So you said yes! And now you’re in the throes of planning and prepping and Pinteresting your dream wedding. You’ve got 101 things to do (start with the most important) but you’re distracted by thoughts of your dream destination. If you’ve got your heart set on a quaint and quintessential English wedding, you are in good company.
Cosy country inns, chocolate box cottages and rolling green hills are all part and parcel of England’s charm, and while it might be a bit of trek for you and many of your guests, it is well worth it.
Before you can get busy picking the perfect party venue though, you need to find your ideal spot; somewhere that compliments you as a couple, but fits seamlessly with your wedding vision. Good news: you’ll be spoiled for choice.
From colourful coastal hamlets and historic castles to picturesque villages and pretty market towns, there is so much more to this beautiful country than London. In fact, we’d encourage you to look outside of London, so you can bag yourself a unique wedding venue – without a tourist trap or London price tag in sight!
To help you pick the perfect spot for your dream English wedding, we’ve rounded up 5 top picks.
Bath, Somerset
We challenge you to find a prettier city in the south-west. Bath is a Jane Austen fan’s paradise; high tea served in classic team rooms, costumed balls held in traditional dance halls and delectable Regency architecture set against the picturesque greenery of rural south-west England – the perfect backdrop for you and your Mr Darcy (lake scene optional)
York, Yorkshire
An ancient English city with a remarkable history and plenty of character. From quirky side streets straight out of Harry Potter to a healthy cultural and nightlife scene, this city has it all – you can even get hitched in one of the city’s historic venues or a nearby barn, to add an extra air of rustic romance to your big day
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
This famous castle city is not all about Robin Hood. It is a stunning location, overlooked by an imposing ancient castle, no less. The ideal spot for your destination wedding, the city is in the heart of England, so you’re spoilt for choice with the stately homes, quaint village churches and sophisticated party venues Nottingham and the surrounding area has to offer
Windsor, Berkshire
Hot on the heels of the recent nuptials between a certain Ms Markle (Toronto misses you!) and handsome Prince Harry, Windsor is an understandably popular destination for couples wanting a perfectly British big day. If the chapel, the castle and the quirky little town drenched in history and teeming with high profile royal residents wasn’t enough, it’s proximity to London, Oxford and other UK hotspots makes it a brilliant – and beautiful – base
Tintagel, Cornwall
Ok. Not technically a town or city, but definitely worthy of a mention on this list. Breathtakingly beautiful, this picturesque spot is straight out of a storybook. This pocket of Cornwall is home to Arthurian legends and bursting with the kind of natural beauty and ancient history you expect to see in Game of Thrones. Pretty country churches, a stunning Cornish coastal backdrop, and the Castle Hotel overlooking it all mean you’ll have everything on your doorstep. You’re even close enough for a day trip to iconic Lands End – a super photo opp and experience!
So there you have our top 5 picks for the perfect destination wedding in England! This beautiful little country is about so much more than just London, which can be pricey and crowded. Explore the real England and you’ll both fall in love all over again.
