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 Ellenborough Park
About the wedding venue
Built in the 15th century, this country house estate provides the perfect traditional backdrop for those all-important wedding photos, while the modern luxuries within ensure that guests feel truly indulged.
Offering an Indian-inspired spa, Taittinger terrace, two unique restaurants and 61 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, Cheltenham’s five-star Ellenborough Park hotel promises the finest luxury in town.
Wedding package options
As well as exclusive use options, Ellenborough Park offers flexible packages adaptable to wedding parties of all shapes and sizes.
With an elegant Georgian chapel on the grounds, couples can also choose to exchange their vows and hold their wedding breakfast and evening reception on the same site.
Catering options can be arranged to suit most budgets, with a selection of menus crafted using locally sourced ingredients.
Depending on the time of year, guests can be entertained with garden games on the Mews Lawn, or enjoy their canapes and fizz under cover in the chapel pavilion.
SoGlos loves
Couples can choose from six dedicated wedding spaces, including the wood-panelled Royalist room for intimate weddings, a secret garden, mews lawn or stone gazebo in the garden for outdoor ceremonies.
There's also an option to create an extended dining area for exclusive use bookings by erecting a marquee in the grounds.
The venue will also treat newlyweds to a complimentary stay at the five-star hotel on their wedding night, complete with breakfast in bed, full use of the spa and a bottle of champagne to share a toast to wedded bliss.
How much do weddings cost?
Book your wedding at Ellenborough Park and you can take advantage of its late availability A Winter's Tale wedding package, from 1 October 2023 to 28 February 2024, with prices starting at £6,000 for 40 guests, catering included with a luxury suite for the newlyweds wedding night and a fairy light styling enhancement.
Beyond that, venue hire for 2023 and 2024 weddings ranges from £1,500 to £4,000 with a minimum food and beverage spend of £140 per person, based on minimum guest numbers of 70 people on Saturdays, or 50 people from Sunday to Friday.
To book
Call (01242) 545454 or visit ellenboroughpark.com/weddings.
Weddings at Malmaison
About the wedding venue
Malmaison is a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of Cheltenham, hosting wedding ceremonies and receptions for couples looking for a less traditional celebration.
It offers a combination of beautiful and unconventional ceremony spaces; 61 stylish bedrooms and suites; and impressive attention to detail, promising to take care of everything during your dream day.
Wedding package options
The chic hotel offers a delightful mix of Instagrammable, licensed spaces to host a pre-wedding party, ceremony and wedding reception - whether you're after a small, intimate gathering with your closest friends and family, or seeking the ultimate occasion by booking the whole hotel for your exclusive event.
There's a collection of menus ready for couples to fall in love with, ranging from the lavish to the laid back, with everything from traditional wedding breakfasts to afternoon tea and canapés on offer, to perfectly complement your occasion, your individual preference and of course, your budget.
Each wedding package includes private room hire, table linen, a table plan, place cards, a cake stand and knife and candelabras or tea lights, as well as a menu tasting session to make sure you're happy with all the dishes ahead of the big day. Plus, after a memorable day, the happy couple can begin their first night of wedded bliss in one of the hotel's luxurious suites.
SoGlos loves
To add to the festivities, Malmaison provides a host of fun little extras such as cocktail masterclasses, pre-wedding parties, menu upgrades and intermission drinks to make your day truly special.
How much do weddings cost?
Couples are asked to enquire with Malmaison directly for pricing.
To book
Call Malmaison on (01242) 370655 or email events.cheltenham@malmaison.com.
Weddings at Hotel du Vin
About the wedding venue
Located in chic Montpellier, Hotel du Vin Cheltenham offers a gorgeous setting for weddings, civil partnerships and vow renewals, with a selection of exquisite private rooms, an idyllic courtyard and 49 bedrooms and suites, all decorated in its inimitable, laid-back French style.
From ceremony to wedding breakfast and beyond, Hotel du Vin can cater for up to 120 guests for the big day.
Wedding package options
The regency location is licensed to hold wedding ceremonies in three luxurious and characterful private rooms - Sinner's Enclosure, Chef's Table and Almaviva. In addition to this, the bistro situated at the foot of the sweeping staircase, with French doors onto a beautiful courtyard to the rear of the hotel, not to mention a cigar shack, can also be taken over exclusively.
When it comes to food and drink for the day, happy couples tying the knot can choose from a selection of packages like a luxury four-course wedding breakfast; a classic afternoon tea; an al fresco package; or a completely bespoke dining menu and wine list specially created for the occasion by the resident chef and sommelier.
Plus, to make sure the event runs like clockwork, Hotel Du Vin Cheltenham has a dedicated wedding planner who can arrange formal, informal, funky and traditional weddings, advising on everything from arranging florists and hair stylists, designing the perfect bespoke menu to dressing the room.
SoGlos loves
To make your wedding extra special, Hotel du Vin offers a selection of package add-ons including wine tasting sessions, evening finger food, a DJ and even exclusive hire of the entire hotel for your friends and family.
How much do weddings cost?
Couples are asked to enquire with Hotel Du Vin directly for pricing.
To book
Call Hotel du Vin on (01242) 370584 or email events.cheltenham@hotelduvin.com.
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.
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 Hatton Court
About the wedding venue
Styled like a 17th century manor house, Hatton Court is a beautiful hotel and wedding venue in Upton St Leonards, located on the outskirts of Gloucester and within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
With 45 bedrooms and a variety of event spaces, couples can choose to get married inside one of the hotel's rooms, or outside in the gorgeous garden marquee which accommodates up to 250 guests.
Wedding package options
Hatton Court's experienced team works with couples to create a customised package for them, offering a variety of spaces, catering options and even recommended suppliers from florists to musicians.
Couples looking to hire the garden marquee for their civil ceremony and reception will have their own dedicated wedding planner to ensure the day runs smoothly, with tables, chairs, linen, crockery, cutlery and table numbers for the top table, plus up to 10 more, all included; as well as Hatton Court's resident DJ to get the party going in the evening. The bride and groom can also enjoy a stay in an executive room the night before the big day, with complimentary use of the feature suite, too.
For a more personal experience, Hatton Court also offers exclusive use of the entire hotel, with the main country house, garden marquee and grounds all reserved especially for your day, as well as all 43 bedrooms sleeping up to 86 wedding guests, with breakfast the following morning included.
SoGlos loves
While the hotel itself is pretty spectacular, it's the panoramic views over the Cotswolds that make Hatton Court really stand out, with countryside that stretches as far as the eye can see providing a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos.
How much do weddings cost?
Garden marquee hire costs from £800 for weekday winter weddings to £4,000 for weekend summer celebrations for a minimum of 60 guests, while exclusive use options cost from £5,958 for weekday winter weddings, up to £11,898 during the height of summer.
Catering costs from £99 per day guest and £15.95 per person for evening guests, with room rates from £99 including breakfast the following morning.
To book
Call (01452) 617412 or visit hattoncourt.co.uk.
Weddings at Merriscourt
About the wedding venue
Created from three lovingly-restored Cotswold 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
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 electic curation of art work collected over the years by owners, the Astor family; and the wedding breakfast can be taken in White Barn, a spacious and tranquil room with lofty ceilings and atmospheric lighting. The evening reception can then be transferred back into the Stone Barn for music, dancing and entertainment into the small hours. Ideal for all seasons, the Gallery can also accommodate up to 150 guests to cater for wet weather drinks receptions, with doors opening out on to the courtyard and wedding lawn for sunny spells.
The all-important wedding breakfast is prepared and cooked by Merriscourt's Michelin-trained 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 the number of courses required, plus additional extras such as amuse-bouches, pre-desserts and cheese courses.
The extensive wine cellars and drinks menus provide the perfect accompaniment to each item of food, with all tastes and requirements catered for at every stage of the day, from arrival drinks, the wedding breakfast toast and final orders at the bar. Menus, decorations, colour schemes, suppliers and everything in between are all tailor-made to each couple's requirements, with no request considered too much trouble.
SoGlos loves
The five on-site cottages at Merriscourt are available to book exclusively for guests, as is the 1961 Bentley wedding car, which can transport the happy couple from up to 40 miles away.
How much do weddings cost?
Please enquire for pricing.
To book
Visit merriscourt.com.
Weddings at Wild Thyme and Honey
About the wedding venue
Following a multi-million 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; 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 favourite food and drink options.
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 canapés.
SoGlos loves
Guest capacity ranges from 24 to 140, so there's tailored space to suit every wedding whim. The beautiful Ampney Brook proves a pretty backdrop for photos and the fact every special day is carefully curated to the couple's specific desire makes for a perfectly personalised day.
How much do weddings cost?
Fully committed to providing a bespoke event for couples, Wild Thyme and Honey offers ‘a la carte’ pricing where couples can pick and choose elements to make up their special day.
Prices range from £4,000 for an intimate short lead wedding for 12 guests, up to £21,000 for 100 guests in the summer to include accommodation and pre-booked food and drink.
Quotes are tailored specifically to couples and the team can happily work with a variety of budgets.
To book
Visit wildthymeandhoney.co.uk/weddings/.
Weddings at Stratton House Hotel
About the wedding venue
Situated on the outskirts of Cirencester, Stratton House Hotel dates back to the 17th century and is a beautiful blend of Cotswold period features and modern country details. With 43 bedrooms, a beautiful walled garden, a luxurious spa and the elegant Stratton Suite function space, everything the happy couple needs on the day, or even over the weekend, is on-site.
The hotel also has an eclectic history. It originally belonged to a local wool merchant and has had many different owners throughout the centuries, with the building even being used as a military hospital for the US Air Force during the Second World War. Fast forward to the present day, the hotel is a wonderful culmination of careful extensions, tasteful refurbishments and thoughtful modern additions, to ensure your wedding is as spectacular as can be.
Wedding package options
Stratton House offers three tiers of wedding options, as well as bespoke packages that can be tailored to the couple's needs. Each package includes arrival drinks, a three-course wedding breakfast with drinks, a night's stay for the couple on the day of the wedding and hire of the Stratton Suite as standard.
Arrival drinks can be taken in the atmospheric walled garden or the elegant lounge bar, with all table linens are provided for use during the event. It also offers preferential room rates for guests wishing to stay at the hotel before or after the wedding, so family and friends can make a whole weekend of the celebrations.
SoGlos loves
The beautiful backdrop of the peaceful walled garden provides an ideal place to capture those picture-perfect moments for the photo albums. Plus with full use of Stratton House's wedding coordinator on the day, everything is sure to run smoothly.
How much do weddings cost?
Packages start at £4,250 based on 50 guests attending the entire wedding, with additional guests costing £85 per person.
The hotel can host up to 80 guests for the wedding breakfast and up to 120 for the evening reception.
To book
Visit strattonhousehotel.com/weddings.
Stroud wedding venues
Weddings at Eastwood Park
About the wedding venue
From the sweeping drive leading up to the 18th century country manor, to the deer that inhabit the 200-acre estate, Eastwood Park in Gloucestershire is a magical wedding venue at any time of year — and easily accessible from Bristol, south Wales and the Midlands.
Inside, it offers three private hire areas to accommodate weddings of different shapes and sizes, including the Eastwood Terrace for up to 180 guests; the Drawing Room for up to 100 guests; and the Study for smaller parties — with plenty of original features between them.
Wedding package options
Brand-new for 2023, Eastwood Park has introduced the Creative Wedding Package. This flexible offering allows couples to choose from a variety of options, while sticking to their preferred budget, so they can have the wedding of their dreams — with no compromises.
Couples also benefit from their own dedicated team to ensure their wedding day runs smoothly, so the wedding party can relax and enjoy prosecco and pastries while getting ready in the wedding dressing room.
Everything is taken care of, from welcome drinks and canapés to the three-course sit-down wedding breakfast, complete with starched white linen, not to mention wine, bubbly for the toast, cake stand and knife, tea and coffee, after dinner disco and evening food too.
SoGlos loves
Full-length windows flood the drawing room with light, while the neutral decor makes it easy for couples to put their own stamp on the space. The venue also offers no end of fabulous photo opportunities too, with views across Berkeley Vale, a staircase with a stained glass window, a clock tower courtyard, terrace and gardens.
How much do weddings cost?
Weddings planned for 2023 have package prices starting from £3950.
To book
Call (01454) 260207 or visit eastwoodpark.co.uk.
Weddings at The Sub Rooms
About the wedding venue
Built in 1833 and situated in the heart of the beautiful Cotswold market town of Stroud, the Grade ll listed The Sub Rooms makes for an unforgettable venue for a wedding celebration.
With its stunning Georgian architecture, unique art-deco bar and timeless interior decor, the location provides a memorable setting in which to conduct your wedding ceremony and dinner — or alternatively, to host a drinks reception for your guests!
Wedding package options
Ceremonies at The Sub Rooms are available in two different rooms — the George Room is the smaller of the two and is suitable for a maximum of 60 guests. It features a stylish and modern interior, retaining its original 19th century composition, making for an idyllic space for intimate ceremonies.
As well as having recently been acoustically treated, the George Room has lighting features which are independently controlled by The Sub's lighting technician, meaning the atmosphere can be uniquely tailored to your taste for the special day.
Secondly, the Regency-style Ballroom, with its high ceiling, grand chandeliers, sprung maple dance floor and magnificent views from the balcony terrace is suited to a maximum of 500 standing guests and 400 seated.
Also having been treated by renowned acousticians, the space allows for great sound to match the beautiful surroundings, as well as room for your chosen entertainment and dancing.
The Sub Rooms wedding packages are available with full catering options from their kitchen and the skilled hands of their Chef Lynsey.
Complete your day with a delicious and show stopping wedding breakfast, or work with them to create a street food menu for something more casual.
The team will ensure your day is planned and coordinated perfectly and can direct you to a talented local network of professionals to help you create your dream wedding — including celebrants, photographers, florists, stylists, and bakeries.
SoGlos loves
Adding some extra magic to your special day, the on-site Art-Deco Bar offers a brilliant spot to enjoy appetizers and drinks such as a local selection of ales and regional wines. The room also features a built-in sound system, so can be used to enjoy post-ceremony celebrations.
What's more, the bar links directly to the Ballroom, meaning guests can enjoy somewhere quieter to catch up with friends and family over a drink.
How much do weddings cost?
Please enquire for pricing.
To book
Call (01453) 796880 or email roomhire@thesubs.co.uk.
Tewkesbury wedding venues
Weddings at Hilles House
About the wedding venue
Hilles House in Edge, near Stroud, is a dramatic Grade II listed venue situated over 600 feet above sea level on the edge of the Cotswold plateau. With a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere combined with its creative history, the unique location offers a grand and romantic setting for civil ceremonies and wedding receptions, with stunning panoramic views across five counties.
Set on an estate of 1,000 acres, Hilles House offers itself up as a wedding venue for hire from May to September — and boasts an expert wedding planner able to cater for bespoke requirements.
Wedding package options
Hilles House has a licence to host private civil ceremonies for up to 100 guests in the Big Hall, or humanist ceremonies on the top lawn for 150 guests. As part of the Hilles House wedding package, happy couples looking to tie the knot have full access to the historic house, gardens and their structure of choice, if opting to hire either marquees or yurts for the big day.
The package features help from experienced wedding planner, Emma Taylor-Roach; use of the Big Hall from noon until 6pm on the day; full use of the gardens and grounds for set up and wedding day, including space for a marquee or yurt, with power supply available; use of the Primavera bedroom for the bride and bridesmaids to change; 100 folding chairs; space for overnight glamping; and overnight car parking.
Alternatively, Hilles House also offers a more budget-conscious wedding package for smaller ceremonies, which can be adapted according to couples' needs, available upon enquiry.
SoGlos loves
Although not included in the overall package cost, the Hilles House wedding team has a free list of useful contacts and trusted local suppliers, including everything from caterers and bars to florists, photographers and marquee hire, to help you create your dream day and an occasion that is completely personal to you.
How much do weddings cost?
The Hilles House wedding package costs £4,000; civil and humanist ceremonies cost £900; with extras dependent on supplier.
To book
Email Hilles House's wedding planner emma@hilleshouse.co.uk or visit hilleshouse.co.uk.