Wedding venue inspiration - Historic venues

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.

Old Brook Barn, Navestock

Discreetly positioned within the picturesque village of Navestock, Brentwood, Essex Old Brook Barn is a 17th-century barn found within 23 acres of quintessentially English countryside. Accessed via a charming timber bridge, groups can enjoy views across the meadow field, a secret garden for celebrations and a natural brook. A secluded courtyard is positioned to the front of the building and is furnished with a gazebo, rustic bar area and characterful timber furniture. Step inside the barn, and visitors find gorgeous original features, exposed beams, high ceilings and carved-wood detailing but with the benefit of modern lighting and a PA system. The Minstrel's Gallery overlooks the Main Hall and opens on to a wonderful south-facing balcony.

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.

Colchester Town Hall, Colchester

A Victorian building completed in 1845, Colchester Town Hall is based on the High Street in the heart of Colchester, Essex, with Castle Park close by for beautiful photographs. A prestigious building rich in history, the impressive facade conceals a hidden gem. The magnificent function rooms are all decorated in an opulent style with ornate and original features, such as satined-glass windows, oil paintings and murals.

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.

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.

Little Easton Manor, Dunmow

Found in the heart of the Essex countryside, in Dunmow, Little Easton Manor estate is a precious piece of Essex history, with its 15th-century manor house being built on the foundations of a Medieval castle and recorded in the Domesday Book. The manor and its two magnificent barns proudly sit in 66 acres of glorious grounds, with lakes, manicured lawns, ever-changing seasonal flowers and resident peacocks!

The Rose and Crown Hotel, Colchester

Built in the 14th century, making it Colchester's oldest hotel, The Rose and Crown Hotel is one of the town's most iconic buildings and an Essex wedding venue like no other. The interiors are brimming with period character and quirky artefacts, while oak-beamed walls create a romantic, cosy atmosphere. Bursting with heritage, the 39-bedroom hotel even has a prison in the basement! Step outside to find the Secret Garden and its jasmine-covered arbour.