Wedding venue inspiration - Historic venues

Vaulty Manor, Maldon

With a rural location in Goldhanger near Maldon, Essex visitors arrive down a long driveway to find a stunning manor house and welcoming barn wedding venue. The tranquil setting of cornfields and pretty grounds provide endless photo-ready spots. The perfect blend of something old and something new, the venue offers a tastefully restored 17th-century barn alongside the contemporary manor house and courtyard accommodation.

The Lawn, Rochford

The Lawn is a magnificent Georgian manor wedding venue set in three acres of landscaped grounds in Rochford, Essex. Its perfectly striped lawns and pristine flower beds make for beautifully colourful wedding photos. Inside, it retains all the warmth and character of when it was a grand home. As a family-run business, parties can expect the highest levels of service and catering whether they choose to hold their full day there or just their reception.

Stock Street Farm Barn, Coggeshall

This 350-year-old barn wedding venue is set in its own traditional English gardens overlooking the Blackwater Valley, Coggeshall, Essex, which are perfectly suited to outdoor ceremonies, garden games or firepits. The more adventurous may choose to hold a Pimm's-fuelled sack race in the South Gardens with the Flemish-brick farmhouse as a backdrop. Inside, the rustic L-shaped barn has a relaxing feel with beaten leather sofas, rugs, trunks, a pool table and a well-stocked bar under twinkling fairylights. Guests turn the corner into the old part of the barn with its exposed beams, stage and high-tech lighting and sound system.

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.

Blake Hall Weddings, Ongar

Blake Hall and its glorious exclusive-use wedding barns are nestled within 60 acres of beautifully maintained gardens and parkland in Ongar, Essex. The stunning rose garden, ancient trees and formal lawns are just a short walk from the venue and provide a tranquil spot for intimate wedding photographs. The magnificent 17th-century Essex Barn, Saddlery and recently restored Hay Barn sit adjacent to one another, and the lawn and terrace in between is a great spot for drinks receptions and garden games. Inside, all the barns have been sympathetically restored to provide modern comforts without losing their original charm.

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.

Mulberry House, Ongar

This Georgian manor house wedding venue in Ongar, Essex is tucked away in 22 acres of grounds alongside Mulberry Lake, which once formed a moat around the building, and a canopy of pretty trees. Built in 1767, externally it retains its historical charm with an impressive Doric porch, columns, pilasters and frieze all welcoming visitors. Inside, couples find a house brimming with original features. The Garden Room's lighting and solid-oak flooring creates a vibrant yet intimate atmosphere.

Marygreen Manor Hotel, Brentwood

Found in the heart of Brentwood, Essex, this wedding venue is a 16th-century Tudor building is bursting with original features. From its warming fireplaces and oak beams to the glorious Baronial Hall, the venue exudes heritage and charm while offering everything a modern couple could need. Outside, the manicured and secluded courtyard garden is a great spot for wedding photos.

The Arlington Ballroom, Leigh-on-Sea

The Arlington Ballroom, a wedding venue in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, is a fabulous Art Deco building dating back to the 1920s. It was originally a music hall where residents of Southend and Leigh would dance, socialise and enjoy live music. When purchased by William and Susan Verner in 2012 it had lost its charm, but the family soon rejuvenated this piece of local heritage while keeping true to its roots.

Hallmark Hotel London Chigwell Prince Regent

This Grade II listed Georgian mansion boasts landscaped gardens, sweeping lawns and pretty blossom trees. The patio terrace is the ideal location for an outdoor drinks reception, while the picturesque pavilion and imposing chapel provide a showstopping big-day backdrop. Inside the hotel, visitors find Georgian panelling, stunning lighting and receptions rooms that can cater for just about any size of celebration from intimate family gatherings to grand affairs of more than 300 guests. All suites are extremely versatile and provide a blank canvas.

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.

Cressing Temple Barns, Cressing

Nestled between Braintree and Witham are the beautiful Grade I listed Cressing Temple Barns which are a perfect wedding venue setting. Complementing the Templar-built barn is an idyllic and peaceful Tudor walled garden, which provides a perfect backdrop for photographs with its arbour, viewing platform and trickling water feature. The 13th-century barns, which were built in the Templar Knight period, are steeped in history with ancient timbers and brickwork providing a wow-factor backdrop to celebrations.

The Hare’s Field, nr Braintree

Situated on the edge of the idyllic village of Wethersfield, Nr Braintree, Essex in a local conservation area, this peaceful countryside wedding venue has vistas across the historic Wethersfield Manor Park. The farm was first recorded in the 1700s, and the main barn was restored in 2017 in soft red brick and black weatherboarding, which is traditional for North Essex. There's a lovely south-facing terrace for entertaining and a row of espaliered lime trees forming a delightful entrance to the barn.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.