Gloucestershire boasts a splendid array of stately homes that, aside from offering the perfect location for romantic and cultural day trips, provide some of the county’s most impressive wedding settings, too.
SoGlos has selected 13 of the area’s romantic stately homes, with everything from castles and Tudor manor houses, to filming locations and even medieval moats.
Elmore Court near Gloucester
Providing a unique setting for celebrations, Elmore Court is an impressive stately home dating back to 1580, with the spot being home to the Guise family for even longer, offering a rare heritage involving knights, parties and gillyflowers.
Boasting breath taking views across the Cotswold hills, Elmore Court’s handsome house and gardens can be exclusively hired for the day, with a choice of beautiful ceremony rooms, including the 13th century Elmore Church, historic hall and characterful front porch.
Sudeley Castle and Gardens in Winchcombe
With a rich history dating back to the 15th century and impressive royal connections, Sudeley Castle offers a striking backdrop for weddings, with award-winning gardens and beautiful interiors, all set on a stunning 1,200-acre estate in Winchcombe.
Described as one of the ‘most romantic places in the Cotswolds’, the sought-after venue has spacious areas for dining and celebrations, with the opulent Banqueting Hall, Terrace Pavilion and the intimate St Mary’s Chapel within its gardens.
Sezincote House and Garden near Moreton-in-Marsh
The exotic Sezincote House and Garden, set amongst 4,500 acres of Cotswolds countryside near Moreton-in-Marsh, boasts temples, grottoes, waterfalls and canals reminiscent of the Taj Mahal.
Aside from providing a romantic backdrop for pleasant visits, the venue also hosts a handful of weddings per year, with the house able to welcome large parties in its stunning orangery, or intimate groups in the magnificent dining room which overlooks the Persian garden.
Owlpen Manor near Dursley
Located in a secluded setting near the Cotswold village of Uley, Owlpen Manor is an award-winning family-run Tudor house that’s set in a formal garden of splendid yew trees, surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Offering a versatile setting for special celebrations, the estate can be hired exclusively with a number of magical locations to hold the ceremony, reception, dining and night-time dancing, including its characterful Cyder House and romantic gardens.
Berkeley Castle
Enjoy a romantic escape to a traditional rural estate, with Berkeley Castle being steeped in history and dating back to the 11th century. Complete with beautifully-restored medieval rooms, period furniture and amazing artwork — not to mention its grand gun terrace — it's got plenty of spectacular spaces.
Giving the special couple exclusive use for their big day, Berkeley Castle remains a sought-after venue whatever the season, with its sunny terrace, glorious gardens, roaring fires and twinkling fairy lights promising beautiful celebrations from winter through to summer.
Stanway House near Winchcombe
Formerly owned by Tewkesbury Abbey, Stanway House is open during the summer months — and along with a fascinating history, it boasts a tranquil setting, stunning water garden and 300-foot-high fountain.
Surrounded by enchanting gardens and parkland, the 14th century Tithe Barn is also perfect for rustic wedding celebrations, with plenty of photo opportunities around the remarkable stately home, too.
Brinsop Court Estate near Hereford
Nestled on an 800-acre estate with a wonderful countryside setting, Grade I-listed Brinsop Court Estate offers a flawless backdrop for wedding celebrations, boasting period features, ornate decor and manicured lawns encircled by a moat.
Located just beyond the county border in Herefordshire, the five-star country manor house is steeped in history and conjures a truly unique atmosphere, allowing the happy couple to feel like the lord and lady of the manor, dining in a 12th-century banquet hall, sipping Champagne on the lawn and dancing the night away.
Eastwood Park near Wotton-under-Edge
A Victorian country house overlooking the rolling Gloucestershire countryside, Eastwood Park is bursting with character and is associated with the distinguished Jenkinson family of Bristol, who bought the estate in the 18th century.
With formal gardens, impressive ceremony suites and an alfresco drinks terrace, the stately home is available on an exclusive basis, with the elegant function rooms able to accommodate both intimate and large wedding parties.
Chavenage House in Tetbury
Having shot to fame as a filming location for BBC One’s remake of Poldark, Chavenage House near Tetbury is an Elizabethan manor house with a wealth of history just waiting to be discovered.
Providing a grand setting for wedding celebrations, the fascinating venue has a number of stunning spaces, spanning its medieval hall; 1590 panelled Oak Room; grand Ante Room; atmospheric Ball Room; and Chomondley’s Room, in addition to a pleasant lawn area that's perfect for photos.
Woodchester Mansion near Stonehouse
Hidden in a secluded valley near Nympsfield lies Woodchester Mansion, a 19th-century Gothic Revival masterpiece that was mysteriously abandoned mid-construction in 1873.
Alongside the building’s mystifying history, the stately home is one of the county’s most unique wedding settings, with couples able to say their vows within the atmospheric surroundings, which can cater for up to 180 guests.
Cornwell Manor in Chipping Norton
Surrounded by a privately-owned hamlet and 2,000-acre estate, Cornwell Manor remains one of the area’s most romantic venues, with the hamlet mentioned in the 11th-century Domesday Book and the original manor house dating back to Jacobean times.
Meanwhile as a wedding venue, the stately home allows couples to create a special day or entire weekend that is totally unique, with numerous ceremony spaces including the Cornwell Parish Church or the ballroom, while blessings can be held throughout the entire estate.
Birtsmorton Court in Malvern
Allow yourself to be immersed in the history of the medieval moated house at Birtsmorton Court in Malvern, which was largely built in the 15th century and still retains some of its original foundations laid in 1241. As one of the few remaining double-moated buildings in the country, Birtsmorton is a highly unique venue.
The fairytale house offers plenty to attract prospective couples, from its amazing architecture and beautiful gardens, to its grand interiors and the neighbouring 14th century Church of St Thomas, which all help to provide a truly spectacular setting.
Clearwell Castle in the Forest of Dean
Set within the ancient Forest of Dean, the enchanting Clearwell Castle is one of the most atmospheric stately homes in which to say 'I do' to your betrothed.
With 20 acres of manicured grounds, this mid-15th century castle is a blend of modern flourishes with characterful architecture. Available for exclusive use, with an opulent banqueting hall and 15 luxury suites plus extra accommodation within the grounds, couples can choose from an al fresco gathering around the bandstand or a long, lingering walk down the 75-foot aisle in the ballroom, with plenty of scenic photo spots throughout the entire estate.
