The Setting
Set in over 300 acres of private woodland and countryside in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, the Gaddesden Estate is a privately owned country farming estate, at the centre of which is the Golden Parsonage, built in 1705.
This stunning estate is just a stone’s throw from London, with direct transport links to Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Berkhamsted and Harpenden, just a short drive away. There are multiple options for accommodation nearby in hotels, B&Bs and with an option to glamp onsite.
The Vibe
Gaddesden Estate is an exclusive-use outdoor venue. The grounds available to hire around the Golden Parsonage range from semi-formal gardens to fully wild spaces.
The Walled Garden Meadow
The Walled Garden Meadow offers the greatest flexibility when it comes to the use of space and is an ideal place for a marquee or tipi. The meadow is a riot of wildflowers in spring and early summer, and the adjacent tree-lined avenue and folly is a natural place for a ceremony, outdoor dining or drinks reception. With a woodland backdrop and views across the countryside, this is the perfect location to really make your day your own.
Available April to September
Badger’s Garden
Laid out at the end of the 20th century, Badger’s Garden comprises a series of more formal tree plantings with views over the countryside beyond. This unique location, overlooked by the main façade of the house, is ideal for ceremonies, relaxed events and drinks receptions.
Available April to September
Golden Meadow
With the backdrop of the Golden Parsonage, Golden Meadow has views over the rolling countryside and Badgers Garden. Mature trees provide an intimate area for drinks receptions.
Available April to September
Fishponds
Thought to have its origins as a medieval pond, today, Fishponds is a truly magical sunken garden set among the woodland and hidden from the house. Dine below a canopy of leaves under the stars, or hold a blessing with friends and family in the area’s ‘atrium’, hidden from all but the flora and fauna. A secluded wilderness surrounded by mature oaks, Fishponds is ideal for those who want a totally unique experience dining amongst the trees.
Available April to September
There is complete flexibility to choose which of these areas are ideal for your celebration, with the option to combine the use of multiple spaces on the day. They give you exclusivity over the Estate grounds, and you can choose which of the unique spaces are the perfect setting for your structures, drinks and ceremony.
All the outdoor spaces are dry hire only, so you can design and create your ideal day using your own suppliers. If you need a little help and expertise, marquee specialist and wedding planner Big Green Space can be on hand to guide you through your wedding planning journey.
Please note that all infrastructure, including power, toilets and any other structures, will need to be brought in, and The Golden Parsonage itself is a private residence and not available to hire.
The Setting
Nestled within the Northumberland countryside their grounds boast a completely secluded environment for your ceremony and celebration. Along the private driveway, amidst rolling green hills and ancient woodlands, the walled gardens and outdoor areas reflect their passion for the nature they nurture.
The estate which dates back to 1257 sets the stage for the most memorable occasion of your lives. Accompanied by fairytale cottages, beautifully tended gardens, rolling green fields, and ancient woodlands they strive to provide an unforgettable experience for you, your friends, and family.
The Vibe
Utilise the diverse areas and spaces within the estate to achieve the perfect look and feel for your ceremony. From inside to outside, formal or informal, by utilising the Tower reception room or walled gardens they create a traditional English setting for you to make it official.
With numerous backdrops, textures, and colours the grounds provide the perfect stage for capturing your day on photo and film. You have the choice of where and how your day plays out, utilising the full estate for your ceremony. Seat 30 guests within the Tower itself or up to 150 in the garden or their woodland view function suite
Situated within the estate, their woodland view ceremony room and function suite blurs the line between the ancient woodland, the historic grounds, and your special day. By utilising an abundance of glass and natural materials they provide the perfect bubble for your celebration with up to 150 guests by day, and 250 by night.
It’s all about making it special for you; they boast traditional, contemporary, and street food packages however they’re fully supportive of specific requests, dietary needs, regional variations, and international influences. It all starts with a conversation.
Similarly with drink options, they want to make it perfect, their aim is to weave your ‘best’ day from start to finish. Want to add a cocktail from your first date? Or a wine region from your favourite holiday? That’s exactly what they want to talk about.
The Setting
The Gardens is a breathtaking English country garden wedding venue in the quaint village of Yalding in Kent, between Maidstone (7 miles) and Tunbridge Wells (11 miles). It’s around 40 miles from London, roughly an hour’s drive through rolling fields and picturesque countryside.
The Gardens is a horticultural masterpiece, with 12 acres of grounds divided into 16 landscaped gardens, each with its unique theme and style for your exclusive use. You’ll enjoy endless photo opportunities, from tumbling vines and whimsical forests to their grand Victorian greenhouse donated by Prince Charles.
The Vibe
Exclusively yours for your wedding, you will enjoy a choice of three stunning ceremony locations. From the wooden gazebo with panoramic garden views to their two indoor ceremony areas in the barn, create your dream day with expert support at every step.
The bespoke Nordic tipis adjoining the barn provides the perfect location for your unforgettable wedding breakfast. Draped in fairy lights and warmed with fire pits, you’ll enjoy an exceptional, locally sourced menu designed with their talented in-house catering team. As the sun sets and The Gardens transforms into a twilight oasis with endless festoon lights, you can dance the night away in the barn with your guests.
You’ll be supported by a dedicated wedding coordinator who will be by your side throughout your planning journey, and you’ll also enjoy access to their exclusive online wedding planning tool that’s dedicated to reducing time-consuming wedmin.
The Setting
The Orangery is a stunning waterside wedding venue just a short walk from the centre of Maidstone in Kent.
Close to local amenities with excellent transport links, including trains running directly to London Victoria from Maidstone East (a 5-minute drive away). It’s your slice of the English countryside in an urban location, with endless photo opportunities for you and your guests.
The Vibe
The Orangery is licensed for both indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies, and you’ll have the choice of three stunning options:
The Gazebo is their outdoor ceremony option, suitable for up to 150 of your friends and family. Nestled within the immaculately landscaped grounds, it provides an unforgettable setting to exchange your vows. You and your wedding party can make your entrance, including across the bridge or alongside the lake and waterfall.
The Lapa is the second outdoor ceremony option for up to 150 guests. Couples choosing The Lapa for their ceremony can walk through the woodland walk for their grand entrance. Surrounded by trees dating back hundreds of years, The Lapa’s thatched roof is open on all sides to maintain magnificent views across the lake to the boathouse.
The Garden Room is an indoor ceremony option for up to 150 guests. The elegant Garden Room is a stunning year-round location for your civil ceremony. Five double doors span the front facade, providing guests with a perfect view of the beautiful garden and the wedding party as they make their entrance across the bridge.
You’ll be supported by a dedicated wedding coordinator who will be by your side throughout your planning journey, and you’ll also enjoy access to their exclusive online wedding planning tool that’s dedicated to reducing time-consuming wedmin.
The Setting
A breathtaking Grade I listed manor house combined with ancient castle ruins and magnificent grounds. This unique venue enjoys a rich history and has been connected to many notable figures in the past.
Located in the village of Westenhanger, between Ashford and Folkestone, it has excellent transport links via the M20 and a train station within walking distance.
The Vibe
Romantic and regal with breathtaking photo opportunities to be found at every turn, The Castle Westenhanger is the perfect location for a fairytale wedding.
Suitable for both intimate and large weddings, with capacity for up to 120 ceremony guests. For 2024 weddings, packages start from £8,150 based on 50-day guests and up to 200 evening guests.
Packages include exclusive venue hire, a dedicated wedding coordinator, reception drinks, your wedding meal, wine for the guests, an evening buffet, a professional DJ, access to their exclusive online wedding planning tool, and much more.
You will have a choice of three stunning licensed ceremony areas. These include the thatched gazebo on the castle lawn, the banqueting hall in the castle, or the bright and spacious marquee.
After the ceremony, toast your nuptials in their private bar before feasting on an unforgettable wedding breakfast in the marquee, with views of the castle ruins, manor house and beyond.
The in-house chefs pride themselves on providing a first-class dining experience, using only the freshest ingredients. They will collaborate with you to create a menu that will delight your guests, catering to all styles and culinary preferences. Enjoy a three-course feast, hog roast, or BBQ across a range of cuisines.