There are some amazing pubs that offer specialist wedding services across the UK. If you are dreaming of tying the knot in a relaxed setting with traditional food, then why not consider a pub wedding venue? Pub weddings are growing in popularity, with many couples choosing to get married in a characterful, often historic, British pub. Here we highlight what we love about some of our favourite pub wedding venues.
Reasons to choose a pub wedding venue
Relaxed, Unique Settings
Gone are the days where you were restricted to where you tie the knot. In fact, weddings are much more flexible than they used to be, offering the freedom to have the day you want. Many couples are seeking a more informal, yet romantic wedding venue to host their celebrations. So, due to this increasing demand for unique wedding venues, pub and inn weddings are more popular than ever! Pub wedding venues are attracting couples wanting a rustic, romantic and relaxed wedding inside a characterful venue with first-class, specialist service and a cosy environment.Â
An Intimate Wedding
Since the pandemic, many couples are now more open to the idea of an intimate wedding! Micro weddings with just a handful of guests can be truly magical and a pub wedding venue is a perfect place to host it! Rustic and romantic, these enchanting venues provide a cosy, intimate atmosphere oozing with character and charm. Surrounded by just your nearest and dearest, an intimate pub wedding is guaranteed to be delightfully dreamy!
Delicious, Traditional Pub Food
Silver service doesn't suit everyone! So, many are moving away from the traditional, formal three-course meal. Sitting down to a delicious and hearty plate of fish and chips or sausage and mash is becoming much more popular at weddings because couples want it to feel warm and homely. Almost like you're having a roast dinner on a Sunday with your family.
Feasting menus and grazing tables where guests can help themselves have also become very common. From BBQ buffets to a selection of family favourites, these unique catering options work perfectly with a cosy pub wedding venue.Â
Simple Decor
Continuing the casual, informal theme, pub wedding venues are perfect for couples who want a no-fuss approach to decorating their venue. Within a traditional pub wedding venue that is full of character, there is very little you need to do in order to create a fun and beautiful atmosphere. You can simply add a few personal touches to make it clearly your special day.
DIY Ceremony
Not all pubs in England and Wales are licensed for civil ceremonies, so don't assume your local pub will be able to host your legal wedding ceremony. If your chosen pub wedding venue isn't licensed, you may need to get married elsewhere, such as a town hall, before going to the pub for your wedding reception. Of course, you can opt for a celebrant-led wedding ceremony inside the characterful setting if this is the case. This gives you the opportunity to build your own ceremony and create a celebration that is truly unique to you.
Having a celebrant officiate your wedding means you aren't restricted as to where you get married and you can include lots of traditions from all backgrounds as well as make up your own. Just make sure to have a legally binding ceremony in either a registry office or licensed wedding venue close to your pub wedding date!
An Informal Second Reception
If you are planning on a destination wedding or are eloping, a pub wedding venue provides a fantastic space for the after-party or the second wedding reception. This way, you can celebrate with the friends and family that weren't able to join you abroad or at your tiny wedding ceremony in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. It really is the best of both worlds!
Top Pub Wedding Venues
Decided that a pub wedding sounds perfect for you and now looking for the perfect venue? So, here we have just a handful of our favourite pub wedding venues from across the UK.
The Crown & Thistle, Oxfordshire
Located in Abingdon, The Crown & Thistle is a historic 400-year-old coaching inn. Dating back to 1605, it reopened in 2013 after a £1.8m renovation. The inn consists of three buildings around a cobbled courtyard, with beautiful 200-year-old wisteria. Many original features, like timber beams, exposed brickwork, and uneven window frames, have been preserved throughout the restaurant, bar, function rooms, and 18 boutique-style bedrooms.
The Crown & Thistle offers two function rooms, The Barn and The Minstrels Gallery, available separately or together. The Barn can hold up to 80 seated or 100 standing guests, while The Minstrels Gallery is ideal for smaller events, seating 30 or 40 standing. The wedding coordinators ensure personalised weddings run smoothly. The venue is perfect for intimate weddings, blessings, and civil ceremonies.
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The Crown & Thistle Barn Wedding Venue
Grade II listed coaching inn located in AbingdonBanyers House, Hertfordshire
Banyers House, located on Melbourn Street in Royston, reopened in 2016. It is a historic building close to the town center. The restaurant has 90 seats and serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Guests can enjoy Neapolitan pizzas from a wood-fired oven and dishes cooked on a Josper grill. There is also a children's menu, and the restaurant can cater to different dietary needs.
The bar area is spacious and includes a lounge that can be changed into a private room for events. Banyers House is ideal for both small and large gatherings. There are also nine boutique-style bedrooms with modern comforts. Banyers House offers a special place for weddings with excellent service and a stylish setting.
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Banyers House Wedding Venue
18th Century Intimate wedding venue in HertsThe White Hart, Bedfordshire
The White Hart in Ampthill, originally an 18th-century coaching inn, is located in the northern part of the town. This historic Grade II listed building, which may date back to the 16th century, remains a popular destination. It features a mural above the bar’s fireplace, painted in 1646, depicting the Prince of Wales feathers. The 1930s dining room, built toward the end of the arts and crafts period, adds to its charm. Blending its original character with modern luxury, the inn also offers beautiful boutique accommodation.
The refurbished wedding space, The Stables, retains its original oak beams, an open fire, and direct access to the landscaped alfresco courtyard. Whether you're planning a small, intimate event or a larger celebration, The Stables is a fully self-contained function suite. With its own entrance, bar, and restrooms, it can host up to 60 guests for a seated wedding breakfast and up to 120 for an evening celebration and buffet. Offering a range of packages to suit different budgets and styles, The White Hart is the perfect venue for a memorable wedding.
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The White Hart Weddings, Bedford
Historic Grade II Listed Wedding VenueThe Betsey Wynne, Buckinghamshire
Set in the heart of the beautiful Buckinghamshire village of Swanbourne, The Betsey Wynne is a traditional country pub bursting with character and charm. Surrounded by patios, manicured gardens and 1,300 acres of farmland, The Betsey Wynne re-opened its doors in 2017. Named after the Swanbourne Estate's 18th-century owner, this traditional home farm venue has become a prominent destination in the village thanks to its striking views, 100-seat restaurant, and extensive bar and lounge area.
With its own private entrance, The Fremantle Room is a contemporary function space that can accommodate up to 100 guests offering a memorable location for your civil ceremony or wedding reception. From start to finish, the friendly dedicated team will work with you to create a day that is truly memorable, with a wonderfully warm ambience backed up by stunning food and attentive service.
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The Betsey Wynne
Beautiful Intimate wedding venueThe Beech House, Solihul
Tucked away in the picturesque West Midlands, The Beech House, Solihull, offers a truly enchanting setting for your wedding day. Imagine a celebration where every detail is tailored to your preferences, with bespoke menus designed to delight your guests. After the festivities, retreat to luxurious on-site accommodation that wraps you in comfort.
This venue is perfect for intimate gatherings. The charming glasshouse provides an elegant backdrop for a classic wedding breakfast for up to 28 guests. For a more unique and relaxed atmosphere, the Teepee offers a cosy space for 60 guests at long tables for your wedding buffet, and up to 80 guests for an evening reception.
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The Beech House, Solihull
Celebrate your love at The Beech House, West Midlands. A stunning wedding venue with exceptional dining and luxurious accommodation.The Four Alls, Welford-On-Avon
Located in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, The Four Alls offers an enchanting setting for your wedding day. This intimate venue combines warmth and charm, accommodating 50 guests for a wedding breakfast and 60 for an evening reception. Exchange vows in a beautiful courtyard surrounded by lush greenery and enjoy exquisite cuisine crafted by award-winning chefs, tailored to your preferences.
The Four Alls features 52 elegantly appointed bedrooms, a state-of-the-art dance floor, a private bar, and ample parking with accessibility features. Their dedicated wedding coordinator will guide you through every step, ensuring your celebration is perfectly tailored to your vision. With bespoke wedding packages and exceptional service, The Four Alls promises an unforgettable wedding experience in a truly idyllic setting.
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The Four Alls
Discover "The Four Alls" for an enchanting Warwickshire wedding venue that offers breathtaking views, exquisite cuisine, and tailored services.The Talbot Inn, Surrey
Conveniently located within 10 minutes of both Guildford and Woking, The Talbot Inn is a gorgeous, intimate pub wedding venue. With a number of beautiful wedding spaces, including The Surrey Barn with all it's rustic charm, The Talbot Inn exudes character and is perfect for a small wedding celebration in Surrey. Plus, boasting 43 lovely bedrooms and a license for civil ceremonies, you can spend your entire wedding day at this venue from getting ready, to your evening party. This ensures you and your wedding guests have a relaxed experience.
What's more, their experienced coordinator will guide you through each step of the wedding planning journey at this pub wedding venue. They appreciate that all weddings are unique and work with their couples to ensure that their wedding day vision can become a reality.
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The Talbot Inn Wedding Venue
Celebrate your wedding at Surrey's hidden gem. The Talbot. We guarantee an unforgettable day in our picturesque countryside setting.The Bell In Ticehurst, East Sussex
Rustic and romantic, The Bell in Ticehurst is a gorgeous pub wedding venue in East Sussex. The team at this sought after wedding venue are dedicated to crafting your perfect pub wedding, whether you envision a casual celebration or a high-end affair. Located in the serene village of Ticehurst, this wedding venue offers a calm and laid-back atmosphere and is easily accessible for you and your wedding guests from Brighton and London.
The opulent Big Room accommodates up to 90 seated wedding guests and 120 people for the evening party. Additionally, the charming Stables and Cosy Snug, your wedding day at this pub location will be truly exceptional. As the celebrations come to an end, your wedding party can rest their heads in 11 distinctive rooms, and for the wedding couple, the Love Nest lodge is an unforgettable honeymoon suite that features a luxurious copper roll-top bath and a cosy log burner. Simply perfect!
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The Bell in Ticehurst
For a truly memorable and enchanting wedding day consider The Bell in Ticehurst, Sussex, an historic, charming & quirky sixteenth century coaching InnBickley Mill Inn, Devon
Situated in a Devon valley, Bickley Mill Inn is a characterful pub wedding venue with charm. The venue's dedicated team provides an incredible wedding service to assist you throughout your planning journey. With space for 100 guests for your wedding ceremony and 150 in the evening wedding reception, this is the ideal location for intimate and slightly larger weddings.
Featuring whitewashed stone walls, exposed wooden beams, lush gardens and a famous rustic barn, Bickley Mill Inn is truly picturesque. The venue offers a wonderful blank canvas setting that exudes rustic character, so you can bring your own style into the space with decor and flowers. Experience this historic inn's wedding spaces all in a convenient proximity to Exeter, Newton Abbot, and Torquay; making Bickley Mill Inn a wonderful, accessible location for a Devon wedding.
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Bickley Mill Inn Wedding Venue
An enchanting characterful country inn, pub wedding venue, full of rustic chic charmThe Alma Inn, Lancashire
Based in the beautiful Pendle countryside in Lancashire, The Alma Inn exudes character and charm. With stone floors, original beams, and open fires, it offers a nostalgic ambience for weddings all year round. Enjoy spectacular moorland views as your wedding photo backdrop. The cosy lounge is perfect for intimate wedding receptions and their luxurious en-suite bedrooms and delicious food will help you and your guests enjoy the wonderful English countryside with a modern twist.
The Oak Room at The Alma Inn comfortably accommodates 30 seated guests or 45 standing guests, while the Garden Room can host 100 seated guests or 120 standing guests. With these versatile options, The Alma Inn is well-equipped to cater to pub weddings of a variety of sizes and styles. If you have a slightly larger wedding guest list, the dedicated team at this pub venue are more than willing to work with you to create a wedding that meets your needs and surpasses your expectations.
The Alma Inn
Traditional pub wedding venue in Lancashire, finished with a modern twist.Looking to start your search for a pub wedding venue near you? Find your dream venue using the Guides for Brides Venue Finder.