Wedding venue inspiration - Country havens

Stanton Manor Hotel, Nr Chippenham, Wiltshire

This historical wedding venue is steeped in history dating back to Doomsday. The manor house offers a traditional yet rustic feel with its original fireplace and character features and is home to 23 contemporary en suite bedrooms with luxurious double beds. The hotel is surrounded by open fields and sits in two acres of picturesque gardens including a vegetable garden maintained by the head chef. Look carefully and you'll spot carp and frogs in the pond, a tranquil spot for big-day photographs. Outdoor ceremonies take place in the pagoda situated in the pretty Cherry Gardens. This structure looks stunning draped in white linen and the venue's outdoor licence is unlimited so couples can invite as many guests as they wish.

Bowerchalke Barn, Salisbury, Wiltshire

This 16th-century thatched barn wedding venue sits in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside on a 1200-acre working farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It features two threshing floors and is one of the largest of its kind in the county. The interior offers a large space with open beams, suspended iron chandeliers and glazed doors showcasing spectacular views. There's also a large oak-top barrel bar, a stage suitable for a band and a foyer area to welcome guests. Outside, the patio area with its raised rose beds is the perfect place to host reception drinks and the hidden lake and cherry tree avenue are ideal for big-day photographs. Ceremonies take place within the barn on a small raised stage and the reception can make use of the entire barn and grounds. There's also the option of a marquee placed in the surrounding fields with the addition of a large iron firepit and hay bales as seating for guests.

Cricklade House Hotel, Restaurant, Spa, Cricklade, Wiltshire

This traditional wedding venue is located on the edge of the Cotswolds stands in more than 30 acres of peaceful, secluded grounds offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The country house has been tastefully restored and carefully extended with one of the most impressive additions being the magnificent Victorian-style glass conservatory which runs the full length of the original building offering panoramic vistas across the Wiltshire countryside. The new Fritillary Spa has recently opened allowing guests access to the fitness suite, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and five luxurious treatment suites. Invited wedding guests can book an additional night to take advantage of the spa.

Hatch House, Tisbury, Wiltshire

Nestled in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside and accessed through the large armorial gates sits this wedding venue, originally a 17th-century house transformed in the early 20th century by the celebrated architect Detmar Blow. The theatrical façade overlooking the picturesque gardens nods to the vibrant, eclectic interior that maintains the warmth and feel of a family home. The highlight of these manicured grounds includes several garden rooms that provide a variety of spaces for weddings of most sizes along with a two-tier, 17th-century walled Dutch garden with panoramic vistas stretching across the Vale of Wardour. The lower lawn offers a romantic, private setting perfect for weddings.

The Wardrobe Walled Garden Weddings, Salisbury, Wiltshire

This wedding venue offers exclusivity within the walls of the historic Cathedral Close in Salisbury. Fronting on to Choristers Square, the historic house dates from the 13th century with many additions and alterations over the years shaping its character. To the rear, there's a mature walled garden, a hidden jewel in the heart of this Cathedral city where exclusive marquee weddings can be held. It's totally enclosed and covers over half an acre leading down to the banks of the River Avon and the pretty flowerbeds and blooming rose garden make an ideal photographic backdrop. Small wedding receptions take place inside in the historic regimental room, with its stunning views of the Cathedral spire, and larger ones in a marquee outside in the secret garden. The space lends itself to different entertaining options, from rustic sharing platters to drinks served on the lawn. Access will be given the day before and after the wedding included in the cost. There's also a complimentary tasting of the wedding breakfast menu and a discounted lunch the day after the celebration included in the price.

Antrobus House, Amesbury, Wiltshire

This Grade 11 listed period wedding venue is set in three acres of formal gardens and parkland is located close to Salisbury and Andover and is available to hire for exclusive-use weddings at affordable prices being a charitable trust. It boasts original, ornate features and many picturesque photographic backdrops. There are two large function rooms suitable for weddings, The Lady Florence Room on the first floor with plenty of natural light where ceremonies take place, and The Edmund Hall located on the ground floor where the wedding breakfast for up to 100 guests seated, and the evening reception for up to 150 loved ones takes place. The double-lawned garden at the front of the house is a pretty, spacious area ideal for an outdoor drinks reception and it's also big enough for a small marquee.

Manor by the Lake, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

This award-winning, exclusive-use Victorian manor house wedding venue is nestled in seven acres of grounds in the heart of the Cotswold countryside. It's steeped in history and bursting with character, and the spectacular grounds offer outdoor options for wedding ceremonies including the Italian Pavilion situated next to the manor house, and the Lakeside Pavilion framed by immaculate gardens. There's also the dramatic Manor Arches that's a licensed setting which also makes a great photographic backdrop. Receptions take place in a choice of rooms inside the manor including in the beautiful ballroom that opens out on to the lake and gardens for up to 250 guests. It's a light and bright space and is home to a large bar, stage and dancefloor.

Chiseldon House, Chiseldon, Wiltshire

This country manor house wedding venue is nestled within its own pretty landscaped gardens in the Wiltshire countryside, with 21 stylish bedrooms and two elegant function rooms that can be transformed for exclusive-use weddings. The picturesque grounds are a photographer's dream, with Instaworthy touches at every turn including balconies with far-reaching views of the grounds and secluded wooded areas. Al fresco ceremonies take place in the summerhouse located within the private, secluded courtyard leading directly into both function rooms for up to 100 guests. The indoor ceremony option is the chic Borelli Suite overlooking the gardens that are suitable for up to 60 loved ones. The wedding breakfast is also held here for an intimate 40 people while the restaurant that leads directly to the courtyard seats up to 100 guests for the wedding breakfast and hosts up to 150 for the evening reception.

Wellington Barn, Calne, Wiltshire

This award-winning, family-run wedding venue is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside with rolling downs and a spectacular wildflower meadow as a backdrop. Two main rooms form the barn – the historic Old Barn dating back to the 18th century featuring a high-vaulted beamed ceiling that's full of rustic character and charm and The New Barn. This was built more recently and offers a warm, contemporary setting with its floor-to-ceiling glass window exposing views of the valley. Ceremonies, the wedding breakfast and receptions can take place in either barn and al fresco ceremonies take place outside under the stunning oak gazebo. If the weather allows, the south-facing terrace also allows for outdoor receptions.