The Setting
Nestled in the heart of Gloucester City Centre, a stone’s throw from the historic Docks, sits the hidden gem Blackfriars Priory. Winner of an International Wedding Award 2021 and crowned as one of Gloucester’s top three historic landmarks in 2020 and 2021, Blackfriars Priory is an iconic venue with unrivalled history.
Blackfriars Priory perfectly combines the convenience of a City Centre location with the tranquility of being in the middle of nowhere. Benefitting from being within walking distance of Gloucester Transport Hub, Railway Station and Taxi rank, Blackfriars takes the stress out of planning by offering the convenience of the City Centre at your fingertips.
Once inside the site, you will step into the peaceful enclosed cloister garden and entirely forget where you are. Not only is their location convenient, it also offers an abundance of fantastic backdrops for gorgeous photos. Whether you would like to make the most of the rustic backdrops of the Priory, dream of a gritty urban shoot or would like to stand in front of the beautiful Docks, you will be spoilt for choice with a Blackfriars wedding and will make memories that will last a lifetime.
The Vibe
An iconic historic landmark with breathtaking architecture, Blackfriars is the perfect setting for discerning couples that are seeking that showstopper venue.
Offered on an exclusive use basis, Blackfriars Priory houses a variety of spaces (14 to 230 guests) that are yours to enjoy for the duration of your wedding day.
The stunning North Range is a real ‘WOW’ factor space, with a 65ft high ceiling, original 13th Century wooden beams that were gifted by King Henry III from his royal forests and the remains of a first story fireplace, exposed from when the building was transformed into a private three story mansion in the 16th century.
The enclosed cloister garden is overlooked by a quadrangle of architectural styles, with the pop of yellow from the medieval Scriptorium, the ancient ruin in front of the glass wall of the North Range, the half ancient, half modern exterior of the East Wing and the Victorian houses to the West.
The East Range is a cosy space that features an array of quirky remains. From the rare herringbone fireplace, to the remains of a 16th century bread oven and the scissor braced roof, this space is perfect for intimate weddings of up to 50 guests.
Finally, the Scriptorium is an internationally historically important space that is one of the best preserved remaining buildings of its kind. Originally built as a place to study for Friars monks, the Scriptorium still features carrells, which indicate where desks would have been located for monks to study and angled windows, created to provide maximum light.
The Priory has been fitted with lifts for accessibility, a ramp at the main entrance and contains an accessible toilet and baby change.