16 BEST WEDDING VENUES IN HERTFORDSHIRE AND ESSEX. Find more amazing wedding venues throughout Hertfordshire and the South East From Luxury Venues to Barn Venues, find your Hertfordshire or Essex wedding venue here. When it comes to finding the best wedding venues in Hertfordshire and Essex, summer is undoubtedly the busiest time of year. With better weather and longer days, it’s no wonder couples choose this season to tie the knot. And what makes these venues stand out? Their stunning outdoor spaces, perfect for enjoying champagne in the sunshine. As a seasoned wedding photographer, John Paul has had the pleasure of capturing countless celebrations at the top luxury venues in Hertfordshire and Essex. These counties are renowned for their plethora of amazing venues, catering to every couple’s style, whether they prefer the elegance of a luxury hotel or the charm of a rustic barn. To help you find the perfect venue, we have curated a list of the very best options in Hertfordshire and Essex, drawing inspiration from real weddings.
WHY CHOOSE HERTFORDSHIRE OR ESSEX FOR YOUR WEDDING?
When it comes to finding the perfect wedding venue, Hertfordshire and Essex offer an abundance of incredible places to get married. The area is home to a vast network of wedding suppliers, ensuring that every aspect of your special day can be tailored to your vision. Many of the venues also double as hotels or offer on-site accommodation, making the planning process even more convenient. With endless opportunities to bring your dream wedding to life, it’s important to do thorough research. Create a shortlist of venues that catch your eye and arrange to visit them in person. Each venue will have dedicated coordinators available to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, you may consider hiring a wedding planner who can leverage their experience and knowledge of the venues to help guide your decision-making process. They can offer invaluable advice, such as determining if a rustic barn is logistically feasible for the size of your wedding. Additionally, a planner can assist in negotiating available dates on your behalf, ensuring that your dream venue is secured.
Get the best photos at your Hertfordshire and Essex wedding with our tips on best intimate wedding venues.
AWARD WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER – JOHN PAUL ODONNELL
IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER
1) FANHAMS HALL
Fanhams Hall hotel is located in Ware, Hertfordshire. It’s a Jacobean Mansion house and one of the facts about Fanhams is that Lord Brocket’s wife Lady Brocket resided here until her death in 1949. It was Lady Brocket’s interest in horticulture that influenced the employment of Japanese gardeners to create the Hall’s formal gardens. Her ornamental lakes and choice of trees (such as Japanese maples) can still be seen in the present-day formal grounds. An exceptional combination where old tradition meets the 21st century, Fanhams Hall is a Jacobean Manor House with 77 bedrooms. The hotel’s Hertfordshire location is just a short distance from all the major routes into London, Stanstead, M1, M25 or simply the A10 just around the corner. In my opinion as a pro photographer every angle at Fanhams is a winner. Theres so many beautiful areas that lend themselves to photographs and with Fanhams Hall the sun is always in the right position.
- Civil Ceremonies
- Accommodation
- Helicopter Landing
- Parking
- Luxury Venue
- Gardens
2) DOWN HALL
Down Hall Hotel is one of England’s most established country house hotels. Located in Hatfield Heath, near Bishop’s Stortford on the Hertfordshire and Essex border, Down Hall is 45 minutes from central London and also ideally located near Stansted Airport. Set in an area of 110 acres of outstanding beauty, this impressive historic mansion features grand interiors, ornate ceilings and an abundance of natural daylight, making a wedding at Down Hall Country House Hotel an experience like no other. Down Hall Country House Hotel has 99 bedrooms. 18 elegant meeting and event rooms, each with natural daylight, complimentary Wi-Fi connections and fully equipped with the latest technology. These light and airy rooms, in various sizes, can accommodate meetings from 2 to 200 people, are flexible in layout and can be easily adapted to meet individual requirements for conferences, meetings and events. Many of the meeting rooms embrace the historic atmosphere of Down Hall and feature crafted wood panelling, exquisite chandeliers and ornate, high ceilings.
- Civil Ceremonies
- Accommodation
- Exclusive Use
- Luxury Venue
- Gardens
3) ESSENDON COUNTRY CLUB
Essendon Country Club is the Perfect venue for your Hertfordshire Wedding. Situated in a picturesque 400 acre estate, there are lots of opportunities for beautiful wedding photography. Hosting two championship courses it really is a fantastic place to be. Essendon Golf And Country Club is the perfect backdrop for contemporary wedding photography. The family business Addison Lee was sold and brothers Kieran and Liam Griffin they then purchased Essendon Country Club in 2011. They have continued to improve every part of it and have plans in the pipeline for accommodation pods…watch this space. With more and more couples seeking barn weddings, Essendon Country Club has become one of the most popular venues in Hertfordshire.
- Civil Ceremonies
- Exclusive Use
- Parking
- Barn Venue
- Gardens
4) QUENDON HALL
Parklands Quendon Hall is one of our favourite venues to photograph weddings at. The gardens are perfect all year round. Parklands, Quendon Hall is a beautiful country home situated on the Essex/Hertfordshire border. Wedding photography at Parklands, Quendon Hall centres around the light indoor spaces and beautiful outdoor areas. The idyllic estate is set within a 100 acre Deer Park creating the perfect space for a wedding. Boasting enough space for a large and lavish affair but with the homely qualities to attract small events Quendon Hall is a great choice of venue for all weddings! The team have ensured that the venue is the perfect mix of elegant and relaxed. It’s no wonder that Parklands Quendon Hall is one of our favourite venues to photograph weddings.
- Civil Ceremonies
- Outside Weddings
- Accommodation
- Exclusive Use
- Parking
- Small to Very Large Weddings
- Luxury Venue
- Gardens
5) MULBERRY HOUSE
Mulberry House is a unique wedding venue in the heart of Essex. Built in the 1760s the grade 11 listed country house is brimming with charm. Not you’re typical stately home, this has been preserved beautifully and contemporary elements have been added to bring the property into the 21st century. Mulberry House is a fantastic venue to enjoy a traditional wedding with a twist. These interesting features make for contemporary and creative wedding photography. Set in 22 acres of beautiful grounds and with 23 en-suite bedrooms, it really does take some beating. The mansion overlooks the beautiful lake and newly refurbished bridge. The Cedar suite and outside Gazebo are licensed for civil weddings, so weather inside or out you are guaranteed a beautiful ceremony. See more of our work from Essex wedding venues.
- Outdoor Wedding
- Civil Ceremonies
- Accommodation
- Exclusive Use
- Parking
- Marquee
- Luxury Venue
- Gardens
6) HANBURY MANOR
Perhaps one of the oldest residences in Hertfordshire is Hanbury Manor. This striking property was built in 1890 and has now become an amazing wedding venue. Hanbury Manor WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY is second to none. Poles Hall which was the former chapel, now deconsecrated was converted into the magnificent banqueting room. The Thundridge Suite, Garden Court, Library, Lounge and the grounds are simply stunning. Hanbury Manor now serves as a unique venue for wedding receptions. The original features are stunning, from oak beams to the most amazing flooring and windows. Often both the Mansion House and Garden Court are used together in separate weddings but this doesn’t affect either parts as the grounds are so vast. The Mansion House is on a championship 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus II. As well as a leisure centre with heated indoor pool and state of the art gym the setting is breathtaking. Leading out from the mansion area guests can enjoy the beautiful views Hanbury Manor has to offer. We feature Hanbury Manor on our Best Hertfordshire venues list because we love it so much!
- Civil Ceremonies
- Accommodation
- Mansion House or Garden Court (2 separate venues)
- Parking
- Helicopter Landing
- Luxury Venue
- Gardens
7) BLAKE HALL
Situated in Ongar Essex sits the fantastic Blake Hall. You can get married in the 17th century Essex Barn or outside at the newly converted Saddlery. All located within a private area of the estate which is yours exclusively in the grounds of the Manor House (pic above). The venue has a rich history spanning back over 200 years! Mixing rustic barns with historic architecture, the final result is beautiful. Wedding photographers at Blake Hall can also take advantage of some of the best parts of the 60 acres the estate has to offer. When I shoot weddings here I like to use the walkways, old walls and gardens. There is a beautiful photo opportunity with the swing and manor house. Looking to host a big wedding then you need look no further than this venue. With the architecture and grounds as a backdrop, Blake Hall wedding photography is sure to be beautiful. The interior spaces of the Barns benefit from many large windows which allow natural light to flood the room. Couples choosing an indoor ceremony will have a beautifully lit scene for photography and video. The Old Coach House is used for the bride to get ready in on the wedding day and sleeps 6. The Stable Cottage is for couples for the first night of the wedding. There are a number of great spaces within Blake Hall to cater to all wedding requirements. The Hay Barn is a grand and spacious room perfect for wedding breakfasts. There are huge windows in The Essex Barn which boast views out across the Lawn. Wedding photography is made easy from the natural light that floods in. Guests can enjoy the stunning views whilst having drinks and chatting.
- Civil Ceremonies
- Outside wedding
- Accommodation
- Exclusive Use
- Parking
- Barn Venue
- Gardens
8) THAT AMAZING PLACE
That Amazing Place is an incredible Essex wedding venue, cosy, superbly intimate and also a private residence. Also it is an exclusive use venue so you don’t see any other weddings. This means that when you book your wedding in the beautiful 15th Century manor house, you also get a Wedding Cottage and 13 deluxe bedrooms for the day and night of your wedding. We highly recommend a stroll throughout the grounds to see what this venue is all about. That Amazing Place is the one of the very best for high-end weddings in Essex.
- Outdoor Wedding
- Civil Ceremonies
- Accommodation
- Exclusive Use
- Parking
- Luxury Venue
- Gardens
9) GAYNES PARK
Gaynes Park is a stylish and contemporary wedding venue in Essex, set in the grounds of a historic country estate. This beautiful barn wedding venue in Essex is privately owned and entirely yours on your special day. The picturesque venue is surrounded by British countryside made up of farmland and woodland. Gaynes Park can hold Civil Ceremonies and can also be your Wedding Reception meaning you can spend your whole day there without the need for transport and with onsite accommodation your guests don’t even have to go home at the end of the night. For couples unsure about Essex as the location for their wedding must take a look at Gaynes Park – it’s one of Essex’s finest!
- Outdoor Wedding
- Civil Ceremonies
- Accommodation
- Exclusive Use
- Parking
- Barn Venue
- Gardens
10) ASHRIDGE HOUSE
Once a royal residence to Henry VIII and Princess Elizabeth I, today Ashridge House is an award winning meeting, events and wedding venue. Set in 190 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, Ashridge House is located in Hertfordshire, only 30 minutes north of London and within easy reach of all major transport connections. Also home to Hult International Business School Ashridge House is the perfect environment to learn, reflect and to be inspired. Step back into history and elegance in the Grade I neo-gothic country estate. The beautiful chapel at Ashridge House is a hidden gem, perfect for blessings, providing a romantic scene in which to set your day. Ashridge House is known for their dedication to superb food made with seasonal locally sourced produce. They also have their own sommelier on hand to help you find the wines to match and the perfect champagne to celebrate your day. The Brownlow Lodges are perfect for the extended bridal party to relax and unwind, with an additional 179 well-appointed ensuite bedrooms, there is ample accommodation for your wedding guests, so your loved ones can relax and enjoy the beautiful country estate. Ashridge House has 190 acres of private beautiful landscaped gardens to explore, including the Italian Gardens, the Rosary and the Sunken Garden, the perfect backdrop to your special day. Engaged couples can choose to have their whole wedding at the venue from bridal preparations to the evening party. Choosing to host all aspects of the wedding in one location means more time can be spent relaxing and enjoying the day.
- Civil Ceremonies
- Accommodation
- Exclusive Use
- Parking
- Luxury Venue
- Gardens
11) OFFLEY PLACE
A stunning 17th Century Manor House in the village of Great Offley, near Hitchin in Hertfordshire. This beautiful venue, with its stunning Georgian Manor House and meticulously manicured gardens, offers a huge amount of picturesque settings for the couple’s getting married. The charming stone archways, blooming flower beds, and the majestic rose garden are just a few of the areas I love. The conservatory at Offley, has the most beautiful light and is so airy space for ceremonies and receptions. Offley have a purpose built ballroom and function area in the expansive grounds. This providing a fantastic addition, allowing couples to accommodate more guests for their reception.
- Civil Ceremonies
- Accommodation
- Parking
- Luxury Venue
- Large Weddings
- Gardens
12) BROCKET HALL
Another venue known for its grandeur and stunning gardens is Brocket Hall. One of England’s finest stately homes, renowned Auberge du Lac riverside restaurant, Grade 1 listed accommodation at Melbourne Lodge and home to The Melbourne Club, comprising of two championship golf courses set in magnificent secluded 18th century parkland. Set in the Hertfordshire countryside this property is instantly recognisable and has been used in many films. The Queen, Night of the Demon, Pride and Prejudice, Johnny English Reborn and most recently Belgravia, EastEnders and Agatha Christie’s Poirot. The Hall was built in 1760 and has been the home to two Prime Ministers, Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston, one of Queen Victoria’s favourite country estates and is today one of England’s most enchanting luxury venues favoured by the rich and famous. With luxurious accommodation and exceptional meeting facilities set in over 540 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside
- Civil Ceremonies
- Accommodation
- Parking
- Large Weddings
- Luxury Venue
- Gardens
13) SOUTH FARM
This venue has a peaceful location best enjoyed all year round. Couples love South Farm for its countryside location and beautiful interiors. The wedding barn is both dramatic and rustic. Huge oak beams and large windows create a stunning location. At night time the barn is transformed with twinkling fairy lights and views out to the night’s sky. The romantic setting has been enjoyed by many couples wanting a more laid-back wedding. Donna and Jack’s pictures provide a stunning example of South Farm wedding photography. Their wedding was captured in bright and modern photos – a signature of my style. The pretty summerhouse set in beautiful gardens is perfect for idyllic outdoor weddings. The grand Tudor Barn framed by ancient elm beams and high ceilings makes for a dramatic entrance. The country-house Drawing Room with roaring fire is perfect for intimate winter weddings and The rustic Old Dairy and delightful Horse Barn are simply stunning all year round. For your wedding breakfast, South Farm offers a variety of sublime, award-winning menus. Where possible, the delicious dishes are created using the 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables grown on site. All set in 20 acres of beautiful countryside.
- Civil Ceremonies
- Accommodation
- Caravans
- Exclusive Use
- Parking
- Barn Venue
- Gardens
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14) TEWINBURY FARM
Tewin Bury Farm Hotel is a countryside wedding venue. Set in 700 acres of stunning picturesque scenery, and with the River Mimram running through the grounds. This farmhouse dates back to 1931 when it was originally built as a dairy farm. Now a venue that offers a spectacular backdrop for weddings, couples and guests alike are sure to be delighted by the beauty of this elegant location. Tewin Bury Farm Hotel offers 45 bedrooms and suites for couples and their guests to enjoy. Each room is individually designed, while some offer their own private patios. These bedrooms have been meticulously renovated to provide modern amenities while retaining the original features from their farmhouse.
- Outdoor Wedding
- Civil Ceremonies
- Parking
- Small Weddings and Very large Weddings (Meadow Barn)
- Barn Venue
- Gardens
15) COLTSFOOT COUNTRY RETREAT
Coltsfoot is an exclusive venue for your Hertfordshire Wedding set in 40 acres of beautiful countryside for a day you and your family will never forget. Coltsfoot Country Retreat is a stunning, bespoke boutique hotel with fifteen suites. This haven of Luxury is the perfect venue to celebrate your very special day. For intimate wedding celebrations there is the Retreat Restaurant which seats up to 116 guests. For the civil ceremonies they can seat up to 120 guests with room for a further 20 guests standing. The actual ceremony has to take place within the main barn, as they do not have an outdoor licence. Many couples choose to be married in the main foyer and their guests seated in the sheltered, wooden beamed structure in the courtyard. Getting married during the summer months gives couples more choice for this aspect of the day. Read more about Coltsfoot wedding photography.
- Outdoor Wedding
- Civil Ceremonies
- Exclusive Use
- Parking
- Small Weddings
- Barn Venue
- Gardens
16) SOPWELL HOUSE
The former residence of Lord Mountbatten. Sopwell House is licensed to hold civil ceremonies, allowing you use of the fantastic venue for your whole wedding day with up to 500 guests. The St Alban Suite is stylishly decorated and acts as the perfect blank canvas for your celebrations. All of the ground floor function rooms open onto the terrace where you can enjoy stunning views across the grounds. The hotel has 128 well-appointed, stylishly decorated rooms and suites including 16 individually designed stylish Mews Suites. Other facilities on the premises include: a brasserie, a restaurant for fine dining, fantastic spa facilities, a nearby golf course, and so much more! Everything is taken care of for you to have the most wonderful celebration. Nestled in 12 acres of Hertfordshire countryside in St Albans; Sopwell House is a 4 star Georgian country house hotel. A family-owned luxury hotel that takes rest, relaxation and warm hospitality seriously. There is also a 2 AA Rosette Restaurant, Brasserie, Conservatory Bar, Cocktail Lounge and 15 event spaces perfect for meetings, conferences and spectacular weddings. Home to the UK’s first private members’ spa, Cottonmill is a vibrant haven featuring cutting edge fitness and treatments.
- Civil Ceremonies
- Accommodation
- Parking
- Small Weddings and Very large Weddings
- Luxury Venue
- Gardens
ESSEX AND HERTFORDSHIRE’S BEST WEDDING VENUES
All 16 of these best summer wedding venues in Hertfordshire and Essex have something different to offer their clients. We have had the joy of working with hundreds of couples each with a unique dream wedding. We are so lucky to have a large number of gorgeous wedding venues in a small geographical area. Whether couples are looking in Hertfordshire or Essex they are sure to find a beautiful place to get married! We love taking natural and modern wedding photos at these incredible venues. If you are considering a winter wedding read our guide to The Best Wedding Venues. Be sure to keep up to date with John Paul’s work on our portfolio page showcasing our favourite photos.