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18 Gorgeous Wedding Venues in Essex

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Nikita Thorne Updated:
11th of April 2025

Essex, a picturesque county nestled in the southeastern corner of England, has become a sought-after destination for couples planning their dream weddings. With its stunning countryside, charming coastal towns and historic landmarks, Essex offers a diverse range of wedding venues to suit every taste and style.

What's more, it's one of the UK's most popular counties for weddings, as our venue expert Elaine explains...

From the experts
Elaine Rough
"Essex is a popular choice for weddings, with around 8,000 ceremonies held annually. I think its proximity to London, the gorgeous countryside and wide range of stunning venues is what makes this county such a sought after place to get married."
Elaine Rough

Home to elegant country houses and modern contemporary spaces, this vibrant county provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable wedding celebrations. Explore some of our favourite wedding venues in Essex below.

High House Weddings

Thatched Gazebo for wedding ceremonies at High House in Essex

Set amidst acres of picturesque gardens and rolling meadows, High House Weddings is located in Chelmsford, Essex. This beautiful wedding venue features a restored Grade II listed Essex Barn dating back to 1750. Retaining the barn's character with rustic oak beams and exposed red brick brings a beautiful charm to your day. Paired with modern full-height windows to bring in the day light, this venue provides the perfect setting for you to say 'I do'.

High House Weddings recently announced that they would be building a new orangery wedding venue ready for 2025 weddings. This space will be perfect for wedding receptions all year round and is set to accommodate up to 140 guests for a wedding breakfast and 200 for the evening celebrations. So, regardless of the time of year you plan to tie the knot, High House offers a setting that is beautiful year-round with plenty of impressive features.

Inside the barn at High House
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High House Weddings

Beautiful Barn Wedding Venue in Essex with Stunning NEW Orangery for Wedding Receptions from 2025
Essex, Chelmsford
£5,000 - £13,000 Venues

Valentines Mansion & Gardens

Wedding ceremony set up at Valentines Mansion & Gardens Wedding Venue

Nestled within historic gardens and surrounded by 130 acres of lush parkland, Valentines Mansion is a gorgeous Grade II* listed country house. Steeped in rich history, this romantic yet intimate mansion features elegant period rooms, a grand staircase, a striking 18th-century Venetian stained glass window and ornate fireplaces. Combined with contemporary features, it offers the perfect blend of old and new. With the capacity to host weddings between 70 and 120 guests, the stunning rooms can be hired individually or exclusively.

The beautiful Holcombe Room opens to a terrace that overlooks charming gardens and features an 18th-century fireplace. The art gallery seamlessly combines classic elements with a contemporary flair. Enjoy breathtaking views from the Morning Room, which boasts a magnificent fireplace and a gilded mirror. The Drawing Room is adorned with intricate details, fireplaces, and a romantic balcony that offers a view of the South Lawn. With the assistance of the skilled events team, Valentines Mansion is an ideal choice for your Essex wedding.

Valentines Mansion
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Valentines Mansion & Gardens Wedding Venue

Discover affordable elegance at Valentines Mansion – the perfect Essex venue for your special day
Essex, Ilford
£400 - £2,995 Venues

Gosfield Hall

White painted exterior of Gosfield Hall

Gosfield Hall, a stunning Georgian manor house nestled in the heart of Essex, offers couples an exclusive and unforgettable setting for their wedding day. This award-winning venue overlooking the shimmering Gosfield Lake, is a popular choice for those seeking a touch of elegance and history. Despite its rural location, Gosfield Hall is conveniently located just 30 minutes away from Stansted Airport.

With a rich history as a former royal residence, Gosfield Hall boasts breathtaking ceremony spaces, including the Queen Charlotte's Oak panelled gallery and the Grand Salon. When the weather permits outdoor ceremonies, you can enjoy the stunning house as your backdrop. The Marquis of Buckingham's former ballroom provides a magnificent setting for the wedding breakfast, accommodating up to 116 guests. The estate can accommodate up to 250 guests for the evening reception and party, ensuring plenty of room for celebrations.

Gosfield Hall
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Gosfield Hall Wedding Venue

Celebrate your love at the idyllic Gosfield Hall, an exquisite wedding venue in Essex with a rich history and captivating surroundings.
Essex
£8,600 - £17,500 Venues

Vaulty Manor

Vaulty Manor Wedding Venue

Surrounded by picturesque countryside and woodlands, Vaulty Manor seamlessly blends a historic country manor house with a charming, rustic barn. The Oak Essex barn dates back to the 17th-century, with stunning beams creating a romantic atmosphere for the perfect place for your indoor ceremony, the wedding breakfast, and the evening reception. Alternatively, the beautiful surroundings of the walled garden featuring a charming pergoda create the ideal backdrop for a picturesque outdoor wedding. Whether you want an intimate gathering or a lavish celebration, Vaulty Manor has the perfect space for every wedding celebration.

Vaulty Manor includes a fully in-house catering service, ensuring that every dish is crafted with care using locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Meals are prepared from scratch, offering a truly bespoke culinary experience. This approach not only guarantees the highest quality of food but also allows for dietary requirements to be easily accommodated.

Manor House
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Vaulty Manor Wedding Venue

17th Century Barn Wedding Venue in Goldhanger, Essex
Essex
£7,995 - £13,500 Venues

The Essex Barn at The White Heart

The Essex Barn at The White Heart Wedding Ceremony Place With White Chairs

The Essex Barn at The White Hart is a breathtaking 15th-century venue, exuding timeless charm and elegance. Perfectly blending historic character with modern amenities, this picturesque setting offers the ideal backdrop for your dream wedding.

The expansive barn accommodates up to 200 guests, making it suitable for both grand celebrations and intimate gatherings. Its serene location near the Suffolk border ensures easy access for guests traveling from Essex, Suffolk, or Cambridgeshire.

The Essex Barn @ The White Hart Venues in Essex
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The Essex Barn at The White Hart

Essex 15th Century barn wedding venue
Essex, Halstead
£5,995 - £10,500 Venues

Colchester Weddings

Bride and groom embrace outside Colchester Castle
Chic Wedding Photography

Say 'I Do' in the Colchester Castle Chapel – a favourite place for couples to get married. The chapel's beautiful white ceilings create a romantic and calm atmosphere, while colourful light streams in through stained glass windows.

Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a bigger celebration, the space can comfortably accommodate up to 80 guests for both the vows and the meal. And don't forget the magical opportunity to exchange vows on the castle rooftop for that added 'wow' factor. It's the ideal setting to embark on your journey together.

Colchester Weddings Venues in Essex
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Colchester Weddings - Historic Venues

Make your Essex wedding dreams a reality at Colchester Weddings - historic venue, stunning settings & unforgettable memories
Essex, Colchester
£POA Venues

Leez Priory

Leez Priory photographed from above by a drone

Leez Priory is a stunning Tudor mansion nestled in the heart of Essex, offering a breathtaking setting for your wedding day. Surrounded by 40 acres of picturesque parkland, the venue provides a truly magical atmosphere. With a choice of seven licensed ceremony settings, including the historic Tower and the Great Hall, Leez Priory can accommodate a variety of wedding styles.

The Great Hall, with its impressive architecture, can seat up to 86 guests for the wedding breakfast, while the Coach House offers a delightful setting for up to 110 guests. The entire house and grounds are exclusively yours for the day, allowing you to invite up to 250 guests for the evening reception. For added convenience, the Fisherman's Cottage provides comfortable accommodation for the wedding party the night before the big day and Leez Priory also offers 15 exquisite bedrooms for your guests to stay overnight, ensuring a peaceful and luxurious end to your special day.

Exterior of Leez Priory, country house wedding venue in the Essex countryside
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Leez Priory Wedding Venue

Celebrate your love story in a timeless setting with Leez Priory, where history and grandeur intertwine to create an unforgettable wedding day.
Essex, Chelmsford
£POA Venues

That Amazing Place

Wedding ceremony set up at That Amazing Place Essex

Surrounded by beautiful grounds, That Amazing Place offers a romantic setting for your wedding day. Dating back to the 15th-century, this historical Grade II listed manor house has been beautifully renovated with a stylish, contemporary interior. You can say your vows in your choice of reception rooms or under an outdoor gazebo by the lake.

Exclusive use of That Amazing Place means as well as the manor house, you have the option of having the Wedding Cottage and 13 deluxe bedrooms all to yourself. This total exclusivity gives you the flexibility to tailor your dream wedding day to perfection. That Amazing Place offers a wonderful location for the perfect Essex wedding.

That Amazing Place, Venues in Essex
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That Amazing Place Wedding Venue

Escape to "That Amazing Place", a captivating manor house nestled in Essex, for a wedding day that dreams are made of.
Essex, Old Harlow
£13,500 - £23,000 Venues

Down Hall Hotel

Wedding ceremony inside Down Hall Hotel, Essex

Dating back to 1540, Down Hall Hotel is a historic country house. You can have an intimate ceremony in the stunning Prior Suite, a lavish wedding breakfast in the stylish Bridgeman Suite and take perfect pictures in the extensive gardens. The different wedding reception rooms can cater for parties from 32 to 200 guests, with large windows providing panoramic views of the landscaped gardens.

The catering team is also dedicated to creating delicious menus using local ingredients, some from Down Hall's own garden! Passionate wedding coordinators will be with you every step of the way to plan a fairytale wedding.

Down Hall hotel wedding venue
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Down Hall Hotel Wedding Venue

Escape to the grandeur of Down Hall Hotel, a historic mansion is set in an area of outstanding beauty, for an unforgettable day.
Essex, Bishops Stortford
£10,000 - £40,000 Venues

The Waltham Barns at Little Channels

Wedding ceremony inside the Waltham Barns

The Waltham Barns at Little Channels is a highly sought-after wedding venue in Essex. Steeped in history, the venue is home to a 16th-century barn that has been meticulously restored to feature modern facilities while retaining its rustic charm. This unique blend of old and new provides a captivating backdrop for your special day.

The venue can comfortably accommodate up to 150 guests and offers a variety of services to ensure a seamless and stress-free wedding celebration. From in-house catering and bar service to overnight accommodations, The Waltham Barns takes care of every detail, allowing you to relax and enjoy your wedding day.

The Waltham Barns at Little Channels Weddings
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The Waltham Barns at Little Channels

Plan the perfect barn wedding, a stunning intimate wedding venue nestled in the heart of Essex.
Essex, Chelmsford
£5,000 - £13,000 Venues

Colville Hall

Colville Hall Wedding Venue

Rich in history and romance, Colville Hall is a charming venue featuring listed thatched barns set around a central manor house. Despite being a working farm, it exudes a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The 10 acres of formal gardens, complete with ponds, gazebos, ancient monuments, and a stunning Grade I listed archway, provide a breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable wedding photographs.

We offer two beautiful barns for your special day: one perfect for your wedding ceremony and the other ideal for hosting your reception, both set amidst tranquil and picturesque surroundings. There is also a fully licensed thatched duck pond gazebo, perfect for a charming and unique outdoor wedding.

Colville Hall interior set for a wedding ceremony
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Colville Hall Wedding Barn

Colville Hall, an enchanting historic Essex barn, provides a picturesque setting for weddings.
Essex
£10,000 - £20,000 Venues

The Lawn

Exterior of The Lawn wedding venue

Situated on over 100 acres of rolling parkland and woodland, The Lawn offers a variety of unique spaces for your special day. The Grand Hall, with its sweeping staircase, provides a breathtaking entrance and an unforgettable setting for your occasion. The elegant Orangery is a light-filled space featuring stunning garden views, perfectly complementing the grandeur of the Georgian main house. Outside, the terrace, overlooking the beautiful gardens and fountain, creates a picturesque backdrop for receptions and evening drinks.

For an outdoor ceremony, the wedding gazebo is nestled away in the gardens and boasts unspoiled views across the romantic Rose Garden. So, for a wedding of up to 150 guests, The Lawn is the perfect setting for a romantic English country wedding.

Bride and Groom pose outside The Lawn for their wedding photography, Rochford, Essex
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The Lawn, Rochford Weddings

Discover The Lawn, an enchanting manor house wedding venue in Essex, available for your wedding day, exclusively
Essex, Rochford
£1,800 - £4,295 Venues

The Rose Barn

Wedding breakfast set up at The Rose Barn essex

Set within the breathtaking grounds of The Warren Estate, The Rose Barn is considered one of the finest barn wedding venues in Essex. The main wedding barn offers a lovely ambience for your wedding breakfast, with a vaulted ceiling and glorious French doors enhancing the wonderful sense of light and space. The grand oak staircase, with a galleried landing and elegant lighting, is perfect for your entrance on your special day!

For summer weddings, The Oak Pavilion is surrounded by manicured lawns with stunning borders. A lovely limestone path forms the aisle between rustic oak benches, where your guests will be awaiting your arrival. The team also offers a wealth of experience. Your very own wedding manager will take care of every detail for you, so you can relax and enjoy your day. So, The Rose Barn is a unique country retreat, perfect for a rustic Essex wedding.

The Warren Estate Venues in Essex
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The Rose Barn at The Warren Estate Wedding Venue

A beautiful 18th Century Barn Wedding Venue in Maldon with Countryside Surroundings
Essex, Maldon
£6,600 - £11,400 Venues

Channels

Channels wedding barn interior

Situated alongside a 4 star, 26 bedroom hotel, Channels has a gorgeous, thatched barn wedding venue as well as a unique ceremony garden. The restored, 17th-century Essex Barn is a picturesque ceremony location, full of charm and historic character. Outside, in the stunning ceremony garden overlooking the glorious Essex countryside, you can tie the knot under the stunning pavilion while your loved ones look on from the antique wooden pews.

A beautiful extension to The Essex Barn is the outside wedding garden, a fantastic space to serve canapés and reception drinks. Secluded and surrounded by stunning countryside views, the wedding garden is a great space for live music, children's games and photo opportunities. Wedding photographs can also be taken in Channels' tranquil surroundings, with its extensive grounds, fountain, lily pond and avenue of mature trees. With 45 years of experience, the team at Channels will provide you with the very best cuisine and service, adding the wow factor to your Essex wedding.

Channels Estate Venues in Essex
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Channels Wedding Venue

Create your dream wedding at Channels, an award-winning 17th Century Barn Wedding Venue with stunning surroundings
Essex, Chelmsford
£5,200 - £11,200 Venues

Hatfield Place

Hatfield Place Weddings

Set in fifteen acres of undulated rural parkland adjoining the River Ter, Hatfield Place is an exquisite Georgian country house wedding venue. Each room has been beautifully furnished and will complement all styles of wedding. From the moment you arrive, Hatfield Place will become your home for the day allowing you and your guests to enjoy those very special moments in the most tranquil and picturesque setting.

Hatfield Place is a licensed venue for civil ceremonies, boasting beautiful indoor and outdoor locations including the elegant Ballroom furnished in modern grey tones and rich silk draping. The landscaped Walled Garden spans three tiers, blending English country garden aesthetics with a modern touch. The Ceremony Hall and Orangery offer contemporary, light-filled spaces with picturesque views of the garden. For an indulgent Essex wedding experience, the luxury Bridal Coach House and twelve guest rooms await.

Hatfield Place Wedding Venue Venues in Essex
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Hatfield Place Wedding Venue

A stunning wedding with a beautiful house, formal gardens and extensive reception orangery
Essex, Hatfield Peverel
£POA Venues

Houchins

Exterior of the Houchins barn

Houchins is a stunning and exclusive wedding venue in Essex, offering a beautiful oak-clad barn and a 17th-century farmhouse set in picturesque grounds. This unique venue provides a variety of options for your ceremony, including indoor and outdoor locations like the marquee, woodlands, or oak-panelled ceremony room. Additionally, the barn, with its light and airy atmosphere, is the perfect space for your wedding breakfast, accommodating up to 150 guests.

The historic farmhouse wedding venue offers comfortable and stylish accommodation for you and your wedding party, allowing you to prepare for your big day in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Conveniently located near Coggeshall, with easy access from Braintree and Colchester, Houchins is a great choice for couples seeking a unique and memorable wedding experience in Essex.

The venue and marquee
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Houchins Wedding Venue

Houchins, an enchanting contemporary barn in Essex with beautiful listed farmhouse accommodation for the wedding party. Plan your perfect wedding
Essex, Colchester
£3,500 - £15,000 Venues

London Chigwell Prince Regent Hotel

Wedding reception at London Chigwell Prince Regent. Photo has been taken from above and you can see the chandeliers and stunning decor of white flowers and monogrammed dance floor

The London Chigwell Prince Regent Hotel in Woodford Green is a popular wedding venue in Essex due to the variety of wedding packages it offers and its ability to accommodate larger guest lists of up to 300 people. The hotel is the ideal location to host a large guest list and has a beautifully flexible space. It also has 62 bedrooms for guests to stay in, making it a convenient option for those guests travelling from overseas or outside of Essex.

Additionally, the hotel has received plenty of positive reviews from couples who have held their weddings there. Previous couples have praised the venue's staff, food, and overall atmosphere. The hotel's convenient location and easy accessibility are also major selling points for those wanting somewhere luxurious and convenient to host their wedding in Essex.

Outdoor Ceremony
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London Chigwell Prince Regent Hotel

Discover the Prince Regent Hotel, Chigwell, a stunning historic wedding venue, surrounded by landscaped gardens.
Essex, Woodford Green
£4,500 - £9,500 Venues

Would you like to explore more venues in this area? Check out our page dedicated to helping you find top wedding venues in Essex.

Headshot of Nikita Thorne
About the author
Nikita is a wedding planning expert. She is the host of Guides for Brides - The Wedding Podcast and regularly speaks at wedding industry conferences and national wedding shows to inform and inspire couples who are planning their big days. She keeps on top of the latest wedding trends in design and fashion and loves to see the new innovative ideas from wedding professionals across the country. If you need practical planning advice, Nikita has been through the entire wedding planning process, so is your best contact!
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