If you’re searching for the best wedding venues in Essex, you’re in the right place. I’ve been working as a wedding photographer in Essex for the last 14 year. So I feel I know it pretty well by now! Whether you’re after a grand manor house, a rustic countryside barn, or festival weekender, Essex offers plenty of amazing wedding venue options.
Why Choose Essex for Your Wedding?
I may be biased because I live here, but Essex offers a perfect mix of countryside charm along with accessibility. Located not far London, it’s easy for your guests to travel to while still delivering beautiful rural backdrops, coastal views, and exclusive use venues. From stately homes to modern barns, it’s easy to see why so many couples choose it for their wedding day.
Budgeting for the Best Wedding Venues in Essex
Like everywhere, the best wedding venues in Essex will vary widely in price, depending on style, size, and exclusivity. All inclusive venues such as Gosfield Hall or High House Weddings may typically offer packages where everything is all organised for you. While more relaxed venues like Browning Bros or Captains Wood Barn may provide greater flexibility if you’re bringing a lot of DIY elements in yourselves. It can be a bit of a minefield when starting to plan a wedding. I remember well enough for my own, even having been in the industry a long time!) There was a lot to think about and narrow down when deciding our budget and what we could realistically look at.
Understanding what’s included, such as catering, accommodation, and decorations can really help you compare options and find the best value for your budget and style. Think about whether you’d like to have plenty of support from your venue, or if you’re keen to do more yourself and potentially save a bit of cash. It really comes down to whether you want support throughout the planning and wedding day itself. Or perhaps you might be happy managing things yourself and doing DIY.
Weekend Weddings at the Best Wedding Venues in Essex
A growing trend among couples is turning their big day into a full weekend celebration, and some of the best wedding venues in Essex are perfectly suited for it. Venues like Browning Bros and The Canary Shed allow for extended hire, giving you time to enjoy welcome drinks, the main event, and a post wedding brunch after staying the night or glamping. It’s such a great way to make the most of your venue and spend as much time as possible with your family and friends. Ok, let’s get into the list!
1. Browning Bros: Teybrook Orchard and Chalkney Water Meadows
If you’re looking for something different, Browning Bros stands out as one of the most unique wedding venues in Essex. It’s safe to say that I absolutely adore it here and think it’s totally magical.
Browning Bros specialises in outdoors style tipi weddings, glamping, and festival style celebrations. A perfect choice for couples who want a full weekend experience rather than a traditional one day event. You have the choice of two venues: Teybrook Orchard which is a stunning woodland with a marquee on site. And there is also Chalkney Water Meadows, set on an incredible lake with a three hat tipi. It is quite a popular venue because the settings are both so wonderful and unique.
If you’re after a relaxed outdoors wedding with festival style elements, I would 100% hit up Browning Bros. Plus their team is so lovely and it really is such a unique venue which no one will ever forget!
2. Blake Hall Weddings
Blake Hall is a stunning modern barn style venue near Ongar and is always such a pleasure to photograph at. Also, the team are wonderful and they have the most beautiful grounds to take photos in, including a wildflower meadow. They’re dog friendly, have on site accommodation and the barns are completely beautiful.
For those couples after a relaxed barn wedding in Essex, definitely look at Blake Hall. You can also check out a relaxed boho wedding I captured at Blake Hall by clicking here.
3. Captains Wood Barn
Captains Wood Barn is a hidden gem in Essex, close to Maldon. A dry hire venue set in a gorgeous woodland with a really rustic and charming barn. This venue offers a unique and natural setting for couples who are looking for something that they can make completely their own. They take on a limited amount of bookings and are very popular because they are such a great venue, so do check them out sooner rather than later!
4. The Barns at Lodge Farm
I could talk about this wonderful venue forever. The Barns at Lodge Farm is truly such a wonderful place and the team are incredible. It is a versatile venue that can be tailored to suit a variety of wedding styles, with an industrial style barn as well as a more traditional timber barn.
It’s nestled in the countryside, so you have a mix of urban backdrops as well as beautiful rolling fields. They also have glamping options and it’s always such a joy to photograph there. Undoubtedly, it’s one of my favourite venues in Essex!
5. Gosfield Hall
For those dreaming of a grand celebration, Gosfield Hall is undeniably one of the best wedding venues in Essex. This Georgian mansion offers stunning interiors – particularly, the main ‘getting ready’ room is a complete dream! There are multiple ceremony options, both indoors and outdoors. They have lots of on site accommodation and the team always go the extra mile.
Overall, it’s an elegant venue with the wow factor, and an amazing team – it’s always a win for me. If that sounds like your vibe, definitely take a look at Gosfield Hall.
6. High House Weddings
High House Weddings is a gorgeous standout venue near Chelmsford and a firm favourite among the best wedding venues in Essex. They have the most stunning orangery which fills the space with natural light, as well as a rustic barn. You have the option for both outdoor and indoor ceremonies.
Also included is ample onsite accommodation (including a house with a pool!) and the whole place really does have the wow factor. If this sounds like a bit of you, check out High House Weddings here.
7. The Canary Shed
The Canary Shed is a totally unique Essex wedding venue which really packs personality. The main barn with the colourful origami hanging from the ceiling never gets old, it’s so magical every time I see it!
Lastly, they’re able to offer both outdoor and indoor ceremonies, as well as on site accommodation. It feels like such a creative space and this venue is perfect for allowing couples to design a wedding that truly reflects them.
8. Houchins Wedding Venue
Houchins is a beautiful wedding venue near Colchester and I feel it’s such a great option for those wanting a stylish and relaxed celebration.
With multiple ceremony options (including indoors, the marquee and their gardens underneath the trees), plus on site accommodation and a natural flow between spaces, it ticks a lot of boxes and the team are fantastic.
My advice for narrowing down the Best Wedding Venues in Essex
So, there’s my list of some of the best wedding venues in Essex, I hope it was helpful. When narrowing down your choices, definitely consider:
- Your wedding style and vibe: Rustic, elegant, modern, or festival vibes
- Guest capacity: Make sure the venue fits your numbers comfortably
- Exclusive use: Most Essex wedding venues offer private hire so it’s completely yours but double check
- Indoor and outdoor options: Is it important you have lots of outdoor space and nature?
- Do you want or need accommodation on site? Is this a deal breaker?
Choosing from the best wedding venues in Essex comes down to your personal style and vibe as a couple and the kind of wedding celebration that you feel is truly you. I would say:
- For nature and/or festival vibes: Browning Bros or Captains Wood Barn
- Modern and refined: Blake Hall or High House Weddings
- Relaxed and versatile: Houchins or Lodge Farm Barns
- Elegance and more traditional elements: Gosfield Hall
Whatever you’ve got in mind, I really believe that Essex has such a huge variety of venues to help bring your wedding day together. I hope this post was helpful, and if you’re looking for an Essex wedding photographer with a relaxed and joyful style, get in touch with me here!
