Blackfriars Priory
Based on a weekday wedding in October. Includes 2-night venue hire and accommodation.
Ladybellegate Street
Gloucester
GL1 2HN
Based on a weekday wedding in October. Includes 2-night venue hire and accommodation.
- Two night stay in luxury boutique apartment accommodation The Judges Lodgings.
- Access the day before your wedding to setup decorations and the day after to collect.
- Exclusive use of the whole site, including two wings and the Medieval Scriptorium.
- Fairy lights to decorate the space and highlight its periodic features, plus uplighters.
- Their specialist event team to look after you and your guests to ensure your day runs smoothly.
These items are not included in the price above but can be added for an additional fee:
- Ceremony fees.
- Food and drink.
- Guest accommodation available with 10% discount.
- Night before and morning after access available for multi-day celebrations.
Please contact the venue for detailed prices.
Blackfriars Priory is a remarkable historic landmark situated in the heart of Gloucester City. A stone’s throw from the iconic Gloucester Docks, this award-winning venue blends ancient architecture with a sense of timeless elegance. Its North Range boasts a 65ft scissor-braced ceiling crafted from 13th-century oak beams gifted by King Henry III, while the Scriptorium is considered the oldest standing purpose-built library in Northern Europe. Guests will discover a peaceful cloister garden enclosed within the Priory’s walls, offering an array of picturesque backdrops for photography.
Due to the historic importance of the venue, Blackfriars can only accommodate a limited number of weddings each year. For this reason, couples receive the VIP treatment every time. You will be allocated a dedicated wedding coordinator, who will keep in contact and meet with you during the planning stages of your special day. They will also be there on the day itself, so you can sit back and relax, knowing everything is taken care of.
Blackfriars Priory offers various ceremony options to suit tiny to large gatherings, whether you would like a ceremony for just you and your partner or a grand affair with everyone you know.
- North Range: Ideal for up to 200 guests, featuring soaring ceilings and a glazed wall overlooking ancient ruins.
- Upper East Range: A mid-sized, intimate space for up to 60, with warm wooden floors, ancient stonework, and delicate fairy lights.
- Old Kitchen: Perfect for micro ceremonies of up to 14 guests, with unique features such as a herringbone fireplace and 16th-century bread oven.
- Cloister Garden: Outdoor ceremonies for up to 100, with a medieval cloister-style setting.
Licences are available for civil ceremonies, blessings, and symbolic rituals such as handfastings.
Reception options are equally flexible, with bespoke spaces to suit your vision.
- North Range: Hosts up to 150 seated guests, with an upper-level dance floor and a custom-built bar serving local drinks.
- Upper East Range: A private dining room for up to 50, with a modern adjoining bar and space for a DJ or solo performer.
- Scriptorium: A stunning historic space for welcome drinks, canapés, or indoor entertainment.
Every reception includes fairy lights, security staff, and the option of a candlelit garden after dark.
Couples booking a North Range reception receive a complimentary two-night stay at The Judges Lodgings. Saturday weddings include Apartment 8, a spacious self-catering suite with a king-size bed, balcony, and space for additional beds, ideal for getting-ready photos.
Weddings from Sunday to Friday include Apartment 12, a Regency-style apartment with a king-size bed, a double bed, an ensuite, a family bathroom, a sofa bed, and parking. Couples can upgrade to Apartment 8 for a small fee.
Guests enjoy a 10% discount at The Judges Lodgings. The 16 apartments can accommodate up to 74 people, perfect for pre- or post-wedding celebrations.
A curated list of six caterers ensures flexibility, quality, and inclusivity:
- Berry Blue: Seasonal produce and diverse options, from fine dining to street food.
- Cater Cater: Bespoke packages with a variety of menus.
- Epic Caterers: Premium, tailored catering.
- Mesa Catering: Unique offerings such as pies or colourful curries.
- Poco Culina: Plant-based menus with Mediterranean and Eastern influences.
- The Cotswold Caterer: Local and seasonal indulgence.
The bar features competitively priced local beverages, including Gloucester Brewery’s renowned range.
The venue is committed to sustainability:
- Certified as carbon literate by 2025.
- Pollinator-friendly planters support local wildlife.
- Catering partners demonstrate strong environmental policies.
- A blog provides sustainable event ideas.
- On-site recycling and a prop store reduce waste.
Blackfriars Priory is located in the heart of Gloucester City Centre, opposite the historic Docks and within walking distance of public transport links and hotels. The area offers a vibrant mix of dining, shopping, and accommodation options, with independent businesses and local favourites providing everything from coffee to cocktails. The nearby Gloucester Quays features a variety of restaurants and shops, making it a convenient and lively destination for you and your guests to explore.
If visiting the venue by car, Gloucester is situated on the M5, Junction 11 from the North and Junction 12 from the South. Plenty of parking is available around the city. Gloucester Railway station is a 10 to 15-minute walk away from the venue or a 7-minute journey by taxi. For those travelling by bus, Gloucester Transport Hub is a 10-minute or a 7-minute car journey by taxi. Local bus links and National Express Services run to and from the hub, and ample taxi services are available.