10 Beautiful Wedding Venues in Essex

Have you recently popped the question, or had someone put a ring on your finger? Then it’s time to start planning the big day – there are so many unique and beautiful wedding venues in Essex, from barns and woodland wonderlands to grand estates. There’s a perfect venue for everyone looking to tie the knot in Essex.

Down Hall

By choosing Down Hall as your Essex wedding venue, you are guaranteed a perfect day that will hold amazing memories. This historic country house is situated in the stunning Essex countryside and dates all the way back to 1540. They offer a range of wedding packages, including dry hire – if you’re looking to save some cash, check out their offers and late availability options! Their rooms range from small and intimate to grand, with the largest suite catering to up to 180 guests. If you’re looking to book a spring or summer wedding, their Wedding Gazebo provides a breathtaking setting within the grounds of the Down Hall gardens. Make the most of their on-site facilities and wonderful team – enjoy the Eden Spa before or after the big day and spend your first night of married life in one of their gorgeous rooms. As well as the ceremony, Down Hall can accommodate up to 150 guests for your wedding breakfast and help you celebrate into the evening with an unforgettable reception.

Hylands Estate, Chelmsford

Who doesn’t want to get married in an award-winning Grade II listed mansion house? Hylands Estate is set in 574 acres of parkland and boasts beautifully restored ceremony and reception rooms. Host up to 100 guests for your ceremony and 300 for your meal and reception inside the Grand Pavilion, which is also available for religious ceremonies of up to 300 guests. If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, seat up to 80 guests within Hylands House, and 120 for your evening reception. There’s an array of wonderful photo opportunities within the estate and around the gardens for capturing your special day. Their new Wedding Suite houses four lavish rooms and is available to hire for your big day – use it for bridal prep, pop back throughout the day to freshen up, or use it to steal a moment alone with your new spouse.

Roslin Beach Hotel, Southend

Tie the knot by the Essex coast at the Roslin Beach Hotel in Southend-on-Sea. If you’re looking for a spectacular celebration with a large guest list, their Grand Package is ideal for you – your day will be hosted in the exquisite Ballroom, featuring an outdoor terrace overlooking the Thames Estuary, and include everything from a welcome drink and wedding breakfast to a mouthwatering evening buffet and bridal suite. Your dedicated wedding coordinator will see to it that all you needs are met and the day runs as smoothly as possible. If you’re looking for a smaller celebration, their Intimate Package offers a bespoke experience in the Bay Room. A dedicated team will be with you every step of the way to make sure that everything from the wedding breakfast to your evening reception with cocktails and canapes meets the highest of standards. Don’t let your celebrations stop there – take some time to unwind after the big day with their ‘Time for Two’ spa experience!

Old Essex Barn, Kelvedon

This beautifully restored 18^th-century barn provides an amazing rustic wedding venue in Essex – with exposed wooden beams, original features, lots of natural light and modern amenities, the Old Essex Barn is a wonderful and romantic setting for your wedding day. Opt for a ceremony within the barn itself, or if you’re looking for an outdoor wedding venue, exchange your vows surrounded by stunning Essex countryside. Their experienced team will work hard to ensure that your ceremony is everything you have ever dreamed of. Afterwards, enjoy a chic reception tailored to your wants and needs – the in-house catering team will create a delicious menu for you and your guests, and the licensed bar will keep everyone feeling merry into the night.

Newland Hall, Chelmsford

Nestled 4 miles west of Chelmsford city centre, Newland Hall is a Grade II listed Tudor manor house set amidst captivating woodlands and countryside. It's acclaimed as one of the most picturesque wedding venues in Essex. Couples can choose to exchange vows in opulent indoor settings or in the serene, lush gardens. Newland Hall can cater to parties from an intimate 10 to a guest list of up to 200, so whether you’re looking for a day spent with just close friends and family or a big celebration, they can meet your needs. With over 30 years of experience and personalized wedding packages that offer exclusive use of the venue, you’ll have full control over every detail of your special day.

The Old House, Rochford

Are you ready to create your fairy-tale wedding? The Old House in Rochford, Essex, is a Grade II listed building and one of the oldest in England, providing a perfect location for intimate weddings and celebrations. The Old Hall, dating back to 1270, is a magical space accommodating up to 24 guests – you’ll fall in love with the altar inspired fireplace and hammer beam ceiling. Utilise their two glamorous rooms on offer for the wedding party to get ready for the ceremony. Their cozy reception rooms are idyllic for raising a toast to the happy couple and their gardens offer a breathtaking backdrop for those all-important photos. A dedicated events co-ordinator will help you to plan each important detail and make sure your day runs smoothly.

Moot Hall, Maldon

If you’re looking for a wedding venue in Essex with an intriguing history, The Moot Hall in Maldon is an idyllic location for a civil ceremony. Found along the High Street, and easy to spot with the flower adorned balcony and belltower, the building was created over 600 years ago as the family manor house of Sir Robert D’Arcy. Once the building was passed out of the family, it was purchased back in 1576 by the Corporation of Maldon to be used as a seat for local government. Choose from three rooms for your special day – the Council Chamber and Muniment Room on the second floor features large windows, warm pine panelling, and historical portraits. The Court Room and Jury Room is a perfectly preserved 19th-century courtroom and retains its ordered authority with simple decor and original features. From here, the elegant Balcony, a striking feature added in 1810 overlooking the High Street, is accessible and ideal for group photos. The Committee Room and Mayor’s Parlour is the largest, distinguished by its lofty ceiling, red brick walls, and access to the unique brick spiral staircase in a defensive tower.

Hedingham Castle, Halstead

Arguably one of the most iconic wedding venues in Essex after being featured on Married at First Sight UK, Hedingham Castle & Gardens is a beautifully romantic setting for your big day. Choose from a ceremony in the Banqueting Hall of the Castle – exchange vows under a grand archway filled with flickering candles – or overlooking the lake on the Tilting Lawn of the Castle. Enjoy a reception for up to 150 guests in the grand Georgian House and Ballroom Marque, or if you have 70 guests or less spend the whole day within the Castle. Dine in the Tapestry Room and enjoy drinks and dancing on the Garrison Floor. If you and your wedding party need a place to stay, book their onsite accommodation for up to 35 guests. Want to extend the festivities? Take a look at their weekend hire!

Chelmsford City Racecourse

The largest licensed wedding venue in Essex, Chelmsford City Racecourse provides amazingly versatile and fully accessible spaces for weddings and celebrations. These spaces cater to both intimate weddings for 40 guests and grand celebrations seating over 1,000 people. Choose from a fabulous range of wedding packages such as the flexible dry hire package that offers unlimited customization, allowing your unique vision to come to life. The All-Inclusive Package, with a minimum of 80 guests, provides a comprehensive experience from 9am through to 12am and includes everything from a dedicated events team and wedding manager to a fully stocked bar and elegant set up. For something a bit more unique, take a look at their Raceday Wedding package – this package includes all features from the All-Inclusive package plus private tote betting facilities, the chance for a named raceday (subject to availability), an engraved crystal trophy, attendance to a tipster talk, and optional participation in a televised interview on the day.

Teybrook Orchard, Colchester

A unique and breathtaking rural wedding, Teybrook Orchard is hidden amongst 20 acres of whimsical woodland in a secluded orchard, just a short drive from urban Colchester. Exchange vows under a canopy of trees and celebrate with a Bohemian Marquee Reception for up to 120 guests. Their Stretch Tent provides an additional area for guests to relax, as well as some protection from unpredictable British weather. Warm up by the fire pit and take in the beautiful scenery made even more magical with their colourful lighting. Guests can spend the night in a luxury bell tent, yurt, or shepherds hut – not to mention, their converted grain silo makes for the perfect bridal suite.

For more wedding venues in Essex, browse our listings here.