The Cotswolds has long been one of the UK’s most sought after wedding destinations, thanks to its rolling green hills and picturesque villages with world famous chocolate box cottages and farmhouses with stone-facades. It’s not hard to see why so many couples opt for this rural setting for their nuptials. Steeped in romance, with oodles of charm and not too far from London, it ticks many boxes and is home to some of the most exclusive party locations in the UK with many new openings popping up. Our Editor, Isabella Foulger, has tried and tested many to bring you the ultimate guide to the best wedding venues in the Cotswolds.
Euridge Manor
This moated manor house sits proudly within the private estate adorned with majestic Georgian-style architecture, tranquil water features, a stunning chandelier archway, a thatched Boathouse, and an elegant ballroom with golden chandeliers for unforgettable late-night celebrations. At the heart of the venue is the coral-coloured orangery with evergreen palm trees and glittering chandeliers, it sets the stage for early evening cocktails under the stars. The orangery offers a breathtaking blank canvas for celebrations for up to 150 guests with the option of bringing in your own suppliers or working with their trusted list. There is also a private tennis court and a soothing sauna experience for unwinding the day after.
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Cornwell Manor
Cornwell Manor sits deep within the rolling Cotswold countryside, surrounded by age-old oaks and copper beech, complete with its own topiary gardens and a trio of lakes. The house can be exclusively yours for a weekend of celebrations – sleeping up to 24 guests across 12 beautifully designed bedrooms. Every wedding here is bespoke, and you will have your own dedicated wedding planner to bring your vision to life. With the house as a quintessentially British backdrop, there’s the option of a gorgeous outdoor ceremony by the fountain, an intimate blessing in the church (on site) or a civil ceremony in the beautiful ballroom, adorned with tapestries and its own minstrel’s gallery for your musicians. To continue the celebrations, Cornwell boasts a fabulous outdoor heated pool in the private walled garden, so everyone can enjoy brunch and a dip the next day.
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Lucknam Park
From intimate weddings within the walled garden, to exclusive buyout celebrations, Lucknam Park provides a glorious setting for couples seeking the most luxurious of settings. Sitting proudly at the end of a lime tree lined mile-long drive, this Georgian Palladian mansion is truly magical from the moment guests enter the gates. For those wishing for absolute privacy, Lucknam Park is available for exclusive hire including all 42 heavenly bedrooms and suites, as well as the stylish standalone cottages at an additional cost. From arriving by helicopter and hosting a candlelit wedding breakfast to organising midnight snacks or romantic horse-rides around the estate, Lucknam Park can cater for all requests. The buyout package accommodates for up to 80 guests and includes a three-course wedding breakfast and complimentary suite on the date of the couples’ first wedding anniversary. Lucknam Park also plants a tree in the grounds as a lasting reminder of the newlywed’s day, with a dedicated plaque for guests to come back and visit.
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Daylesford
Daylesford is the ultimate Cotswold wedding destination for an idyllic celebration in the heart of the Cotswolds, with its renowned organic seasonal cuisine, exquisite flower arrangements and the newly launched Daylesford Stays properties. Daylesford already plays host to beautiful wedding receptions in its many spaces at its flagship location including The Fountain Courtyard, The Glass House and The Trough. Next year, it will be revealing its new dedicated venue, The Heritage House, which will allow weddings of up to 200 guests to be hosted on the farm. Heritage House will be offered as a whole for larger scale weddings, as well as for smaller ceremonies in one of the more intimate spaces, The Greenhouse or The Dovecote. The Dovecote is a versatile venue, making for the perfect location for an intimate ceremony at Daylesford itself, followed by dinner and dancing in the Ox Barn, or as a dining area after welcome drinks in The Greenhouse. The Wild Rabbit’s Chicken Shed is a light and spacious private dining room, perfect for an intimate dinner before or after the wedding, whilst The Barn at The Bell at Charlbury offers sharing plates and relaxed dining for up to 40 guests.
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Elmore Court
This Grade II listed mansion holds over 760 years of family history within its walls yet is wildly young at heart. Nestled within the Gloucestershire countryside, Elmore Court is a unique and championing sustainable weddings with many impressive eco-credentials. Available on an exclusive use basis for weddings and parties, Elmore Court includes a historic stately home and its grounds, a soundproof rammed earth party venue making it the ultimate party venue. A day-of coordinator will help manage every aspect of your special day. There are 16 boutique bedrooms, and in-house catering team who use home-grown produce served with fine wines, a fire pit and benches in the Gillyflower Meadow, and the use of the Coach House the night before your event. Elmore has a certain charm and there are wonderful surprises around each and every corner.
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Primrose Hill Farm
Primrose Hill Farm seamlessly combines the delights of its magical Oxfordshire setting with a unique range of contemporary barn conversions, Grade II Listed Buildings, orchards and gardens, providing an innovative wedding location. The Farm Barns provide versatile and unique contemporary spaces for unforgettable celebrations. With breath-taking sweeping views, the Farm Barns are surrounded by exceptional open spaces. A true venue highlight here is the food, with the Farm’s in-house chefs, The Kitchen, creating menus inspired by the great local produce that abounds. Classic British dishes combine with an eclectic mix of global influences to create a fusion of the finest feasting experiences.
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Caswell House
With the oldest part of the house dating back to 1485, Caswell House and its grounds have a real story to tell. With a rich history, Caswell House holds a captivating beauty all of its own, with original honey coloured Cotswold stone buildings, an ancient orchard, and sumptuous, elegantly styled bedrooms for those who wish to stay. Caswell House offers an ulta-bespoke and personal service to every couple, to ensure every detail of the wedding day is no short of perfection. Little extras include an ice cream tricycle, garden games and a beautiful mirror which can be used for your seating plan or statement welcome message to guests.
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The Painwick
Nestled in the hillside, surrounded by the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside, this breathtaking location is the perfect place to say ‘I do’. Styled in the rather lovely Palladian passé, The Painswick offers Cotswolds chic, with a few extra special touches to make your wedding day, the day of your dreams. The Painswick offers 17 stunning bedrooms and for the happy couple, George’s Suite beckons, complete with Romeo and Juliet Balcony, looking out across the Cotswolds Countryside. For your ceremonies, choose from the intimate outdoor terrace with dramatic valley vistas, or inside in the ‘The Painswick’ Restaurant, which can host up to 60 guests. If the ringing of bells is your pick, just a 5 minute walk away is the beautiful spiral of St. Mary’s Church sitting amongst the shadows of 99 glorious yew trees. Feast on delicious food and dance the night away with a splendid shindig.
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Barnsley House
Located in the sylvan surrounds of the picture-perfect village of Barnsley, this sumptuous hotel has an inviting home-away-from-home ambiance. With its magical storybook gardens and heritage architectural features, roaring log fires and bags of rustic charm. The hotel can host intimate weddings, or larger ceremonies of up to 150. Barnsley House’s grounds offer a variety of locations for a special ceremony, from the Temple to their gothic Summer House which is surrounded by swathes of cow parsley in the warmer months. Wedding vows can also be exchanged at Barnsley House’s Potager restaurant, where floor to ceiling windows offer enchanting views of the gardens. With 18 individually designed hideaway rooms and secret garden suites, Barnsley House also offers exclusive hire of the hotel and its facilities for those seeking an exclusive wedding experience.
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The Lygon Arms
Situated on the highstreet of the idyllic Cotswolds village of Broadway, with roots dating back to the 16th century, The Lygon Arms has played host to many celebrations through the centuries. This historic coaching inn is bursting with character; open roaring fires, Cotswold stone and wood-panelled walls set the scene for a beautiful countryside wedding. Couples will be spoilt for choice with an array of rooms ranging from intimate to spacious to choose from. The hotel hosts weddings of all sizes and foodies will be in heaven. Thanks to James Martin who now leads the curation of the menus served at the property. Each dish draws inspiration from seasonal, local and artisanal produce and is truly delicious. Exclusive use of the hotel will allow your loved ones to cosy up in the intimate lounges, bars, nooks, snugs and gardens.
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