Description
Discover the Perfect Historic Venue for Your Wedding: Forde Abbey and Gardens
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends timeless romance with stunning natural beauty, Forde Abbey and Gardens in Somerset is an exceptional choice. With a rich history spanning 900 years as a former Cistercian monastery, this venue offers a unique and elegant setting nestled in the English countryside. Its award-winning gardens and grand architecture create an unforgettable atmosphere for your special day.
To make your experience truly exclusive, Forde Abbey hosts only one wedding per weekend, ensuring you and your guests enjoy complete privacy and personalised attention.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces Tailored to Your Celebration
Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Forde Abbey offers a variety of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony and reception:
- The Great Hall: This majestic space features an oak-panelled ceiling and tall mullioned windows, comfortably seating up to 200 guests for your ceremony. It’s perfect for a champagne reception and opens directly onto the South Lawn and gardens. For winter weddings, the large open fire adds a warm, romantic glow.
- The Monks' Refectory: Ideal for smaller weddings, this medieval room offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for up to 80 guests.
- The Undercroft: With its striking vaulted ceilings and stone pillars dating back to the 12th century, the Undercroft is a stunning setting for your wedding breakfast and evening reception, seating up to 150 guests.
- The Chapel: Originally the monastic Chapter House, the Chapel seats up to 100 guests and is available for marriage blessings.
- Marquees: If you’re planning a larger celebration, there’s plenty of space on the grounds to set up a marquee tailored to your needs.
Stunning Gardens for Your Wedding Photos and Guest Enjoyment
The 30 acres of beautifully maintained gardens are a highlight of Forde Abbey, offering a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding photos. Explore formal gardens, peaceful woodlands, a tranquil lake, and marvel at England’s highest-powered fountain, which shoots water up to 160 feet high. Your guests are welcome to wander the grounds throughout your celebration, and a bridal changing suite is available for your convenience.
Flexible Catering and Trusted Local Suppliers
Forde Abbey works with a variety of experienced catering teams to help you design a bespoke menu that suits your tastes perfectly. You’re welcome to bring your own alcohol with no corkage fees, giving you full control over your drinks selection. The venue also provides a list of recommended local photographers who know the Abbey and gardens inside out, ensuring your memories are beautifully captured.
While there’s no accommodation on-site, Forde Abbey can suggest nearby places to stay for you and your guests, making planning your wedding weekend easier.
Experience
Overview of Forde Abbey and Gardens
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Pricing for Forde Abbey and Gardens
Reviews (1)
- LLoreena19/10/2019Best day ever!Best day ever!We visited Forde Abbey on holiday a few months before we were engaged, but we knew right away it was the place for us. Kayleigh was unbelievably helpful and I cannot praise her enough for all her hard work and swift replies to my many, many questions! Everything went smoothly on the day and all the guests commented on what an unusual, gorgeous venue it is. We visited Forde Abbey on holiday a few months before we were engaged, but we knew right away it was the place for us. Kayleigh was unbelievably helpful and I cannot praise her enough for all her hard work and swift replies to my many, many questions! Everything went smoothly on the day and all the guests commented on what an unusual, gorgeous venue it is.
Location & Contact Details for Forde Abbey and Gardens
What makes Forde Abbey and Gardens a unique wedding venue?
Forde Abbey and Gardens offers a historic and romantic setting with over 900 years of history as a former Cistercian monastery. Its award-winning gardens and grand architecture create an unforgettable atmosphere in the beautiful Somerset countryside.
How many weddings does Forde Abbey host per weekend?
Forde Abbey hosts only one wedding per weekend, ensuring complete privacy and personalised attention for you and your guests throughout your special day.
What ceremony and reception spaces are available at Forde Abbey?
The venue offers a variety of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces, including:
- The Great Hall: Seats up to 200 guests with a majestic oak-panelled ceiling and large windows.
- The Monks' Refectory: A cozy medieval room for up to 80 guests.
- The Undercroft: Features vaulted ceilings and stone pillars, seating 150 guests.
- The Chapel: Originally the Chapter House, available for blessings and seating up to 100 guests.
- Marquees: Space on the grounds for large celebrations tailored to your needs.
Can I have an outdoor wedding ceremony at Forde Abbey?
Yes, Forde Abbey offers beautiful outdoor spaces such as the South Lawn and gardens, perfect for ceremonies and receptions, enhanced by the stunning 30 acres of landscaped gardens.
Are there facilities available for bridal preparation at Forde Abbey?
A bridal changing suite is available on-site to provide convenience and privacy for the bride on the wedding day.
What catering options does Forde Abbey provide for weddings?
Forde Abbey works with a range of experienced catering teams to help craft a bespoke menu tailored to your preferences. You may also bring your own alcohol without any corkage fees for full control over your drinks selection.
Does Forde Abbey provide recommended local wedding suppliers?
Yes, the venue offers a list of trusted local photographers familiar with the Abbey and gardens to ensure your wedding memories are beautifully captured.
Is accommodation available at Forde Abbey for wedding guests?
While there is no on-site accommodation, Forde Abbey can recommend nearby places to stay for you and your guests, helping you plan your wedding weekend seamlessly.
What are some highlights of the gardens at Forde Abbey?
The 30 acres of gardens feature formal gardens, peaceful woodlands, a tranquil lake, and England’s highest-powered fountain, which jets water up to 160 feet high, providing a breathtaking backdrop for photos and guest enjoyment.
Can the Great Hall be used for winter weddings and receptions?
Absolutely. The Great Hall features a large open fire that adds a warm, romantic glow, making it an ideal and atmospheric setting for winter weddings.
