Set in private riverside grounds dotted with lavender, Notley Abbey is impossibly romantic. The beauty of its ancient monastic architecture, tranquil walled garden and long, tree-lined driveway creates one of England’s most exquisite settings for celebration.
Couples can choose to marry in the intimate Abbot’s Hall, the original main room of the house, or the spectacular, barn-like Monks’ Refectory. Outside, surrounded by wisteria in season, the walled garden makes the perfect backdrop for a summer ceremony al fresco. As guests mingle with bottomless Prosecco or Pimm’s, it’s time for your photoshoot – framed by the lime trees of the abbey’s long drive, or on the lawn with the house as your backdrop.
The Grade I listed Monks’ Refectory hosts up to 164 for your three-course wedding breakfast beneath glittering crystal chandeliers, prepared with panache by Notley Abbey’s experienced banqueting chefs, and up to 250 for an unforgettable evening reception. Later, steal away to the enchanting Notley Suite to rest your head, as your nearest and dearest settle into nine characterful bedrooms – graced, over the years, by famous guests from Henry VIII to Marilyn Monroe. Naturally, you’ll share breakfast (and stories of the night before) together the next morning. Exclusively yours for 24 hours, this is a house with a long tradition of exuberant celebration. With 25 years’ experience in planning and hosting dream weddings, yours is in the best of hands.
2024 Wedding Offer
Harper Weddings has released a limited amount of dates available for 2024 from June onwards, where you can get 24h exclusive hire of Notley Abbey from just £2,000 on your Harper Wedding.
But you’ll have to be quick, with many couples enquiring and this summer proving a very high demand one, make sure to book your visit soon to make sure you don’t miss out.
*Offer applies to new wedding bookings only and is subject to date availability. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Experience
Year Business Was Established
1997
No. of Weddings Hosted
More than 50
Overview of Notley Abbey
Venue Type
Country House
Manor House
Dining Capacity
164
Reception Capacity
250
No. of Bedrooms
9
Bridal Suite
Honeymoon Suite
Usual Access Time
11:00 AM
Late Night Extension
Yes
Ceremony & Reception
Fireworks Permitted
Wedding Licence
Sound System Available
Dancefloor Available
Outdoor Ceremony Available
Confetti Permitted
Venue
Landscaped Gardens
Exclusive Use
Bridal Changing Facilities
Disabled Access
Grade I/II Listed Building
On-Site Parking
Ballroom
Outdoor Reception Space
In-House Wedding Coordinator
Pet Friendly
Water View
Open Flame Permitted
Food and Drink
Asian Catering
In-House Wine List
In-house Catering
Halal Catering
Alcohol Licence
Kosher Catering
External Catering Permitted
Cultural Specialists
Asian Wedding Specialist
Jewish Wedding Specialist
Muslim Wedding Specialist
Other
Pricing for Notley Abbey
Venue Hire Only
Prices Start At
£2,500
Maximum Price
£12,600
Exclusive use of the house and grounds, planning support and on-the-day management. Plus all venue essentials such as chairs, tables, linen, cutlery, glasses, microphones, cake table, table plan etc.
What is included in this pricing:
External caterers not permitted
Furniture included
Couple accommodation included
Exclusive use
Wedding coordinator available on the day
Non consumables (e.g. linen, lights etc.)
In-house Catering
(price per head)
Prices Start At
£120
Includes canapés, reception drinks, 3 course wedding breakfast with wine and mineral water, a glass to toast, and an evening buffet, plus all service.
Describe the best wedding that happened at Notley Abbey ?
Weddings at Notley are so much fun - the couples that get married there certainly know how to host a great party.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Think outside the box. Do you want to choose a wedding venue like everyone else? We believe that there's more to choosing a venue than just falling in love with the bricks and mortar. Fall in love with the team, the grounds, the vibe and the menus too.
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
Flowers enhance a wedding, we know that, but when we see them hanging from beams over the top table in the Monks' Refectory, they do look rather special.
There are too many to share; from our magnificent tree-lined approach to the walled garden, the path leading up to the house and not forgetting our historic Monks' Refectory. Notley Abbey is full of wedding photography hot-spots. Bring your camera when you come to visit us.
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at Notley Abbey ?
We're lucky enough to welcome celebrity guests to Notley Abbey on a frequent basis. As the venue was once owned by Sir Laurence Oliver and Vivien Leigh, you can imagine the celebrity guest lists who used to party in the house back in the day.
What’s your favourite canapé?
Do we have to choose just one? We like to indulge, so our peeled Tiger Prawns with wasabi mayo, lime and chilli are pretty morish.
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
We wouldn't say no to a strawberry dipped in indulgent chocolate from our chocolate fountain!
What is Notley Abbey most unique feature?
Driving through the gates of any wedding venue is exciting, but at Notley Abbey, your dreams may instantly turn in to a reality because the tree-lined approach is truly spectacular and we expect you to arrive to your visit late, as our couples always want to stop and take a photo of the driveway before they reach the house.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The Harper Team help everything fall in to place; from the moment you request a brochure with us, to the morning you leave Notley Abbey as a married couple. We'll ensure you are fully supported during the throes of wedding planning and that the venue looks immaculate for your arrival, both inside and out.
Press & Awards
All our awards & press mentions
Bridebook recommended photographer
Looking to find a great photographer?
Wendy Aldiss Photography has previously worked at Notley Abbey . Check out their work!