Wedding venue inspiration - Castles

Leez Priory, Chelmsford

Leez Priory, a wedding venue in Chelmsford, Essex lies in 40 acres of our glorious county's landscape. A sweeping driveway lights the way to the front of the breathtaking Tudor manor house. Manicured lawns give way to sparkling lakes and secluded woodland, while the picture-perfect inner courtyard is set against the backdrop of the the historic Great Tower.

Colchester Castle, Colchester

Located at the entrance of Castle Park, in Colchester, Essex, Colchester Castle is steeped in thousands of years of history and makes quite the wedding venue backdrop. Set in the heart of the town, and surrounded by manicured lawns and gardens, it's an idyllic backdrop for weddings. Crossing the grand drawbridge into the venue, guests enter the Norman castle, which dates back to the 11th century. The keep is mostly intact and is the largest of its kind in Europe. Inside, hundreds of artefacts dating back to the Romans provide unique entertainment for guests.

Layer Marney Tower, Colchester

Layer Marney Tower is a stunning Tudor building set within formal gardens in Colchester, Essex. The grounds flow seamlessly into oak avenues, a pond, parkland and the Blackwater Estuary in the distance. The building's soft red brick and terracotta façade has been weathered over 500 years and is the perfect backdrop for weddings. Although magnificent – this is the tallest of all the Tudor gatehouses – it has a homely, welcoming ambience. Floodlit in the evenings, its beauty is breathtaking. Having welcomed visitors such as Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, you might expect the interior to feel imposing. In reality, its subtle tones, beautiful hangings and oak finishes create a timeless beauty, which has been brought into the 21st century.