Nestled within 160 acres of enchanting countryside, Hedingham Castle offers a wedding setting like no other. With a beautifully restored 900-year-old Norman Keep, an elegant Georgian Mansion House, and luxurious on-site accommodation for up to 35 guests, this venue combines historical grandeur with modern elegance to create the perfect backdrop for your special day.
From the majestic Banqueting Hall to the picturesque lakes and gardens, Hedingham Castle is a dream venue for couples seeking romance, charm, and versatility. Read on to explore its unique spaces, discover its highlights, and find out why it could be the perfect choice for your wedding.
Highlights of the venue
Sarah Pether, Weddings Manager at Hedingham Castle, shares her insights into what makes this venue so special and unique:
“The 900-year-old castle always takes couples by surprise when they come to view—it looks even more magnificent in real life! Guests are constantly wowed as they move through each part of the day: the castle for the ceremony, the Georgian House and lawns for drinks, and the Ballroom Marquee for dinner. It’s a completely unique venue that combines the best of both worlds: an iconic castle plus a country house and beautiful gardens. We are super flexible and each wedding is totally bespoke, from everything to the timings of the ceremony and catering to the decor and cocktail menus, so couples really can have the wedding of their dreams.”
Unique spaces and offerings
Breathtaking ceremony setting
The Castle’s iconic Banqueting Hall is a breathtaking location for your vows. With its soaring stone walls and historic charm, it creates a truly unforgettable atmosphere for up to 100 guests. Prefer an outdoor ceremony? The lush gardens and serene lakes offer idyllic al fresco options.
Versatile reception spaces
For grand celebrations, the elegant Ballroom Marquee, located in the gardens of the Georgian Mansion House, accommodates up to 150 guests and provides a beautiful, versatile space for dining and dancing. For more intimate receptions, the castle itself offers a magical setting for up to 70 guests.
Luxurious accommodation
Hedingham Castle caters to all your needs with on-site accommodation for up to 35 guests. The charming Garden Cottage is included for the couple to prepare and spend their first night, while the Royal Chamber—the only modern bedroom in a Norman Keep in the UK—provides a super unique and romantic option.
Flexible packages
From multi-day weekend weddings to intimate elopement packages, Hedingham Castle tailors its offerings to suit your vision. Not only that, but couples opting for a weekend wedding can also enjoy exclusive use from Friday to Sunday, allowing ample time to celebrate and relax with loved ones.
Historical and sustainable charm
Hedingham Castle’s history meets modern sustainability, with the venue’s team being proud to identify as a Sustainability Hero. Sarah explains:
“We work hard to be as sustainable as possible. Both the castle and Georgian House are heated via a woodchip biomass boiler ,which is fuelled by sustainably felled trees from our woodland. This has cut our gas use by 90% in the last 10 years. The PV panels on the House roof also contribute significantly to the estate’s electricity requirements. We love nothing more than upcycling and repurposing items too—indeed, the planks that make up the floor on two storeys of the castle were once from Southend Pier! Nothing ever goes to waste at Hedingham.”
Memorable moments at Hedingham Castle
Sarah recalls that one of her most memorable moments at Hedingham Castle was the first ceremony-only she co-ordinated:
“In the first ceremony-only wedding I co-ordinated, no one sat down. The couple walked in, bish bash bosh, 7 minutes from start to end! We also once had a receiving line that took an hour for 60 guests—they were all huggers! It was wonderful to watch, and despite the salmon being ready, we were definitely not going to interrupt!”
Expert advice and top tips
The team at Hedingham Castle are real experts, and understand that the whole planning journey can feel a little intimidating. With their vast knowledge and advice, they’re sure to make the whole wedding planning process as joyful and stress-free every step of the way. In light of this, Sarah shares her best top tip for couples currently planning their wedding:
“Enjoy the whole experience: it’s not all about the day; you need to enjoy planning it too. Take 30 seconds when you sit down for dinner to look at those you love the most in one room, as it will likely never happen again. This advice was given to me on my own wedding day, and it’s so true, you remember it forever.”
Secure your booking now
Whether you dream of a grand celebration in a historic Norman Keep or an intimate elopement surrounded by romantic countryside, Hedingham Castle offers everything you need for a memorable and iconic wedding. With its exceptional spaces, dedicated team, and commitment to sustainability, this venue is ready to make your vision a reality, and guide you every step of the way.
For more information or to arrange a viewing, check out this venue’s Bridebook profile. Start planning your fairytale wedding today.
