Description
Welcome to Cherwell Boathouse, a family-run wedding venue set on the beautiful banks of the River Cherwell in Oxford. For generations, we’ve combined classic English charm with a relaxed, personal atmosphere—offering you a stunning riverside backdrop for your special day.
Your Riverside Wedding Experience
Picture your wedding day with the gentle river flowing beside you, creating a romantic and peaceful setting. One of our most beloved experiences is punting on our handcrafted punts. Many couples make a grand entrance by arriving at their reception in a chauffeured punt, glass of fizz in hand. These authentic Oxford moments help make your celebration truly unforgettable.
Flexible Spaces Tailored to Your Wedding
We offer a variety of beautiful spaces that can be customized to fit the size and style of your wedding, ensuring your day feels intimate and exclusive.
- The Marquee: Perfect year-round, our marquee overlooks the river and features classic white drapes and heating for cooler months. It comfortably hosts 20 to 125 guests, ideal for everything from formal seated dinners to lively evening parties.
- The Restaurant: Located in a charming converted Victorian boathouse, our award-winning restaurant seats up to 75 guests. It offers an elegant dining experience with exceptional food and one of the country’s finest wine selections.
- The Conservatory: Ideal for smaller gatherings of 15 to 50 guests, the Conservatory includes underfloor heating and can open up to a beautiful al fresco space in summer, complete with twinkling fairy lights.
- The Lower Boathouse: Available from spring to autumn, this rustic space—where we store punts in winter—transforms into a unique party room by the river. It’s perfect for informal celebrations or evening receptions for up to 100 guests.
Exceptional Food and Drink
Our award-winning restaurant team manages all catering, crafting menus that delight you and your guests. Whether you prefer elegant canapés, formal plated meals, or casual BBQ buffets, every dish is made with the finest ingredients and care.
At Cherwell Boathouse, we combine natural beauty with warm, professional service to create a wedding day experience you and your loved ones will cherish forever.
Overview of Cherwell Boathouse
Reviews (3)
- CCatherine & Jack27/05/2024Incredible venueIncredible venueWe had our wedding reception at the boathouse and the staff there were just amazing. They ran the day so smoothly that we didn’t need to think about a thing, and did a great job of decorating with the stuff we provided. The location is beautiful and we loved arriving at the reception by punt. For the location, standard of food, and level of customer service I honestly don’t think you could find a better value location.We had our wedding reception at the boathouse and the staff there were just amazing. They ran the day so smoothly that we didn’t need to think about a thing, and did a great job of decorating with the stuff we provided. The location is beautiful and we loved arriving at the reception by punt. For the location, standard of food, and level of customer service I honestly don’t think you could find a better value location.
- SSarah14/04/2023We had the most magical of days and much of that was due to your attention to detail, attentiveness and flexibilityWe had the most magical of days and much of that was due to your attention to detail, attentiveness and flexibilityWe had the most magical of days and much of that was due to your attention to detail, attentiveness and flexibility. Thank you Johnny for answering all my queries so efficiently, you made us feel like your only clients! Niran, you really made so much effort and organized everything superbly, and thank you for looking after my parents.We had the most magical of days and much of that was due to your attention to detail, attentiveness and flexibility. Thank you Johnny for answering all my queries so efficiently, you made us feel like your only clients! Niran, you really made so much effort and organized everything superbly, and thank you for looking after my parents.
- CClare & Rob14/04/2023We just wanted to say a big thank youWe just wanted to say a big thank youWe just wanted to say a big thank you! We had a briliant wedding day & are very grateful to you and the team for making it such a special day.. . The food was amazing & was commented on by all of our guests, not just the main meal but the lovely spread of food in the evening too! Thank you also to the two punters who braved the threat of rain & stormy skies to deliver us safely to the Boathouse!.We just wanted to say a big thank you! We had a briliant wedding day & are very grateful to you and the team for making it such a special day.. . The food was amazing & was commented on by all of our guests, not just the main meal but the lovely spread of food in the evening too! Thank you also to the two punters who braved the threat of rain & stormy skies to deliver us safely to the Boathouse!.
Location & Contact Details for Cherwell Boathouse
Where is Cherwell Boathouse located?
Cherwell Boathouse is situated on the scenic banks of the River Cherwell in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, with the postal code OX2 6ST.
What makes Cherwell Boathouse a unique wedding venue?
Cherwell Boathouse combines classic English charm with a relaxed, personal atmosphere, offering a stunning riverside backdrop. Couples can enjoy authentic Oxford experiences like arriving at their reception in a chauffeured punt with a glass of fizz, making their celebration truly unforgettable.
What types of event spaces are available at Cherwell Boathouse for weddings?
There are four main customizable spaces tailored to wedding needs:
- The Marquee: Accommodates 20 to 125 guests year-round with heating and riverside views.
- The Restaurant: A charming Victorian boathouse seating up to 75 guests, renowned for its award-winning food and fine wine selection.
- The Conservatory: Suitable for 15 to 50 guests, featuring underfloor heating and opening to an al fresco space with fairy lights in summer.
- The Lower Boathouse: Available from spring to autumn, ideal for informal parties up to 100 guests.
Can Cherwell Boathouse accommodate both small and large wedding guest lists?
Yes, Cherwell Boathouse offers flexible spaces that can be customized to fit intimate weddings as small as 15 guests up to larger celebrations of 125 guests, ensuring exclusivity for your special day.
Does Cherwell Boathouse provide catering services for weddings?
Absolutely. The award-winning restaurant team at Cherwell Boathouse manages all catering needs, offering menus ranging from elegant canapés and formal plated dinners to casual BBQ buffets, all prepared with the finest ingredients.
Is punting included as part of the wedding experience at Cherwell Boathouse?
Yes, punting is one of the most cherished experiences at Cherwell Boathouse. Couples can make a grand entrance by arriving at their reception in a chauffeured handcrafted punt on the river, adding a romantic and authentic Oxford touch to their wedding day.
Are there heating facilities for weddings during colder months at Cherwell Boathouse?
Yes, both The Marquee and The Conservatory feature heating systems, including underfloor heating in The Conservatory, ensuring your wedding remains warm and comfortable throughout the year.
What is the ambience like at Cherwell Boathouse for evening receptions?
The Lower Boathouse transforms into a unique rustic party room by the river from spring to autumn, perfect for informal celebrations or lively evening receptions up to 100 guests. Additionally, the Conservatory's al fresco space adorned with twinkling fairy lights creates a magical atmosphere in warmer months.
How does Cherwell Boathouse ensure a personalized wedding day experience?
Cherwell Boathouse is family-run and focuses on combining natural beauty with warm, professional service. Their flexible spaces and bespoke catering options allow couples to tailor their wedding perfectly, ensuring a cherished and memorable celebration for them and their loved ones.
