Planning a Wedding in the Cotswolds — Your Essential Guide
Planning a Wedding in the Cotswolds — Your Essential Guide
Luxury Weekend Weddings in the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds remains one of the most romantic wedding destinations in the UK — just a couple hours from London, yet worlds away from city life. Whether you imagine an elegant exclusive-use manor house, a charming barn celebration, or a dreamy weekend-long gathering with close friends and family, the Cotswolds offers that quintessential English charm many couples crave.
In this guide, We’ll walk you through why the Cotswolds makes such an exceptional wedding backdrop — from its timeless charm and great transport links, to the dreamy exclusive-use venues that might become your home for the weekend.
The Cotswolds –
The perfect wedding destination
Just a few hours from London. For many couples — especially those based in London or international clients flying in — the Cotswolds hits the sweet spot: accessible within a few hours, yet peaceful and scenic. It offers an easy retreat into countryside magic without the remote logistics of a far-flung destination.
Exclusive manor houses & country estates. Think historic manor houses, stone barns, formal gardens, woodland, and wide-open lawns — all private and yours for the weekend. These settings give you total freedom, privacy, and a feeling of having “your own country estate” for your wedding.
A fully immersive guest experience. With many venues offering on-site accommodation, you and your nearest and dearest can stay together under one roof (or across the estate), turning the wedding into a celebratory house party — welcome drinks, dinner the night before, the big day, and a relaxed brunch the next morning.
Beautiful backdrops all year round. Whether you exchange vows in summer under golden light, or choose a cosy winter manor wedding by candlelight, the Cotswolds offers seasonal charm — and many venues have flexible indoor and outdoor options ceremony & dining options.
Perfect for a weekend-long celebration (or longer). For international couples or guests travelling far, the Cotswolds doubles as a mini UK holiday — with time for wedding festivities and relaxation. It offers a lovely central European base for starting celebrations before honeymoon travel or extended festivities with friends and family.
top cotswolds wedding venues
Cowley Manor – Gloucestershire
Tucked away in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cowley Manor blends historic grandeur with contemporary design. Set within 55 acres of private gardens, lakes, and woodland, this exclusive-use estate offers a stylish and sophisticated setting for couples seeking a modern twist on countryside elegance. Its bold architecture and luxurious interiors create a backdrop that feels both timeless and unexpected.
Key Features:
- – Exclusive hire of the manor, grounds, and gardens for complete privacy.
– 55 acres of landscaped gardens, lakes, and woodland for outdoor ceremonies and photography.
– Chic, modern interiors that contrast beautifully with the historic setting.
– Bespoke fine dining, curated to suit your tastes.
– Spa and wellness facilities, perfect for pre-wedding relaxation.
– Choice of indoor and outdoor ceremony locations.
Contact – https://www.cowleymanorexperimental.com/
Kin House
Wiltshire
A beautifully restored Georgian manor, set within walled gardens and woodland, with contemporary, designer interiors. It offers flexible ceremony and reception spaces, with a dedicated party wing. Exclusive hire makes the whole house yours — ideal for couples seeking privacy and style. SheerLuxe
Key Features:
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- – Exclusive-use, private manor set within gardens & woodland.
– Flexible & stylish ceremony and reception spaces — inside and out.
– The venue can host up to 200 guests for dinner or standing receptions, and up to 300 guests standing for a larger event.
– Accommodation on-site for overnight stays and full weekend celebrations for a total of 24 guests.
- – Exclusive-use, private manor set within gardens & woodland.
Contact –https://kinhouse.co.uk/
Sudeley Castle –
Gloucestershire
For couples seeking a wedding venue with a sense of grandeur and history, Sudeley Castle offers a truly regal setting. Nestled within 1,200 acres of private estate, this exclusive-use venue combines medieval architecture with romantic gardens, creating a timeless backdrop for an elegant celebration. Whether exchanging vows in the ancient chapel or dining in the Banqueting Hall, Sudeley Castle brings a sense of occasion to every moment.
Key Features:
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- – Ceremony options in the historic St. Mary’s Chapel or grand Banqueting Hall.
– Exclusive access to select parts of the castle and formal gardens.
– The Queen’s Garden and Tudor ruins provide iconic photo opportunities.
– Accommodation in estate cottages for a relaxed overnight stay.
– Bespoke menus designed for both intimate and large-scale weddings.
– Dedicated in-house coordination team with historic venue expertise.
- – Ceremony options in the historic St. Mary’s Chapel or grand Banqueting Hall.
Contact – https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/
Coombe End Manor –
Elkstone, Cheltenham
One of the Cotswolds’ best-kept secrets, Coombe End Manor is a private country estate offering an unparalleled sense of exclusivity. With sprawling grounds, a historic manor house, and the flexibility to host both marquee and in-house receptions, it’s a venue that blends grandeur with freedom. Perfect for couples seeking a bespoke, design-led celebration, Coombe End Manor invites you to create a wedding weekend that feels as unique as your story.
Key Features:
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– Exclusive hire of the manor house, gardens, and grounds.
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– Flexible event spaces, including options for marquees and outdoor receptions.
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– A variety of ceremony settings, from stately interiors to idyllic lawns.
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– Onsite accommodation for close family and wedding party.
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– Complete privacy — a secluded estate with no public access.
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– Freedom to bring in your choice of caterers and suppliers.
Contact –https://www.coombeendmanor.com/
Caswell House –
Brize Norton, Oxfordshire
Steeped in history and framed by picture-perfect Cotswold scenery, Caswell House is a romantic 15th-century manor with three atmospheric barns. Lovingly restored with elegant stonework, flagstone floors, and sweeping gardens, the venue offers a timeless yet versatile canvas for both grand and intimate celebrations. With exclusive use and luxury accommodation onsite, Caswell House feels private, indulgent, and utterly charming.
Key Features:
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– Exclusive use of the manor, medieval barns, landscaped gardens, and private courtyard.
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– Licensed for civil ceremonies in the barns or outdoors under the ancient archway.
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– Luxury accommodation for up to 22 guests across converted cottages.
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– Seasonal menus crafted by the in-house catering team.
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– Character-rich details — oak beams, open fireplaces, and Cotswold stone.
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– Dedicated support from the experienced wedding team.
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Contact –https://caswellhouse.co.uk/
Euridge Manor–
Wiltshire
A hidden gem on the edge of the Cotswolds, Euridge Manor feels like a private Mediterranean escape tucked within the English countryside. From its romantic lakeside pergola to its candlelit orangery and Italianate gardens, every corner of this exclusive-use venue is designed to enchant. Ideal for couples seeking a destination-style celebration without leaving the UK.
Key Features:
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- – Exclusive hire of the manor, grounds, and gardens for a completely private event.
– Mediterranean-style courtyard and Italian-inspired architecture.
– Lakeside pergola and multiple outdoor ceremony spaces.
– The glass-roofed orangery for stylish receptions and dining.
– Accommodation for up to 12 guests within the estate.
– Endless photography opportunities within lush, romantic gardens.
- – Exclusive hire of the manor, grounds, and gardens for a completely private event.
Contact – https://www.euridge.uk/
planning a guest experience
Activities you & your guests will love
Relaxed shopping villages & local artisan finds – Many villages and towns in the Cotswolds have independent shops, artisan boutiques, local homeware or craft stores — a lovely break for guests who want souvenir shopping or something more unique than tourist trinkets. Cheltenham, Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway are firm favourites.
Countryside walks & historic towns – The Cotswolds’ rural landscape and beautiful villages make it ideal for relaxed walks, scenic strolls, and exploring beyond the wedding venue. Known for its honey-stone cottages, quiet lanes, lush greenery and rolling hills — it’s a natural playground.
Fabulous English pubs & dining – The Cotswolds more broadly has many inviting pubs and gastropubs with warm interiors, roaring fires, hearty food, and countryside charm — a lovely option for guests wanting a taste of the region’s laid-back hospitality. – The Bull in Charlbury and The Fox inn in Broadwell are always top of our list.
Planning starts with the right setting
Every couple deserves a setting as distinctive as their celebration. If you’re dreaming of an exclusive-use country estate or a historic manor for your wedding in the Cotswolds, we’d love to help you find the perfect space—and design a celebration that feels entirely yours.
Photo Credits:
Rebecca Hope Photography, Jo Bradbury, White Stag Wedding Photography, Chloe Winstanley Photography, Nicola Dixon Photography, Natalie Pluck, Taylor & Porter, Alice Cuncliffe, Benjamin Wheeler.
