Wedding Venues in Essex

Just a few miles from London, you will discover some of the best wedding venues in the UK, in the beautiful county of Essex. From rustic barns to the most alternative places to get married in.
If you are looking for the perfect wedding venue in Essex, you've come to the right place! There's no doubt that Essex has some of the best selection of dream-worthy spots to tie the knot - no matter what your taste or budget is. From small venues to grand country homes, like Gosfield Hall in Halstead, you'll be sure to find your dream space with Bridebook's UK venue directory and bespoke search!
County Hero
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Chelmsford, Essex
(119)
Video Tours Available
High House is a family run, stunning, award winning, exclusive use wedding venue set in six acres of landscaped gardens and rolling meadow in the Essex countryside.
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  • 120
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • £3,900 - £10,000
Leez Priory Wedding Venue
Chelmsford, Essex
(43)
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Leez Priory, a magnificent Tudor mansion, is one of the most sought after wedding venues in the country and has twenty six years of experience in providing perfect weddings.
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  • 100
  • 15 Bedrooms
  • £5,500 - £14,000
The Compasses at Pattiswick
Pattiswick, Essex
(72)
Video Tours Available
Winner of 2020 Best Wedding Venue in Essex, The Compasses is a beautiful venue in the North Essex countryside specialising in unique and bespoke Weddings!
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  • 120
  • £2,750 - £5,500
Greenwoods Hotel & Spa
Ingatestone, Essex
(26)
Bridebook Deal Available
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For your dream day, you need the perfect venue. Built in the 17th Century, this fine listed manor house is set in extensive landscaped grounds and has been restored to the highest standard.
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  • 150
  • 39 Bedrooms
  • £4,999 - £18,500
The Barns at Lodge Farm
Nazeing, Essex
(11)
Bridebook Deal Available
Video Tours Available
A stunning new exclusive use wedding and events venue nestled in acres of rolling farmland just outside London.
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  • 250
  • £3,000 - £6,500
Stifford Hall Hotel
North Stifford, Essex
(15)
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Stifford Hall Hotel is a hidden gem in the village of North Stifford. A beautifully converted 18th Century Georgian Manor house set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds hosting only ONE wedding per day!
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  • 130
  • 97 Bedrooms
  • £5,360 - £6,400
Maidens Barn
Chelmsford, Essex
(91)
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A first-class venue in Essex, Maidens Barn combines luxuriousness with rural simplicity to create a wonderful wedding venue.
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  • 200
  • 13 Bedrooms
  • £2,500 - £5,900
The Lawn
Rochford, Essex
(42)
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An exclusive country venue in Essex, a beautiful venue for your fairytale wedding.
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  • 130
  • £1,595 - £3,995
Orsett Hall Hotel & Restaurant
Grays, Essex
(43)
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Orsett Hall offers a beautiful variety of reception rooms so that your special day is tailored specifically to your requirements!
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  • 520
  • 56 Bedrooms
  • £4,550 - £11,250
Wivenhoe House Hotel
Colchester, Essex
Video Tours Available
Weddings at Wivenhoe House are everything you’d expect and more. Our stunning 17th Century, country house hotel makes the perfect backdrop for your wedding and is set in the most idyllic of locations.
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  • 120
  • 40 Bedrooms
  • £1,750 - £15,000
Hedingham Castle
Halstead, Essex
(16)
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Hedingham Castle is without doubt one of the most romantic wedding venues in England.
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  • 150
  • 8 Bedrooms
  • £1,950 - £7,500
Parklands Quendon Hall
Saffron Walden, Essex
(40)
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An absolutely stunning venue for the fairytale wedding of your dreams.
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  • 500
  • 22 Bedrooms
  • From £7,250
Weddings at QMUL
London, Essex
(20)
Video Tours Available
Our extraordinary venue creates a perfect backdrop to ensure you wow your guests by providing a unique setting for a wedding day like no other!
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  • 12
  • 10 Bedrooms
  • £11 - £111
Gaynes Park
Epping, Essex
(7)
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Gaynes Park is an elegant and stylish barn wedding and reception venue set in a historic private estate.
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  • 150
  • 10 Bedrooms
  • From £3,150
Channels Estate
Chelmsford, Essex
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Channels, with forty years of bespoke wedding experience and in a delightful setting to host your perfect wedding. Outside ceremony garden, 25 bedroom hotel, and mature grounds for memorable photos.
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  • 140
  • 25 Bedrooms
  • £600 - £2,800
Le Talbooth
Dedham, Essex
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An idyllic riverside venue that allows all from intimate indoors weddings to grand outdoors celebrations.
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  • 160
  • 29 Bedrooms
  • £750 - £4,000
Newland Hall
Chelmsford, Essex
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Newland Hall Country Estate is a picturesque venue that is steeped in history and charm.
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  • 150
  • £4,100 - £7,750
Colville Hall
White Roding, Essex
(61)
Bridebook Deal Available
Video Tours Available
Colville Hall is a unique venue for your special day, providing the romance and history of bygone years.
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  • 200
  • 9 Bedrooms
  • £2,400 - £5,700
Forrester Park
Great Totham, Maldon, Essex
(72)
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We have been helping to make couples' wedding dreams come true for over 40 years and we offer a warm welcome and a wealth of experience to help take the stress out of organising your day.
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  • 120
  • From £300
Five Lakes Resort
Colchester, Essex
(9)
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Whether you want an intimate affair with only your closest family and friends or an extravagant celebration of love and togetherness, you won’t find a better wedding venue in Essex.
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  • 2000
  • 194 Bedrooms
  • From £3,995
Hylands Estate
Chelmsford, Essex
(19)
Video Tours Available
Hylands Estate is a unique, award winning, Grade II* listed mansion house with contemporary Grand Pavilion, set in acres of glorious parkland. The perfect setting to host your wedding.
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  • 300
  • £4,850 - £10,500
Houchins
Colchester, Essex
(32)
Video Tours Available
A beautiful Garde II listed farmhouse set in beautiful surroundings - perfectly bridges the gap between old charm and modern luxury.
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  • 150
  • 7 Bedrooms
  • £3,150 - £6,990
Browning Bros
Colchester, Essex
Bridebook Deal Available
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We can offer you two venues for a beautiful outdoor wedding in Essex: Teybrook Orchard or Chalkney Water Meadows. Both of these are perfect if you want to do something different for your big day.
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  • 180
  • 20 Bedrooms
  • £4,500 - £9,950
Layer Marney Tower
Colchester, Essex
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This beautiful Tudor gatehouse is the perfect backdrop for your special day!
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  • 140
  • £2,000 - £5,750
Fennes
Braintree, Essex
(32)
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An award winning wedding venue!
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  • 700
  • 14 Bedrooms
  • From £6,000
Downham Hall
Downham, Essex
Bridebook Deal Available
This family run wedding venue combines great service with a stunning country house backdrop to create the wedding day experience of your dreams.
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  • 120
  • £3,300 - £7,500
The Barn
Colchester, Essex
(64)
A romantic wedding venue in a luxurious country setting
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  • 120
  • Moderate ($$)
Everything you need to know about weddings in Essex

Essex offers a charming mix of countryside manors, historic barns, and contemporary hotels, making it possible to plan a beautiful wedding to suit various budgets. On average, couples in Essex can expect to spend between £4,000 and £10,000 for a mid-sized venue, though more luxurious options can reach up to £20,000 and beyond, while smaller venues may start around £2,000. 

Here’s what to expect in terms of venue costs in Essex:

High-End Venues

For a luxurious experience, venues like Leez Priory or Hedingham Castle provide exclusive use of stunning, historic properties. These venues can range from £10,000 to £20,000, depending on the season and guest capacity.

You can generally find wonderful options for £4,000 to £8,000. Elegant venues like Crondon Park and Braxted Park offer a classic setting with beautiful gardens and historic buildings, perfect for mid-sized gatherings.

Budget-Friendly Options

If you’re on a tighter budget, rustic barns and cosy hotels in Essex offer affordability without compromising on charm. Venues like Blake Hall or Vaulty Manor typically range from £2,000 to £5,000, offering a countryside feel at a lower price.

Money-Saving Tip

Consider weekday or off-peak season weddings to benefit from reduced rates. Many Essex venues offer attractive discounts for these times, allowing you to get more value for your budget.

Quick facts about weddings in Essex

FAQ's

Can you host a wedding in a converted barn in Essex?

Barn weddings in Essex are a great choice if you are looking for a relaxed and more intimate wedding day. Barn venues can often be found nestled deep in the countryside and have been lovingly restored by their owners and turned into stunning venues, often with some original features left behind that make for great photo opportunities.

Weddings like these are always fun to attend as they tend to be located just outside the city centres, so can be used as an excuse for guests to get away from it all and spend a weekend away in a nearby hotel after the wedding itself. Oftentimes, holding your wedding reception at a converted barn means you will need to hire additional catering and decor suppliers so be sure to factor this into the overall cost.


Do you have a general guide to help me find the right wedding venue within Essex?

Essex is a beautiful county in the southeast of England, with a rich history and stunning landscapes. It is a popular choice for couples looking to tie the knot, thanks to its diverse range of wedding venues. Whether you're looking for a grand castle, a picturesque country house, or a chic city hotel, you'll find it in Essex.

  1. Castle Weddings Essex is home to several stunning castles that make for romantic and unique wedding venues. Hadleigh Castle, for example, is a historic landmark that dates back to the 13th century. The castle's atmospheric ruins provide a dramatic backdrop for your ceremony and photographs. Leez Priory, on the other hand, is a beautifully preserved Tudor manor house with sprawling grounds and a romantic chapel.

  2. Country House Weddings Essex also offers a range of elegant country houses that are perfect for a traditional English wedding. Gaynes Park is a popular choice, with its beautiful gardens, picturesque courtyard, and elegant reception rooms. Friern Manor is another beautiful country house with a lovely setting, surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque countryside.

  3. Hotel Weddings If you prefer a more modern setting, there are several hotels in Essex that offer wedding packages. The Hyatt Regency in Chelmsford, for example, is a stylish and contemporary hotel with a range of event spaces for your ceremony and reception. The Great Hallingbury Manor Hotel, on the other hand, is a stunning Tudor manor house with a modern twist, offering beautiful gardens and a chic ballroom for your big day.

  4. Other Venues Essex is also home to a range of other unique and quirky wedding venues. The Sailing Club in West Mersea, for example, offers a picturesque setting on the banks of the Blackwater Estuary, with stunning views of the water. The Orsett Hall is another popular choice, with its beautiful Victorian architecture and elegant reception rooms.

    No matter what your style or budget, you'll find a wedding venue in Essex that will suit your needs. From grand castles to elegant country houses, there's something for everyone in this beautiful part of England.


Should I have a ceremony and reception wedding dress for my Essex wedding?

When the likes of Kate Middleton choose to wear two dresses as part of their wedding day it's easy to understand why many Essex brides choose two dresses for their special day. Having a dress for your ceremony and one for your reception is a big decision to make but if you decide to go for it then expect all eyes to be on you as your make your entrance in your second dress. Be sure to check with your reception venue beforehand that they have a space where you can hide away in to get dressed in ready for your big reveal.

What are the popular types of venues to get married in in Essex

Essex plays host to a phenomenal amount of wedding venues, from intimate barn locations to lavish country homes. No matter the number of guests you envision at your wedding, you will be able to find a space that fits the bill and makes for a spectacular day. Getting married in Essex means you will be able to take your pick from a plethora of historic venues through to chic and modern hotels around the city centres.

The most popular Essex wedding venues are vast stately homes and sprawling country lodges such as Gosford Hall and Boreham House, but if you are looking for something a little more intimate and down to earth then venues like The Barn and Leez Priory are most definitely worth checking out. You can also find some really unusual wedding venue options if you are happy to use your imagination and delve a little deeper into what is hidden within the counties boundaries.


What is the easiest way to plan an Essex wedding?

Wedding planning can be stressful to say the least, which is why you will want to make your experience as simple and as easy as possible. Essex is home to a number of tried and trusted wedding planners who will make it easy for your day to run seamlessly, however, hiring a wedding planner can come up pretty pricey. If you find this is out of your budget then the next best option for making planning your wedding easy is to find a venue that allows you to have your ceremony and reception at the same place, this cuts down on time spent co-ordinating between the two venues and also cuts costs such as transport for you and your guests.

Often times you will be able to get a package price per head that includes all the wedding must-haves and cuts out the difficult coordination process between suppliers and venues. To make it even simpler, choose a venue that has onsite accommodation so you and your guests can stay onsite and even enjoy breakfast as newlyweds the next day!


Where can I find light up wedding letters in Essex?

Light up love letters are a wedding trend that is here to stay, but sometimes it can be tough to find this must-have wedding decoration for your big day. Before you begin your search, be sure to check with your wedding venue that they allow this type of decoration to avoid any last-minute stresses. You can ask your venue if they can recommend any reputable suppliers that have supplied to the venue before or speak to family and friends who have recently tied to the knot to suggest a supplier local to you.

Which celebrities have got married in Essex?

Essex is home to some incredible wedding venues offering top-notch service and stunning design which is why choosing to get married in this picturesque county was an easy choice for celebs such as Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon, and the likes of Mrs Hinch and Micheal Crawshaw to name a few.

When it comes to choosing the right location for your celeb-inspired wedding, be sure to take time to visit each of your venues so you can speak with the venue’s wedding planners and get a feel for how they can accommodate you on your special day. Holding your wedding at an exclusive venue means you will be treated to excellent service so you can relax and enjoy your big day stress-free. Check venues like Boreham House and Gosford Hall to get an idea of the packages available to you and your guests.

Explore 81 venues in Essex
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