Unusual wedding venues

Although there’s no denying the grandeur of a stately home or the beauty of relaxed, rustic barn wedding venue, some couples have their hearts set on unusual wedding venues.

Finding the right place to tie the knot can be difficult if you’re looking for a unique wedding venue. From the historic to the fairground, the city cool to the country cosy, these unusual wedding venues all work their own version of on-point, wedding-day style that you’ll fall in love with.

1. Bodleian Libraries, Oxford

Dating back to 1488, the Bodleian Libraries is the perfect venue for book lovers – it holds over 12 million printed items and special collections. An intimate dinner for 30 or a reception for 200, the venue offers two spaces for you to pick from according to your party size.

Arguably the grandest is Divinity School, which has jaw-dropping architecture – think arched windows and stone-carved ceiling – while the wooden benches and fan-vaulted ceiling of Convocation House scream history. The Bodleian also has an A-team of preferred suppliers, with catering provided by Oxford Fine Dining.

The details: 120 for ceremony and dinner in Divinity School; 100 for ceremony and 30 for dinner in Convocation House. Contact: bodleian.ox.ac.uk/weddings

2. The Barbican, London

In the heart of the City of London, The Barbican is a performing arts centre that’s been described as ‘one of the modern wonders of the world’ by the Queen. It has a library, a trio of restaurants and a conservatory – the latter is a great place for tying the knot. With its trailing plants (there are 2,000 varieties) and tranquil fishponds, the Barbican Conservatory is part jungle, part oasis.

Catering is provided by Searcys, who can create anything from a six-course menu to a series of street-food stations. Weekend venue hire, from £3,500, with a minimum catering spend of £8,000.

The details: Up to 250 guests in the Garden Room. Contact: barbican.org.uk/hire/venue-hire/weddings

3. The Italian Villa, Dorset

Having recently scooped the gong for Best Wedding Venue (South West) at the Wedding Industry Awards 2019, The Italian Villa has serious Romanesque glamour. Available for exclusive hire, the three-floor villa overlooks acres of manicured gardens and leading Dorset caterers Beales Gourmet can create a culinary feast for you. Packages begin from £4,200 for 65 guests, which includes venue hire, catering and drinks.

The details: Up to 180 guests for a wedding breakfast in the top-floor Medici Suite. Contact: the-italian-villa.co.uk

4. Dreamland, Margate, Kent

Wake up and smell the candyfloss, people! With a name like Dreamland, you’d be right to expect big things from this Kent gem – and you won’t be disappointed. From a swoonworthy ballroom through to picture-perfect VIP beach huts (via the vintage Roller Room & Diner, naturally), this by-the-sea amusement park offers a unique wedding experience.

Now a year away its 100th birthday, it’s as fun as it’s fabulous and makes an enchanting venue for your celebration. The team can even arrange for certain rides to be working for you and your guests.

The details: From 40-400 for dining; 150- 1,000 for the reception. Contact: dreamland.co.uk

5. Langley Castle, Northumberland

Still have a Game of Thrones-sized hole in your life? Well, this history-rich castle could be the one for you. Langley Castle dates back to 1350 and was named the UK’s Most Romantic Hotel last year. Complete with two thrones and peacocks, it offers packages from an intimate you-plus-witnesses (from £1,520) to an all-nighter for up to 50 that includes B&B-style accommodation (from £11,500). Langley will soon offer outdoor ceremonies, too, where couples can marry beneath a floral arch with the castle as backdrop.

The details: Up to 50 guests Contact: langleycastle.co.uk

6. Saltmarshe Hall, East Yorkshire

This Georgian Grade II listed hall was given a sprinkling of modern charm when owners Kate and Rowland bought it in 2012. With various ceremony options around the property – all rooms are licensed for ceremonies, while outdoor ‘I dos’ are also possible under a canopy of blossom or in the woods – you’re spoilt for choice the moment you set foot on the perfectly manicured 17 acres.

Exclusively yours for the day, Saltmarshe Hall is an elegant canvas for you to do with as you please.

The details: 100 guests for a ceremony, 118 for a wedding breakfast, 200 for an evening reception. Contact: saltmarshehall.com

7. Aynhoe Park, Cotswolds

Possibly as famed for its quirky floating giraffe as for its Grade I-listed architecture masterminded by John Sloane, Aynhoe Park is the ultimate statement venue. Whether the mood is fairytale or rockstar, its historic architecture and stylish decor create an event space that’s utterly wow factor. The cost for exclusive hire for a two-night weekend is a cool £42,500, while wedding packages are created on a bespoke basis.

The details: Up to 150 guests in The Orangery, 70 in the Dining Room. Contact: aynhoepark.co.uk

8. Camel Studio, Cornwall

Just 10 minutes from Wadebridge, Camel Studio is an exclusive hire venue. Book it for two or three nights and you’ll get use of the super-cool barn, a stylish property that sleeps eight, and acres of stunning grounds. The package also includes use of a sperry tent and outdoor furniture.

Exchange vows against a backdrop of the Camel Valley’s rolling hills, before sitting down for a bespoke wedding menu created by acclaimed chef Liam Smith-Laing. Prices start from £3,300 for a two-night stay in October to March, or £4,900 in April to September.

The details: Up to 80 guests for the day; 110 for a evening reception. Contact: camelstudio.co.uk

9. East Wintergarden, London

Canary Wharf might not be the most obvious spot for a picture-perfect ‘I do’, but thanks to the stylish East Wintergarden it works brilliantly. This venue features a 27 metre-high, glass-topped atrium overlooking Jubilee Park and a waterfront promenade.

It holds up to 1,000 for an evening reception in the main hall, which has Italian marble flooring, wooden wall panelling and state-of the-art AV equipment. Prices start from £9,200 for all-day hire, with access from 8am.

The details: Up to 500 guests for a wedding breakfast in the main hall. Contact: canarywharf.com/east-wintergarden/weddings

10. Inkersall Grange Farm, Nottinghamshire

Nestled in the heart of the countryside, Inkersall Grange Farm offers views across the famous Sherwood Forest and is the perfect location for a magical fairy-light celebration. It has three giant tipis (and a chill-out tipi) and for guests who want to stay overnight, the venue also has a camping field where you could hire in chic bell tents.

Prices for a Monday-Thursday wedding start at £3,600, £5,999 for a weekend wedding. Packages include the tipis, tables, chairs, firepits, and more.

The details: Up to 150 seated guests. Contact: inkersallgrangefarm.co.uk