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Looking for the perfect wedding venue in Essex?
Essex is one of the UK’s most popular counties for weddings, offering a diverse mix of stunning countryside, coastal beauty, and elegant venues. Its close proximity to London makes it easily accessible for guests, while its beautiful scenery, historic estates, and picturesque villages provide a romantic backdrop for any celebration. Whether you're dreaming of a rustic barn wedding, a grand manor house affair, or a seaside ceremony, Essex has something to suit every couple’s style and budget.
Discover some of the best wedding venues in Essex
Essex offers a variety of wedding venues to suit different styles, from elegant stately homes and charming barns to coastal retreats and modern hotels. Whether you're looking to tie the knot with countryside romance, seaside views, or all-inclusive luxury, Essex has a venue type to match your vision.
A County full of choice
Explore top wedding venues in Essex in and around popular towns including:
- Chelmsford – Has a mix of elegant manor houses, restored barns, and country estates.
- Colchester – Known for its historic buildings and countryside retreats.
- Brentwood – A great choice for luxury weddings, this town is known for its upscale country estates and manor houses.
- Braintree – If you’re looking for a grand wedding venue, this is a great choice, and is popular for its tudor mansions and large countryside venues.
- Southend-on-Sea – Perfect for a relaxed and scenic wedding, plenty of coastal and
waterfront venues.
What type of wedding venues in Essex are most popular?
Essex offers a variety of wedding venues, to suit every style and budget.
- Rustic Barns – Barn venues are some of the most popular venues in Essex, especially for couples seeking a relaxed vibe. They’re ideal for boho, vintage, or nature-inspired weddings and offer flexibility in styling.
- Stately Homes & Manor Houses – These venues are perfect for traditional or luxury weddings and offer an elegant backdrop for your special day.
- Coastal & Waterfront Venues – Essex’s coastline offers stunning sea views and beautiful backdrops for photographs. These are increasingly popular for summer weddings.
- Hotels & Country Clubs – Hotels and clubs offer convenience with all-inclusive packages, catering, and accommodation. They’re ideal for couples who want a stress-free planning experience and are suitable for both intimate and larger weddings.
What are the best seasons to get married in Essex?
A wedding in Yorkshire is beautiful all year round, however each season has its own unique charm and benefits for couples.
- Spring (March–May) – Spring in Essex is fresh and romantic, with blooming gardens, mild temperatures, and longer daylight hours. It’s perfect for outdoor ceremonies in countryside estates or garden venues, though couples should plan for occasional rain.
- Summer (June–August) – Summer is the most popular wedding season in Essex, offering the best chance for warm, sunny weather. Coastal and outdoor venues shine during this time, ideal for marquee weddings, beachside celebrations, and evening receptions under the stars.
- Autumn (September–November) – Autumn is a popular season for weddings, especially for those who are looking to create a cosy atmosphere. Rustic barns and woodland venues are especially beautiful with golden foliage, making this season perfect for romantic, candlelit celebrations with warm tones.
- Winter (December–February) – Winter weddings in Essex are intimate and magical, often held in stately homes or hotels with roaring fireplaces. Snow-dusted landscapes and twinkling lights create a fairytale setting, ideal for couples seeking elegance and warmth.
Find Your Dream Essex Venue
Explore wedding venues across essex
Whether you’re planning a springtime barn wedding in Braintree, a glamorous manor house event in Chelmsford, or a relaxed summer wedding near the seaside in Southend, For Better For Worse has the perfect Essex wedding venue waiting for you.
Browse our full list of wedding venues in Essex, compare styles and prices, and enquire directly to start planning your big day.
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The Royal Hotel
1 Marine Parade East, Clacton on Sea Essex CO15 1PU
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Stifford Hall Hotel
High Road, North Stifford Thurrock Essex RM16 5UE
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Crondon Park Wedding Venue
STOCK ROAD STOCK ESSEX CM4 9DP
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The Warren Estate Weddings
The Rose Barn, Woodham Walter Maldon CM9 6RW
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Little Easton Manor
Park Road, Little Easton Great Dunmow CM6 2JN
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The Old House
17 South Street Rochford SS4 1BW
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Colville Hall
Chelmsford Road White Roding CM6 1RQ
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Langdon Hills Golf & Country Club
Lower Dunton Road Bulphan RM14 3TY
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Nightingale Centre
Pastoral Way Brentwood CM14 5GB
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Colchester Castle
Castle Park Colchester CO1 1TJ
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Average wedding venue cost
The average cost of a wedding in Essex typically ranges between £20,000 and £25,000, depending on the venue type, number of guests and the season. Venue hire with catering usually costs around £9,800, with stately homes and castles at the higher end (£12,000–£16,000), and barns ranging from £4,000 to £11,000. Hotels and country clubs tend to be more budget-friendly, averaging £8,500–£9,000, while outdoor venues cost around £9,200. Prices can vary significantly based on location, package inclusions, and whether the wedding is held on a weekday or weekend.
Average cost £8,500 - £9,000
Lowest cost: £5,000
Typical price range £20,000-£25,000
Highest price £38,995
£5,000
Lowest cost
150 – 300+
Wedding capacity
Popular with rustic
themes
£38,995
Highest cost
Barn Wedding Venues in Essex
Barn wedding venues in Essex are the go-to for couples seeking something rustic and charming. The weathered wood, exposed beams, and natural surroundings are warm and inviting. Many venues are in the countryside – a naturally picturesque backdrop for photos.
Essex Wedding Hot Topics
What is the average cost of a wedding venue in Essex?
The average cost of a wedding venue in Essex is approximately £9,800, though prices can range from £4,000 to £16,000 depending on the venue type, location, and season.
What types of venues are popular in Essex?
Popular wedding venues in Essex include rustic barns, stately homes, coastal retreats, and hotels or country clubs, with rustic barns and manor houses being especially popular for their charm, elegance, and countryside appeal.
Do Essex venues offer accommodation?
Yes, many wedding venues in Essex offer on-site accommodation, ranging from luxury country estates and boutique hotels to rustic barns and lodges, making it convenient and relaxing for couples and their guests.
Are there wedding venues in Essex with a sea view?
Yes, Essex has several wedding venues with sea views, especially along its coastline, offering stunning backdrops for romantic beachside ceremonies and scenic photography.
What is the best time to get married in Essex?
The best time to get married in Essex is typically late spring to early autumn, with May, June, and September being especially popular for their warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and beautiful natural scenery.
Why choose an Essex wedding venue?
Essex is a top choice for couples seeking a wedding location that blends elegance and charm, with convenience. Its close proximity to London makes it easily accessible for guests, including those traveling internationally, while offering a peaceful escape from the busy London lifestyle. There are plenty of venues to choose from in Essex, including manor houses and rustic barns to elegant coastal venues. With a well-established wedding industry, couples benefit from experienced local vendors, including florists, caterers, and entertainers, ensuring a seamless and memorable celebration. Whether you're planning a grand affair or an intimate gathering, Essex offers the perfect setting to bring your dream wedding to life.
How To Choose The Perfect Barn Wedding Venue
Historic Wedding Venues in Essex
Choose a historic wedding venue Essex in for a celebration surrounded by timeless elegance. From impressive architecture to cultural significance, these venues provide a visually stunning and meaningful backdrop for your special day.
Hotel Wedding Venues in Essex
The often-overlooked wedding venue; hotels in Essex are a convenient option. They often have dedicated event spaces, including ballrooms and banquet halls. This means they can accommodate different sizes of celebration. They can also have event planning teams, which is a weight off the couple.
Intimate Wedding Venues in Essex
For those who prefer a smaller, more personal celebration, we have these intimate wedding venues in Essex. Each one more unique and cosy than the last. Couples can focus on the details and personalised touches for a truly memorable day.
LGBTQ+ Wedding Venues in Essex
LGBTQ+ wedding venues in Essex are inclusive and welcoming spaces for couples celebrating their love and commitment. Staff are sensitive to, and aware of, the needs and experiences of the community.
Outdoor Wedding Venues in Essex
Is there anything better than being surrounded by beauty? From lush green gardens to vineyards and open skies, the outdoors adds a little something extra. It doesn’t have to be in the great wilderness to celebrate your special day though. Outdoor wedding venues in Essex have picturesque landscapes.
Pub Wedding Venues in Essex
Pub wedding venues may be a more budget-friendly option, but they’re a must for a natural and relaxed time. Characterful exposed beams and wood fires add personality. Furthermore, many pubs emphasise local flavours, giving their guests a taste of the region.
Sport Wedding Venues in Essex
Are you looking for a wedding venue with a golf course? How about a football stadium? Show your passion for the good game at a sports wedding venue in Essex. It’s a homage to you, your day and your team.
Unique & Unusual Wedding Venues in Essex
Why not do something a little quirky? A little unusual? It can be hard to choose with the number of options, but Essex has wedding venues that can make the day different. Whether it’s a castle or a venue on the water, we have venues as unique as you are.