Venue inspiration from An Essex Wedding

Deciding on your ideal Essex wedding venue is an key part of your wedding planning. There is a huge choice of different venue types in Essex including hotels, barns, country manor houses, romantic castles as well as chic city and town centre locations.

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Where are the venues?

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Downham Hall, Billericay

In the heart of rural Essex and boasting panoramic views, Downham Hall is a 400-year-old Georgian manor house, which is steeped in history. Red bricks and countryside surround the venue, making it a magical and secluded spot for weddings. The breath-taking gardens and grounds are one of the venue's many attractions.Inside, original features such as fireplaces, high ceilings and beautiful coving are paired with elegant interior design for a high-end finish.

The Compasses at Pattiswick

Hedgerows brimming with cow parsley, foxgloves and honeysuckle lead you along picturesque country lanes to this hidden gem of a wedding venue, which boasts breathtaking views across the rural landscape of North Essex. The spacious gardens with large patios look out across the countryside to mature woodland beyond – an idyllic spot to watch the sun set.

The Lake at Nine Acres, Leigh-on-Sea

A completely blank-canvas space, this pretty Essex wedding venue setting is surrounded by a two-acre lake and open countryside. Lawns, flowerbeds and mature trees provide picture-perfect spots. Receptions are held inside a marquee or tipi on a completely bespoke basis.

Langtons House, Hornchurch

Langtons House is a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian building standing in picturesque landscaped gardens in Hornchurch, with an ornamental lake, orangery and bath house all dating from the 18th century making it an idyllic wedding venue. In 2016, it was restored and new features were added such as a Victorian-style greenhouse, pretty bridge, entrance pillars, cobbled stable yard and a tea room.

Braintree Town Hall

Located in the heart of Braintree town centre, this impressive Georgian building was a gift from William Julien Courtauld to the people of the town and is now a beautiful ceremony venue. The exterior features a balcony overlooking the square, a fine open clock tower and the Braintree coat of arms. Inside, couples will find original décor and artwork including elaborate ceiling murals, rich wood paneling and a picture-perfect sweeping staircase leading up to a stained-glass window. Oozing elegance and charm, it can accommodate anything from intimate nuptials for four guests, to larger parties of 80 people.

The Old Parish Rooms, Rayleigh

Found within the grounds of a church in the picturesque town of Rayleigh, this Essex wedding venue is set inside a beautiful old red-brick school house. Don't be fooled by its historic exterior, inside visitors find cool and contemporary styling. Think white brick walls, steel beams and an abundance of natural light. Totally adaptable to any style, there are two mezzanine floors to create different areas but have everyone in the same space.

Baddow Park House, Chelmsford

Couples tying the knot here have a vast expanse of gardens, terraces and parkland at their disposal at the exclusive-use Baddow Park House wedding venue in Chelmsford Essex. The quintessentially English country house retains its original charms while offering incredibly high levels of comfort, style and attention to detail. Following an extensive refurbishment, the venue has reopened as a private country venue with a sumptuous bridal suite and six well-appointed guest bedrooms, which are all elegantly furnished.

Check out their listing in our Find A Service Directory

Gilwell Park, Chingford

Wedding venue Gilwell Park is set within 108 acres of grounds on the edge of Epping Forest, just 20 minutes from the bustling capital. A 17th-century Grade II listed house, it's been sympathetically restored to offer modern facilities while retaining its period character. The impressive white façade and manicured lawn are perfect for photos and al fresco drinks receptions.

Hatfield Place, Hatfield Peverel

Reached via a tree-lined driveway, this historic Georgian house sits within 15 acres of undulated rural parkland adjoining the River Ter, in Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, Essex. Carefully restored, its many original features are complemented with a subtle hint of the contemporary. Offering a true country house feel, this venue has a welcoming reception hall with a magnificent oval staircase with hand-painted murals, a beautiful ballroom, sun-kissed terrace and an elegant drawing room to relax in. Twelve individually designed luxury suites are also available.

Check out their listing in our Find A Service Directory

That Amazing Place, Harlow

Nestled in countryside in Harlow, Essex this wedding venue has a picturesque location with views of its grounds and lake, That Amazing Place offers a breathtaking big-day backdrop. Arriving up a long driveway, visitors find a beautiful Grade II listed building with a gated secret garden, pretty orchard and other picture-perfect spots. Originally built in the 15th century as a monastery, the exterior is warm and welcoming and in keeping with its age. Inside, the venue has a modern, luxury feel with elegant furnishings and contemporary interiors. Totally private, it's a real home from home in which to entertain your friends.

Stifford Hall Hotel, Grays

Found in the village of North Stifford, Grays, Essex Stifford Hall is surrounded by six acres of verdant landscaped grounds with abundant seasonal blooms and secluded nooks. Originally built in the Georgian era, there are plenty of features from its heyday combined with natural light, neutral décor and glass chandeliers.

Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Ilford

This wedding venue is found in a corner of the award-winning Valentines Park, in Ilford, Essex, the Grade II* listed Valentines Mansion is surrounded by historic gardens. From the enchanting Old English Garden to the Kitchen Garden and 18th-century Rose Garden, the grounds offer picturesque backdrops year-round. The impressive Georgian-style mansion is equally as photogenic, with its porte cochère and balcony. Inside, visitors find a wonderful mix of period features such as a grand staircase, Venetian stained-glass window and ornate fireplaces, alongside contemporary styling.

The Essex Barn At The Channels Estate, Little Waltham

The thatched 17th-century Essex Barn wedding venue set in the Channels Estate, in Little Waltham, Chelmsford, Essex is a picturesque exclusive-use venue. Set among landscaped gardens with a pretty courtyard entrance, the award-winning Channels Lodge accommodation is just a stone's throw away with its 25 luxury en suite rooms. The venue is spacious and beautifully restored with modern facilities such as an al fresco bar, large heated undercover patio and fantastic music system. The in-house catering team provides the very best homemade food from locally sourced ingredients.

Forrester Park, Maldon

Found in a beautiful countryside location, in Maldon, Essex, weddings here are set against a backdrop of well-established gardens and mature weeping willows. There are beautiful al fresco spaces from the Millennium Lawn ceremony area and terrace, which is perfect for drinks receptions, and a garden for relaxing and socialising. The venue is a traditional style, based around a 16th-century barn. The high-ceilinged clubroom is a wonderful area for celebrations, alongside a cosy bar with wooden beams. Three sets of French windows open onto the garden, patio and terrace, bringing the outside in.

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.