29 Unusual Wedding Venues for Wacky Couples
Author: Claudia Trotman
It’s out with the old and in with the new. Traditional weddings are no longer the requirement for every couple so why not try an unusual wedding?
It’s probably one of the biggest days of your life- so why shouldn’t it be exactly how you want it? Whether it’s your dream to walk down the aisle at a historic manor house surrounded by flowers, or you want to tie the knot at the London Canal Museum, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 29 of our favourite unusual wedding venues to help you find the perfect unique place to say I Do.
1. The Rosendale, South London
Gorgeous private rooms paired with an equally impressive bar. What more could you ask for? The Rosendale is one unusual wedding venue where you and your guests are sure to be well fed and looked after.
In this quirky and understated public house, your day will run smoothly from start to finish. The Rosendale has proven to provide well-run and memorable weddings and it’s quickly becoming one of our favourites. Oh, and did we mention they serve award-winning wines, ales and cocktails too?
2. Minterne House, West Country
If there’s an unusual wedding venue that encompasses personalisation to you and your day, it’s Minterne House. Their new initiative, “One Union- Two Perfect Days” means that even during COVID, you can have the wedding of dreams.
You can have your intimate ceremony at Winston’s Churchill’s old home with COVID permitting guidelines and, once restrictions have been lifted, you can finish your day off with a gathering of hundreds of guests at a later date. This is a venue for the history-loving couples with many authentic tapestries still intact and even a Himalayan garden to show your guests around.
3. Bolton Castle, North Yorkshire
If it’s good enough for royalty, then it’s good enough for us. This grand castle is the perfect place for an unusual wedding. Having been built in 1399 and previously been occupied by Mary, Queen of Scotts, Bolton Castle is the ideal regal location to tie the knot.
It may have been built in Medieval times, but the Castle remains in impeccable condition and tells stories and secrets of past inhabitants. Brooding over the Yorkshire Dales, treat up to 240 guests like royalty for the day in one of the most enchanting unusual wedding venues.
4. Denbies Vineyard, Surrey
A good wedding should always include idyllic surroundings, well-decorated rooms and irresistible food and drink. This is what makes Denbies Vineyard such a perfect choice for your big day.
Not far from the City of London, surrounded by the breath-taking landscaped setting of England’s largest vineyard and looking over National Trust’s Box Hill, the photo opportunities are endless. Better yet, at the end of the day you can crack into one of Denbies award-winning wines as you dance the night away.
5. Merriscourt, Oxfordshire
This is the perfect location for those couples looking for a rustic, unusual wedding venue. with three converted barns connected with a romantic courtyard, you don’t need to look any further than Merriscourt for that quintessential Cotswolds experience. Nestled on the border of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, the photo opportunities are unmatched, and the venue offers packages including transport in a Bentley.
6. Gants Mill, West Country
Want to make sure your wedding is good for the planet? This is the venue for you. With a history spanning over 1,000 years, Gants Mill is the idyllic contrast between work and play. With an opportunity to get a tour around the Mill and it’s hydro-electric power generation equipment, you can enjoy a completely carbon-neutral wedding!
Stunning views, flexible packages and complete control of catering, transport and everything else- all whilst being green!
7. Dyffryn Springs, South Wales
With rustic charm and brilliant views of nature with a lake spreading out in front of you, Dyffryn Springs brings out your true inner farmer. While it’s still a working farm, a luxurious marquee is propped up, fully carpeted with a separate dance floor and twinkling ceiling. The perfect mixture between inside and out and sure to make your unusual wedding stand out.
8. Woodhall Manor, Woodbridge
There is no more romantic place in the East of England than Woodhall Manor. Steeped in history and near the edge of Suffolk Heritage Coast, this Elizabethan manor is perfect for any couple looking for an elegant, unusual wedding venue. Whether you have an intimate affair or a lavish celebration with up to 200 guests, you’ll fall in love with this enchanting venue. Don’t believe us? Just take a look at the beautiful spaces and picturesque walled gardens.
9. Kew Gardens, West London
Lots of people have visited these gardens- but how many people can say they got married there? You can hold your head up high and impress your guests by inviting them to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kew Gardens.
Whether you’re married in Cambridge Cottage or Nash Conservatory, the beautiful sight of tropical fauna and flora is sure to make beautiful wedding pictures. It’s the perfect place for an unusual wedding and sure to make the reception memorable.
10. Grand Junction, London
Hugh Jackman filmed a scene for Les Miserables in this 19th century masterpiece of a venue. And if it’s good enough for Hollywood, then it’s good enough for us.
If you are looking for a venue in central London that can host from 300-500 people, is unique, versatile and charming, then this just might be the place for you. The gothic features at Grand Junction are sure to turn heads and provide a lovely atmosphere- the perfect wedding venue in London for a couple looking for a distinctive experience.
11. Battle Abbey School, East Sussex
While getting married in a school might sound strange, this is no back-lane comprehensive. Battle Abbey School is historic, quaint and beautiful. Standing out in the middle of a small village in East Sussex, the 1000-year history means many beautiful relics are still on display, which are sure to make a great backdrop in your wedding photos.
12. Knightor Winery, West Country
Getting married at a vineyard is any wine-lovers dream, and this location really takes the biscuit- or should I say Vermouth? (Which is one of Knightor Winery’s favourites!) A lovely courtyard of historic granite bars surrounded by four acres of vineyard is sure to make your wedding both memorable and fun! Guests can tuck into some wine produced there while celebrating at your unusual wedding reception.
13. No.1 Royal Crescent, Bath
The Royal Crescent has become an iconic image for Bath- featured frequently in both TV and film. And now it’s the backdrop for the biggest day of your life. With an intimate capacity of 40 guests, take a step back into 18th century history and choose No. 1 Royal Crescent for the perfect unusual wedding.
14. The George in Rye, Rye
Fancy taking a step back into Medieval England? Do so in style at The George in Rye. Located just five minutes from the beautiful beach at Camber Sands, The George is a family run Grade II listed hotel and wedding venue.
Dating back to 1575, the venue is now known for its “laid-back” luxury with stylishly decorated rooms. Known to feel more like an up market “house party”, this is the ultimate unique location for your guests to have fun.
15. Hatfield Place, Essex
This Georgian Manor is private, elegant and exclusive. If you want your guests to experience luxury- they will find it right in the middle of Essex. Hatfield Place’s warm and friendly nature is only matched by the splendour of the unusual venue, with contemporary features sprinkled in. This is the ultimate wedding location for couples looking for luxury.
16. Craig-Y-Nos Castle, Swansea
The Brecon Beacons is undoubtedly a great area of natural beauty- and also the perfect place to get married. At Craig-Y-Nos Castle, you and your guests can marvel at the beautiful surroundings whilst taking shelter in the elegant, historical interiors. Hidden in the heart of Wales, this venue can seat up to 130 guests and it’s the perfect location to impress your guests.
17. The Great Barn Aynho, Banbury
Rustic meets luxury in this barn conversion situated on the border between Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire. The Great Barn Aynho is divided into two, so couples can get married on one side and retire into the Croughton Room with up to 250 guests to dance the night away.
18. Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle), West Country
The Georgians were known for their romance- and this venue is no exception. Built in 1788, Haldon Belvedere is something out of a gothic fairy tale. Sitting on a vantage point, the panoramic views stretch all over the luscious countryside- some even say Wales is visible from this point. Any couple looking for an unusual castle wedding will be spoilt for choice here.
19. Priston Mill, West Country
The only thing that rivals the food at Priston Mill is their elegant interiors. Here, your day is completely catered to you. With two buildings and beautiful surrounding grounds for you and your guests to enjoy, you are sure to have the perfect day here in the West Country.
20. Walcot Hall, Shropshire
Despite its grandeur and decadence, Walcot Hall has a warm and inviting feeling as you enter. Walking into the beautiful manor house is like taking a step back into Georgian history with grand crystal chandeliers hanging proudly in the ballroom seating up to 200 guests. It’s period features compliment the modern welcoming atmosphere well and provide the perfect unusual wedding location for you and your guests.
21. Camp Katur, North Yorkshire
Looking for a fun festival vibe? Camp Katur is the venue for you. Completely flexible in your wedding arrangements, it’s the perfect mixture of fun, rustic and enchanting. For the couple looking for fantasy on their big day- look no further!
22. Muncaster Castle, The Lake District
The Lake District is considered one of the most beautiful places to get married. It’s no wonder when you see Muncaster Castle. Bordered by beautiful gardens, wild woods and spectacular views of the Lakeland Fells, the castle stands tall in the picturesque surroundings and provides couples with the perfect historical and unusual setting.
23. Cley Windmill, Norfolk
Whilst at this venue, it’s hard to tell whether you’re in Norfolk or the Netherlands. The big windmill structure stands proud just a stone’s throw away from the coast. This unique setting hosts an intimate affair with 28 allowed at the ceremony. Cley Windmill is enchanting and personal- creating the perfect day for you and your love.
24. Fontwell Park Racecourse, West Sussex
It’s well known that racecourses are a source of fun for many- so why not host your wedding day here? Elegant and luxurious, Fontwell Park is sure to combine formal and fun. With a capacity of up to 700 guests, you can dance the night away overlooking the racecourse. The perfect unusual wedding.
25. Alcott Weddings, Worcestershire
This unusual wedding venue is for the couples who really want to have fun on their big day. If you are looking for a fun festival vibe, Alcott Weddings is the venue for you. Contemporary and unique, your guests are guaranteed to have the best time at your wedding. Think Glastonbury- but with far cleaner toilets!
26. Judges Country House Hotel, South Yorkshire
According to the Good Hotel Guide’s Country House Hotel of the Year 2018, Judges Country House Hotel is one of the best hotels in the UK. With stunning interiors and even more enchanting gardens- where else could be better to host your big day?
27. London Canal Museum, Central London
Unusual wedding venues in London don’t get much more interesting than this. Are you truly looking for a unique wedding venue that will create a memorable impression? Look no further than London Canal Museum.
Canals are the root of London’s vast history- roots that run as deep as the love of you and your partner. Whether you’re a cockney born and bred, or you just fancy pushing the barge boat out- this is fabulous waterside venue.
28. The Union Club, London
Unusual wedding venues might seem difficult to find, but hidden away in London you will find The Union Club. Think elegant Georgian townhouse meets speakeasy. In the middle of swanky Soho, The Union Club exudes a spirit of performance and fun, perfect for your London wedding.
29. Manor by the Lake, Gloucestershire
Beautiful interiors at your wedding venue is important. Stunning scenery is also an advantage. Both together? You’re on to a perfect day. Manor by the Lake is rich in history that is echoed throughout the manor. The unforgettable location is situated in the heart of the Cotswolds and is sure to provide you the perfect, enchanting wedding day.