Wedding venue inspiration - Historic venues

Sudbury House Hotel & Restaurant, Faringdon, Oxfordshire

Nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds in nine acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and surrounded by woodland sits this recently refurbished, Grade 11 listed, four-star hotel. The main part benefits from a contemporary design while the neighbouring Old House, formerly a Georgian family house, has been restored to its former glory and is a popular choice for weddings with its antique furnishings, sculptures, artwork and magnificent wooden staircase combined with an elegant red carpet.

Phyllis Court Club, Oxfordshire

A breathtaking wedding venue riverside setting, Phyllis Court is an elegant historic manor made up of graceful buildings and 18 acres of manicured lawns sweeping down to the River Thames with views of the Chilterns countryside beyond.

Cliveden House, Berkshire

Surrounded by expansive National Trust-managed gardens and woodland with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the river Thames, the majestic, Grade I listed Cliveden House wedding venue is a 19th-century Italianate masterpiece.

Hedsor House, Buckinghamshire

Set in almost 100 acres of private parkland, the exclusive-use wedding venue Hedsor House was completed in 1868 and modelled on the Italian villa style. Brides will find it hard not to feel like a princess as they appear from the bridal suite and descend the grand staircase alongside 12ft portraits of the Hedsor's former royal guests. Couples can tie the knot in the house with up to 150 loved ones and there's even a Medieval church on the grounds. When it comes to the reception, the newly refurbished Grand Ballroom can seat up to 150 for the wedding breakfast, and there's room for up to 250 friends and family for an evening reception.

Wasing Park, Berkshire

Set within a vast estate in the heart of the Berkshire countryside, wedding venue Wasing Park offers a fairytale of rural seclusion, a charming cluster of historic buildings forming a picture-perfect 'wedding village'. Wasing Park has a flawless fusion of traditional and contemporary spaces, from the exposed brick walls of the Castle Barn to the light-filled, neutral décor of the Garden Room – there's an 'old meets new' atmosphere.

Dorney Court, Berkshire

With its lattice windows, characterful wooden framework, steeply pitched gable roofs and playfully decorative chimneys, wedding venue Dorney Court provides a fairytale backdrop for weddings. There are two contrasting indoor spaces in The Great Hall, offering the original features of a Tudor home steeped in history whereas The Coach House Barn, having been newly renovated, provides a light and airy space full of rustic charm. You can tie the knot in either with 55 or 120 friends and family, respectively, and there's also a 17th-century church in the heart of the picturesque grounds offering services for 100.

Villiers Hotel, Buckinghamshire

Located in the beautiful Medieval town of Buckingham, wedding venue Villiers is a magnificent four-star hotel steeped in history. An elegant house built in the early 1500s, which still retains its ancient cobbled courtyard, it offers a rare balance of relaxed comfort, informal surroundings and impeccable service.

Notley Abbey, Buckinghamshire

This historic wedding venue, located on the Buckinghamshire/Oxfordshire border is impressive from the moment you drive through the gates. Exclusively yours for 24 hours, Notley Abbey can host wedding ceremonies both inside and out for up to 172 loved ones in a choice of three locations: the Abbot's Hall for an intimate celebration, The Monks' Refectory for a larger group or the enchanting walled garden. Enjoy the grounds, gardens and ambience of the beautifully restored country house before heading down the covered Cloisters Garden walk to the Monks' Refectory – a chandelier-lit, characterful stone barn, bursting with history and rustic glamour. There's room for up to 172 guests for the wedding breakfast and 250 guests for an evening reception, as well as nine guest suites, ensuring no one will turn into a pumpkin.

Colston Hall, Buckinghamshire

This striking grade II listed wedding venue is surrounded by grounds and pretty gardens making a picture-perfect setting for photographs and for entertaining al fresco - a beautiful backdrop! Awash with neutral colours it's facade and interior will compliment any big-day them, with it's large halls and rooms providing a wonderful atmosphere for a grand, yet relaxed day.

Kingston Bagpuize House, Oxfordshire

Set in acres of lush parkland with roaming deer, and rolling lawns for croquet and drinks, the exclusive-use wedding venue Kingston Bagpuize House also boasts raised terraces, pavilions for private photos and ceremonies, and wildlife ponds and follies - all providing the ideal backdrop to any wedding or event!

Milton Hill House, Oxfordshire

Milton Hill House is a traditional Georgian house wedding venue within 22-acres of land, what more space do you need with your family and friends? The original white building is a perfect backdrop for those all-important wedding photos and with plenty of outdoor areas for guests to mingle in, old oak trees really frame the feel of the grounds with flowers blooming in the summer – it's very quintessentially English.

Missenden Abbey, Buckinghamshire

Set amidst 10 acres of picturesque grounds in the heart of the Chilterns, Medieval 12th-century Missenden Abbey boasts a stunning summerhouse, pond and a 500-year-old cedar tree – there are photo opportunities aplenty at this exclusive-use wedding venue! After a devastating fire in 1985, Missenden Abbey was lovingly recreated and restored to its former glory with the addition of new architectural design; it perfectly blends history with modern aesthetics, yet still features unique stained-glass windows.

De Vere Wokefield Estate, Berkshire

Set in 250 acres of beautiful Berkshire parkland with championship golf course, De Vere Wokefield Estate boasts elegantly manicured lawns with views across the lake – all of which can be explored by guests and visitors when choosing this big-day wedding venue. Offering period features, picturesque gardens and a mansion house filled with history and heritage, it's quite the setting for a dream wedding day!

De Vere Latimer Estate, Buckinghamshire

Nestled in 30 acres of rolling countryside in a small quintessentially British village, the estate has landscaped gardens surrounding the mansion house – an idyllic wedding venue - with sweeping views over the Chess Valley. Latimer Estate really is situated within an area of outstanding natural beauty, from the moment you arrive at the tree-lined drive and you cannot help but be captivated by its grandeur.

The Bodleian Libraries, Oxford

The Bodleian Libraries make for a beautiful wedding venue set in the heart of Oxford and surrounded by many other iconic structures, such as the prestigious colleges, Bridge of Sighs and The Sheldonian Theatre. The Old Bodleian Library's eye-catching architecture provides an ideal scenery for any wedding photos. Charming archways lead into the Old Schools Quadrangle where you will often find intricate stonework, gargoyles and Tower of the Five Orders.

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

Set amongst the cityscape of Oxford's dreaming spires, the Ashmolean is a magnificent wedding venue in the heart of Britain's cultural heritage. Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean is a Grade I listed building and the oldest public museum in the world. Its impressive exterior is made up of a majestic forecourt and a Neo-classical façade, including stone pillars and a portico, which can be up-lit in the evenings. These breathtaking features, together with the museum's original doors, create an entrance to remember.

The Randolph, Oxford

The grand dame of Oxfordshire hotels, The Randolph is a stunning, Gothic-Victorian hotel wedding venue that has been welcoming brides, grooms and guests for more than 150 years. Steeped in history it stands proudly in the heart of Oxford's dreaming spires and is a stunning backdrop for couples looking for a city-centre wedding.

De Vere Beaumont Estate, Berkshire

De Vere Beaumont Estate is a picturesque hotel wedding venue set in the world-famous royal borough of Windsor. Once home to various families of the British aristocracy, there is an air of enchantment that grips you from the moment you arrive. This 44-acre estate of stunning grounds which includes natural ponds, manicured gardens and quirky sculptures; is free for guests and visitors to explore – there's even Hunter wellies available to borrow from reception! Walk down the drive, and this sense of regal company strikes when casting eyes on the English Palladian architecture of the White House building standing tall above the surrounding countryside.

Minster Mill, Oxfordshire

This newly refurbished luxury hotel wedding venue is set in 65 acres on the banks of the River Windrush in the heart of the quintessential Cotswold village of Minster Lovell. Surrounded by glorious gardens, pretty wildflower meadows and peaceful woodland, it provides a timeless atmosphere in a unique rural setting.

Castle Hotel – MGallery Windsor, Berkshire

This elegant wedding venue in Windsor, Berkshire, is arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in Windsor marrying traditional décor with contemporary features. The hotel has been lovingly restored to preserve its rich history and provides a dreamy big-day backdrop with Windsor Great Park on the doorstep. Ceremonies and receptions take place in the luxurious Windsor Suite, the oldest and largest ballroom in the town. It showcases original chandeliers that have been restored and enhanced with subtle lights and the new silk curtains have been chosen to add a touch of modern styling with the delicate detail on the vaulted ceiling pulling everything together. The Sandringham Suite, with its magnificent feature fireplace, is ideal for more intimate ceremonies and receptions.