The Old Vicarage
Based on a weekday wedding in January.
Westhorpe
Southwell
Nottinghamshire
NG25 0NB
Based on a weekday wedding in January.
- Exclusive use of The Old Vicarage.
These items are not included in the price above but can be added for an additional fee:
- Civil ceremony.
- Three-course wedding breakfast.
- Accommodation for up to 20 guests.
- Evening food.
- Reception and toast drinks.
Please contact the venue for detailed prices.
The Old Vicarage is a Victorian country house in the Nottinghamshire market town of Southwell. Surrounded by two acres of gardens in a conservation area, it offers a peaceful, tucked-away feel without being remote. Nottingham is just half an hour by car, and London is a little over an hour away by train from nearby Newark.
The venue has been looked after by the same family since 2005, and it shows. It feels more like a well-kept private home than a traditional wedding venue; comfortable, warm, and full of thoughtful touches. Inside, there’s a calm, understated elegance, while outside, the gardens bring colour and character through every season. From daffodils in spring to lavender in summer and golden tones in autumn, the setting shifts with the year.
Couples have exclusive use of the venue, with the freedom to make it their own. Whether it’s a quiet weekday elopement or a full weekend gathering, the space adapts without ever losing its sense of ease.
There are four licensed spaces for ceremonies, each offering a unique experience depending on the time of year, guest numbers, and personal style.
Indoor options:
- The main room is filled with natural light and features a neutral palette, making it ideal for civil ceremonies of various sizes.
- For smaller weddings, the side lawn room offers a more intimate setting with the same calm, elegant feel.
Outdoor options:
- The side lawn is well-suited for alfresco ceremonies, with ample space and greenery on all sides.
- The lavender walk comes into its own in summer, full of colour and scent.
- The bandstand, perched at the top of the gardens, is licensed for civil ceremonies and offers views across the grounds.
Couples can choose a legal civil ceremony or a symbolic or celebrant-led service. Nottinghamshire County Council licenses the Old Vicarage. Once a date is secured with the venue, couples should contact the registrar directly to book their slot. Registrar fees are payable separately.
There’s flexibility in how the reception unfolds, with indoor and outdoor spaces that work with the season and the shape of the day.
Indoor spaces:
- The bar lounge and front room are perfect for drinks receptions in cooler weather or as a fallback in case of rain. Each space accommodates up to 50 guests, featuring soft interiors and stunning garden views.
Outdoor spaces:
- In spring and summer, the gardens and front lawn offer a classic setting for drinks and canapés. There’s room for up to 120 guests, and the planting adds colour, structure, and a sense of occasion.
- Croquet on the lawn is an optional extra that often proves popular with guests.
Drinks service:
- Couples can shape the offering to suit their day, whether that’s an open bar, a curated wine list, or a bespoke cocktail menu. Evening extras, such as cocktail bars or nightcap stations, can also be arranged.
All drinks are managed in-house, with their team on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly.
There are eight boutique bedrooms in the main house, all of which are available exclusively for wedding guests. Each one is individually styled, combining original features with a modern, understated finish.
Rooms are located upstairs and comfortably sleep two adults. A few have space for children by prior arrangement, bringing the total overnight capacity to between 16 and 20 guests.
All rooms have their own en-suite, and breakfast is included. It’s a relaxed, sociable way to round off the celebration.
Rooms are charged at £285 each, including VAT and breakfast. While this is included in the final wedding invoice, couples can recoup the cost from guests if they prefer.
For larger groups, Southwell offers a range of local options, including B&Bs, inns, hotels, and self-catering cottages. The team can recommend trusted providers nearby.
All food is prepared on-site by the in-house team, led by the Executive Head Chef. Menus are seasonal and flexible, tailored to the couple’s preferences and the best produce available at that time of year.
The kitchen focuses on clean flavours, thoughtful presentation, and locally sourced ingredients, including produce grown in the venue’s own garden. Menus shift through the year but always aim to feel fresh, balanced, and grounded.
Options range from formal three-course meals to relaxed, sharing-style menus. Canapés are available during the drinks reception, and all dietary needs are catered for with care.
- Wedding breakfast: £95pp (three courses, full service)
- Children’s menu: £35pp
- Canapés: £13.50pp (choice of four from the seasonal menu)
Food is a central part of the experience here, and the team takes time to make sure it feels personal and well-matched to the day.
Sustainability is a quiet but consistent thread running through how The Old Vicarage operates. The venue features its own greenhouse and growing beds, which supply herbs, flowers, and vegetables for use in the kitchen. Produce is picked fresh and used wherever possible.
Other practices include:
- Composting kitchen waste
- Collecting and reusing rainwater
- Avoiding single-use plastics
- Partnering with local suppliers who share the venue’s values
- Using digital brochures and info to reduce paper waste
Florists who focus on British-grown flowers and offer foam-free designs are recommended, and the site’s lighting and water use are handled responsibly.
The aim is to minimise the impact while enhancing the guest experience, with small, thoughtful changes that support both.
Southwell is a small town with real charm. Its Georgian buildings, independent shops, and laid-back pace make it ideal for a wedding weekend. Guests can explore bookshops, stop for coffee, or browse the farmers’ market.
Highlights include:
- Southwell Minster – a striking cathedral with a peaceful atmosphere
- The Workhouse – a well-preserved National Trust property
- Cosy pubs and a much-loved independent cinema
- Nearby villages like Upton, Fiskerton, Halam, and Edingley
There’s a mix of local accommodation too, from boutique inns to self-catering options, so guests can stay close by.
Despite its countryside feel, The Old Vicarage is easy to reach by car, train, or air.
By car:
- 30 minutes from Nottingham
- Close to A1 and A46
- Free on-site parking
By train:
- Newark North Gate (10 miles away) for fast trains from London, Leeds, and Edinburgh
- Newark Castle for regional services from Nottingham, Leicester, and Lincoln
By air:
- East Midlands Airport is under an hour away
- Birmingham and Stansted are also within reach
Local taxis are available, and local accommodation is within easy reach.
Winter Wedding Open Day at The Old Vicarage
Couples are warmly invited to The Old Vicarage for their Winter Wedding Open Day...