Deep in the heart of the UK is the picturesque Cotswolds, a region renowned for its charming villages, rolling hills, and timeless beauty. Among the myriad of wedding venue options available, we’ve listed our top five Cotswold wedding venues that ooze fairytale charm – whether they’re a stately home, castle or rustic barn.
Sudeley Castle
If you fancy feeling like a royal and marrying where Henry VIII visited with one of his many wives (Anne Boleyn), Sudeley Castle should be right at the top of your list. King Henry’s last wife, Catherine Parr, lived here until she died, and it was also used as a military base during WWI. Being history buffs ourselves, we’re just captivated by how many stories these walls could tell!
There are options of exchanging vows in the historic church on the grounds, or inside the beautiful library, before enjoying a reception in one of the castle’s elegant rooms or in a luxurious marquee within the gardens, creating memories fit for royalty.
We photographed a Sudeley Castle wedding during Covid, and it’s honestly one of our favourite weddings to date.
Plus, if you’re local, there are so many beautiful walks around the Castle so you can really get familiar with it!
Manor by the Lake
Next, we’re looking at Manor by the Lake – a Victorian stately home in the heart of Cheltenham – and yet feels in the middle of nowhere. It’s surrounded by seven acres of gardens, including a gorgeous lake and hidden paths amongst the bushes – perfect for escaping with your loved one for some time-out. This place is like stepping into a Jane Austen novel, with elegant rooms, manicured lawns, and views that are just stunning.
Choose to get married in the Manor Arches outside the front, the Italian Pavilion around the side, the Lakeside Pavilion in the garden, or inside the venue – you’re spoilt for choice! We’ve had two Manor by the Lake weddings so far, and both times have been in the Italian Pavilion. We’d love to go back and utilise some of their other spaces!
Check out our galleries from Manveer and Stefania’s Italian-Indian fusion wedding, and Zara and Ryan’s epic day in 2023.
Winkworth Farm
Situated on the outskirts of Malmesbury, this historic farm is a hidden treasure, offering couples a serene, distinctive, and captivating setting for their special day. Winkworth Farm boasts a meticulously restored 17th-century Cotswold stone barn, set amidst picturesque organic meadows, providing breathtaking vistas that serve as a perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs.
Read our blog about Lauren and Matt’s wedding here in April 2022.
The Barn at Upcote
Down the road from Cheltenham sits The Barn at Upcote. This venue boasts not one but two stunning barns, providing options for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. Surrounded by gardens and fields, The Barn at Upcote enables you to do you: whether you’re going for cosy and intimate or full-on party vibes.
Everything is sorted for you here, with plenty of space to get ready (including a dreamy bath!), a room for the ceremony and meal, and another space purely for dancing – and what a space that is! There’s also a secret garden, which is ideal for couple photos.
Check out our blog from Alicia and Tom’s wedding photography at The Barn at Upcote.
Over Barn
Over Barn is a little different to the others; it’s a working farm right next to an airstrip for microlight planes – giving amazing views across the little runway, quirky backdrops against the farm buildings, and not to mention right next to the farm animals!
We were there in May 2023 for Nikki and Rob’s wedding – which was full of laughter, warmth and lots of love. The main room used for the ceremony, food and dancing is so rustic, and barely needs any decorating at all if you wanted to keep your day low-key; the exposed beams and brickwork are enough for creating a truly intimate scene.
Here’s our blog from Nikki and Rob’s wedding at Over Barn.
Whether you’re after a castle, barn or stately home, the Cotswolds can truly deliver. Think gorgeous Cotswold stone, beautiful views and so much history!
If you’re getting married in one of our favourite Cotswold wedding venues (or any other venue for that matter), and are in need of wedding photography or videography, don’t hesitate to contact us!
