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.

Wedding Venue Inspiration: The Old Parish Rooms, Rayleigh

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Baddow Park House, Chelmsford

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Gilwell Park, Chingford

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Hatfield Place, Hatfield Peverel

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: That Amazing Place, Harlow

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Stifford Hall Hotel, Grays

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Ilford

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: The Essex Barn At The Channels Estate, Little Waltham

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Forrester Park, Maldon

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Leez Priory, Chelmsford

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Pontlands Park, Chelmsford

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Three Rivers Golf and Country Club, Chelmsford

Three Rivers Golf and Country Club, Chelmsford

On the outer fringes of the village of Cold Norton, in Purleigh, Chelmsford, Essex this wedding venue is surrounded by 300 acres of stunning Essex countryside, providing a tranquil big-day location. Inside the contemporary building there's a covered welcome area followed by a large staircase leading up to the function suites. To the rear is a balcony offering far-reaching views. The lawn, opulent Wedding Gazebo and arched bridge provide memorable photo opportunities.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Colchester Town Hall, Colchester

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Old Brook Barn, Navestock

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Houchins Wedding Venue, Coggeshall

Houchins Wedding Venue, Coggeshall

Though situated just off the A120 near Coggeshall, Essex Houchins is hidden away and set in its own peaceful, landscaped grounds. The zinc and cedar-shingle barn is nestled in the Wedding Garden, surrounded by abundant plants and flowers. Huge glass folding double doors open on to an expansive west-facing terrace to give the feeling of bringing the outside in, and for loved ones to enjoy views over the elegant marquee and pond.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Layer Marney Tower, Colchester

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall

Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall

A leading visitor attraction in Coggeshall, Essex, Marks Hall Estate offers a heritage landscape that extends to more than 2,200 acres of Essex countryside. Managed and cared for by a charitable trust, the estate features woodlands, a world-class arboretum, tranquil lakes and a walled garden. Carefully planted for year-round colour, it provides a wonderful big-day backdrop and a memorable setting for guests to explore.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Wivenhoe House Hotel, Colchester

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Down Hall Hotel and Spa, Bishop's Stortford

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.

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Wedding Venue Inspiration: Gosfield Hall, Halstead

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.

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