Wedding venue inspiration - Historic venues

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.

The Guildhall Salisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Dating back to 1795, this wedding venue is located in the centre of Salisbury, with its historic streets and medieval architecture, is a historic period building that represents the history of the city. Ceremonies take place in a range of elegant and versatile rooms furnished with antiques, paintings displayed in ornate gilded picture frames, lead crystal chandeliers and this famous city's range of artefacts and silver. The magnificent Banqueting Hall has hosted many famous names and is a fabulous ceremony backdrop for up to 150 guests. The Crown Court, a light and airy room is suitable for ceremonies of up to 80 guests while Oak Court, the former courtroom with a real sense of drama and history, can accommodate up to 140 loved ones for the ceremony. Alternatively, the Grand Jury Room is an intimate space accessed via the grand staircase in the foyer that was once used as a juvenile court and can accommodate up to 50 guests.

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.

Hatherley Manor, Gloucester, Gloucestershire

This historic 17th-century manor house hotel set in 64 acres of idyllic Gloucestershire countryside blends luxury accommodation with many character features and presents The Spa at Hatherley Manor, a tranquil setting home to six luxury treatment rooms and a long spa menu, a large vitality pool set against views of the pretty walled gardens, a thermal suite complete with experience showers, a sauna and steam room, and a fully-equipped gym. Outdoor ceremonies can take place for between 10 and 300 guests in the stunning pavilion located in the historic walled garden, and the manicured lawn to the front and side of the manor is a great spot for big-day photographs.

Sudbury House Hotel & Restaurant, Faringdon, Oxfordshire

Nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds in nine acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and surrounded by woodland sits this recently refurbished, Grade 11 listed, four-star hotel. The main part benefits from a contemporary design while the neighbouring Old House, formerly a Georgian family house, has been restored to its former glory and is a popular choice for weddings with its antique furnishings, sculptures, artwork and magnificent wooden staircase combined with an elegant red carpet.