Wasing Park is an exclusive-use wedding venue near Thatcham in Berkshire, set within a restored farm hamlet on a wider rural estate. Known for its combination of historic buildings, flexible ceremony spaces and strong sustainability ethos, it offers couples the option to host everything in one place. From the ceremony through to the evening celebration, accommodation and activities beyond the wedding day itself.
This article looks at how weddings work at Wasing Park, what couples can expect when visiting the venue, and how its January showcase and wellness offering fit into the wider planning process.
The January Wedding Showcase
Each January, Wasing Park hosts an annual wedding showcase, giving couples the opportunity to visit the venue when it is fully styled for a wedding. The focus is on showing how the different spaces are used across a real celebration.
During the showcase, couples are able to explore the ceremony spaces, reception areas and accommodation, as well as see how seasonal florals, table settings and lighting are used throughout the estate. Members of the venue team are on hand to explain how weddings typically run at Wasing Park, from timings and guest movement to how different parts of the estate are used across the day and evening.
For some, the showcase is a first introduction to the venue; for others, it's a useful way to revisit the space in more detail, or to visualise how their own wedding might be laid out.
Ceremony Options and How They Work Together
Wasing Park offers several ceremony spaces, all located close together to allow for a smooth transition into the reception.
The Parish Church of St Nicholas, dating back to the 13th century, sits within the estate and accommodates ceremonies for up to 120 guests. Having a church on site allows couples to hold a traditional ceremony without needing to travel between locations.
For civil ceremonies, the Garden Room is a beautiful and flexible option. It features rustic oak beams, aged brickwork and glass bi-fold doors with views towards the Castle Barn. Depending on the season and preference, it can be fully enclosed or opened to the gardens, and it accommodates up to 160 guests.
Outdoor ceremonies can take place in the Victorian Summerhouse, also for up to 160 guests. Located very close to the Castle Barn, it works well for couples planning an outdoor ceremony followed by an indoor reception.
Seeing these spaces dressed during the January showcase helps couples understand how ceremony choices affect the flow of the day.
Receptions, Guest Numbers and How The Day Flows
The Grade II-listed Castle Barn is the main reception space at Wasing Park. It seats up to 160 guests for the wedding breakfast, with evening celebrations welcoming up to 250 guests. The barn's layout, acoustics and built-in stage make it suitable for both live bands and DJs.
The terrace sits directly outside the Castle Barn and is covered by a stretch tent, with an outdoor kitchen attached. This space is commonly used for drinks receptions and late-night food, allowing the focus of the celebration to remain inside the barn.
For couples planning larger celebrations or marquee weddings, the Walled Garden continues to be a popular option, offering additional space and privacy within the estate.
Wellness Weddings at Wasing Park
One of the more distinctive elements of a wedding at Wasing Park is the option to include wellness experiences before or after the celebration. Set beside a secluded woodland lake, the estate's wellbeing area can be reserved for exclusive use and includes wild swimming and a Scandinavian wood-fired sauna. They can also offer sound baths, yoga and massages on-site. All sessions are overseen by a dedicated Wellbeing Host.
These sessions are carefully structured, with guidance on cold-water immersion, breathing techniques and safe use of the sauna. The lake is clear, weed-free and accessed via steps, while the sauna accommodates up to 12 people and overlooks the water. Facilities also include changing cabins, showers, a firepit and covered seating.
Couples use the wellness offering in different ways. Some book it for the evening before the wedding, particularly when staying on site, while others arrange it for the day after as a way to extend the experience and spend additional time with close friends and family.
As Sasha Hargreaves shared after taking part: “It wasn't just enjoyable, it was genuinely calming. I can see why couples choose to build this into their wedding plans, whether that's the night before or as a way to unwind after the day itself.”
Sustainability as Part of How The Estate Operates
Sustainability is not treated as an optional extra at Wasing Park, it underpins how the estate is run. Heating and hot water across the accommodation and event spaces are powered by a biomass boiler fuelled by wood sourced from the estate. Food served at weddings reflects an estate-to-plate approach, with organic beef from Wasing's own farm and an emphasis on nose-to-tail menus.
Floral arrangements are often created using seasonal and foraged materials from the gardens and surrounding woodlands, and are composted after use. Couples can also opt for wedding favours produced on the estate, including honey, candles and small-batch gin infused with botanicals gathered from the grounds.
These choices allow couples to incorporate sustainability into their wedding without it affecting the aesthetic or experience.
Accommodation and Staying on Site
Wasing Park offers 26 individually designed bedrooms, sleeping 64 guests on site. Rather than standard hotel rooms, each space has its own character, blending historic features with modern comfort.
Accommodation includes the Honeymoon Suite with its 3-metre-wide bed, The Granary with a copper bathtub, The Smithy and The Dovecote. Kitts Cottage is provided for the night before the wedding and sleeps seven, ideal for the bridal party. Meanwhile Home Farmhouse, sleeping twelve, works well for the groomsmen or close family. A dedicated Groom's Room is also available on the wedding morning.
Is Wasing Park the Right Venue for Your Wedding?
Wasing Park suits couples looking for an exclusive-use venue where the ceremony, reception, accommodation and additional experiences can all take place in one setting. With multiple ceremony options, on-site accommodation, strong sustainability credentials and the option to incorporate wellness experiences, it offers flexibility for both one-day weddings and longer celebrations.
Couples can explore more UK wedding venues, planning advice and inspiration on Guides for Brides.
In past 12 months