Leicestershire offers a charming backdrop for an intimate wedding, with a wonderful selection of small venues perfect for your special day. From historic manor houses tucked away in the countryside to chic city spots, you'll find unique spaces ideal for a more personal celebration. Explore a variety of settings, each offering a cosy and romantic atmosphere for you and your closest guests to create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Midlands.
This county is celebrated for its blend of rolling green landscapes and vibrant market towns, providing diverse options for smaller weddings. Whether you envision a rustic barn celebration or a sophisticated gathering in a boutique hotel, Leicestershire's intimate venues specialise in creating a warm, exclusive experience. Consider the beautiful Charnwood Forest or the historic city of Leicester as potential locations for your dream day.
Dodmoor House is a stunning, exclusive use, award-winning barn wedding venue with a commitment to friendly, personal service, and making the day entirely 'Yours'. Honeymoon suite on site with guest accommodation deals available.
A friendly, family run wedding venue set in the glorious Leicestershire countryside, Offering exclusive packages, Exclusive Hire, and Bespoke deals for your perfect Celebrations.
Quorn Country Hotel has a proven track record in successfully helping couples celebrate the most memorable day of their lives. Set on the banks of the River Soar it is the ideal venue for your special
Steeped in history, tradition and character, Donington Manor Hotel is one of the most elegant wedding venues in Leicestershire for you to hold your celebrations. Originally built as a coaching house.
The Charnwood Arms is a hotel wedding venue near Coalville in Leicestershire, England. This delightful former country house is nestled in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside, between Loughborough
The Abbey Pumping Station is a unique venue for those looking for an intimate setting and who appreciate the magnificent achievement of Victorian engineering.
Situated in the heart of Leicester’s beautiful Old Town Quarter.
Boasting over 600 years of history, Leicester Guildhall is the perfect place for couples looking for a unique city wedding.
Hinckley Golf Club offers a stunning parkland backdrop for your dream wedding. Civil ceremonies can be held in our beautiful, licenced ceremony room alongside a wedding toast on the picture-perfect terrace.
If you are looking to host a traditional English wedding then The Fieldhead Hotel, is the perfect place for you. It is able to host both your ceremony and reception.
With a beautiful exclusive private garden complete with marquee, private bar and outdoor wedding licence and an excellent indoor function room, The Oat Hill is a fantastic choice for your Special Day
Sapori is Italian for flavours and this encapsulates the character of this authentic Italian family restaurant, run with passion and dedication by Andrea, Luigi and Cristina.
Choosing an intimate wedding in Leicestershire allows for a truly personal and meaningful celebration. This county, with its rich history and stunning countryside, provides the perfect canvas for a smaller guest list.
City Chic: Explore Leicester's stylish boutique hotels and restaurants for a contemporary urban celebration.
Rural Romance: Discover charming country houses, rustic barns, and private estates scattered across the picturesque landscape, from the Vale of Belvoir to the National Forest.
Planning Your Day:
Legalities: To marry legally in Leicestershire, you must give notice at your local register office. You'll also need to book a registrar for your ceremony if it's taking place at a licensed venue.
Supplier Sourcing: A smaller wedding opens up opportunities to work with local artisans, from florists using seasonal blooms to caterers offering bespoke menus with local produce.
The cost of an intimate wedding venue in Leicestershire can vary significantly based on location, style, and exclusivity.
Venue Hire: Expect to pay anywhere from £1,500 to £6,000+ for exclusive hire of a smaller venue, often for a set number of guests.
Cost Per Head: Catering packages for intimate weddings typically range from £60 to £120+ per person. A smaller guest list allows you to allocate more budget per head for an exceptional dining experience.
Budgeting Tips:
Mid-Week Weddings: Consider a weekday celebration (Monday-Thursday), as many venues offer reduced hire fees.
'Dry Hire' Venues: Some smaller venues offer 'dry hire', giving you the flexibility to choose your own suppliers, which can sometimes be more cost-effective.
Micro-Wedding Packages: Look for all-inclusive packages specifically designed for smaller weddings, as these often provide excellent value.
Spring: The countryside bursts into life, perfect for a romantic ceremony in a country house garden.
Summer: Long, light evenings are ideal for al fresco drinks receptions in a private courtyard or barn setting.
Autumn: Embrace the cosy atmosphere with rich, warm colour palettes in a historic manor or rustic pub.
Winter: Think roaring log fires, candlelight, and festive cheer in a snug and exclusive-use venue.
Leicestershire experiences a temperate climate, but the weather can be unpredictable. This makes venue choice key.
Planning for the Weather:
Many intimate venues offer beautiful indoor spaces with large windows, so you can enjoy the views regardless of the forecast.
For outdoor elements, ensure your venue has a solid contingency plan, like a stylish marquee or an elegant drawing room for your reception.
Getting to Leicestershire:
By Road: The county is well-connected via the M1, M69, and M6 motorways, making it easily accessible from across the UK.
By Rail: Leicester station is a major hub with direct services to London St Pancras International (approx. 1 hour), Sheffield, and Birmingham.
By Air: East Midlands Airport is located just a short drive away, serving domestic and international flights.
Places to Stay:
Boutique Hotels: Leicester city centre and market towns like Market Harborough offer a range of chic hotels perfect for guests.
Country Inns: For a truly local experience, suggest charming country inns and guesthouses near your rural venue.
On-site Accommodation: Many small country house venues offer a limited number of exquisite bedrooms for your closest family and friends.
What guest numbers are typical for an 'intimate' wedding venue in Leicestershire?
Generally, intimate or small weddings in Leicestershire cater for guest lists of between 15 and 60 people. Some venues specialise in 'micro-weddings' for under 20 guests, while others can comfortably host up to 60 for a ceremony and seated meal. It's always best to check the specific capacity of each venue.
Are there unique small wedding venues in Leicestershire beyond the traditional options?
Absolutely. Alongside country houses and barns, Leicestershire has some wonderfully unique small venues. Consider a chic city restaurant with a private dining room, a historic guildhall, a stylish art gallery, or even a cosy, characterful pub for a relaxed and memorable celebration.
Can I get married outdoors at a small Leicestershire venue?
Yes, many small venues in Leicestershire hold a license for outdoor civil ceremonies. These ceremonies must take place within a licensed permanent structure, such as a gazebo, pavilion, or converted farm building with an open side. This allows you to exchange vows surrounded by the county's beautiful scenery.
Do intimate wedding venues in Leicestershire offer exclusive use?
Exclusive use is one of the biggest advantages of choosing a smaller venue. The vast majority of intimate wedding venues in Leicestershire offer exclusive hire, ensuring that the entire property and its grounds are yours for the day. This provides complete privacy and a relaxed atmosphere for you and your guests.
What are the best areas in Leicestershire for a scenic, intimate wedding?
For stunning scenery, look at venues around the Charnwood Forest for its unique rocky landscapes, the Vale of Belvoir for classic rolling English countryside, or near the county's canals in towns like Market Harborough. Each area offers a distinct and beautiful backdrop for a smaller wedding.
Is it more affordable to have a small wedding in Leicestershire?
While the cost per head can sometimes be higher to cover exclusive hire, the overall cost of a smaller wedding is typically lower than a large one due to the reduced guest count. You save on catering, drinks, and favours, allowing you to either have a more manageable budget or splurge on high-end details for your guests.
