24 of the Best South East Wedding Venues

The South East is the largest geographical region in England and contains some of the UK’s most stunning stretches of countryside and coastline. While finding the perfect wedding venue for you here might seem daunting, don’t sweat it. Our bands have performed at some of the very best venues in the country and so we’re pretty familiar with them.

Below you’ll find our handpicked list of the very best wedding venues in the South East. As always, we’ve picked out a wide variety giving everyone from historic house lovers to those with a penchant for warehouse chic something they’ll love. Plus, all venues on the list have live band facilities!

Aesthetics and band-friendliness aside, there’s plenty more to consider when it comes to choosing your venue. Capacity, accommodation, catering options, nearby transport links and wedding planning services can all influence your decision. We’ve added key information about each venue in our round-up, including what makes each one unique, to help you narrow your search. Happy wedding venue hunting!

Capacity: 40-250

History lovers, it doesn’t get much better than Hever Castle in Edenbridge, Kent. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn (yes, Henry VIII’s ill-fated second wife) is available to hire for weddings. While Anne’s marriage is not exactly something to aspire to, a wedding at her family seat certainly is.

Since Anne’s days the 125-acre plot has been transformed by William Waldorf Astor who, at the turn of the 20th century, restored the castle, added a Tudor style village and an Italian Garden with Loggia. You can choose any of these areas to say ‘I do’ in and follow up with an evening celebration. To maximise your guest list, you can also erect a marquee in the grounds.

Capacity: 20-120

For those dreaming of a traditional country house wedding, Lainston House in Winchester is a great choice. This Queen Anne red brick stunner of a building sits in 63 acres of idyllic grounds and boasts a range of indoor and outdoor ceremony settings. You can choose from the 17th century Dawley Barn, the beautiful wedding pavilion, or one of a selection of elegant suites within the main house itself.

The house is available on both an exclusive and non-exclusive hire basis, with special offers available over the winter months. Drinks and food packages are also available, as well as extras and add-ons to make your day extra-special.

Capacity: Up to 250

From Queen Victoria to Elizabeth II to Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin, Cliveden House has opened its doors to a host of notable names over the years. Like Hever Castle, Cliveden was bought and transformed by the fabulously wealthy Astors in the late 1800s. Despite a century passing by since then, the glamour and luxury imbued by the prominent family remains.

Weddings of up to 60 guests can be accommodated on a non-exclusive hire basis while larger celebrations can take over the entire house for the day. You can make the most of the 47 opulent bedrooms, each named after a prominent guest or figure from Cliveden’s past. Following your nuptials, why not make use of the indulgent on-site spa? The perfect place to let wedding planning stresses simply drift away.

Capacity: Up to 250

Start married life in luxury at this five-star hotel and Michelin starred restaurant in Egham, Surrey. Great Fosters is a stunning country house nestled among 50 acres of pristine gardens and parkland, all just a stone’s throw from London’s amenities and transport links.

You can exchange your vows here in the majestic Orangery, host reception drinks in the Painted Hall and celebrate your wedding breakfast in the characterful Tithe Barn. Great Fosters boasts a talented kitchen team who will deliver a culinary triumph whether you choose a three-course banquet or a laidback BBQ.

Capacity: 10-250

Located in the heart of the Surrey Hills, with views of Box Hill and the North Downs, Denbies Wine Estate is a nature lovers paradise. A great choice for those considering an outdoor wedding, this 265-acre estate is the largest vineyard in England.

Here you can marry outdoors in the Courtyard Pavilion or on the lawns of the Vineyard Hotel. If the British weather threatens to dampen your celebration, the Garden Room with its large windows and French doors await. The Ranmore Suite and the Denbies Suite provide further options. There are five wedding packages available to choose from providing something for every size and budget.

Capacity: Up to 150

Nestled on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Little Glemham stands the historic Glemham Hall. Surrounded by 300 acres of stunning parkland, a long sweeping drive will bring guests to the door of this magnificent 16th century county house.

The characterful Great Hall, Drawing Room and Library are all licensed for wedding ceremonies along with the modern Orangery. A marquee can accommodate large evening receptions and nine bedrooms wait for wedding party members at the end of the night.

Capacity: Up to 300

Situated on the edge of St Albans, just half an hour from London is this stunning Georgian country house with picturesque gardens. One of the larger capacity venues on our list, Sopwell House is the place to go for grand celebrations.

The St Alban Suite is a magnificent ballroom with a state-of-the-art PA system, space for a large dance floor and stage and French doors that lead to a private terrace. If you’re thinking more intimate and relaxed, there are a further five smaller event spaces to choose from.

Capacity: Up to 350

Step into Prested Hall and step back in time to the 15th century. This country manor house sits at the end of a grand, tree-lined driveway in 75 acres of stunning Essex parkland. Here you can marry alfresco on the manicured lawns in summer or within a cosy oak-panelled room in winter. Whichever time of year you choose to say ‘I do’, Prested offers a little magic.

If your guest list is large, you can erect a marquee and invite up to 350 guests to enjoy a celebration Prested style. At the end of the night, you and your guests won’t have far to travel before you can kick of your dancing shoes. Prested Hall offers 13 individually designed bedrooms for up to 32 guests, each with characterful features and an inviting home away from home feel.

Capacity: 30-250

Set in an elevated position overlooking the charming town of Farnham is Farnham Castle, a unique and award-winning wedding venue. When booking a wedding here the venue is exclusively yours and you’re able to choose from a range of grade I and II listed buildings to hold your ceremony and celebrate. The castle boasts two chapels as well as a hall and suite all licensed for wedding venues. In the warmer months, couples also have the option to marry on the East Lawn overlooking the White Rose Garden.

Celebrations happen in the Great Hall with a night cap in the Tindle Bar. Afterwards, you and your guests can retire to the 33 en-suite castle bedrooms.

Capacity: 40-250

If countryside views rank highly on your list of south east wedding venue must-haves, then Tewinbury Farm Hotel is worth a look. A working farm with farm to fork restaurants, unique accommodation, and waterfront walkways, Tewinbury is a pastoral paradise.

Ceremonies and celebrations take place in the 17th century Tythe Barn with its exposed beams, vaulted ceiling, and atmospheric fairy lights. But we think the main draw here is the accommodation: consisting of renovated farm buildings, riverside lodges and huts, a stay here is a totally unique experience. Many of the huts and lodges come complete with outdoor hot tubs, perfect for sipping champagne and taking in the views post-wedding.

Capacity: 50-410

You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped onto the set on Bridgerton as you view the impressive frontage of this exquisite country house from the ornate fountain. Landscaped parkland and acres of Essex countryside surround Quendon Hall, giving it a tranquil and private feel.

Along with three stunning ceremony rooms, you have the choice of two outside areas for your ‘I dos’. The first is the traditional gazebo and the second is the front lawn and fountain area. Dress each area in flowers and fairy lights or simply let the bucolic views do the talking.

Capacity: 40-220

Set in the heart of a working farm this delightful collection of Cotswold Stone barns, along with a charming farmhouse, offer an idyllic backdrop for your special day. You can marry here at the nearby 12th century St Mary’s church or the 14th century thatched barn.

After the ‘I dos’ you can let the Tythe Barn team transform the thatched barn into your dream wedding reception space as you sip on champagne at the Cowshed and Hovel. This characterful space features floor to ceiling windows, oak beams, and plenty of fairy lights. With a woodfired pizza oven, it’s also the ideal spot to enjoy a late-night snack before retiring to the farmhouse’s en-suite bedrooms.

Capacity: 15-200

With barns built in 1660 and over a century old apple trees dotted around the grounds, Winters Barns is a great choice for lovers of history.

Start your day getting ready in the salon or dressing room before making your way to the ceremony room, cart barn or courtyard for your ceremony. Afterwards you can enjoy drinks in the charming courtyard complete with pond and newly built bridge – ideal for wedding portraits. You can then enjoy a wedding breakfast in the wedding breakfast barn followed by dancing and drinks in the bar. At the end of the night, rest your dancing feet in the beautiful cottage reserved just for newlyweds.

Capacity: Up to 300

Nestled between the historic towns of Hastings and Battle, Bannatyne Hastings Hotel is a Georgian hotel with a modern approach.

As guests arrive, they can relax with a drink in the terrace bar or lounge area as you make your way from home or make some final touch-ups in your hotel room. However you plan to start your morning you can relax knowing that your guests will be the only people there thanks to Bannatyne’s exclusive use hire. You can say your vows in one of the elegant rooms or in the enchanting gardens.

The purpose-built Montgomerie Suite is our favourite part of this venue. With a bar, stage and surround sound, it’s the perfect place to dance the night away!

Capacity: 50-200

Blake Hall combines the manicured lawns and carefully cultivated gardens of a manor house estate with the rustic charm of a barn wedding venue. Here you can exchange vows inside the beautifully restored Hay Barn or outside under the canopy of the Saddlery.

Wedding breakfasts and evening celebrations at Blake Hall happen in the majestic Essex Barn with its ambient lighting and cosy country charm. After the festivities, you can continue soaking up the laidback rural atmosphere with a stay in the gorgeous Stable Cottage. Available until 12pm the day after your wedding, you can start married life slowly with a delicious breakfast in total privacy.

Capacity: 15-180

Mixing traditional English garden vibes with quirky touches and delightful surprises, Preston Court is one of a kind. A 17th century oak framed barn, a maypole adorned with 1000 twinkling lights and a restored Victorian carousel can all form part of your big day.

You can marry here in the Kentish Barn as the incredible mechanical organ plays or say ‘I do’ on Juliana’s Island, a small, magical island situated in the middle of the lake. Afterwards, head to the verdant Barnyard where you can kick back on antique French furniture and enjoy pre-wedding breakfast drinks with loved ones.

Capacity: 15-150

Set in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, this 12th century former abbey is bursting with character and history. As you walk through arched doorways, past stained-glass windows and under embossed ceilings, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

During the summer the pristine lawns await sun-soaked reception drinks and garden games. As guests play, you can sneak away to the south lawn for wedding portraits in front of the 400-year-old cedar tree or 18th century Gothic summer house that lies within the woodland. Smaller weddings can enjoy wedding breakfasts in Missenden Abbey’s dining room while larger weddings can dine under the starlit canopy of the marquee.

Capacity: 80-200

Farbridge is a tranquil country oasis nestled in the downlands of the South Downs National Park. Enjoy glorious vistas from the manicured courtyard as you walk to your ceremony and toast your nuptials afterwards.

Farbridge consists of a series of historic barns and outhouses, each connected to allow a seamless flow from room to room on your big day. The 19th century buildings have each been meticulously restored to give a light, airy and elegant feel. As the sun goes down, ambient lighting is turned up and a band or DJ can prepare for an evening’s performance in the Meadow Barn as guests dine in the stunning Lavant Valley Barn undisturbed.

Capacity: 30-300

At Fennes couples are spoilt for choice when it comes to wedding ceremony settings. With over 100 acres of breath-taking countryside including stunning gardens, woodland and lakes, there are plenty of options for an alfresco ceremony. Indoors options include a light-filled pavilion and an intimate drawing room.

Whatever you choose, the manor will be exclusively yours for the day and you can use the facilities as you wish. Along with the function spaces and outdoor areas, you’ll also be able to enjoy use of 13 rooms. The Honeymoon Cottage is the jewel in the crown at Fennes with its luxurious king-size four poster bed and roll top copper bath – sounds like the perfect place to start married life to us!

Capacity: 50-200

Situated in the charming seaside town of Whitstable, East Quay offers something a little different. Nestled on the beach front within a working harbour, it’s the perfect choice for couples looking for a laidback and rustic wedding day.

East Quay is the original home of the Seasalter and Ham Oyster Fishery Company and retains plenty of coastal charm. When it comes to your ceremony, there is a mezzanine floor with sea views or a ground floor room which doubles as a dance floor. After the ‘I dos’ you can enjoy bubbles and (of course!) oysters on the shingle beach. Follow up with a meal made from locally sourced ingredients, including Whitstable caught fish, before dancing the night away.

Capacity 2-90

Step back 600 years as you enter the charming Pilgrims Rest. This old girl has hosted everything from medieval banquets to Georgian balls, and Victorian luncheons to Edwardian tea dances, and now hosts 21st century weddings.

Weddings here are more of a DIY affair with no fixed suppliers and no corkage charges, so you’re free to completely personalise your day. The venue has been designed with sustainability in mind and is fully furnished with seasonal décor stored and reused by couples time and time again. You can say “I do” in the Great Hall as guests sit on rustic benches topped with faux fur or bohemian style rugs. The cottage and walled gardens will open their doors for reception drinks before the wedding breakfast is served in the dining room. Dancing takes place back in the Great Hall with space for up to 90 to throw some shapes.

Capacity: 30-80

Want to breathe in the fresh sea air and feel the sand between your toes on your big day? You might want to take a look at The Gallivant. Brimming with coastal luxury, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into an exclusive Hamptons hotel.

You can marry here within the airy house itself or outside with drinks served in the eco-coastal garden or terrace area afterwards. Receptions take place in the stunning Summer House where fresh ingredients sourced from the surrounding land and sea are served up in the form of imaginative dishes. After the night’s festivities, you can sink into a sumptuous bed, kick back on your private deck area or take the plunge in a roll top bath in one of The Gallivant’s sensational rooms.

Capacity 2-120

Take a walk on the wild side on your wedding day and say “I do’ at this 600-acre wildlife park. The options are endless at Port Lympne with a grade II listed mansion, tranquil terraces, a Moroccan courtyard, a romantic pergola, and a light-filled orangery all at your disposal.

There’s no need to worry about afternoon lulls here; after your ceremony, you and your guests can be swept away on a private safari. After getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most endangered animals, you can sit down to a three-course meal before dancing the night away.

Capacity: 40-150

The Ravenswood boasts one of the most fascinating histories of all the venues on this list. It dates back to 1426 and Henry VI’s reign and over the next couple of centuries changed hands and purpose numerous times. In the 1600s a tower and servant’s quarters were added and in the 1800s, after a brief period of disrepair, it underwent another expansion. By the 1960s it operated as a casino before becoming a wedding venue. Would you like to make your day part of Ravenswood history?

Featuring an elegant and airy Jacobian Suite, a warm and inviting Baronial Hall and a showstopping Princess Beatrice Suite complete with private bar and panoramic views, we think this Sussex gem is certainly worth your consideration.