Wedding venue inspiration - Manor house, Stately homes

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.

Orsett Hall Hotel, Orsett

Set in acres of glorious Essex countryside, the landscaped grounds of Orsett Hall Hotel provide endless picture-perfect spots for wedding photography. Guests can relax on the terrace or take a walk to the koi carp pond with its romantic wrought-iron bridge. An extensive refurbishment took place in 2007 to bring the original hotel back to life. Built in the same Georgian style, the hotel's sand-coloured brick exterior contrasts effortlessly with its glorious green surroundings. Inside, each space has its own distinctive style and a luxuriously chic feel runs throughout.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pontlands Park, Chelmsford

Located on the outskirts of Chelmsford city centre, Essex, up a private driveway, this lovingly restored Victorian house wedding venue is surrounded by landscaped gardens and a pretty pond is the ideal setting for weddings. The interiors have a contemporary finish, but retain historical features such as the grand staircase. Outside, the silk-lined Marquee twinkles under an impressive chandelier.

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.

Wivenhoe House Hotel, Colchester

Found in idyllic Essex parkland and gardens, this stunning 18th-century country house hotel is nothing short of spectacular. Its magnificent façade is enhanced by the elegantly restored interiors and sweeping staircases. Sixteen individual suites and bedrooms are located in the main house while beautiful, relaxing lounges overlook the carefully restored sunken lawn. The traditional house is complemented by the modern Garden Wing, which is home to 24 modern bedrooms and a popular brasserie serving the best of British produce.

Down Hall Hotel and Spa, Bishop's Stortford

Nestled in 110 acres of woodland, parkland and meticulously landscaped gardens, in Bishop's Stortford, Essex, is this grand Italianate mansion. The grounds are full of picturesque spots including a large water fountain sitting across from a quirky folly, as well as the new Charles Garden, which is an exclusive spot designed with al fresco celebrations in mind. There's also the terrace with its outdoor gin bar – the perfect place to while away a summer's evening.

Gosfield Hall, Halstead

Nestled on the edge of Gosfield village, Halstead, Essex in scenic Constable country, Gosfield Hall is surrounded by 10 acres of landscaped parkland and a natural mile-long lake. Flanked by enormous statues of stags and styled with ornate fountains, it creates a stunning big-day backdrop. The Grade I listed Georgian manor has four wings, each with differing façades. In the centre is a pretty gravelled courtyard and four impressive Roman statues built into the walls. Visitors step inside to find luxuriously opulent interiors.

Greenwoods Hotel & Spa, Stock

A wedding venue located in acres of beautifully landscaped gardens in the picturesque village of Stock, Essex, Greenwoods Hotel & Spa is an idyllic big-day setting. Dating back to the 17th century, the impressive building boasts many original features, and recent extensions are in-keeping with the style of the original manor house.