Visit Essex picks out the picture-perfect spots to ensure your big day is extra memorable.
The Top Wedding Venues in Essex: Picture-Perfect Locations for Your Special Day
Essex offers various enchanting locations for your wedding, whether you dream of coastal views, rustic barns, a gazebo ceremony, or an event nestled in enchanting woodlands. No matter the size of your celebration, Visit Essex has compiled the ultimate list of the top wedding venues to ensure your day is unforgettable.
Layer Marney Tower, Colchester
A Venue Steeped in History
Layer Marney Tower presents a truly romantic and majestic setting in Colchester. This venue features exquisite Tudor buildings amidst stunning gardens and parkland with idyllic views over the Blackwater Estuary. Ideal for either church or garden ceremonies, the Essex Barn at Layer Marney Tower caters to various wedding sizes, handling between 40 and 120 guests. Accommodation for your guests is readily available at nearby locations such as The Marks Tey Hotel or Rye Farm.
Leez Priory, Chelmsford
A Manor of Grandeur
Leez Priory is a breathtaking manor house engulfed in 40 acres of parkland, complete with a sweeping driveway and picturesque lawns and lakes. Located in Chelmsford, this wedding venue offers a range of settings for ceremonies, including the historic Great Tower, the Coach House Barn, and lakeside spots. With in-house chefs and a modern dance floor, Leez Priory strikes the perfect balance for your ceremony and reception, providing 25 exquisite bedrooms for the wedding party.
Chalkney Water Meadows, White Colne
Rustic Charm in White Colne
Part of the Browning Bros group, Chalkney Water Meadows is a hidden gem in the rural landscape of White Colne, near Colchester. Tie the knot among ancient woodland by a serene tree-lined lake and celebrate in their unique giant tipis, which can accommodate 100-200 guests. The venue offers full disabled access, a bar area, outdoor activity space, and the assistance of a dedicated wedding planner. Luxurious post-wedding accommodation is available at the Kingfishers Nest.
Downham Hall, Billericay
Countryside Elegance
Downham Hall in Billericay is an idyllic country house, beautifully renovated to serve as a picturesque wedding venue. It offers various spaces for ceremonies and receptions, both indoors and out, with tailor-made packages ensuring your wedding is exactly as you envision. On-site bridal changing facilities and five bedrooms for guests make the logistics of your day seamless.
Ingatestone Hall, Ingatestone
Classic Sophistication
The grandiose Ingatestone Hall is a powerful testament to 16th-century architecture, offering a stunning backdrop for intimate and grand weddings. The manor provides a versatile and opulent environment with multiple interior rooms and garden areas. Nearby accommodations include Marygreen Manor and County Hotel, which are perfect for guests seeking comfort after the celebration.
Tuffon Hall Vineyard, Sible Hedingham
Vineyard Bliss
Celebrate your union at Tuffon Hall Vineyard, known for its award-winning wines and striking cedarwood gazebo — perfect for vows. Post-ceremony, guests can savor local drinks on the terrace, followed by a reception in the 16th-century barn. The vineyard accommodates all party sizes and features a farmhouse that can house up to 10 people.
Hedingham Castle, Castle Hedingham
Regal Wedding Venue
Iconic Hedingham Castle offers a regal setting for your wedding, with its 900-year-old walls and romantic Banqueting Hall. Alternatively, the estate’s private parkland and lakes provide a beautiful outdoor ceremony option. The Georgian House and Ballroom Marquee accommodate up to 150 guests. Weekend hire of the castle and estate, including stays in the Lodge, the Royal Chamber, and the Garden Cottage, is available.
Hylands Estate, Chelmsford
A Grand Mansion Estate
Set in 574 acres of parkland, the Grade II listed mansion of Hylands Estate in Chelmsford offers an iconic setting for your big day. The estate features a new wedding suite for preparations, a variety of rooms for ceremonies, and a Grand Pavilion for receptions of up to 300 guests. An outdoor ceremony garden ensures a picturesque option for saying your vows.
Wivenhoe House Hotel, Wivenhoe
Versatile Elegance
Whether you’re planning a small, large, outdoor, or indoor wedding, Wivenhoe House Hotel caters to all preferences. Marry in the scenic garden gazebo, or choose the light-filled Garden Suite. The Signatures or Drawing Room provides a traditional setting with 18th-century charm for smaller celebrations. The hotel also offers accommodation for you and your guests.
Teybrook Orchard, Colchester
Bohemian Woodland Charm
Teybrook Orchard, another Browning Bros group venue, is an intimate, boho-style wedding location. Exchange vows in a secluded orchard and celebrates in a grand marquee for up to 120 guests. The venue provides glamping accommodation, ensuring a charming and convenient experience for you and your guests.
For more idyllic wedding locations to suit your style, please visit Visit Essex.
