5 of the best wedding venues in the Cotswolds area
You are here: Home > Cotswold Blog > 5 of the best wedding venues in the Cotswolds area
We asked local wedding photographer Joab Smith for his favourite wedding venues in the Cotswolds.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace needs very little introduction but the details continue to impress even if you're already aware that Sir Winston Churchill was born here.
For starters it's the only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace, and how many people can say that got married in a palace!?
Continuing on it has 6 venues from which to choose from within its 90 acre grounds, and it can host up to 2000 guests!
It goes without saying that its gardens are magnificent and in terms of photos you absolutely can't go wrong. You'll feel like king and queen and your guests will have an absolute ball.
Capacity: 2000
Accommodation: Yes
Location: Woodstock, Oxfordfordshire, OX20 1PP
Credit: Simon Brettell
Stone Barn
Owned by the well respected Cripps & Co group, Stone barn is a venue on the rise of popularity and for good reason.
The barn is a mix of rustic charms and tasteful modern additions resulting in a classy countryside venue to suit all needs. The stunning barn is of course the jewel in their crown, but with an Oak gazebo outside they're well equipped for outdoor ceremonies too.
Following your ceremony you can be treated to some of the loveliest canapés around, before sitting down in the 'Dutch Barn' where their focus on fantastic food will continue to shine through.
Basically Stone barn doesn't just tick all the boxes, it puts a giant 'Cripps & Co' shaped stamp in them!
Capacity: 200
Accommodation: Yes
Location: Near Upper Windrush, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 3RF
The Matara Centre
If you're looking for something a little different The Matara Centre may well be for you. It feels very spiritual here and the gardens are peacefully beautiful, they describe it as 'a celebration of the worlds multi cultures filled with intrigues around each corner'.
Most ceremonies happen outside (though under cover) around an asian inspired pond and it's really quite lovely.
They have plenty of space both inside and out for your reception and 28 acres of parkland to explore if you'd like to get away a little for photos.
If my description intrigues you I'd definitely recommend checking out their website.
Capacity: 200
Accommodation: Yes
Location: Kingscote Park, Near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8YA
Credit: Joab Smith Photography
Grittleton House
I'll be honest, I'm a huge fan of Grittleton House. I remember being wowed the very first time I approached the house, with its long drive slowly revealing the extent of the beautiful Jacobean building. From then on it only continued to impress.
On entrance you walk through an enormous oak door and are greeted with huge rooms, an opulent staircase and one of the most beautiful ceilings I've ever seen - don't forget to look up! From there you can explore a multitude of spaces before arriving at the orangery, perfect for an outdoor ceremony whilst still having the safety net of a roof!
If you go on to the gardens you'll notice the vast space it offers, as I photographer I love to take the couple for a walk around the grounds, letting them take in the day as well as the stunning location they were lucky enough to get married in.
Capacity: 180 inside, 400 in the orangery and a bonus of a late license until 7am!
Accommodation: Yes
Location: The Street, Grittleton, Chippenham SN14 6AP
Credit: Joab Smith Photography
Euridge Manor
Euridge Manor is just non stop wow factor. Feeling almost like a dream (or perhaps something out of Alice in Wonderland) you'll no doubt to be stunned by it's romantic quirks. Everything from a chandelier hanging high within an arch in the garden, to the boat house surrounded by the rich blue waters of the duck pond at the foot of the house. It has to be seen to be believed and truly appreciated. It's an absolute playground of opportunity.
Regarding practicalities you can get married inside in the Orangery or under the cover of the boat house - though this is a little exposed to the elements. You pick the catering yourself and whilst there's plenty of room to eat in the ballroom some people opt for a marquee for additional flexibility.
Capacity: The Orangery 120, The Boathouse 20 under the roof but up to 250 around!
Accommodation: Yes
Location: Euridge Manor Farm. Colerne, Chippenham, SN14 8BJ
Last updated: 23 August 2023 - Please note: This blog was first written over a year old and things may have changed since the blog was written.
