Holdenby House, near Northampton

Holdenby House Northampton wedding venue

A sweeping, tree-lined driveway leads to the facade of this storybook historic house with grand state rooms overlooking 20 acres of Grade I listed gardens, dotted with stunning modernist sculpture alongside traditional English flower borders. No conveyor belt weddings here, the (erm, unbelievably grand) family home vibe means it really is exclusive and unique, with the stylish state rooms spilling out onto the perfectly manicured lawns. Absolute bliss.

Hanwell Wine Estate, near Melton Mowbray

You won’t have to worry about what wine to drink on the day if you decide to get hitched at Hanwell, which is a truly idyllic setting for an outdoor wedding. Tucked away in the beautiful countryside on the Leics/Notts borders and set in 35 acres of vineyard, fields, woodland and lakes making it perfect for an intimate alfresco wedding or a large marquee and tipi celebration.

Exton Park, near Oakham

Fort Henry gothic folly Exton Park Rutland Oakham

This traditional English country pile in Rutland has been the home of the Noel family (the Earls of Gainsborough) for over 400 years. For a traditional wedding, you can choose the private Chapel, the Church of St Peter and Paul on the estate. After something more romantic? Try Fort Henry, (pictured) this magical gothic folly, sitting beside a large lake in the heart of Exton Park is a hidden gem in a truly unique setting.

Dodford Manor, near Daventry

Dodford Manor barn wedding venue Northamptonshire

Dodford Manor is a gorgeous barn wedding venue set within a beautiful country estate in the rolling Northamptonshire countryside and we are loving the no corkage policy on their wedding packages. The historic Mortain Barn, with its flagstone flooring, rustic wooden beams and carefully restored ironstone walls, dates back to the 1680s and the naturally lit, oak framed, glass-walled Oak Barn lends a contemporary vibe to the day, giving it the perfect balance of old and new.

Boughton House, near Kettering

If nothing less than the best will do, then look no further than Boughton. A truly grand stately home that takes inspiration from the Palace of Versailles, Boughton is one of Northamptonshire’s hidden gems with exquisitely landscaped gardens and palatial state rooms. There are a various rooms to choose from including the Great Hall, with it’s painted ceiling and oak paneled walls, or the Tapestry Suite, which is a light and airy space with exposed beams and brickwork. You’ll be in great company, Eddie Redmayne and Amanda Seyfried tied the knot here, well in character as Marius and Cosette in Les Mis so, if it’s epic you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it here.

Donington Park Farmhouse, Castle Donington

A seventeenth century farmhouse with a series of original brick and timber barns, sympathetically restored to create a beautiful collection of rooms, which make the perfect venue for your big day. If you need guest accommodation, there are nineteen individually styled bedrooms, some of which have breathtaking views across Breedon Hill and the surrounding countryside.

Lamport Hall, near Northampton

Lamport Hall exclusive wedding venue Northamptonshire

For a wedding that is positively bursting at the seams with elegance, Lamport Hall near Northampton, the Isham family seat for 400 years, makes for an idyllic venue and we’d be half expecting Mr Darcy to stride across the lawn in his breeches as we sipped a coupe de Champagne. This stately home’s classical architecture, picturesque gardens and wonderful countryside views can only be topped by its beautiful interiors. Think oak panelling and subtle Georgian hues with gilt-framed portraiture and marble fireplaces. That’ll do nicely.

The Guildhall, Leicester

Leicester Guildhall city wedding venue historic heritage

This charming city heritage wedding venue is situated in the heart of Leicester’s beautiful Old Town Quarter, boasting over 600 years of history, making it the perfect place for couples looking for a unique city venue to tie the knot. With two licensed ceremony rooms to choose from, along with a private enclosed courtyard, ceremonies and drinks receptions at Leicester Guildhall offer a secret city escape.

Rutland Hall Hotel, near Oakham

If you’re after your ‘happily ever after,’ book a fairytale garden pagoda with sweeping views across landscaped gardens and across Rutland Water. This stunning Victorian manor house is surrounded by endless acres of beautiful countryside and there’s also a new wedding space with room for over 500 guests, so get working on that guest list, there’s plenty of capacity for the ceremony, reception and dancing the night away.

The Woodlands at Hothorpe Hall, Theddingworth, near Market Harborough

The Woodland at Hothorpe rustic outdoor luxury wedding venue

Looking for that Midsummer Night’s Dream, fairytale vibe with a touch of luxe? The bucolic Woodlands at Hothorpe is a secluded wedding venue surrounded by tranquil forest and nestled in a private 12 acre estate on the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire border. When you pledge your troth here, you’ll get luxury at their light-filled contemporary indoor space, alongside the enchantingly rustic outdoor space. There’s even a swanky newlywed suite in The Treehouse.

Fawsley Hall, near Daventry

One of Northamptonshire’s most sought-after venues, with a choice of spaces in which to party the night away and a picturesque parish church in the most idyllic setting. Originally a home built for entertaining, Fawsley has played host to Elizabeth I and now it’s your turn to feel like royalty. This country mansion is surrounded by extensive parkland, where you’ll find tranquil lakes amongst a myriad of lush greenery. The exclusive Knightley Court venue offers its own private bar and courtyard, as well as stunning rooms for your wedding ceremony and wedding after party. What’s more, the magnificent Tudor Hall (pictured) makes a pretty awe-inspiring setting for reception drinks.

Flore House, near Northampton

Flore House exclusive countryside wedding venue

After a venue that blends the sumptuous details and luxe interiors of the big hitters with boutique charm? Flore House is just that. The aristocratic splendour of this incredible venue is infused with owner Georgie’s quirky, artistic flair. Think glistening chandeliers, edgy artworks and the glorious golden hues of a traditional Northamptonshire ironstone country house.

Hawthorn Grove, near Wellingborough

Hawthorn Grove outdoor rural wedding venue

Nestled in 280 acres of rolling pasture on a family farm in the Northamptonshire countryside, Hawthorn Grove is the perfect fairytale setting for weddings and events with a magical and quirky vibe. Hidden away from the outside world and with exclusive use, this beautiful secluded spot looks down to Summer Leys Nature Reserve and the River Nene, giving a stunning backdrop for photos and incredible views. Arrive in style down the winding farm tracks – this place has got Far from the Madding Crowd written all over over it – and hold your ceremony under the tree canopy surrounded by nature. We’re thinking flower crowns, glowing lanterns and festival vibes.

Stoke Park Pavilions, Stoke Bruerne

This jaw-dropping, rural venue is pretty much a state secret so don’t tell anyone we told you. Two Inigo Jones designed pavilions and a sweeping colonnade overlook beautiful gardens and landscape. It’s only available for private events, which lends it a certain exclusivity that you don’t get from some of the better known venues. The stunning West Pavilion seats up to 70, whilst the gardens have plenty of space for marquees and larger crowds.

Duston Mill, Northampton

This Muddy Award Winning venue is definitely one for you if you’re looking for an unconventional and irreverent wedding vibe. Think chic, rustic, semi-industrial vibes near the heart of town. You can opt to party in the vast 3,000 sq. foot Grain Store, or hire the land (there are 20 acres) for an outside event, each option bringing its own distinct character.

Rockingham Castle, Nr. Corby

Holy Norman conquest, this one’s an actual castle and it doesn’t get much more fabulous than that. Rockingham has been in the Watson family for over 450 years and prior to that it was property of The Crown, so if you’re scouting for a spectacular, fairytale setting, you’ll certainly get the wow factor here, all exclusively yours on your special day and the views from the ramparts across five counties are breathtaking.

Delapré Abbey, Northampton

Take one 900 year old abbey set in 600 acres, add a dash (or several) of champagne and a selection of guests (how ever many you like from 2 to 200) et voila! You can choose from a huge number of rooms for your gathering from the 19th century Bouverie Rooms or an outdoor courtyard, to the Tudor kitchen, BillIard Room or a marquee on the lawns. Plus there’s in-house catering courtesy of Tom Hewer (he’s responsible for Hibiscus Fine Dining and The Orangery, both located at Delapré).

Kelmarsh Hall, near Market Harborough

Kelmarsh Hall northants market harborough wedding venue

This luxurious, exclusive use country house venue is set in the rolling Northamptonshire countryside. Think romantic, faded grandeur and fine rooms painted in beautiful pastel colours. Outside, there are historic and award-winning English country gardens with a dreamy, floral vibe, perfect in the summer months.

Prestwold Hall, Loughborough

Fancy a Grade I stately home sitting in a whopping 2,500 acres of rolling parkland in the heart of the Leicestershire Wolds? Prestwold Hall is giving fine architecture, stunning antique furniture and period paintings. You can choose to say ‘I do’ inside the parish church, just 100 yards from the main house, head outdoors and get hitched under a pretty Georgian gazebo, or make your grand entrance through our enchanting Orangery and take your vows in the light-filled Library.

The Great Barn, Aynho

This romantic, Hardy-esque venue incorporates the traditional character of a breathtaking 18^th Century barn, with 2 foot thick Cotswold stone walls and exposed oak beams, which were built in 1770 as part of The Cartwright Estate in Aynho, whilst the garden and terrace provide the perfect space to relax and celebrate outdoors once the formalities have been completed.

Barnsdale Gardens, Exton

This stunning garden setting makes for the perfect romantic summer’s day, with ceremonies held in a purpose-built oak arbour, surrounded by spectacular planting with lots of room for your guests on the manicured lawn. If you’re an outdoorsy couple, there’s so much scope for romantic photos ops in the Woodland Walk and Japanese Garden or quirky wheelbarrow shots on the Allotment.

Dodmoor House, near Daventry

Dodmoor House rustic barns wedding venue Northants — The Courtyard Barn at Dodmoor House

Stylish and intimate, Dodmoor House nails that lusted-after rustic barn vibe without forgoing all the little luxuries. This rural gem, set within 4 acres of prettily landscaped grounds beside the Grand Union canal at Weedon dates back 400 years so if it’s character you’re looking for you’ll definitely find it here and there are distinct spaces for the ceremony, reception and dancing too, helping to ensure everything works seamlessly on the day.

Haycock Manor Hotel, Wansford, near Peterborough

Bang in the midst of gorgeous Stamford, Oundle and Oakham, Haycock Manor Hotel in the picturesque village of Wansford is the Notswolds wedding venue of dreams, surrounded by 12 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and grounds, with the river Nene flowing peacefully past. The light-filled Manor Suite seats up to 80 guests and the iconic Haycock Suite with its soaring oak beams, ornate fireplace, private entrance and bar, can accommodate up to 250, making it the perfect suite for the most extravagant of wedding breakfasts.

Tipis at Whatton House, near Loughborough

This exclusive tipi wedding venue in Leicestershire is filled with pockets of magic in every corner. The tipi spaces are striking, spacious and stylish and, as the evening draws in, they light up with thousands of fairy lights, creating an enchanting wow-factor element. There are three giant reception tipis and additional cosy snug, with loads of sociable space to wine, dine, dance and celebrate. Think firepits, wooden floors for dancing and, the most important thing, luxury loos.

Winstanley House, near Leicester

Winstanley House Leicester Wedding Venue

We’re getting serious Bridgerton vibes over here – set amid 168 acres of gorgeous green parkland, this Grade II Georgian home feels like a million miles from Leicester city (in fact it’s only about 15 minutes away). Inside there’s a stunning combination of grand traditional features and elegant contemporary touches. Both the ballrooms offer panoramic views of the grounds and direct access onto a private terrace. A wonderful plus-point is that you’ve got 19 bedrooms onsite including two stunning Bridal Suites (one even comes with a roll top gold bathtub!) so families and friends can take over the whole place and enjoy a boutique country house vibe.

The City Rooms, Leicester

This gorgeous Georgian, Grade I listed venue has been elegantly renovated into a stunning wedding and party venue in the heart of Leicester city centre. Built in 1792, today it still retains many fascinating features including original columns, staircase and stucco decorations. The ballroom – with its magnificent windows and grand chandeliers – is a stunning setting and there’s also the dining and drawing room, perfect for more intimate celebrations.

The Orangery at Rushton Hall, near Market Harborough

Weddings at Rushton Hall Hotel Rolls Royce

Get hitched in style à la Emma and Matt Willis, who tied the knot here in 2008, and it’s not hard to see why they chose this stunning venue. Overlooking the stunning gardens, the Orangery, with its breath-taking stone façade, blends beautifully with the historic hotel and provides a sensational backdrop for your wedding pictures. Inside you’ll find exquisite interiors, intricate ceilings, high and beautiful windows, crystal chandeliers and stunning stone floors,

The Wed Shed, Thorpe Mandeville

One for the ravers – this unique wedding venue is an old hay barn, which has has been sprinkled with fairy dust and turned into a colourful one off place to hold your special day. There are 4 long wooden tables inside, seating up to 64 guests, with sofas on a comfy mezzanine floor. Outside on the terrace there are brightly painted oil drums to put your drinks on and pub benches on the lawn. With the built in sound system and disco lighting, your DJ will only need a laptop and mixer, and Bluetooth allows you to connect your play list. All the electricity here is produced from solar panels when the suns out and all lighting is LED.

Whittlebury Park, near Towcester

There are not just one but three stunning event spaces to choose from at Whittlebury – The Orangery, which features a large entrance hall, a splendid staircase, a magnificent banqueting hall, and a private courtyard; The Pavilion, a fully lined marquee graced with chandeliers, parquet dance floor and an adjoining private bar and lounge for mingling; and The Atrium, a spacious building with spectacular views of the ancient oak parkland, golf course, and lake.

I DO! 30 enchanting wedding venues in Northants, Leicestershire and Rutland

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