are a great way to get your prospective couples through the door to truly experience what your venue has to offer, so it’s important to do them right. We partnered with Sissons Barn to bring you the do’s & don’ts of holding a wedding showcase.
Customer experience
In today’s modern world the consumer wants an experience. They are not satisfied with the norm these days, they want to be excited and wowed – their expectations are higher than ever before. In all that you do, take into account the sense of sight, smell, sound, taste and touch. What’s giving them “the feels”. Those little touches, like providing surprise treats at a show round to lighting the fire on winter days or even giving the couple a personalised gift on their wedding day, all add to a wonderful experience, outstanding testimonials and further business.
Testimonials & Reviews
Make it your mission to obtain feedback from your married couples. A personalised email will do post wedding to prompt them. Don’t forget they may well be sunning themselves in the Maldives on their honeymoon so allow some time for them to reply.
Guide the couple as to where you’d like the review sent and while you’re at it, double check that it’s OK to get in touch with their photographer/videographer to gain access to imagery of their special day. This should feature in your terms and conditions as standard but it’s always polite to ask.
Engaged couples are using online reviews more and more to make decisions on what venues they’d like to go and visit. Short snippets from reviews can be used on your website, directories, social media and brochure – show the world how good you are at what you do!
Bridebook fact: According to the UK Wedding Report 2019, 62% of couples valued reviews as most important, surpassing recommendations by friends and family. It is more important than ever to collect and present reviews across platforms, allowing couples to make informed decisions from sources they trust.
Let’s get visible
Keep things consistent on social media and use video to keep your audience engaged. You never know who’s watching you. You can use fantastic automation tools for Instagram like Planoly, Later and Buffer for several other platforms. Get in the habit of scheduling your content in advance and then automating so you can focus on selling!
Training
Don’t underestimate the power of training your staff. From team meetings so each member is kept up to date with changes within the business to external sales and marketing training to enhance their skills, don’t leave it out in 2020 – you constantly need to up your game.
Keep up the good work. Trust me, I know how challenging running a wedding venue is but you’re doing a great job. I wish you a successful engagement season ahead!
Engagement Season is the busiest time of year for enquiries and it can also be the most lucrative one for your venue! Bridebook expects 50,000 new couples to sign up to the platform in this time period, all eager to start planning their wedding and booking suppliers. So, with the above advice in mind, get ready for the most successful Engagement Season yet – there is no time to waste!
Interested in boosting your Exposure on Bridebook this engagement season? Register your interests for Venue Prohere.
About Olivia
Olivia Riddiford-Mills is an expert venue consultant helping venues across the UK stand out and sell out in the bridal market through group programmes, an online membership and one to one training.
Get access to 4 video trainings coming up in January, a challenge “Fill the gaps in 2020” and a masterclass all for FREE over in Olivia’s Facebook Group “The Wedding Venue Community“.
Holding your first wedding showcase may seem like a daunting task – and for good reason! The preparations take detailed planning and vigorous execution… but it’s all worth it once the couples start flooding through your doors and experience what your venue has to offer!
Laura Harris shares the experience of holding their first wedding showcase event at Sissons Barn. Read on for the do’s, don’ts and top tips to guarantee success at your own wedding showcase event!
Tell us a little about Sissons Barn…
The farm has been a family run venture for the past 4 generations now and has slowly been diversifying for about 15 years. Sissons Barn first started as a wedding venue for marquees the year we got engaged.
Four years ago we started the daunting task of planning the new barn build. We decided that if we were going to make a success of the wedding business we needed to have a venue that would work all year round, be able to hold ceremonies and be something different to what the local venue market had to offer.
What made you decide to host a wedding showcase event at your venue?
We were very lucky to have a lovely lady approach us and ask if we’d like to hold a wedding showcase event. She organises wedding events in the local area and so the journey began! We mutually chose a date that we hoped would be far enough away so the barn was finished but still within the ‘Engagement Season’, which as we know is a critical sales period for any wedding professional.
Did you know: Engagement Season runs from Christmas to Valentine’s Day. Bridebook estimates that 40% of all engagements in a year happen over this festive period, the busiest weekend being 20th, 21st & 22nd December!
What concerns did you have regarding hosting a wedding showcase event?
Our biggest concern was that the Barn would not be finished in time. We were working every hour under the sun to try and get it complete. We desperately wanted to have the wedding showcase event, so cancelling or postponing was not an option. Once we were in a reasonable place with the building, we then had to worry about whether potential couples would want to come and see it. Would the Barn be interesting enough for our local couple audience?
Bridebook tip: Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today’. As a venue, you are always going to be making changes, improvements and fixes to your venue and wedding offering. Don’t let this put you off hosting a wedding showcase event. Book that date in advance and work towards it.
What would be your top tip for driving couples through your doors?
I think the best places for us are social media and online directories, especially Bridebook. Our target audience are generally on their phones, so all the suppliers booked for the wedding showcase event were tagging, sharing and boosting the events detail, driving couples to the ticket site. They were free tickets but it was very handy to gauge the number you will get on the day.
Did you know: The UK Wedding Report found that 52% of couples are using phones daily for wedding planning. The most popular phone activities are researching venues and suppliers, keeping notes / photos and browsing inspirational photos. The Bridebook app allows them to do all that and more, so it’s the perfect place to advertise your venue and any upcoming open days.
Would you recommend Bridebook to other wedding venues?
Absolutely!! Bridebook has given us 33% of our bookings so far but that’s not all. Their help, advice and friendly words of encouragement have been invaluable.
Interested in boosting your exposure on Bridebook this Engagement Season? Register your interest for VenuePro now!
Based on the learnings from your first showcase, what are your 5 do’s when hosting a wedding showcase event?
Collaboration over competition: If you have any preferred suppliers contact them first to have a pitch, it saves awkward conversations and keeps everyone happy.
Tactical room set up: place things like free food samples in both prominent and tucked away places to keep the room moving. If you are offering a free glass of bubbles, make sure you have staff in place to help with this, so you are free to speak with couples in detail.
Save time on questions: Create a FAQ’s list to hand out, this helps keep couples moving through without them feeling they haven’t been looked after. They can read them at a later date, leaving us to engage with them at a more personal level.
Refreshments: Tea! Or water for you and the other suppliers! A vital addition when you are potentially talking for 3 hours. Again, it was helpful to have a member of staff there to help.
Plan & prep: We set up the room the day before so the suppliers could set up straight away when they arrived. The event planner had created a map of the room with the suppliers names on so we knew who was where and whether they needed a table and electric.
…And your don’ts?
Content is king: Do not leave it to the last minute to put together all the information you want to give couples about the venue. We did and felt we may have missed giving some couples key information.
Smart casual is your best bet: I made the mistake of wearing a very smart dress and heels! I looked the part but I could hardly move in my dress and my feet we killing me!! Note to self – normal smart work clothes!
What is your no.1 recommendation for venues thinking of hosting their first showcase event?
We would not have been able to organise the event without the event planner, so my top tip would be: if you are friendly with a planner, see if they would like to mutually collaborate. They have the skills and time, even if you don’t, to bring the event together. We have now got two more dates booked with our planner and she has given us the confidence to start thinking about doing our own much smaller open evening.
Bridebook tip: Event planners can take a lot of pressure off your shoulders when organising Showcases and Open Days. If you don’t already work with an event or wedding planner, get in touch with one through Bridebook!
About Laura Harris
Laura lives on the farm with her husband, Ben, and their two small children and a Jack Russell. She is a gardener and designer by trade but has been helping to run the farm business since her and Ben married 7 years ago.
Equipped with Laura’s tips and ticks, you should now be ready to tackle your first wedding showcase or to make improvements to your existing practices! Check out the Bridebook Business Hub for more information, inspiration and advice.
Advertise your upcoming Wedding Showcase on your Bridebook profile, by uploading details under Fairs, Reports & Network.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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?
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.
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:
Name of person and any +1’s
“You are invited to the marriage of” [a line making clear that they are invited]
Bride’s name &
Groom’s name
Date
Time of day
Location of wedding – Name of venue and full address
Reception information
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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+.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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?
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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’!
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.
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!
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.
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 budget, checklist and guestlist features to make sure everything runs smoothly on your big day.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Many of us will have dreamt about a church wedding since we were little – and now we’ve found some of our favourites to show you!
At Bridebook.co.uk we used our wedding venue search along with the ‘places of worship’ filter to find some unbelievably stunning cathedral wedding venues, so take a look at our list and perhaps you will find the ideal church venue to tie the knot!
One of the largest cathedrals in Europe could be your ideal place to tie the knot! Winchester Cathedral oozes Gothic architecture and historic grandeur to give you and your guests that ‘wow’ factor as you enter – what more could you want from a ceremony venue?
The newly modified Brighton Unitarian Church sits in the cultural quarter of diverse Brighton, where you can carry out a traditional or more modern style of ceremony. Glorious high ceilings, stained glass and a majestic exterior can all be yours for a very reasonable price – for more budget wedding venues that won’t break the bank, take a look here!
Founded in 1075, Chichester Cathedral is a true fairytale church wedding venue. Aside from being a jaw-dropping ceremony location, you can also have your drinks reception in the characterful Eastern Arm of the Cathedral and dine in the medieval banqueting hall.
The majestic interior of Chelmsford Cathedral is an awe-inspiring place to walk down the aisle. With seating for up to 750 people, the beautiful arches and ornate ceiling make this an idyllic cathedral wedding venue in the heart of Essex’s capital.
One of England’s newest cathedrals will most definitely give you the chills if you were to host your wedding ceremony here! Blackburn Cathedral boasts limestone floors, stunning stained glass windows and dramatic architecture and is a picturesque setting in which to gather all your friends and family.
Providing charming Gothic style interiors including stone arches and wonderful sculptures, Rosslyn Hill Chapel is also a place of worship that offers same-sex weddings – hoorah! Dating back to 1862, the homely feel and warm ambience is second to none at this chapel wedding venue.
Nestled in a quiet Hertfordshire village, St Helen’s Church is a picture-postcard place to marry. Surrounded by a peaceful churchyard and featuring many gorgeous traditional church characteristics, your ceremony here would be one full of romance and joy. More romantic wedding venues can be found here!
Close by to a magnificent church for your beautiful ceremony, the 19th Century Old Court Chapel is the place where you can sit back and celebrate your reception in breathtaking surroundings. Of all chapel weddings, this Northern Irish location will make yours one to remember with marquee extensions and a delightful outdoor area.
The Grade II listed building of Upper Chapel plays host to vaulted ceilings, a spiral staircase and a mezzanine level to the main Chapel area. A striking forecourt welcomes you to this Unitarian Chapel within the city centre of bustling Sheffield.
Holy Trinity Church Barkingside features outstanding stained glass windows, wonderfully high ceilings and easy access from Central London, where you can tie the knot in a church wedding venue of your dreams. With the option to have your reception here too, you’ll have everything you need in one place.
This lovingly restored 17th Century building is set within breathtaking walled gardens, filled with old English flowers. Ideally located next to the historic Church of St Ethelbert’s but with a wedding license of it’s own, you have true flexibility as to how to use this stunning space on your special day.
With its dramatic vaulted ceiling, wooden chandeliers and church windows, The Reading Room combines the tradition of a chapel with the rustic vibe of a barn venue.
Now, if that’s not enough wedding ceremony venue inspo for one day, then you NEED to use our Wedding Venue Search and take a look at some of the other chapel locations of offer! Don’t forget to update your budget, guestlist and checklist while you’re there.
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