Historic Wedding Venues in Essex

We believe that getting married in Essex is a fantastic choice for any couple, and with some magnificent historic wedding venues in Essex to choose from, you are guaranteed to find a perfect location to meet any style or budget.
In this article we look at 5 unique, historic and popular choices of wedding venues in Essex.

5 Unique and Historic Wedding Venues

Hedingham Castle

Hedingham Castle

Built in the late 11th to early 12th century, Hedingham Castle represents one of the most historic wedding venues in England.
The castle has been used as a backdrop for various photo shoots and filming, including feature film “The Reckoning”, and BBC drama Ivanhoe. Steeped in so much history, the Domesday Book records that Aubrey de Vere held the manor of Hedingham by 1086, today it is owned by descendants of the de Vere family, Jason Lindsay and wife Demetra who live at the Castle with their children.
Hedingham Castle is currently used as a wedding venue, ceremonies are held by romantic candlelight in the Keep, which overlooks almost the entire county of Essex, has seating for 100 guests and a standing area in the Minstrels’ gallery.
Civil ceremonies, Civil Partnerships, Renewal of Vows and Naming ceremonies can take place at this wonderful setting. In addition to weddings at Hedingham Castle, the Queen Anne mansion house and marquee can be used for wedding receptions.
If you dream of a perfect day in a perfect setting than few locations can match a castle wedding in Essex.
Website – www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Down Hall Country House

Down Hall

Located in Hatfield Heath, near Bishop’s Stortford and dating back to 1540, Down Hall Country House is a stunning and historic wedding venue in Essex.
With several different wedding reception rooms, Down Hall can cater for weddings of varying sizes, their largest room holds 200 guests, and the smallest option just 32, meaning they can offer something for all budgets.
Unlike many wedding venues in Essex, Down Hall offers 99 bedrooms and all the accommodation is individually designed to reflect the elegance and character of this historic property.
Situated in stunning Essex countryside, with beautiful gardens this venue provides an exquisite backdrop for your wedding photographs.
Website – www.downhall.co.uk

Gosfield Hall

Gosfield Hall

Built in 1545, Gosfield Hall is situated near Braintree. It’s heritage includes Royal visits by Queen Elizabeth I throughout the middle of the 16th century, and later during the French Revolution, it became the home of King Louis XVIII and his Queen Marie-Josephine-Louise of Savoy who had fled France.
Today Gosfield Hall is owned by Country House Weddings and is licensed for weddings and civil partnerships, a winner of several awards for excellence, the Georgian Manour House offers seating for up to 116 guests for meals, and around 250 guests for a reception.
Wedding parties can take advantage of the 21 bedroom suites on site, including a stunning Bridal Suite complete with four-poster bed and spa bath.
Website – www.countryhouseweddings.co.uk/gosfield-hall

Layer Marney Tower

Layer Marney Tower

Layer Marney Tower is a Tudor palace, dating from 1520 and is situated in Layer Marney, Colchester. Open to the public throughout the Summer, the gardens are listed as Grade II on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England.
Like Hedingham Castle, the dramatic building has attracted films and TV including Preaching to the Perverted, Pasolini’s Canterbury Tales, Lovejoy, and BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.
Today, Layer Marney Tower is available throughout the year for ceremonies and receptions, with options for weddings of varying sizes, including the 50 seater Corsellis room, or the paneled Hall for smaller ceremonies of 15 guests.
For a reception, Layer Marney Tower can offer dining for 140 guests in the Long Gallery, and included within the price of the reception, they also include the use of the de Zoete Rooms, their bridal suite.
Website – www.layermarneytower.co.uk

Crabbs Barn

Crabbs Barn

Situated in the village of Kelvedon, Crabbs Barn is a delightful 15th century restored building which is set in beautiful gardens overlooking a picturesque pond.
If you’re seeking a wedding venue that is exclusively yours and offers a private and intimate atmosphere, Crabbs Barn can offer seating for up to 120 guests and can cater for an evening reception of up to 170 guests, but also offers package for smaller wedding parties.
Up to 90 guests can be seated in the barn itself and additional seating can be arranged in the adjacent garden room, which can become a delightful reception area overlooking the pond. The garden room has been designed to complement the barn, with its traditional exposed oak beams and vaulted ceiling.
Although this historic Essex wedding venue does offer some accommodation, including a bridal suite and a farmhouse, their location is perfect for local B&B’s and hotels for any of your guests that require somewhere to stay for the night.
Website – www.crabbsbarn.co.uk