The Pick of the Best 10 UK Outdoor Wedding Venues
Legal ceremonies in the UK must take place under a permanent structure, but you can still be surrounded by the elements – think stylish open-sided barns and pretty gazebos. Guests can line the lawns on elegant Chiavari-style chairs or kitsch deck chairs for a festival feel. And for your reception, choose rustic tables laced with mismatched crockery and chandeliers hanging from trees. But should the clouds gather just as you’re drenching the champagne tower, all these venues have inside options, too. Here is Style & the Bride’s pick of the best 10 UK outdoor wedding venues.
1. KENSINGTON ROOF GARDENS, LONDON
30m above bustling Kensington High St is an eclectic oasis of Spanish, Tudor and English themed gardens. Ceremonies can take place in the Clubhouse, although receptions (and blessings) can be al fresco, with just the colourful flora and four resident pink flamingoes for company. The team at KRG will even organize Diary Room appearances for guests to leave messages for the happy couple. Max. capacity: ceremony: 150; reception: 500.
The Roof Gardens in Kensington is a magnificent outdoor wedding venue. If you have been searching for outdoor wedding venues, but have yet to find one, this might be the venue for you.
2. THE DAIRY, WADDESDON MANOR, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Have your ceremony on water thanks to the Pavilions and Lakeside Terrace at The Dairy, which project onto the lake of this majestic estate. The wooden, open-sided terraces are the perfect setting for sharing your vows with the waterfowl, and drinks with guests afterwards.
Max. capacity (Pavilions and Lakeside Terrace): 160.
3. LOWER GRENOFEN, DEVON
Hidden in Tavistock, on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon, Ever After – A Dartmoor Wedding is set in 46 acres of gorgeous gardens and woodland. The oak-frame, open-sided wedding barn can be dressed to your hearts’ desire for your ceremony and pretty props and wedding paraphernalia are available in stylish olive, cappuccino and silver grey for an elegant outdoor reception. Play croquet and Jenga on the lawn in the sun, or there’s the clear-walled marquee and genius glass roofed outdoor rooms should the rain come out to play.
Max. capacity: 120.
I adore the feel of Lower Grenofen in Devon.
4. HIGH HOUSE WEDDINGS, ESSEX
The Thatched Gazebo on the immaculate lawn at High House offers views of the impossibly romantic heart-shaped lake. Wildflowers and wildlife come as standard and a rustic flower-draped pergola acts as an aisle, while your guests can watch from pretty white folding chairs on the lawn.
Max. capacity: 200. Venue hire: from £3000.
5. LARMER TREE, WILTSHIRE
You and your groom, plus up to 4 guests can revel in the romance and intimacy of the Roman Temple in the grounds of Larmer Tree, while your guests enjoy the moment seated on the lawn that surrounds this unique temple. Or, there are week day Secret Garden weddings, for up to 30, where the wedding breakfast comes in the form of picnics and Pimm’s.
Max capacity: 250. Venue hire: from £3000.
The Larmer Tree in Wiltshire has a very romantic feel to it.
6. FFORESTWEDDINGS.CO.UK, CARDIGAN, WALES
The term ‘outdoor wedding’ should have been invented by the team at fforestweddings: options for weekend-long celebrations include lodges, garden pavilions and giant hat tipis in secluded woodland valleys, riverside settings and near National Trust beaches. And then there’s the food, from wood-fired pizzas to barbecues and seafood fresh from the ocean, fforestweddings pride themselves on catering to your every foodie need.
Max. capacity: 150. From: £6000.
7. JOLLYDAYS GLAMPING, YORKSHIRE
Whether you want a posh tea party or a full-on festival, this 200-acre site can cater to your needs: Creators of A Midsummer Night’s Dream-style woodland weddings on the edge of The Yorkshire Wolds, your reception around the camp fire, bell tents, and archery and bush craft are the order of the day here.
Max. capacity: 118. jollydaysglamping.co.uk
8. WASING PARK, BERKSHIRE
Set within the grounds of Wasing Park Estate, say ‘I do’ in the fairytale Victorian Summerhouse, embellished with a mural of flowers, cherry trees, birds and butterflies. Or there’s the magical Folly in the tranquil Secret Garden where you can also say you do. You can even follow this with a festival-inspired celebration right in the heart of the woodland. Then retire to the breathtaking Honeymoon Suite, while the Estate Rooms, Stable House and The Pump Lodge are a dream come true for your guests.
Victorian Summerhouse capacity: 140 (seated).
9. WOTTON HOUSE, SURREY
Say your vows watched by your guests in the magical Garden Temple hidden in the private 17th century walled garden, formerly known as the Turtle House. A truly magnificent, unique backdrop, it can be decorated simply with olive trees by day and lit with tea lights during the evening.
Max. capacity: 200. wottonhousedorkingsurrey.co.uk.
10. PAPAKATA
Purveyors of glorious teepee and sperry tents, with raised sides to let the outside in, or lowered to keep it cosy, romantic ambience and festival chic doesn’t come any easier at a location of your choice. Capacity: Each teepee holds 100 guests standing and 70 seated. Sperry tents can hold max. 300.
Who can resist a Papakata teepee?
