The UK is full of different types of wedding venues, from beautiful hotels to castles and even boats! The largest portion of your budget will be dedicated to the venue, so it’s essential that you find ‘the one’.
Country house venue
Norton House Hotel & Spa from the Handpicked collection is one of the finest country house hotels in Edinburgh and can provide you with everything you need for a luxurious wedding experience. They also have a number of incredible packages to suit your wedding budget, not to mention the exquisite accommodation that still holds it character, despite having been built in 1840!
Buxted Park, also part of the Handpicked collection and a shortlisted venue in this years Wedding Ideas Awards 2013, is full of history and is the perfect venue for couples wanting a maximum guest list of 120.
Stunning sea view
For couples after an incredible sea view backdrop for their wedding photography, the Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa in Dorset could be perfect for a seaside themed wedding!
Likewise, the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel also boasts fabulous views across the ocean; they even have a gazebo so that you can tie the knot outdoors.
Stay the night
If you plan on staying the night after your wedding and need a venue that can house your guests for the evening too, then take a look at the Mercure Gloucester, Bowden Hall Hotel or the Mercure Newbury Elcot Park Hotel.
Besides having plenty of bedrooms, both venues boast incredible exterior grounds; ideal if you’re inviting children or plan on having cocktails on the lawn after your wedding ceremony.
Fairytale venue
A fairytale wedding demands a castle venue, so consider Farnham Castle if you’re around the Surrey area, or Allerton Castle based in North Yorkshire for a truly extravagant day!
If you’re getting married during the summer months then The Curradine Barns in Worcestershire, with a parish church nearby, could be ideal. Cooling Castle Barn in Kent is also delightful.
Five top tips for choosing your perfect venue
Size
Browse venues once you have a rough idea of how many guests you’re going to be inviting. There’s no point in visiting venues that are going to be too small, or so big that your guests may feel lost.
Budget
What can you afford? Have a figure in mind before you look for the perfect wedding venue. It may be a waste of time to look at venues that are out of your price league, but you may be able to compromise on guest figures or something else in order to be able to afford the dream.
Location
Choosing a venue where your guests have to travel miles or even book a hotel room may not be so attractive, so be sure that your venue is in a reasonable location depending on where your guests are travelling from.
Accommodation
Does your chosen venue have accommodation so that you and your guests can stay the night? If not, can the hotel recommend a list of hotels near by?
Catering
Is the catering included in the overall package at the venue? If not, you may have to include catering into your budget as a separate item.
