Photo: Barnsley House
The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that spans almost 800 square miles across five counties. It’s no surprise then that this picturesque area is popular for weddings and offers a range of stunning venues for couples to exchange their vows.
Eucalyptus Events is based in the heart of the Cotswolds, I truly adore this area of quintessentially English countryside and all it has to offer. So, without further ado, here are my top 7 Cotswold wedding venues…
Barnsley House
A timeless country house retreat surrounded by idyllic Cotswolds countryside; Barnsley House makes for the perfect rural wedding venue. For weddings of 40-140 guests, summer ceremonies can take place in the stunning gardens where you’ll also find endless opportunities for photos too. Passionate about local, home grown produce, you and your guests will be in food heaven with a custom menu designed by their Head Chef. There are 18 bedrooms, with 6 more at The Boot pub just across the road, providing the perfect Cotswold weekend haven for your guests. This venue is a personal favourite of mine, especially if you want to provide your guests with a quintessentially Cotswold experience.
Photo: Taylor-Hughes Photography
Foxhill Manor
A private manor house hotel overlooking the village of Broadway, Foxhill Manor offers a truly personal experience. A 5-star venue, and a one where you can truly have a wedding that reflects you as a couple look no further than Foxhill Manor. Eucalyptus Events has a wedding coming up here in 2024 so watch this space for some beautiful wedding inspiration!
Elmore Court
There ain’t no party like an Elmore party! Offering exclusive use of the stunning house, gardens and Gillyflower – their totally soundproofed and sustainable building – the award-winning Elmore Court is certainly one for those with the love of a good party. Civil ceremonies can be held in The Hall or if you’d prefer a more traditional affair there is a 13th century church less than a mile away. Elmore is known for its stylish wedding celebrations and of course, the fabulous Team E! But what I also love about Elmore is that they are doing great things when it comes to sustainability with their rewilding programme as well as making a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint from weddings.
Photo: Gary Nunn
Bodleian Library
Steeped in romance and elegance, Bodleian Libraries are situated in the heart of Oxford. With three spaces to choose from, Divinity School, Convocation House or Chancellor’s Court, this venue is ideal for intimate or larger celebrations. The striking stone carved ceilings provide a unique feature adding to the grandeur of the spaces.
Photo: Allister Freeman Photography
Cornwell Manor
For a truly romantic, quintessentially English venue look no further than Cornwell Manor. This Georgian manor house is privately owned, but available for a limited number of weddings each year. Bespoke and tailored to you, there are various options how you can use the house and gardens. Perhaps an outdoor ceremony followed by drinks overlooking the lakes and rolling Cotswold countryside before guests make their way through the Italianate water garden to the marquee. The following day you and your guests can have a poolside brunch, whilst you reflect on the festivities of day before.
Photo: Chloe Winstanley Photography
Kings Head Hotel
Nestled right in the heart of the market town of Cirencester, the Kings Head Hotel is perfectly placed for your Cotswold wedding. This boutique hotel boasts 64 individually styled bedrooms along with 12 apartments and has plenty of historic features including oak flooring, wood panelling, brick fireplaces and even a Roman mosaic. The hotel offers a number of unique spaces to host your celebrations including the spacious Assembly Room or the atmospheric Vaulted Cellar. Photo opportunities are abundant with the picturesque market square, Cirencester Park and narrow streets providing gorgeous backdrops.
Photo: James Fear Photography
Blenheim Palace
Situated amongst 2,000 acres of parkland and award-winning formal gardens Blenheim Palace provides a breath-taking setting for weddings. There’s plenty of options to create a truly bespoke celebration with a selection of Palace and State Rooms available for hire as well as the option to have a marquee in the grounds. The stunning architecture and beautifully preserved state rooms really do bring the wow-factor.
Bonus venue - Euridge Manor
No run down of the best wedding venues would be complete without Euridge Manor getting a mention. A private home which opens its doors for a handful of weddings each year, it’s possibly one of the most Instagrammable venues you’ll find. The stunning boathouse is licenced for ceremonies and there are several options for your reception too, including the spectacular Ballroom and Orangery with its fountains and palm trees. You and your guests won’t be short of gorgeous photo opportunities here!
Photo: Becky Tranter Photography
This list is by no means exhaustive – there are so many stunning wedding venues to choose from in the Cotswolds! If you’re at the start of your planning journey, be sure to shortlist your preferred venues and arrange to visit. Alternatively, if you would like help with your venue search or wedding planning please get in touch!
Happy planning,
Gem x