Wedding Venues in Essex

Just a few miles from London, you will discover some of the best wedding venues in the UK, in the beautiful county of Essex. From rustic barns to the most alternative places to get married in.
If you are looking for the perfect wedding venue in Essex, you've come to the right place! There's no doubt that Essex has some of the best selection of dream-worthy spots to tie the knot - no matter what your taste or budget is. From small venues to grand country homes, like Gosfield Hall in Halstead, you'll be sure to find your dream space with Bridebook's UK venue directory and bespoke search!
FAQ's

Can you host a wedding in a converted barn in Essex?

Barn weddings in Essex are a great choice if you are looking for a relaxed and more intimate wedding day. Barn venues can often be found nestled deep in the countryside and have been lovingly restored by their owners and turned into stunning venues, often with some original features left behind that make for great photo opportunities.

Weddings like these are always fun to attend as they tend to be located just outside the city centres, so can be used as an excuse for guests to get away from it all and spend a weekend away in a nearby hotel after the wedding itself. Oftentimes, holding your wedding reception at a converted barn means you will need to hire additional catering and decor suppliers so be sure to factor this into the overall cost.


Do you have a general guide to help me find the right wedding venue within Essex?

Essex is a beautiful county in the southeast of England, with a rich history and stunning landscapes. It is a popular choice for couples looking to tie the knot, thanks to its diverse range of wedding venues. Whether you're looking for a grand castle, a picturesque country house, or a chic city hotel, you'll find it in Essex.

  1. Castle Weddings Essex is home to several stunning castles that make for romantic and unique wedding venues. Hadleigh Castle, for example, is a historic landmark that dates back to the 13th century. The castle's atmospheric ruins provide a dramatic backdrop for your ceremony and photographs. Leez Priory, on the other hand, is a beautifully preserved Tudor manor house with sprawling grounds and a romantic chapel.

  2. Country House Weddings Essex also offers a range of elegant country houses that are perfect for a traditional English wedding. Gaynes Park is a popular choice, with its beautiful gardens, picturesque courtyard, and elegant reception rooms. Friern Manor is another beautiful country house with a lovely setting, surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque countryside.

  3. Hotel Weddings If you prefer a more modern setting, there are several hotels in Essex that offer wedding packages. The Hyatt Regency in Chelmsford, for example, is a stylish and contemporary hotel with a range of event spaces for your ceremony and reception. The Great Hallingbury Manor Hotel, on the other hand, is a stunning Tudor manor house with a modern twist, offering beautiful gardens and a chic ballroom for your big day.

  4. Other Venues Essex is also home to a range of other unique and quirky wedding venues. The Sailing Club in West Mersea, for example, offers a picturesque setting on the banks of the Blackwater Estuary, with stunning views of the water. The Orsett Hall is another popular choice, with its beautiful Victorian architecture and elegant reception rooms.

    No matter what your style or budget, you'll find a wedding venue in Essex that will suit your needs. From grand castles to elegant country houses, there's something for everyone in this beautiful part of England.


Should I have a ceremony and reception wedding dress for my Essex wedding?

When the likes of Kate Middleton choose to wear two dresses as part of their wedding day it's easy to understand why many Essex brides choose two dresses for their special day. Having a dress for your ceremony and one for your reception is a big decision to make but if you decide to go for it then expect all eyes to be on you as your make your entrance in your second dress. Be sure to check with your reception venue beforehand that they have a space where you can hide away in to get dressed in ready for your big reveal.

What are the popular types of venues to get married in in Essex

Essex plays host to a phenomenal amount of wedding venues, from intimate barn locations to lavish country homes. No matter the number of guests you envision at your wedding, you will be able to find a space that fits the bill and makes for a spectacular day. Getting married in Essex means you will be able to take your pick from a plethora of historic venues through to chic and modern hotels around the city centres.

The most popular Essex wedding venues are vast stately homes and sprawling country lodges such as Gosford Hall and Boreham House, but if you are looking for something a little more intimate and down to earth then venues like The Barn and Leez Priory are most definitely worth checking out. You can also find some really unusual wedding venue options if you are happy to use your imagination and delve a little deeper into what is hidden within the counties boundaries.


What is the easiest way to plan an Essex wedding?

Wedding planning can be stressful to say the least, which is why you will want to make your experience as simple and as easy as possible. Essex is home to a number of tried and trusted wedding planners who will make it easy for your day to run seamlessly, however, hiring a wedding planner can come up pretty pricey. If you find this is out of your budget then the next best option for making planning your wedding easy is to find a venue that allows you to have your ceremony and reception at the same place, this cuts down on time spent co-ordinating between the two venues and also cuts costs such as transport for you and your guests.

Often times you will be able to get a package price per head that includes all the wedding must-haves and cuts out the difficult coordination process between suppliers and venues. To make it even simpler, choose a venue that has onsite accommodation so you and your guests can stay onsite and even enjoy breakfast as newlyweds the next day!


Where can I find light up wedding letters in Essex?

Light up love letters are a wedding trend that is here to stay, but sometimes it can be tough to find this must-have wedding decoration for your big day. Before you begin your search, be sure to check with your wedding venue that they allow this type of decoration to avoid any last-minute stresses. You can ask your venue if they can recommend any reputable suppliers that have supplied to the venue before or speak to family and friends who have recently tied to the knot to suggest a supplier local to you.

Which celebrities have got married in Essex?

Essex is home to some incredible wedding venues offering top-notch service and stunning design which is why choosing to get married in this picturesque county was an easy choice for celebs such as Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon, and the likes of Mrs Hinch and Micheal Crawshaw to name a few.

When it comes to choosing the right location for your celeb-inspired wedding, be sure to take time to visit each of your venues so you can speak with the venue’s wedding planners and get a feel for how they can accommodate you on your special day. Holding your wedding at an exclusive venue means you will be treated to excellent service so you can relax and enjoy your big day stress-free. Check venues like Boreham House and Gosford Hall to get an idea of the packages available to you and your guests.