Description
Welcome to The Elephant Hotel: Your Perfect Wedding Venue
Combining charming 19th-century character with modern style, The Elephant Hotel in Pangbourne, Berkshire, offers a truly unique and memorable setting for your wedding day. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, this boutique hotel’s quirky interiors, cozy lounges, and romantic secret gardens create a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere that’s perfect for your special moment.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces Tailored to You
The Elephant Hotel is fully licensed for both indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies, giving you plenty of options to suit your wedding style and guest list size. Choose from these beautiful spaces:
- The Elephant Room: Bright and spacious with its own bar, ideal for ceremonies and wedding breakfasts. It accommodates up to 140 guests for ceremonies and 132 for seated meals.
- The Herd: A cozy, elegant space featuring a fireplace and wooden floors, perfect for more intimate ceremonies with up to 76 guests.
- The Garden Pavilion: Dreaming of an outdoor ceremony? This charming pavilion sits within a secluded walled garden and can host up to 140 guests in a romantic setting.
Evening receptions can welcome up to 170 guests, making it easy to transition from your ceremony and meal to a lively night of dancing and celebration. If you prefer a traditional church ceremony, a lovely church is conveniently located right next door.
Delicious Catering and Comfortable Accommodation
The Elephant Hotel’s expert culinary team offers a variety of dining options tailored to your tastes. From elegant three-course wedding breakfasts to relaxed barbecues, hog roasts, or even evening pizzas from the outdoor oven, your wedding food will be a highlight of the day. Don’t miss the Babar bar, featuring over 60 craft gins to add a special touch to your drinks reception.
For your guests’ comfort, the hotel has 22 individually designed boutique bedrooms, including four on the ground floor. Many couples choose exclusive use of the venue, which provides private access to the entire hotel and gardens and can accommodate up to 44 guests overnight.
Why Couples Love The Elephant Hotel
- Capacity: Licensed for up to 140 guests for ceremonies and dining, and up to 170 for evening receptions. Intimate weddings with as few as two guests are warmly welcomed.
- Personalized Service: A dedicated wedding coordinator works closely with you to create a celebration that’s truly your own, whether you prefer an all-inclusive package or a bespoke experience.
- Convenient Location: Located in the heart of Pangbourne, just a 5-minute walk from Pangbourne Station and a 20-minute drive from Reading, making it easy for guests to attend.
- Dog-Friendly: Your furry friends are welcome here—The Elephant Hotel is a “woof-approved” venue, so your pets can be part of your big day.
- Unique Atmosphere: Enjoy romantic secret gardens, roaring log fires in cozy lounges, and stylish, quirky décor that sets this venue apart.
Message from the team
Experience
Overview of The Elephant Hotel
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Cultural Specialists
Pricing for The Elephant Hotel
Reviews (6)
- LLucinda & Peter21/06/2023Fabulous dayFabulous dayWe picked The Elephant because we loved the colonial, old-world, faded glamour feeling throughout the hotel. It’s cozy and quirky and not at all stuffy. I had met with the manager, Adam, a couple of times in the lead up to our wedding. He had always gone over and above to respond to all of my queries, and put my mind at ease. Nothing was too small or too trivial. I had had some concerns that the garden had been a bit neglected, but he had taken all my comments on board and has been overseeing significant improvements. He really seemed to have made it his personal mission to make sure that our day was perfect. He was there to welcome us on arrival on Friday, was on hand from early on Saturday morning, right through until the last guests went to bed in the early hours of the morning.... and was still there on Sunday as we were clearing up! The whole team of staff were brilliant throughout our stay. On arrival the day before our wedding, we were greeted by the lovely receptionist, who was very accommodating to a nervous bride! She showed me to my room personally, to make sure I was happy and settled. Many of my guests commented how lovely and smiley all the staff were – we felt so well looked after. Little touches like leaving a bottle of chilled prosecco in our room on our wedding night were really thoughtful and much appreciated 😊 We were really impressed by the food: from the selection of canapes, to the 3 course wedding breakfast, and pizzas from the outside pizza oven in the evening, it was all well-presented and very tasty. Breakfast was great too! Everything went exactly as we had hoped and planned. We had lots of different suppliers coming in and out through the day, and the staff ensured that the whole weekend ran smoothly so we did not have to worry about a thing. We really could not have asked for more. We picked The Elephant because we loved the colonial, old-world, faded glamour feeling throughout the hotel. It’s cozy and quirky and not at all stuffy. I had met with the manager, Adam, a couple of times in the lead up to our wedding. He had always gone over and above to respond to all of my queries, and put my mind at ease. Nothing was too small or too trivial. I had had some concerns that the garden had been a bit neglected, but he had taken all my comments on board and has been overseeing significant improvements. He really seemed to have made it his personal mission to make sure that our day was perfect. He was there to welcome us on arrival on Friday, was on hand from early on Saturday morning, right through until the last guests went to bed in the early hours of the morning.... and was still there on Sunday as we were clearing up! The whole team of staff were brilliant throughout our stay. On arrival the day before our wedding, we were greeted by the lovely receptionist, who was very accommodating to a nervous bride! She showed me to my room personally, to make sure I was happy and settled. Many of my guests commented how lovely and smiley all the staff were – we felt so well looked after. Little touches like leaving a bottle of chilled prosecco in our room on our wedding night were really thoughtful and much appreciated 😊 We were really impressed by the food: from the selection of canapes, to the 3 course wedding breakfast, and pizzas from the outside pizza oven in the evening, it was all well-presented and very tasty. Breakfast was great too! Everything went exactly as we had hoped and planned. We had lots of different suppliers coming in and out through the day, and the staff ensured that the whole weekend ran smoothly so we did not have to worry about a thing. We really could not have asked for more.
- KKirsten04/08/2016We had an amazing day...We had an amazing day...We had an amazing day. The staff could not have done more for us. Claire was always available promptly beforehand to answer minor or major questions. The food was exquisite. The rooms we used in the day and also the garden were perfect. A lot of our friends are disabled and they were well accommodated and catered for. It is a small venue which boasts the personal approach. We got the staff very well. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others.We had an amazing day. The staff could not have done more for us. Claire was always available promptly beforehand to answer minor or major questions. The food was exquisite. The rooms we used in the day and also the garden were perfect. A lot of our friends are disabled and they were well accommodated and catered for. It is a small venue which boasts the personal approach. We got the staff very well. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others.
- HHelen22/07/2016The Elephant is beautifully quirky...The Elephant is beautifully quirky...The Elephant is beautifully quirky and every room from the ceremony room to the reception room to the bedrooms has a style of its own which we loved. The garden with its view to the church was lovely for photos too. Claire, the resident wedding planner, responded quickly to any email queries I had before the wedding and gave valuable advice. On the day everything went smoothly and the staff were very efficient, helpful and always smiling. We had a wonderful day that we will never forget.The Elephant is beautifully quirky and every room from the ceremony room to the reception room to the bedrooms has a style of its own which we loved. The garden with its view to the church was lovely for photos too. Claire, the resident wedding planner, responded quickly to any email queries I had before the wedding and gave valuable advice. On the day everything went smoothly and the staff were very efficient, helpful and always smiling. We had a wonderful day that we will never forget.
- SSuneel16/07/2016really nice venue...really nice venue...really nice venue, friendly, helpful and courteous staff. we had a great day!really nice venue, friendly, helpful and courteous staff. we had a great day!
- AAndrew27/05/2016The elephant stood out to us as the venue of...The elephant stood out to us as the venue of...The elephant stood out to us as the venue of choice due to its charm and relaxed atmosphere. Some venues seem too stuffy and pompous, we wanted something that offered a professional friendly service with a laid back feel, the venue, food, service and staff made it our perfect day to remember.The elephant stood out to us as the venue of choice due to its charm and relaxed atmosphere. Some venues seem too stuffy and pompous, we wanted something that offered a professional friendly service with a laid back feel, the venue, food, service and staff made it our perfect day to remember.
- SSharon13/02/2016We were given a complimentary meal at the hotel restaurant...We were given a complimentary meal at the hotel restaurant...We were given a complimentary meal at the hotel restaurant before the event including wine tasting, it was all very helpful to us when making our wine and menu choices for our wedding day, and we did have a BRILLIANT wedding day.We were given a complimentary meal at the hotel restaurant before the event including wine tasting, it was all very helpful to us when making our wine and menu choices for our wedding day, and we did have a BRILLIANT wedding day.
Location & Contact Details for The Elephant Hotel
What types of wedding ceremonies can be held at The Elephant Hotel?
The Elephant Hotel is fully licensed to host both indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies. You can choose from charming spaces like The Elephant Room for large ceremonies, The Herd for intimate weddings, or the beautiful Garden Pavilion for a romantic outdoor ceremony.
What is the maximum guest capacity for weddings at The Elephant Hotel?
The Elephant Hotel can accommodate up to 140 guests for ceremonies and seated wedding breakfasts. Evening receptions can host up to 170 guests, making it ideal for both intimate and larger celebrations.
Does The Elephant Hotel offer accommodation for wedding guests?
Yes, the hotel features 22 individually designed boutique bedrooms, including four accessible ground-floor rooms. Exclusive use options are available, allowing your guests to stay overnight in comfort with up to 44 guests accommodated.
Can I have a traditional church wedding if I choose The Elephant Hotel as my venue?
Absolutely. While The Elephant Hotel offers licensed civil ceremonies, there is a lovely church conveniently located next door if you prefer a traditional religious service.
What catering options are available for weddings at The Elephant Hotel?
The Elephant Hotel's expert culinary team provides a variety of tailored dining experiences, including:
- Elegant three-course wedding breakfasts
- Relaxed barbecues and hog roasts
- Evening pizzas cooked in the outdoor oven
Is The Elephant Hotel a dog-friendly wedding venue?
Yes, The Elephant Hotel is a "woof-approved" venue, welcoming your furry friends to be part of your special day.
Where is The Elephant Hotel located and is it easy for guests to reach?
The venue is located in the heart of Pangbourne, Berkshire, RG8 7AR. It is conveniently just a 5-minute walk from Pangbourne Station and a 20-minute drive from Reading, facilitating easy access for wedding guests.
What unique features make The Elephant Hotel standout as a wedding venue?
The Elephant Hotel offers a unique combination of 19th-century charm and modern style, including:
- Quirky, stylish décor
- Cozy lounges with roaring log fires
- Secluded romantic secret gardens
- Multiple flexible ceremony and reception spaces
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
Pizza
Can I customize my wedding event at The Elephant Hotel?
Yes, a dedicated wedding coordinator works closely with you to tailor your celebration. Whether you prefer an all-inclusive package or a bespoke experience, the team will help craft a wedding that reflects your personal style.
What is your venue's most unique feature?
The Herd room with its high ceilings, magnificent fireplace and wooden floors
What part of your business are you most proud of?
How dedicated our team are to making your day one to remember
Is The Elephant Hotel suitable for small, intimate weddings?
Definitely. The venue warmly welcomes intimate weddings with as few as two guests, and offers cozy ceremony spaces like The Herd for smaller gatherings, ensuring a personal and special atmosphere.
