Somerset is home to some of the most romantic and unique weddings
Somerset is home to some of the most romantic and unique wedding venues in the UK. From grand castles to country estates, charming pubs to cliffside towers, couples are spoiled for choice when picking their perfect Somerset wedding location. Here are 10 of the top wedding venues to consider:
1. Orchardleigh Estate
Set within a 500-acre estate near Frome, Orchardleigh provides a luxurious countryside setting for weddings. The centerpiece is the honey-colored Elizabethan mansion, surrounded by Italianate gardens, lakes, and woods. Inside, the stately rooms provide elegance and grandeur for celebrations. The Music Room with its carved lime wood ceiling is perfect for more intimate ceremonies. The majestic Great Hall and Orangery suit larger weddings. The stable courtyard and lawn allow for al fresco drinks receptions. Orchardleigh’s dedicated team helps organize every aspect of your big day. With onsite catering, luxurious bridal suites, and accommodation in the Mews or lakeside lodges, it’s a complete wedding venue.
2. Cricket St Thomas
For traditional English countryside weddings, Cricket St Thomas is ideal. The elegant Somerset estate includes a grand manor house, picturesque church, converted stable blocks, and beautiful gardens surrounded by rolling hills. Couples can choose classic venues like the Cricket House’s Drawing Room, the Long Barn, or St Thomas Church for ceremonies and receptions. More unique options like the Treehouse, Potting Shed, and Lakeside Gazebo provide quirky backdrops. Cricket St Thomas can cater for more intimate family weddings as well as large celebrations up to 120-day guests. With stunning photo opportunities, luxurious onsite accommodation, and exceptional service, it’s no wonder this is a popular wedding destination.
3. Brympton Estate
For a touch of English country house splendor, Brympton Estate is hard to beat. The distinguished Georgian manor house presides over large formal gardens and the picturesque Brympton D’Evercy village. Inside, traditional features like wood paneling, fireplaces, and staircases pair with bright modern refurbishments. Brympton provides various reception rooms for grand wedding breakfasts and evening events. Options like the majestic Library or cozy Orchard Room suit ceremonies. The Fountain Court, Walled Garden, and lakeside lawn allow celebrations to spill outside. Exceptional food made from the Estate’s own farms makes dining a highlight. With luxurious onsite cottages and experienced staff, Brympton Estate promises a seamless, unforgettable wedding experience.
4. Bovey Castle
Nestled within Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle provides a fairy-tale wedding venue. This grand country hotel features decadent reception rooms, an acclaimed restaurant, and 63 luxurious bedrooms. The courtyard and gardens offer photogenic backdrops for ceremonies and drink receptions. Meanwhile, the castle’s Great Hall, Drawing Room, and Library provide elegant spaces steeped in character. Bovey Castle’s dedicated wedding team helps craft bespoke celebrations, while the Michelin-starred chefs provide world-class cuisine. With luxurious spa facilities, an 18-hole golf course, and 250 acres of grounds, it’s easy to keep the wedding celebrations going with extended stays in this paradise.
5. Crowcombe Court
Crowcombe Court is the quintessential English country estate, privately owned and run by the Hippisley family. The Elizabethan manor house provides intimate, boutique weddings in a relaxed atmosphere. Couples can select from spaces like the oak-paneled Great Hall, sunny Garden Room, and refined Library for their ceremony and wedding breakfast. The terraced gardens, wildflower meadows, and green lawns set a lovely backdrop for drinks, photos, and open-air festivities. Crowcombe Court allows full exclusivity for wedding parties, with accommodation provided in the 12 individually designed bedrooms. The dedicated staff provides excellent yet understated service based on your preferences. For a personalized country house wedding, Crowcombe Court offers charm and flexibility.
6. The Lord Poulett Arms
In the picture-perfect village of Hinton St George, The Lord Poulett Arms mixes countryside character with modern comforts. The 17th-century inn retains original flagstone floors, thick walls, and roaring fireplaces. Its acclaimed restaurant provides fresh, locally-sourced menus using estate produce. Intimate weddings for up to 60 can dine in the pub’s private rooms by candlelight. Larger parties can celebrate in a marquee on the grounds, with views of the historic manor house. With tailored wedding packages, luxurious barn suites, and relaxed service, The Lord Poulett Arms entices laid-back couples looking for authentic vintage-inspired weddings.
7. Clearwell Castle
For a truly exceptional wedding backdrop, Clearwell Castle inspires fairy tale romance. The medieval castle near Coleford combines 900 years of history with modern luxuries across 25 acres of grounds. Outdoor vows can be exchanged in the dazzling Italianate Gardens or romantic walled Secret Garden. Indoors, ceremonies shine in the minstrel-galleried Great Hall. Clearwell provides self-contained cottage accommodation, so couples can secure exclusive use for their special event. Enjoy delicious food, flexible spaces, and attentive service in this unique castle setting for an unforgettable wedding.
8. Woodlands Castle
Hidden away in parkland near Bridgwater, Woodlands Castle resembles a Gothic novel comes to life. Flourishes like turrets, gargoyles, and carved dragons give this 19th-century castle dramatic flair. The palatial Banqueting Hall provides a romantic ceremony space beneath sparkling chandeliers. The Green Room, Scarlet Room, and outdoors under the canopy are other options. Woodlands Castle gives couples exclusive hire for their wedding, encouraging you to make the space your own. Delicious catering, luxurious accommodations, and dedicated coordinators ensure everything runs smoothly. For fairy tale romance on your special day, Woodlands Castle sweeps you away.
9. Cothay Manor
Surrounded by a private 10-acre valley near Greenham, Cothay Manor charms with rural romance. The medieval manor house exudes an old-world ambiance with leaded-glass windows, antique furniture, and manicured gardens. Intimate weddings for up to 60 guests can take place in the great hall, library, or chapel, followed by celebrations in the Coach House or marquee on the lawn. Guests adore the personal touches and elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. The private hideaway encourages exclusive use by the wedding party. For those desiring a small yet mighty celebration in a quintessentially English manor, Cothay Manor is perfection.
10. Walton Castle
Lastly, Walton Castle provides breathtaking drama atop the cliffs of Clevedon. Overlooking the Bristol Channel, the heritage castle impresses with towers, turrets, and castellations. The splendid Banqueting Hall, terrace, and gardens allow celebrations against this imposing backdrop. Walton Castle can accommodate wedding parties from 40 to 140 for exclusive use. Guests adore exploring the castle and grounds, with woodland walks and secret gardens adding to the ambiance. For fantastic photo opportunities, gourmet catering, and luxury fit for royalty, Walton Castle sets the scene for a grand castle wedding.
From grand estates to quaint hideaways, Somerset offers amazing variety when selecting your dream wedding venue. Steeped in history yet equipped with modern amenities, these iconic wedding destinations promise smooth planning and timeless celebrations you’ll treasure.
Why Somerset Offers Perfect Backdrops for Wedding Photography
Somerset is home to some of the UK’s most picturesque wedding venues. From grand castles to quaint cottages, this county provides incredible diversity for wedding photography. The natural beauty of Somerset’s landscapes paired with characterful venues allows photographers like Michael Gane Wedding Photographer Bath and South West to capture completely unique, breath-taking images for every couple.
Rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, and sandy beaches make Somerset’s scenery photogenic through all seasons. Michael Gane frequently photographs couples amidst the county’s idyllic backdrops like the Mendip Hills, Cheddar Gorge, and sandy Clevedon Beach. This allows every wedding album to showcase not only the personalities of the couple, but also the natural beauty of this special part of England they chose to marry in.
Beyond landscape, Somerset offers architectural interest from medieval castles to Georgian manors. Photographers like Michael Gane utilize venues like Orchardleigh House, Brympton Estate, and Walton Castle to provide rich historical character in images. Turrets, colonnades, marble fireplaces, and sweeping staircases transport couples back in time for a fairy tale experience. Venues like these are purpose-built to look magnificent through an experienced lens.
Intimate venues like Cothay Manor, Crowcombe Court, and Lord Poulett Arms exemplify charming English countryside weddings. Michael Gane’s documentary style thrives in photographing relaxed, joyful moments in these rustic settings. Couples re-live heartfelt moments like exchanging vows under a tree, laughing with loved ones during speeches, or stealing a kiss in a wildflower meadow. Though smaller in scale, their rich details make for incredible photos.
Somerset’s variety caters to diverse wedding styles, providing photographers like Michael Gane inspiration for capturing each couple uniquely. Orchardleigh Estate’s lush gardens and Bovey Castle’s dramatic stonework suit formal affairs. Rustic barns at Cricket St. Thomas and Clearwell Castle’s secret gardens inspire bohemian celebrations. Stately Brympton Estate and historic Walton Castle cater to elegant black-tie events. Through understanding venues’ possibilities, Somerset photographers like Michael Gane provide scenes suited to every wedding personality.
Beyond Somerset’s beauty, reputable local vendors make planning weddings easy. Longtime wedding suppliers have built strong relationships for coordinating transport, catering, entertainment and more uniquely tailored to each venue. This allows the day to run smoothly so photographers like Michael Gane can purely focus on documenting joyful moments as they unfold. With expertise gained from photographing Somerset weddings for over 10 years, Michael Gane adds value through capturing not just beautiful images, but also the emotions of each couple’s special day.
For couples seeking breathtaking wedding photography, Somerset provides abundant options. Natural splendor, rich heritage, and passionate people come together to create a magical wedding experience in this special county. Talented local photographers like Michael Gane help crystallize unforgettable memories through their lenses. Tying the knot in Somerset ensures wedding photographs as unique as your once-in-a-lifetime love.