2022 Editor's Choice Hotels for Weddings
Editor’s Choice: Wedding Hotel Venues
Montagu Arms
Beaulieu
In a lovely village roamed by New Forest ponies, on the Beaulieu river, this Victorian Arts and Crafts inn is run as a luxurious, characterful hotel, with fine-dining restaurant and a pub in a 1920s wing.
Lewtrenchard Manor
Okehampton
In a peaceful Devon valley, this family-run historic manor house is loved for its architecture, romantic atmosphere, attention to detail and fine food.
Star Castle
St Mary's
You can take tea on the ramparts or imbibe history along with a St Agnes gin in the Dungeon Bar at the Francis family’s hotel, occupying an Elizabethan artillery castle within star-shaped fortress walls.
Prestonfield
Edinburgh
‘Neatness and sweetness all around, These at Prestonfield are found’, wrote Benjamin Franklin, after a stay at this 17th-century mansion in parkland under Arthur’s Seat. ‘This hotel was wonderful,’ a trusted reader waxes no less lyrical.
Jesmond Dene House
Newcastle upon Tyne
A city hotel with country house style, Jesmond Dene House is a peaceful retreat beside a lush wooded valley, yet only a 10-minute drive from Newcastle centre.
Twr y Felin Hotel
St Davids
Modern art and minimalist bedrooms rub shoulders with a Georgian windmill in Wales's first contemporary arts hotel, with views of the Pembrokeshire coast.
New House Country Hotel
Cardiff
In the gentle hills just north of the centre, this dog-friendly hotel takes in panoramic views over the city and the Severn estuary.
Locanda on the Weir
Minehead
Italian foodie flair mixes with West Country magic in this 'superb little restaurant-with-rooms where Exmoor meets the sea', which is a 'real find', a Guide insider reports.
Hilton Park
Clones
Built in 1734, burnt down in 1803, rebuilt over 15 years and remodelled in the 1870s in the style of an Italian palazzo, the ancestral home of the Maddens is the perfect place for an escapist Irish country house weekend.
The Assembly House
Norwich
A Georgian House of Assemblies, built over medieval footings, where Paganini played the violin and the Noverre family taught Norwich to polka, remains today a place for song and dance – an events venue with hotel, restaurant and cookery school.
2021 Editor's Choice Hotels for Weddings
Editor’s Choice: Wedding Hotel Venues
The Horn of Plenty
Tavistock
Fine weather permitting, couples can tie the knot outdoors with a magnificent view across the Tamar valley from this four-star, creeper-clad Georgian country house. Large suites in the main house or coach houses have balconies and terraces.
Lords of the Manor
Upper Slaughter
This romantic Cotswold manor house set in eight acres of gardens prides itself on offering bespoke extravagant ceremonies for up to 150 people, as well as discreet, intimate affairs with just a handful of guests.
The Inn at Whitewell
Clitheroe
Couples can marry in the orangery of this mullion-windowed 18th-century inn overlooking the Forest of Bowland, or in a charming church, built in 1821, which is in the grounds. In addition to 23 rooms, there is a private cottage.
Marlfield House
Gorey
Fairy-tale weddings are a mainstay of this luxurious Relais & Châteaux hotel, set in 36 acres of glorious gardens. Say ‘I do’ in the Print Room, elegant Turner- style Conservatory or garden; spend your wedding night in a lavish State Room.
Burgh Island Hotel
Bigbury-on-Sea
Have the island and this retro-glamorous Art Deco hotel, which has hosted luminaries from Winston Churchill to Noël Coward, entirely to yourself as the tide draws in. With 25 rooms, it can host 50 guests for exclusive use.
New House Farm
Cockermouth
The wedding photos here will win you bragging rights for the rest of your days. Couples have a mesmerising backdrop of dramatic fells, brooks and gardens at this Lake District farmhouse. Marry in a rustic hayloft with exposed stone walls.
Gilpin Hotel and Lake House
Windermere
The Lake House, which you can hire exclusively with 100 acres of grounds, has six suites, lakeside views, lounge, outdoor hot tubs, sauna and indoor pool. After your vows, there is Michelin-starred dining in the Conservatory or marquee.
Judges
Yarm
Wedding nerves will be calmed by a warm Yorkshire welcome at this clubby hotel in a Victorian country mansion. Marry in the lovely garden gazebo with acres of gardens and woods as the backdrop, and dine on excellent food.
Llangoed Hall
Brecon
Welsh country house hospitality awaits spouses-to-be at this impressive hall in the Wye valley. Exchange vows with a view of the Black mountains, dine on locally sourced cuisine, and wander arm-in-arm through wild flowers in the grounds.
Glenapp Castle
Ballantrae
Church of Scotland ceremonies can be held in a Victorian chapel on this splendid Ayrshire estate, or in the turreted castle hotel. In the evening, watch the sun set over Ailsa Craig and the Mull of Kintyre, and retire to a sea-view suite.
2020 Editor's Choice Hotels for Weddings
Editor’s Choice: Wedding Hotel Venues
Bodysgallen Hall and Spa
Llandudno
A photographer’s dream, this Elizabethan manor house stands in gardens and parkland, with mountain views. A spa, oak-panelled drawing room, romantic four-poster suite, stone cottages with roses round the door. What more could you ask?
Montagu Arms
Beaulieu
From an intimate ceremony in the Paris Room to a large gathering in the Terrace restaurant, with Gertrude Jekyll-inspired gardens outside and four-poster suites above, this New Forest hotel can lay on the full Monty.
Askham Hall
Penrith
The chapel, a French drawing room, medieval hall, gardens and nearby church are at your disposal if you wed at this battlemented ancient pile. Relax in the spa beforehand, party in the Bank Barn, sleep in a four-poster room.
Morston Hall
Holt
A more intimate venue, this long-time Guide favourite is renowned for Galton Blackiston’s Michelin-starred cooking. Ceremonies are held in the conservatory or gardens. Opt for exclusive use and guests will be welcomed with a cream tea.
The Colonsay
Isle of Colonsay
Whether you elect to hold your wedding in the lovely gardens or indoors (and this is the rainy Hebrides), the remote and beautiful situation of this hotel makes for an unforgettable day. There are self- catering cottages if there’s no room at the inn for all guests.
Judges
Yarm
Up to 75 people can attend your garden wedding ceremony in the Gazebo at this smart hotel (smaller gatherings in the lounge, garden room and conservatory restaurant). You want a Daimler? A magician? A string quartet? They have the contacts.
The Painswick
Painswick
Have a civil ceremony in the lounge or on the terrace of this beautiful Palladian mansion with wisteria-draped loggia, or make your vows at St Mary’s church. Spa treatments and the four-poster George’s Suite are a bride’s dream.
Hilton Park
Clones
Formal gardens and pleasure grounds surround this Italianate ancestral home. A roofed colonnade has been restored to create a wedding space. Or request a humanist ceremony in the rose garden by the lake. A house-party atmosphere prevails.
Lympstone Manor
Exmouth
It will be a while before guests can raise a flute of Lympstone Manor bubbly from the vineyard, but Michael Caines’s Georgian manor in parkland on the Exe estuary affords a glorious setting and a gourmet experience.
The Salutation
Sandwich
The owners of this beautiful, Queen Anne-style Lutyens house with Arts and Crafts gardens choose to host a small number of weddings each year, and to make them very special. There are no packages; everything is bespoke.
From £90 per night
2019 Editor's Choice Hotels for Weddings
Editor’s Choice: Wedding Hotel Venues
The Horn of Plenty
Tavistock
The name doesn’t lie. There’s plenty of good cheer, from falcons to fireworks, for guests at this 19th-century mansion. With four rooms for civil ceremonies, and a host of atmospheric local churches, celebrations can embrace the main house or use a marquee for large parties.
Seaham Hall
Seaham
Lord Byron married Annabella Milbanke at this Georgian mansion turned spa hotel. The union didn’t fare well, but the hotel’s wedding packages, named after their brilliant daughter, Ada Lovelace, include everything from use of the ballroom to champagne.
Gravetye Manor
East Grinstead
Built by ironmaster for his bride, this Elizabethan manor house in lovely gardens laid out by William Robinson is as romantic a venue as you could wish. Exclusive use is available for parties of up to 60, with the wedding breakfast in the glass-walled dining room.
Temple House
Ballymote
A family home for centuries, this Georgian mansion has witnessed many splendid wedding celebrations. Vast period rooms and a ruined Knights Templar castle by the lake – imagine those photos – are the icing on the cake.
Langar Hall
Langar
Ceremonies are held in the Indian room, garden room or dining room at this apricot-washed mansion in beautiful grounds in the Vale of Belvoir. Small, informal weddings and partnerships are a speciality.
Prestonfield
Edinburgh
Throw a party in the circular stables ballroom at this 17th-century mansion, or go for something more intimate in the Stuart Room or Italian room. Then how about a night to remember in a silver- leaf sleigh bed in a room with an antique chaise longue and trompe l’oeil drapery?
Fischer’s at Baslow Hall
Baslow
Readers who spent their wedding night at this stone manor house on the edge of the Chatsworth estate loved it so much that they returned this year for their 12th anniversary. Ceremonies in drawing room or study.
Jesmond Dene House
Newcastle upon Tyne
From the Apartment, hosting ten guests, to the panelled Great Hall for up to 120, from a small supper to a banquet, cakes, flowers, photographers, magicians, all can be arranged at this 19th-century stone mansion in woodland.
Bingham Riverhouse
Richmond-upon-Thames
You can book the garden and garden rooms, and choose anything from canapés to buffet to barbecue at this romantic riverside hotel. Packages include ‘Summer Whirlwind’, ‘Small and Intimate’, and exclusive use.
The Assembly House
Norwich
You can hire the Grand Hall, the Ballroom, the Music Room, or a less flamboyant space at this landmark Georgian building replete with chandeliers. Best of all, book exclusive use and bag the bridal suite with tester bed.
2018 Editor's Choice Hotels for Weddings
Editor’s Choice: Wedding Hotel Venues
The Horn of Plenty
Tavistock
The name promises all manner of good things, and they certainly deliver at this dog-friendly hotel in a former Victorian mine captain's house with glorious views over the 'dramatic sweep of the Tamar valley' and a long reputation for foodie excellence.
Temple House
Ballymote
A ruined Knights Templar castle sits beside a mile-long lake in the grounds belonging to Roderick and Helena Perceval's impressive classical mansion.
Langar Hall
Langar
The apricot-coloured Georgian house, at the end of a lime-tree avenue, adds just a touch of eccentricity to a traditional country house stay.
Glenfinnan House Hotel
Fort William
Peacefully set beside Loch Shiel, opposite the Glenfinnan Monument and with distant views of Ben Nevis, this handsome country house with tartan fabrics and four-poster bedrooms is a great Highland hideaway.
Goldstone Hall
Market Drayton
There are many special things about John and Sue Cushing’s red brick Georgian manor house in Shropshire dairy country, from the 'excellent food' to 'spotless, spacious and well-planned bedrooms', but the flower-filled borders and vast kitchen garden are truly remarkable.
Bingham Riverhouse
Richmond-upon-Thames
A stroll from Richmond Park, with Thameside garden and terrace, this Georgian mansion is today an innovative hotel, wedding venue and members’ club, run by mother-and-daughter team Ruth and Samantha Trinder.
Budock Vean
Falmouth
Walk through the ‘pretty’ garden to reach the Helford river from this spa hotel and golf resort.
Llangoed Hall
Brecon
The picturesque Wye valley is the setting for this 17th-century manor house that opened as a hotel in 1990 under the late Sir Bernard Ashley, of the Laura Ashley fashion and textiles empire.
Hipping Hall
Kirkby Lonsdale
Between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District – and just ten minutes from the M6 – Hipping Hall is a surprising foodie find with understated but luxurious bedrooms and a relaxed atmosphere.
Penally Abbey
Tenby
A 'good base for exploring the Pembrokeshire coast', the Boissevain family's Strawberry Hill Gothic house in a 'beautiful location with outstanding rooms and dinner' proves hard to leave, say readers.
2017 Editor's Choice Hotels for Weddings
Editor’s Choice: Wedding Hotel Venues
Star Castle
St Mary's
You can take tea on the ramparts or imbibe history along with a St Agnes gin in the Dungeon Bar at the Francis family’s hotel, occupying an Elizabethan artillery castle within star-shaped fortress walls.
Gregans Castle Hotel
Ballyvaughan
There isn’t a castle, but there is a 15th-century tower house, built for the ‘Prince of the Burren’, the unearthly glaciokarst landscape said to have inspired J R R Tolkien.
Langar Hall
Langar
The apricot-coloured Georgian house, at the end of a lime-tree avenue, adds just a touch of eccentricity to a traditional country house stay.
The Lord Crewe Arms
Blanchland
In a postcard-perfect village of honey-stone cottages with a sparkling river, this historic building blends atmosphere with 21st-century comforts and robust food.
Hotel Endsleigh
Tavistock
Olga Polizzi's cottage-orné with tall chimneys, verandas, gables and dormers, in an Arcadian landscape on the River Tamar, is full of flair – and of history.
Jesmond Dene House
Newcastle upon Tyne
A city hotel with country house style, Jesmond Dene House is a peaceful retreat beside a lush wooded valley, yet only a 10-minute drive from Newcastle centre.
The Coach House at Middleton Lodge
Richmond
Not so much a hotel as a grand country estate, with bedrooms in cottages, former stables and outbuildings, a restaurant in the coach house and 200 acres to explore.
Roundwood House
Mountrath
Put together a Georgian mansion, rambling grounds, creative cooking served by serenading chefs, and big-hearted hosts, and you understand Roundwood’s allure.
Boath House
Nairn
The Matheson family’s classical Regency mansion stands in 22 acres of spectacular walled and woodland gardens, so ‘the rustle of the leaves in the trees’ drowns out any traffic noise from the Aberdeen–Inverness road.
The Assembly House
Norwich
A Georgian House of Assemblies, built over medieval footings, where Paganini played the violin and the Noverre family taught Norwich to polka, remains today a place for song and dance – an events venue with hotel, restaurant and cookery school.
2016 Editor's Choice Hotels for Weddings
Editor’s Choice: Wedding Hotel Venues
Watersmeet
Woolacombe
Perched above Combesgate beach, this former Edwardian gentleman’s retreat benefits from ‘wonderful’ clifftop views.
The Ollerod
Beaminster
In Hardy’s ‘Emminster’, ten minutes from Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, a historic priest’s house is now a restaurant-led hotel.
Knockinaam Lodge
Portpatrick
A 'wonderful country house hotel in a peaceful location by the sea' this former Victorian hunting lodge comes with panelled walls, log fires, period furniture, the obligatory stag's head, a dazzling array of malt whiskies, and views across the water to Northern Ireland.
Ballymaloe House
Shanagarry
When farmer’s wife Myrtle Allen opened a restaurant in her Georgian farmhouse back in 1964, she did not dream that she was starting a quiet revolution in Irish food, or that her home would become the epitome of country house hotel style.
Bingham Riverhouse
Richmond-upon-Thames
A stroll from Richmond Park, with Thameside garden and terrace, this Georgian mansion is today an innovative hotel, wedding venue and members’ club, run by mother-and-daughter team Ruth and Samantha Trinder.
Rose in Vale
ST AGNES
In summer, swags of roses adorn the Doric porch of James and Sara Evans’s ‘elegant’ if much extended Georgian country house in a secluded valley in the village of Mithian.
Find your perfect wedding venue
. .
The Good Hotel Guide was built on an ethos of quality and identity, and at no time are those elements more important than when you’re planning a wedding. A time to look after and entertain all the people who are closest to you, the hotels we have found, from boutique hotels to grand country house hotels, city townhouses to the most elegant of rustic country pubs, all include those highly desired qualities in our collection of UK wide hotel wedding venues.
The collection includes a wide variety of UK destinations, not just in terms of counties and cities, but varying from lakeside hotels near Windermere to mountainside locations in Wales, seaside hotels in Devon and Highland hotels in Scotland.
Each has its own approach to weddings, and many have in-house planners who make the whole process that much more carefree for the bride and groom. Food is a high priority in most places, and a tricky one to coordinate outside a hotel venue, adding another tick box in the reasons for choosing a hotel as your wedding venue.
Whether you’re looking for a grand event at the likes of Lewtrenchard Manor or a small and intimate occasion, there’s something for every wedding occasion amongst this collection.