While Florida offers beautiful wedding venues, sometimes your heart desires something extraordinary, something truly special. That’s why we’re setting our sights across to England. This historic country is full of one-of-a-kind venues perfect for an unforgettable destination wedding.
Why is England a great consideration for a unique wedding?
Variety of venues: There are so many unique wedding venues in England. Whether you want something that has extensive history, or a setting unlike anything you’ll find in Florida, there are lots of options across the country.
Convenient travel: With direct flights from Orlando International Airport to two major English airports, London Heathrow and Manchester Airport as well as easy connections to other cities within the UK via train or car, England is easy to travel around.
Cost: UK weddings are more cost-effective than you might think. The typical cost of a wedding venue in the UK with food and drinks packages included, is £9,133 – that’s just over $11,000.
Our friends over in the UK, Guides for Brides, have given us the inside scoop for the best venues to consider for a unique destination wedding in England. So, pack your bags and prepare to be inspired…
Japanese Gardens in the Cotswolds: Matara, Gloucestershire
Image courtesy of the venue
Matara, located on 28 acres in the picturesque Cotswolds, offers a unique UK destination wedding experience. The venue has unique features around every corner, including an Asian-inspired Cloistered Courtyard for ceremonies, a banquet hall with a glass-domed dance floor, five ante rooms, and extensive gardens.
The venue can accommodate up to 150 guests for a delicious seated meal made with local ingredients. Additionally, large evening parties for up to 200 can take place. On-site accommodation is available for up to 30 guests in the Grade II-listed Kingscote Park House, Honeymoon Lodge, and converted haylofts – this make it the ideal choice for those wanting a unique venue when traveling from the US.
Iconic Night Club Setting: The Ministry, South London
Image courtesy of the venue
The Ministry, a unique wedding venue in South London. It has a vibrant history as the iconic Ministry of Sound nightclub and originally was a Victorian printing factory. This makes it ideal for those wanting a cool and quirky atmosphere for their wedding. The distinctive spaces offer a variety of options for couples traveling from the USA.
Ceremonies can be held for up to 100 guests, seated wedding breakfasts for up to 170 and up to 300 for the evening party. For more intimate gatherings, smaller spaces are available for private dinners accommodating up to 20 guests. The Ministry has pre-approved caterers giving you flexibility in curating the perfect menu. Plus, being located in London, it’s super easy to access for international guests, offering convenience, industrial chic charm, and a touch of nightclub glamour for your special day.
Exotic Rainforest Venue: Eden Project, Cornwall
Image courtesy of the venue
For US couples seeking a truly unique destination wedding, the Eden Project in Cornwall, England, offers an unforgettable experience. Imagine exchanging vows amidst exotic flora from across the globe, creating a dramatic and breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony. The Eden Project accommodates both intimate weddings and grand celebrations of up to 200 guests, offering a variety of spaces to suit your needs.
Culinary experiences are elevated with menus made from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a memorable feast. Beyond the stunning biomes, unique features include the option for winter weddings on ice and the inclusion of a complimentary return visit voucher for each guest, allowing them to further explore this iconic landmark the day after the wedding.
Bridgerton Vibes: Kirtlington Park, Oxfordshire
Image by Rachael Friend Photography
Kirtlington Park, a 18th-century Palladian country house set in the heart of Oxfordshire, offers a unique and enchanting setting for your destination wedding in the UK. With its grand rooms, exquisite gardens, and historical charm, this venue provides a truly unforgettable setting for couples that want a venue that feels straight out of Bridgerton.
Kirtlington Park can accommodate up to 110 guests for a seated dinner and works with a variety of caterers to suit every taste. With its convenient location near Oxford and its abundance of on-site accommodation, Kirtlington Park offers a truly seamless and enjoyable experience for couples traveling from the USA.
Tudor Charm: Hengrave Hall, Suffolk
Image courtesy of the venue
Hengrave Hall, a Grade 1* listed Tudor mansion nestled within a 350-acre estate in Suffolk, it offers a unique and enchanting setting for your destination wedding in the UK. With its historic charm, elegant interiors, and picturesque grounds, it’s unlike any setting you’d find in Florida. Host your ceremony in the enchanting Chapel, followed by a reception in the grand Ballroom or on the terrace overlooking the serene lake.
Hengrave Hall can accommodate up to 140 for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and 250 for the evening reception. With its exclusive use policy, dedicated wedding team and a range of amenities, including a helicopter landing pad and on-site accommodation, Hengrave Hall provides a seamless and luxurious experience for couples wanting to experience England’s historic charm.
Safari Wedding: Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Kent
Image courtesy of the venue
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Ashford, Kent, offers a unique and unforgettable wedding experience for couples who love adventure. Get married at a venue where you have the unique ability to include a safari as part of your celebrations and with the breathtaking beauty of the 600-acre estate serving as your backdrop. The venue has a capacity for up to 150 guests and offers a variety of spaces, including the Mansion Hotel, the enchanting Moroccan Courtyard, the picturesque Pergola, or the brand-new Orangery, to host your ceremony and reception.
One of Port Lympne’s best features is that all of your guests can stay onsite in a variety of fabulous lodges, cottages, cabins and treehouses. With its commitment to sustainability, focus on animal conservation, and dedicated wedding coordinators, Port Lympne ensures a seamless and unforgettable experience for couples seeking a truly unique destination wedding in the UK.
Peaky Blinders Vibes: The Bond Company, Birmingham
Image courtesy of the venue
The Bond, a 19th-century warehouse transformed into a stunning event space in Birmingham, offers a unique and industrial-chic setting for your destination wedding in the UK, with a touch of Peaky Blinders flair. Imagine exchanging vows in a location that evokes the raw energy and stylish grit of the popular TV series.
This canalside venue features a variety of spaces providing ample options for creating your dream wedding atmosphere for up to 190 seated guests. Situated in Birmingham, a city with a rich history and cultural vibrancy, The Bond is easily accessible for guests traveling from the USA, providing a convenient and unforgettable destination wedding experience that captures the spirit of the West Midlands.
Old Mill & Barn: Priston Mill, Somerset
Image by Albert Palmer Photography
Priston Mill, a barn and old watermill near Bath in the heart of Somerset, is a unique, industrial setting for your destination wedding in England. With its rustic charm, picturesque surroundings and choice between two beautiful venues for your celebrations, plus with great onsite catering – this venue has it all!
The Tythe Barn, with gorgeous exposed beams and stone walls is perfect for those with up to 150 guests and wanting a more traditional feel for their English countryside wedding day. The Watermill is more intimate, with a cool, quirky vibe and unique features such as a water wheel and millstones perfect for up to 90 guests.
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