Limited-Time Offers & Deals (3)
- Exclusive Bridebook DealBridebook Couple Discount50% off exclusive hire - Begin your forever in 2026 and enjoy 50% off exclusive venue hire on remaining 2026 dates - *Food, drink and accommodation priced separately. Excludes New
- Late AvailabilityLast Minute Dates AvailableLate Availability
- Bridebook DealSeasonal Offer Available50% off exclusive hire
Description
Historic exclusive-use hideaway
Notley Abbey is an exclusive-use historic wedding venue set on the Buckinghamshire–Oxfordshire border. Reached via a sweeping, tree-lined drive, this striking 13th-century abbey reveals itself amid countryside views and secluded riverside gardens. Steeped in history and once home to Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, Notley Abbey blends centuries of history with modern elegance. From elegant, intimate weddings to spectacular celebrations for up to 250 guests, Notley Abbey offers a truly unforgettable backdrop for your day. The entire house and grounds are exclusively yours for the day and night of your wedding. With licensed ceremony spaces both inside and out, you choose the setting that feels right for you.
The Ceremony
If walls could talk, the Abbott's Hall would have great tales to tell. Once Sir Laurence Olivier's drawing room, it features a hidden staircase leading to a 15th-century turret. Intimate and romantic, it's perfect for ceremonies of up to 110. For grand weddings, the Monks’ Refectory hosts up to 164 guests for ceremonies or wedding breakfasts and up to 250 for evening celebrations. Featuring historic stone walls and glass doors that flood the room with daylight, and elegant chandeliers, it effortlessly blends historic character with contemporary style. Dreaming of an outdoor ceremony? The Walled Garden provides a classic English backdrop, framed by ancient stone walls, abundant greenery, and a naturally romantic atmosphere.
Accommodation
As the music fades, retire to the Notley Suite – complete with a romantic four-poster bed and free standing bathtub – while your nearest and dearest retreat to one of nine beautifully appointed bedrooms, each named after the famous faces who've partied here over the years (Marilyn Monroe included). The following morning, gather for a relaxed breakfast together – the perfect chance to relive the highlights from your special day.
Harper Kitchens
Exceptional food is at the heart of celebrations at Notley Abbey. Harper Kitchens is led by Executive Chef Lionel Jouanet, who previously worked at The Dorchester, creating menus with a focus on flavour and seasonality. We work with trusted suppliers who share our focus on quality and provenance – local family butchers, artisan smokehouses, seasonal produce – to create generous, flavourful dishes that people remember long after the day.
Your wedding includes the Harper Tasting Experience: a chef's selection of starters, mains and desserts, alongside a range of drinks, so you can make the perfect choices for your day.
Your Day, Your Way
We believe your wedding should feel wonderfully personal – so we give you the tools and support to make it truly yours. You'll have your own online wedding planner, where you can manage details, track decisions, and keep everything in one place. You'll also have dedicated support from our in-house planning team, with meetings included throughout your journey from booking to the big day.
The Harper Weddings Collection
Notley Abbey is part of Harper Weddings, a family-owned company that also runs Botleys Mansion in Surrey and Cain Manor on the Surrey-Hampshire border. After more than 25 years of hosting weddings, we know how to create celebrations that reflect who you are as a couple - and that's what we'd love to help you create.
Visit Notley Abbey
Download our brochure and pricing from our website, or — better still — come and see Notley Abbey for yourself.
Message from the team
Experience
Overview of Notley Abbey
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Cultural Specialists
Pricing for Notley Abbey
Reviews (76)
- LLauren & William30/03/2026Pure magic!Pure magic!What a day! From the very first time we contacted Notley Abbey the staff were so lovely and attentive. Especially Maisie who assisted with the finer details and worked with us closely to plan the day. I was treated like royalty on the wedding day, Rachel and Ellie were so brilliant. The venue speaks for itself, it’s so beautiful (in all seasons) and I would choose it every time. All of the guests commented how fabulous the venue was and how delicious the food was. It was pure magic!What a day! From the very first time we contacted Notley Abbey the staff were so lovely and attentive. Especially Maisie who assisted with the finer details and worked with us closely to plan the day. I was treated like royalty on the wedding day, Rachel and Ellie were so brilliant. The venue speaks for itself, it’s so beautiful (in all seasons) and I would choose it every time. All of the guests commented how fabulous the venue was and how delicious the food was. It was pure magic!
- WWill and Lauren30/03/2026Pure MagicPure MagicWhat a day! From the very first time we contacted Notley Abbey the staff were so lovely and attentive. Even when we had to navigate postponing our whole wedding they were wonderful to deal with. Especially Maisie who assisted with the finer details and worked with us closely to plan the day. I was treated like royalty on the wedding day, Rachel and Ellie were so brilliant and I couldn’t thank them, and all of the staff enough for their hard work, it really allowed me to enjoy the day without a second to worry or plan. The venue speaks for itself, it’s so beautiful (in all seasons) and I would choose it every time. All of the guests commented how fabulous the venue was and how delicious the food was. I hope to return every chance we get, it was pure magic! Lauren and Will What a day! From the very first time we contacted Notley Abbey the staff were so lovely and attentive. Even when we had to navigate postponing our whole wedding they were wonderful to deal with. Especially Maisie who assisted with the finer details and worked with us closely to plan the day. I was treated like royalty on the wedding day, Rachel and Ellie were so brilliant and I couldn’t thank them, and all of the staff enough for their hard work, it really allowed me to enjoy the day without a second to worry or plan. The venue speaks for itself, it’s so beautiful (in all seasons) and I would choose it every time. All of the guests commented how fabulous the venue was and how delicious the food was. I hope to return every chance we get, it was pure magic! Lauren and Will
- TTegan & Andrew17/03/2026A fairy tale wedding in a beautiful and historic venueA fairy tale wedding in a beautiful and historic venueNotley Abbey and their staff went above and beyond to help make our dream wedding a reality, it was truly an unforgettable day that created memories we will cherish for a lifetime. From the beginning, the wedding planning system was easy to use, and if I ever had any questions, Maisie and the team were always so quick to respond and ever so helpful throughout the entire process. In the lead-up to the wedding, every meeting felt highly productive, and I consistently felt confident that everything was being carefully managed and taken care of. It was easy to keep a track of our budgets, as it's all laid out clearly via the planner and adding extras was very straight forward. The list of preferred supplies was also extremely helpful, and whilst we chose to utilize many of these options, there was never any pressure to do so. The food was absolutely delicious and after enjoying the Tasting Experience immensely, we went into the wedding confident knowing that the breakfast would be enjoyed by everyone (and it was!). Everyone's food arrived promptly and the tables were laid out beautifully including the gifts, wedding favours, decorations, and table names / guest names. Allergies and specific guest needs were also catered to very thoughtfully. We've had so many compliments on the venue, Notley Abbey is a beautiful location which speaks for itself the moment you set your eyes on it. What really stood out to us though was the attentive staff, who really made us and our guests feel cared for on the day. From the moment we arrived on our wedding day, everything was perfectly taken care of. We were greeted by staff who helped us to our rooms, all of our items were taken care of, and we were able to enjoy our time prior to the ceremony. Communication throughout the day was perfect, and we knew exactly where we needed to be and when at all times. Following the ceremony, and whilst photos were being taken, we were so grateful that the staff ensured we still had the chance to enjoy the food available - and even left some to the side for us to enjoy! Additionally, a few of our younger guests felt overwhelmed in the busier areas throughout the day, and the staff kindly took them to quieter spaces and made sure they were happy and settled throughout the day. I was so pleased to learn that every one of our guests were being taken care of so kindly and thoughtfully. We are so grateful to the team for helping to make our dream wedding day a reality. I would absolutely recommend Notley Abbey, our wedding day felt like a fairytale which was brought to reality by their incredible team. Thank you so much for everything.Notley Abbey and their staff went above and beyond to help make our dream wedding a reality, it was truly an unforgettable day that created memories we will cherish for a lifetime. From the beginning, the wedding planning system was easy to use, and if I ever had any questions, Maisie and the team were always so quick to respond and ever so helpful throughout the entire process. In the lead-up to the wedding, every meeting felt highly productive, and I consistently felt confident that everything was being carefully managed and taken care of. It was easy to keep a track of our budgets, as it's all laid out clearly via the planner and adding extras was very straight forward. The list of preferred supplies was also extremely helpful, and whilst we chose to utilize many of these options, there was never any pressure to do so. The food was absolutely delicious and after enjoying the Tasting Experience immensely, we went into the wedding confident knowing that the breakfast would be enjoyed by everyone (and it was!). Everyone's food arrived promptly and the tables were laid out beautifully including the gifts, wedding favours, decorations, and table names / guest names. Allergies and specific guest needs were also catered to very thoughtfully. We've had so many compliments on the venue, Notley Abbey is a beautiful location which speaks for itself the moment you set your eyes on it. What really stood out to us though was the attentive staff, who really made us and our guests feel cared for on the day. From the moment we arrived on our wedding day, everything was perfectly taken care of. We were greeted by staff who helped us to our rooms, all of our items were taken care of, and we were able to enjoy our time prior to the ceremony. Communication throughout the day was perfect, and we knew exactly where we needed to be and when at all times. Following the ceremony, and whilst photos were being taken, we were so grateful that the staff ensured we still had the chance to enjoy the food available - and even left some to the side for us to enjoy! Additionally, a few of our younger guests felt overwhelmed in the busier areas throughout the day, and the staff kindly took them to quieter spaces and made sure they were happy and settled throughout the day. I was so pleased to learn that every one of our guests were being taken care of so kindly and thoughtfully. We are so grateful to the team for helping to make our dream wedding day a reality. I would absolutely recommend Notley Abbey, our wedding day felt like a fairytale which was brought to reality by their incredible team. Thank you so much for everything.
- UUtshah & Edward03/02/2026Everything we wanted and moreEverything we wanted and moreWe're still on cloud nine from the wedding. It was honestly everything we wanted and more. We can't tell you enough how amazing the whole Harper Weddings experience was. From the moment we first visited Notley Abbey, you made us feel so looked after. The planning process was smooth, you were always there when we needed you, and on the day itself everything just flowed beautifully. The venue looked absolutely stunning and you really helped bring our vision to life. We're still on cloud nine from the wedding. It was honestly everything we wanted and more. We can't tell you enough how amazing the whole Harper Weddings experience was. From the moment we first visited Notley Abbey, you made us feel so looked after. The planning process was smooth, you were always there when we needed you, and on the day itself everything just flowed beautifully. The venue looked absolutely stunning and you really helped bring our vision to life.
- SSarah & Jack05/01/2026Best day of our livesBest day of our livesWe had our wedding at Notley in November and it truly was the best day of our lives. The venue is stunning and speaks for itself but the staff at Notley are what make the difference. They went above and beyond to make our day run as smoothly as possible, all while making us feel special and cared for. They communicated well and let us know exactly what they needed and when. The food was phenomenal and the service on the day was exceptional. We had our wedding at Notley in November and it truly was the best day of our lives. The venue is stunning and speaks for itself but the staff at Notley are what make the difference. They went above and beyond to make our day run as smoothly as possible, all while making us feel special and cared for. They communicated well and let us know exactly what they needed and when. The food was phenomenal and the service on the day was exceptional.
- HHannah & Luca16/12/2025Better than we could have ever dreamedBetter than we could have ever dreamedWe had the most wonderful day and it was better than we could have ever dreamed of. Everyone there on the day was amazing. Ellie was super organised and we were amazed how much she knew about the wedding since she had not been involved in the pre wedding planning process. On the day her energy was exactly what we needed super calm efficient and everything she did was perfect and meant me and Hannah could relax. The day went perfectly, the room space was gorgeous, and the food was impeccable. We had the most wonderful day and it was better than we could have ever dreamed of. Everyone there on the day was amazing. Ellie was super organised and we were amazed how much she knew about the wedding since she had not been involved in the pre wedding planning process. On the day her energy was exactly what we needed super calm efficient and everything she did was perfect and meant me and Hannah could relax. The day went perfectly, the room space was gorgeous, and the food was impeccable.
- HHelena & David08/12/2025Couldn't have asked for meCouldn't have asked for meWe had an absolutely incredible wedding day and were blown away not only by how beautiful Notley Abbey looked, but also how brilliant the team were and the way they helped the day run so smoothly. We couldn't have asked for anything more!We had an absolutely incredible wedding day and were blown away not only by how beautiful Notley Abbey looked, but also how brilliant the team were and the way they helped the day run so smoothly. We couldn't have asked for anything more!
- JJessica & Luke28/11/2025Out of this worldOut of this worldFrom the second we arrived at Notley back in 2021 we fell in love with the place and knew that was where we had to get married. Fast forward to November 7th 2025 and we had the most incredible day. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the team and the day was super relaxed, the drinks were constantly flowing, the food was out of this world incredible and they made our vision come to life. Thank you for making our dreams come true.From the second we arrived at Notley back in 2021 we fell in love with the place and knew that was where we had to get married. Fast forward to November 7th 2025 and we had the most incredible day. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the team and the day was super relaxed, the drinks were constantly flowing, the food was out of this world incredible and they made our vision come to life. Thank you for making our dreams come true.
- KKale & Matt27/11/2025SeamlessSeamlessAs soon as we drove down the impressive drive way we knew this was were we wanted to get married! Through planning I knew I could call at any time and ask questions and they helped make my anxiety less for the big day! Massive thank you to Maisie! She was amazing! Nothing was to much. From the moment we arrived we were looked after! The day was seamless I have never felt such a relaxed atmosphere! The team were attentive and made sure we didn’t need anything because it was already there!As soon as we drove down the impressive drive way we knew this was were we wanted to get married! Through planning I knew I could call at any time and ask questions and they helped make my anxiety less for the big day! Massive thank you to Maisie! She was amazing! Nothing was to much. From the moment we arrived we were looked after! The day was seamless I have never felt such a relaxed atmosphere! The team were attentive and made sure we didn’t need anything because it was already there!
- MMolly & George14/11/2025More than we could have ever imaginedMore than we could have ever imaginedThank you for all of your help, guidance and support throughout our whole wedding process and wedding day. Maisie was so helpful with the whole planning process and on the day Ellie and Natalie were incredible. We couldn’t have done it without them. We are so glad we chose to have our special day with you and it will always hold such a special place in our hearts. Thank you so so much for making our day more than we could have ever imagined. Thank you for all of your help, guidance and support throughout our whole wedding process and wedding day. Maisie was so helpful with the whole planning process and on the day Ellie and Natalie were incredible. We couldn’t have done it without them. We are so glad we chose to have our special day with you and it will always hold such a special place in our hearts. Thank you so so much for making our day more than we could have ever imagined.
Location & Contact Details for Notley Abbey
How do we secure a date?
Once visited (in person or virtually), you are welcome to reserve your chosen date for 10 days with a refundable £500 deposit. This enables you time to enquire about availability with the Registrar or church as well as read through our T&Cs before confirming your booking. At the end of the 10-day holding period, a further £1,000 confirmation deposit is due to confirm the date. The full amount of £1,500 is then deducted from your balance.
When do you require final details from us?
We like to give our couples as much time as possible to finalise the plans for the big day therefore, we don’t need any final details from you until 2-weeks before the wedding. This is when your online planner locks and details will be shared with the relevant teams to ensure your day runs without a hitch. If you do have any updates for us after this time, please communicate them as soon as possible and we will do everything we can to accommodate changes.
Do you provide a wedding co-ordinator on the day?
Yes, for all our package wedding bookings our team will be on hand to ensure your day runs seamlessly. In addition to that, you have a dedicated Wedding Planning Team available for any support you require 7-days a week in the lead up to your big day.
For dry hire booking, wedding co-ordination should be arranged separately however, we can help with recommendations if you need!
What style of food do you offer?
Exceptional food has always been at the heart of Harper Weddings. Our chefs work with trusted suppliers like Hampshire butchers Owton’s and artisan smokehouses to create seasonal dishes that make people smile.
Our mains are designed to delight all the senses. Our slow-cooked, coffee-rubbed Hampshire beef – served with butternut squash purée, creamed potato, crispy onions, and a deep, glossy jus – is a firm favourite, using quality local beef from Ownton’s butchers.
Our Moroccan-style braised lamb tagine brings warm spice and tender meat alongside spiced sweet potato and seasonal vegetables. And our butternut, spinach, and ricotta wellington, with its buttery pastry and fragrant sage jus, is a comforting, balanced, and carefully composed vegetarian dish.
Do you allow external caterers?
We have a fantastic team of in-house chefs and encourage couples to book our wedding package to ensure a stress-free day knowing everything is planned and executed within the Harper Weddings team. We do, however, welcome dry hire bookings on select dates where an external caterer can be used.
Do we have a menu tasting before the wedding?
Yes! You’ll be invited to a Tasting Experience in the lead up to your special day – an intimate date night where you get to try a range of dishes and drinks from our menu. After being welcomed with fizz and canapés, sit down to an indulgent menu and wine tasting, topped off with a cocktail tower before you head home. You may also find a small selection of Harper Partners around to chat with too!
Do you have recommended suppliers?
Yes, you can find our carefully selected Harper Partners on our website, under Wedding Resources. Should you prefer to source external suppliers for your day, you’re more than welcome to do so. Please note that we provide all food and drink for our package weddings.
Do you allow fireworks and sparklers?
Both are permitted! The nearby farm needs to be notified of a fireworks display, but this is something the Wedding Planning Team will do for you.
Can our dog attend the wedding?
Absolutely! We are proud to welcome dogs at our venues and your fur-baby is welcome to be with you throughout the entire day, evening and also overnight.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, we have ramps that enable access to all the main spaces in the venue. The rooms in the Cottage are also on the ground floor.
