Spectacular Wedding Venues with celebrity and royal links

Celebrities have an eye for the spectacular – of that there is no doubt. And they really go all out for their nuptials. When it comes to incredible venues which have hosted celebrity weddings, London and the rest of the UK have so much to offer. Here’s a run-down of some top wedding venues with celebrity pedigree and royal connections.

The Ned, London

Despite being open nearly two years, The Ned is still one of the latest must-be-seen London venues and hottest celebrity magnets. Set in the former Midland bank, this impressive part-private members’ club, part-hotel, is a highly glamorous destination and in-demand wedding venue, coming, as it does, from the notoriously uber-chic Soho House Group. With space for between 10 – 200 guests across six rooms, they cater for big ‘do’s’ as well as more intimate nuptials. There are also two outdoor terraces, a late-night bar, rooftop pool and rooms for all guests to stay in their 250 stylish bedrooms.

Notley Abbey, Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border

​Have your wedding pictures set in the stunning grounds of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh’s former home. This unique country house is a stone’s throw from London and parts date back to Medieval times. It exudes unparalleled historic charm, while boasting the most fabulously glamorous past, having hosted royalty, stars and other old-world-glamour celebrities. Able to host up to 60 in the Abbot’s Hall and up to 172 guests in the Monks Refectory, the atmospheric rooms are complemented by a stunning treelined drive and lawn that’s perfect for stunning outdoor receptions. Evening receptions can also be catered for and a late licence and fireworks arranged on request.

Lime Wood Hotel, Hampshire

This striking boutique country house hotel is set in the heart of the New Forest and boasts a wealth of celebrity patrons including Sophie Dahl and Jamie Cullum. Available for exclusive use Monday – Thursday, with all 33 bedrooms included, a wedding party has free run of the entire venue. With a license for up to 110 guests for a ceremony, 80 guests can be entertained for a Wedding Breakfast, (or 130 guests with a marquee extension). Wedding packages can include a canapé reception, full use of the grounds, as well as spa treatments for the bride and groom. A guide price for exclusive hire is £30,000.

Kew Gardens, West London

The glorious grounds of Kew Gardens are world-renowned, perhaps less well known is that the World Heritage site also boasts beautiful Grade I and II listed royal residencies in which to host a stunning wedding. Venues include Cambridge Cottage for between 80-120 guests to the Orangery and Nash Conservatory for up to 200 guests. Celebrities who chose to tie the knot at the venue include Fearne Cotton and Jesse Wood as well as Katie Melua. Hire charges start from £2,000.

Highclere Castle, Newbury

This incredible stately home is now best known as the home of Downton Abbey, but this exceptional venue is also available for exclusive hire and weddings. Whether the wedding is for an intimate gathering of 30, a seated dinner for 120 or a standing reception for 140, the dedicated events team cater for all occasions. There’s a stunning folly and extensive grounds for photographs as well as a fabulous sweeping oak staircase, bedrooms in which to prepare and The Saloon, licensed to host civil ceremonies. Exclusive hire starts at around £15,000 + VAT.

Holkham Hall, Norfolk

With six different licensed venues, from four state rooms including the Marble Hall which boasts a 50ft ceiling to the more modern Lady Elizabeth Wing, Holkham Hall is a spectacular palace venue, steeped in history that’s guaranteed to wow guests. With a timelessly elegant décor, the 18th Century Palladian home to the Earls of Leicester is set in 25,000 acres of parkland on the north Norfolk coast. Wedding packages start from £9,995.

Hedsor House, Buckinghamshire

An easy journey from London, yet set within 100 acres of private parkland, this spectacular venue has been voted Vogue’s dream wedding venue and the number one wedding venue in Buckinghamshire by Brides Magazine. Having played host to celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, George Clooney and Mark Ronson this impressive Georgian venue prides itself on hosting same sex, Jewish and Asian weddings amongst others. There are a range of wedding packages available as well as a dry hire and off-peak options.  Exclusive venue hire prices start from £5,950.

And let’s not forget the rest of the UK. Of course there are hundreds of fabulous options in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, so here’s just one from each to whet your curiosity…

Skibo Castle, Scotland

In Scotland there are castles a-plenty. One multi-award winning and truly unique destination wedding venue is Skibo Castle – where Madonna & Guy Ritchie tied the knot. Billed as private members’ island, it’s an exclusive castle in Dornoch, complete with 21 castle rooms and 11 estate lodges set within 7,500 acres of Highlands. It also boasts a golf course, fishing and horse-riding amongst other activities. Exclusive hire starts at around £20,000 + VAT.

The Culloden Estate & Spa, Northern Ireland

From the Scottish Highlands, to the coastline of County Antrim, The Culloden Estate is a glorious country house hotel with 98 rooms. Beautifully situated on the slopes of the Hollywood hills, it overlooks Belfast and is a wonderfully convenient out-of-town venue for a wedding. Originally built as a palace, it provides the ultimate romantic setting for a wedding. With roaring fires, 12 acres of gardens and a spa on hand, rooms cater for between 10 to 100 and a range of fine dining wedding packages are available.

Cardiff Castle, Wales

One of the most exclusive wedding venues in Wales, where One Show presenter Alex Jones got hitched, this incredible castle offers a variety of rooms available to host weddings. From the Banqueting Hall and Undercroft Room – both licensed for ceremonies and able to host wedding breakfasts or dinners for up to 100 guests and the Guest Tower Rooms for smaller, more intimate events of just 30.  Tailor-made wedding packages are available and are very reasonable with room hire rates starting from just £150.

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