With its stately castle, the history and heritage, the Thames and stunning views, Windsor is a picture postcard setting for a wedding. It’s hard to keep a venue list to just ten, but here goes with some of the best you’ll find in Windsor and the wider surrounds:
1. The Oakley Court
is a wonderful country house hotel, perfect for both your wedding ceremony and reception. There is a choice of beautiful rooms depending on the size of your wedding – this venue can cater equally well for small and intimate weddings as well as larger weddings, with a marquee that can accommodate up to 500 guests! The landscaped grounds provide a stunning backdrop for photographs and right now there are deals on winter weddings, so well worth checking out!
2. De Vere Beaumont Estate
Looking for the ultimate romantic setting? De Vere Beaumont Estate could be the one. Marry in the beautiful 19th century chapel, enjoy a reception for up to 50 guests in the White House or go big in the main house, where the Hanover Suite can accommodate up to 450 guests. The next open day is scheduled for Sunday 29 October, a perfect opportunity to view the venue and meet with a wide range of suppliers.
3. Great Fosters
A stone’s throw from Windsor is Great Fosters in Egham, a Grade One listed building set in 50 acres of picture perfect gardens and parkland. The venue is licenced for outside wedding ceremonies or you can choose from several indoors settings such as the Orangery. Likewise, there are several choices for your wedding reception – for a wow factor you can’t beat the Tithe Barn, which dates back to 1390 and boasts vaulted oak beams and a Minstrels’ Gallery.
4. Royal Windsor Racecourse
If you’re looking for a riverside setting Royal Windsor Racecourse has to go on your shortlist. Marry in the Royal Suite, which overlooks the racecourse, before enjoying a reception in the marquee set on the riverbank. If you’re a fan of racing, weddings can be arranged on a race day, which would certainly add a unique dimension to your special day.
5. Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa
Sir Christopher Wren enjoys a perfect location right in the heart of Windsor and overlooking the Thames. This is a lovely four-star venue for weddings of up to 90 guests. The spa is perfect preparation for any bride – and it could also double up as a great venue for your hen do! And with plenty of rooms, your entire wedding party could stay overnight, making for a wonderfully exclusive wedding experience.
6. Burnham Beeches Hotel
Just minutes away from Windsor town centre and easily accessible from the M4 and M40, Burnham Beeches Hotel started life as a hunting lodge in what was once part of Windsor Park. As you can imagine, it’s full of period character and style, so perfect for an elegant wedding. Visit on 1 October when there is an open day and you’ll be able to see the available function rooms and suites, meet local suppliers and talk to the wedding planning team.
7. Riverside Marquee
A few miles along the river from Windsor you’ll find Bray and the Riverside Marquee. Set in 16 acres of private grounds, you can enjoy an exclusive wedding on the riverside. The venue is licensed for civil ceremonies and you can then enjoy a fabulous wedding breakfast and evening party in the marquee. A nice addition is the option to take your entire wedding party on a boat, where you can sail down the Thames and enjoy an alternative drinks reception. I think the Riverside Marquee is an idyllic venue for a summer wedding!
8. Grovefield House
Across the river and north-west of Slough is Grovefield House. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this country house is set within seven acres of grounds, making it a lovely and secluded wedding venue. I love the sound of the newly introduced garden weddings that take place in a lovely pavilion. You then have a choice of rooms in the main house for your wedding breakfast – for up to 150 guests – and the hotel has 40 bedrooms for guests to stay overnight. Pop in on Sunday 8 October to have a look around and meet the wedding team.
9. Lillibrooke Manor
Now how about getting married in a barn? Of course it’s not just any old barn, we’re talking the beautifully restored Grade II listed barns at Lillibrooke Manor. Located just outside Maidenhead, this historic venue is perfect for an English country wedding. Marry in one of the barns or choose the Cloister Courtyard Garden in which to say your vows, I promise you will fall in love with the medieval atmosphere. There are special deals on for available dates right up to the end of April 2018 – give them a call or arrange to visit during the open day on Sunday 22 October!
10. Sanctum on the Green
Head out towards Marlow and discover Sanctum on the Green, a lovely boutique hotel. The venue can host weddings of up to 120 guests in a marquee or up to 70 in a charming walled courtyard. It’s licensed for outdoor civil ceremonies, which take place in the immaculately kept gardens, and the entire venue is exclusively yours for the duration, including the property’s nine luxury bedrooms for overnight guests. More guests can be accommodated in Sanctum on the Green’s glamping tents or their canvas cottages.
