Couples are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning wedding venues in Gloucestershire.
To help make those shortlists a bit more manageable, SoGlos has put together a selection of special places to get married in the county.
Cheltenham wedding venues
Weddings at The Greenway Hotel and Spa
About the wedding venue
Built in the 16th century in eight acres of glorious Cotswold countryside near Cheltenham, The Greenway Hotel was once a country estate belonging to a wealthy family whose genealogy can be traced as far back as the 12th century.
The hotel and its award-winning Elan Spa are now part of the Eden Hotel Collection and have recently undergone a luxurious £1.4 million refurbishment.
The Elizabethan manor house offers an idyllic country wedding venue, surrounded by landscaped grounds and rolling countryside.
Weddings at the Greenway are always exclusive to the bride and groom with its one wedding per day policy.
Wedding package options
Packages are built exclusively around the couple's dreams for their big day and include an elopement wedding for just the happy couple (and two guests of their choice, if desired); a small and intimate ceremony and wedding breakfast for between two and 22 guests; or a big wedding for around 60 guests up to a maximum of 130.
There are 21 beautifully decorated bedrooms available at The Greenway Hotel, with four-poster beds and rolltop baths with a view, providing the dreamiest of wedding night stays.
Couples can choose from The Austen Room for up to 12 guests or the Panel Room for up to 22 — both rooms are elegantly styled with lovely views of the gardens. For larger events, a grand marquee can be hired and erected within the eight acres of grounds.
The Hide, which is tucked away in a secret part of the hotel's grounds, can also be hired for an intimate wedding of up to 12 guests and an exclusive outdoor private party.
Wedding breakfasts are created under the expert direction of Abhijit Dasalkar, head chef of the hotel's 3 AA Rosette restaurant, working with couples to craft an unforgettable menu.
SoGlos loves
The Elan Spa can provide the ultimate relaxing pre-wedding pampering packages before the big day, with facials, massages, body scrubs, hot oil head massages, manicures and pedicures. Guests also have use of the spa facilities, pool and fitness suite, too.
How much do weddings cost?
Couples are asked to enquire with The Greenway Hotel and Spa directly for pricing.
To book
Call The Greenway Hotel and Spa on (01242) 862352 or email events@thegreenway.co.uk.
Weddings at Sudeley Castle and Gardens
About the wedding venue
Described as 'the most romantic place in the Cotswolds', Sudeley Castle hosts a limited number of weddings each year, with spectacular spaces both indoors and outdoors catering for everything from intimate ceremonies to large-scale fairytale celebrations.
Couples can choose to say their vows in the presence of royalty at St Mary's Chapel — a private church within Sudeley's grounds that is also the final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr; host an intimate civil ceremony in the antique-filled Dent-Brocklehurst family library; or throw a lavish party on the exclusive North Lawn overlooking the Tithe Barn.
The 1,000-year-old castle boasts a magnificent backdrop for every element of the day, from photos to reception, with romantic gardens, historic ruins and a stylish orangery all surrounded by the glorious Cotswold countryside. The venue also offers self-catering accommodation within the grounds for up to 90 guests, too.
Wedding package options
Availability at Sudeley Castle is strictly limited to selected dates throughout the year, with either collective wedding or exclusive-use options.
Collective wedding guests have access to the gardens and grounds, the on-site chapel, orangery and coach house, with tables and chairs for up to 150 guests provided for the wedding breakfast — and ceremonies beginning at 2pm; while exclusive-use weddings mean the castle is closed to the public, allowing guests free reign of the above spaces, plus use of the North Lawn on the private side of the castle, for one or two days — with the option to add on a marquee for celebrations with more than 150 guests.
Sudeley Castle offers a choice of four caterers to create your wedding menu from the very best seasonal and locally sourced produce. It also offers a dry bar in the castle coach house and doesn't charge corkage.
SoGlos loves
Sudeley Castle isn't just a wedding venue, it's actually the family home of Lady Ashcombe — who has been the chatelaine of the castle for 50 years — and offers a uniquely warm welcome to wedding parties and their guests. Having been an important landmark since Tudor times, the venue invites couples to turn their love story into a part of Sudeley Castle's lasting legacy.
How much do weddings cost?
Facility fees start from £4,500 for weekday weddings; from £5,500 for weekend weddings; and from £20,000 for exclusive use.
To book
Visit sudeleycastle.co.uk/weddings.
Cotswolds wedding venues
Weddings at De Vere Cotswold Water Park
About the wedding venue
Situated near Cirencester, De Vere Cotswold Water Park provides an elegant venue for civil ceremonies, blessings and vow renewals, surrounded by more than 100 lakes, rivers and open countryside — creating a picturesque backdrop for the big day.
The contemporary wedding venue provides seven unique and fully-licensed rooms, along with stylish, state-of-the-art accommodation, with 328 hotel bedrooms to house guests.
Wedding package options
Describing itself as a coveted Cotswolds setting to say 'I do', De Vere Cotswold Water Park provides a selection of wedding packages to suit parties of all sizes, catering for extraordinary celebrations from tiny ceremonies of two, to up to 500-guest soirees.
Couples can pick one of its ceremony rooms to exchange their vows, with a choice of exclusive suites for both small and larger scale weddings.
The lakeside venue, hewn from Cotswolds stone and gleaming glass, offers dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the lake, as well as an adjoining bar and outdoor terrace area — perfect for summertime weddings.
As for catering, De Vere Cotswold Water Park offers a number of wedding breakfasts curated by the executive chef; as well as hot and cold canapes, children's menus, evening buffets, barbecues and hog roasts.
Those in the throes of wedding planning will have the support of the hotel's dedicated wedding team to help every step of the way, from the very first enquiry to the big day itself.
SoGlos loves
Couples can opt for the self-catered wedding package which provides exclusive use of the Kingfisher Suite and Whimbrel Marquee from 7am until midnight; tables and chairs for all guests; access to the on-site ice machine; white table linen, including napkins; a suite for the newlyweds on the night of the wedding and a complimentary bedroom the night before; plus two bedrooms for guests on the night of the wedding, dedicated space for a mobile kitchen and your own wedding coordinator and event manager.
This package can accommodate 700 covers across two function rooms.
How much do weddings cost?
Wedding packages start from £85 per person; with room hire prices starting from £900; and full venue hire costing £10,000.
To book
Call (01285) 864079 or email waterpark.events@devere.com.
Weddings at The Lygon Arms
About the wedding venue
Steeped in 600 years of Cotswold history, the honey-hued exterior of The Lygon Arms promises a warm, cosy and characterful setting to say 'I do...'
Licensed with Worcestershire County Council to provide civil ceremonies, tie the knot within the intimate environments of one of the hotel's private rooms.
Proudly home to Grill by James Martin, The Lygon Arms boasts a reputation of incredible food and drink menus which betrothed couples can book and secure for their big day.
Couples can choose between the rooms available to book; the Cromwell Room, The Drawing Room and the Edinburgh Room for their celebrations — or pull out all the stops by exclusively hiring the coaching inn in its entirety.
Wedding package options
The Lygon Arms can create the perfect day, whether you're after a small, private ceremony or a wedding bash full to the brim with family and friends.
The Sweet Simplicity package includes a three-course menu for guests, as well as half a bottle of house wine per person; while the Picture Perfect package features five different canapes to welcome guests, one glass of Champagne or non-alcoholic alternative for each guest at the reception, and a three-course menu alongside half a bottle of house wine per person during the wedding breakfast.
For the ultimate wedding day revelry, opt for The Complete Celebration package. This includes five canapes, two glasses of Champagne or non-alcoholic alternative for each guest at the reception, a fabulous four-course feast alongside half a bottle of house wine per person, and a specially designed floral table centrepiece to bring it all together.
The Just the Two of Us wedding day package is an extra-special unique bundle that celebrates love in the most intimate and personal way.
It includes a ceremony for two in the Cromwell Suite, a floral table centrepiece, followed by a bottle of Champagne to toast your nuptials with.
A dinner for two paired with a bottle of wine is also included, along with an overnight stay for two nights in the hotel's master suite, as well as a one-hour spa treatment for the bride and groom midweek, after the wedding itself.
SoGlos loves
For a wedding that is bound to impress, The Lygon Arms's Exclusively Yours package truly lives up to its name.
From 4pm on the day of arrival until 11am on the day of departure, up to 100 guests can join the happy couple in the Grill by James Martin restaurant, housed within 'one of the most theatrical settings in the Cotswolds', complete with minstrel's gallery and a roaring fire.
Each area of the hotel, from the cosy nooks and snugs to the bars and lounges, can be decorated however you wish — creating a personalised affair to remember.
As well as making use of the glorious gardens and courtyard for pictures, parties will receive help from a dedicated event manager for the duration of the event; full use of the spa and pool facilities; assistance from a professional toastmaster; and the magical touch of professionally made stationary.
How much do weddings cost?
Book your big day at The Lygon Arms by choosing from one of its stunning packages.
The Just the Two of Us package costs £1,750 from Sunday to Thursday and from £2,200 from Friday to Saturday.
The Sweet Simplicity package costs £85 per person; while the Picture Perfect package is priced at £120 per person; and The Complete Celebration package costs £165 per person.
Enquire direct for prices regarding the exclusive hire of The Lygon Arms for your wedding day.
Room hire charges apply and are additional to the packages.
To book
Call (01386) 852255 or enquire at lygonarmshotel.co.uk/meetings-parties-events/cotswolds-wedding-venues.
Weddings at Merriscourt
About the wedding venue
Spend your special day in your own exclusive hamlet in the Cotswolds...
Created from three lovingly-restored barns, independent wedding venue Merriscourt combines rustic beauty with exquisite interiors, luxury on-site accommodation and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
With a pretty courtyard in which to gather for drinks, access to all three barns to accommodate each part of the day and exclusive hire of the entire venue for up to three days, Merriscourt offers bespoke packages to suit all budgets, tastes and guest lists.
Wedding package options
Fully-licensed civil ceremonies and partnerships can be conducted in the Stone Barn, with high, vaulted ceilings, Cotswold stone floors and seating for up to 150 guests. Arrival drinks and canapés can be enjoyed in the Gallery, the second of three barns, featuring an eclectic curation of art collected over the years by owners, the Astor family; while the wedding breakfast can be taken in White Barn, a spacious and tranquil room with lofty ceilings and atmospheric lighting. Ideal for all seasons, the Gallery can also accommodate up to 150 guests for wet weather drinks receptions, with doors opening out on to the courtyard and wedding lawn for sunny spells. The party then transfers back to the Stone Barn for the evening reception with music, dancing and entertainment into the small hours.
The all-important wedding breakfast is prepared and cooked by Merriscourt's head chef and his team, whether that's an extravagant four-course menu or a social sharing feast. With classic and seasonal dishes on offer, menus feature three price levels depending on the desired price per head and number of courses — plus there's the option to include additional extras such as amuse-bouches, pre-desserts and cheese courses.
The extensive wine cellars and drinks menus offer the ideal accompaniment to your meal, with all tastes and requirements catered for at every stage of the day, from arrival drinks, the wedding breakfast toast to final orders at the bar. Menus, decorations, colour schemes, suppliers and everything in between are all tailored to each couple, with no request considered too much trouble.
SoGlos loves
Merriscourt also boasts six on-site cottages which are available to book exclusively for wedding guests, as is its 1961 Bentley wedding car, which can transport the happy couple from up to 40 miles away.
How much do weddings cost?
Enquire with Merriscourt directly for pricing.
To book
Visit merriscourt.com.
Weddings at Wild Thyme and Honey
About the wedding venue
Following a multi-million-pound refurbishment, Wild Thyme and Honey is home to 24 ultra-sophisticated rooms and suites, including No. 3 London Road, an exclusive honeymoon suite, ideal for celebrating life's best moments, with a private hot tub and barrel sauna.
Plus, there are three beautiful event spaces to choose from; the Wild Thyme and Honey Event Suite, The Secret Garden Room and The Courtyard.
Run with the belief that your wedding is an intimate expression of your love story, the team believes every element of your day should express that individuality.
The Wild Thyme and Honey philosophy is to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Let your imagination run wild — the team is happy to be flexible, so you can personalise your special day to be as individual as you wish.
Wedding package options
Due to the experiential nature of Wild Thyme and Honey, the team doesn't offer packages as such and, instead, focuses on working with couples to create bespoke menus for built with your food and drink favourites.
Things like personalised cocktails, alfresco live cooking on the Argentinian Grill and feasting-style seasonal menus can all be offered as options along with more traditional upgrades such as English sparkling wines and canapes.
SoGlos loves
Guest capacity ranges from 24 to 140, so there's a tailored space to suit every wedding whim. The beautiful Ampney Brook provides a pretty backdrop for photos and the fact that every special day is carefully curated to the couple's specific desire makes for a perfectly personalised day.
How much do weddings cost?
Please enquire for pricing.
To book
Visit wildthymeandhoney.co.uk/weddings/.
Weddings at The Kings Head Hotel
About the wedding venue
Set in the heart of the historic, Romanesque capital of the Cotswolds, The Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester dates back to the 14th century as a countryside coaching inn and is listed as a building of special architectural and historical interest.
The five-star hotel and venue offers luxurious rooms, restaurants, spa relaxation and a whole lot more for guests and visitors, having recently undergone interior refurbishments and a host of upgrades to its facilitates under new management.
The Kings Head offers couples the use of its stunning Cotswold stone cellars, sophisticated indoor spaces and dazzling assembly room complete with rooftop terrace for wedding breakfasts, ceremonies and celebrations, whether you’re looking for something lavish, lively or a little more intimate.
Wedding package options
The Kings Head Hotel has packages to suit a range of budgets for weddings, offering delicious menus, stunning spaces and a host of bespoke add-ons to make your day truly special.
The hotel's rooftop terrace offers a scenic spot for reception drinks or an outdoor ceremony; its impressive main assembly room is tailor-made for an elegant ceremony or wedding breakfast; and the Italianesque vaulted cellar is the place to go to get the party started when the evening comes.
For those looking for something more intimate, the library room offers a quite space for smaller ceremonies; its wine cellar is a sophisticated choice for a wedding breakfast; and its panel room is the perfect place for a small post-ceremony celebration.
There are several specially-curated food and drinks packages to choose from with menus from the 'classic' through to the 'indulgent'; there's also the option for something less formal with the 'casual dining' package.
All packages include options for reception 'nibbles' with canapes, charcuterie cups and oysters available along with champagne, bellinis or sparkling elderflower to be enjoyed on arrival.
There are also drinks offers with beer and prosecco bundles as well as champagne towers and options for guests to enjoy a set number of pre-paid drinks from the bar; evening food packages including pizza, Mediterranean mezze and a range of street food; and evening party packages for food, drinks and nibbles.
Those who need help planning their big day can also add on services provided by the Kings Head team, headed by wedding manager, Daisy Hall; ranging from a full planning package to help seeking out suppliers and 'wedmin' during the final lead up to the day.
Couples can also enjoy a complimentary stay the night before as well as on the day of their wedding with breakfast included; and guests can take advantage of a 15 per cent discount on booking rooms for themselves for the wedding.
SoGlos loves
A truly unique offer for all those who get married at The Kings Head, couples are invited to come back for complimentary bed and breakfast stays at the hotel to celebrate their anniversary, every year for 10 years.
The hotel is also offering 20 per cent off along with complimentary mimosas for couples who book their remaining dates in 2024, as well as a special midweek wedding package for up to 50 guests, all year round except December.
How much do weddings cost?
Prices for assembly room hire ranges from £1,200 to £3,800 depending on the day and time of year, while wedding breakfast packages range from £120 to £210 per person. The midweek package comes at a set fee of £3,800.
Hire of the vaulted cellar for an evening party costs £2,000. Couples are asked to contact The Kings Head Hotel directly for a bespoke wedding quote.
To book
Call (01285) 700900 or email weddings@kingshead-hotel.co.uk.
