Say 'I do' outdoors


Nothing says British summertime more than an outdoor wedding! Just remember our weather is not always the most reliable. If you are planning the ultimate al fresco 'I do', then take a look at our round-up of a veritable emporium of fabulous places to do the deed. From manor houses to mansions, we take a look at some of the best across the UK.

Pictured above: Rowhill Grange


Ettington Park Hotel, Warwickshire

Ettington Park Hotel is a magnificent neo-gothic mansion set in Stratford-upon-Avon with a history that dates back to the 12th Century, featuring impressive stained glass windows and beautiful grounds, an ideal setting for a romantic outdoor wedding.

Ettington Park Hotel offers two outdoor ceremony options, however, a suitable room inside will still be booked in the case of bad weather. The Orangery is a beautiful setting for an open air civil ceremony and is south facing to capture every drop of sunshine. Your and your guests can enjoy stunning views out onto the Victorian gardens and surrounding grounds. You can also tie the knot at the Bell Tower which is set within the intimate surroundings of the Norman Chapel. Guests can look whilst seated within the historical ruins as you and your partner marry under the arch of the Bell Tower.

The house has a treasured history, attracting the likes of William Shakespeare. You can also enjoy exclusive use of the hotel, grounds and treat your guests to accommodation in the 48 individual bedrooms.

For further information, tap here to visit, handpickedhotels.co.uk


Haven Hall, Isle of Wight

Haven Hall is a stunning country house on top of the cliffs overlooking the sea on the Isle of Wight. The 180-degree views overlooking Sandown Bay makes it feel like the South of France and the microclimate means the Island has more sunshine than Spain.

Outdoor summer wedding celebrations (up to 150 people) could begin with an elegant champagne reception on the patio under sunny blue skies. Stroll across the lawn for an unforgettable ceremony under the Victorian gazebo. The setting makes the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos. Guests could wander down the Lutyens steps to make a grand entrance into a marquee for the Wedding Breakfast.

Originally built as an Edwardian home, Haven Hall is a private and exclusive wedding venue and offers eight en-suite bedrooms and six suites (each with their own living rooms and kitchen). A heated swimming pool, a small gym and a grass tennis court complete the country house atmosphere for you and your guests.

Just 2½ hours by train from London Waterloo – including a 20-minute crossing.

For further information, tap here to visit, havenhall.uk


Moorland Garden Hotel, Devon

Set in nine acres of tranquil, landscaped gardens with Dartmoor National Park and the rolling hills of the Tamar Valley as a backdrop, the Rose Arbour at the Moorland Garden Hotel near Plymouth in Devon could be the most idyllic place to tie the knot al fresco. Designed by a local blacksmith and forge master, Matt Dingle, the intricate structure is licensed for outside ceremonies seating up to 160 guests. 

The magical moorland hotel is the perfect spot for a wedding breakfast, catering for up to 160 in the hotel’s Crystal Room, which comes complete with sparkling chandeliers and garden vistas, as well as one of the largest sprung wooden dance floors in the South West. Alternatively, opt for an intimate picnic à deux in the wildflower meadow.

For the icing on the cake, you and your partner can start the honeymoon with a night in the Forget Me Not suite, with four-poster bed and balcony overlooking the grounds.

For further information, tap here to visit, moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk


Pengenna Manor, Cornwall

Tucked away in a quiet, secluded valley just three miles inland from the North Cornish coast lies Pengenna Manor, an 800-year-old private family home set in over 300 acres of beautiful Cornish countryside and available for exclusive use hire.

Tie the knot in one of three gorgeous locations indoors or outside and then celebrate your union with a drinks reception in the beautiful grounds. For your wedding breakfast and evening party, make use of their purpose-designed marquee garden and hire in any kind of marquee you like to suit your style.

For your overnight accommodation, they have four beautifully restored, character-filled bedrooms available inside the Manor on a bed & breakfast basis consisting of the glamorous Art Deco style Bridal Suite with its luxurious en-suite shower room, and three further sumptuous bedrooms.

For the rest of your guests there is a wide range of fantastic accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets in the area near the Manor, including free camping in the Manor grounds itself for all of your guests, and three houses very close to the Manor that are perfect to accommodate other immediate members of your family on a self-catering basis.

For further information, tap here to visit, pengennamanor.co.uk / Part of the Ultimate Wedding Collective


Rowhill Grange Hotel and Utopia Spa, Kent

Nestled in the Kent countryside, Rowhill Grange is an impressive 19th-century manor house that radiates splendour on every level. Recognised as one of Kent’s most desirable wedding venues, Rowhill Grange is surrounded by 15 acres of gorgeous gardens and grounds, with the bespoke wedding gazebo presenting an exclusive and magical setting for your wedding. With idyllic views over manicured gardens, there are endless opportunities for you to photograph and capture memories of your big day. The charming gazebo can hold civil ceremonies for up to 120 guests.

The Clockhouse is the perfect location to follow on from your civil ceremony with your evening celebrations. Boasting an exclusive reception suite flowing out into private front and back terraces, the Clockhouse is perfect for summer evening celebrations. Hand in hand with the perfect reception venue comes designated accommodation for your family and friends and a luxurious honeymoon suite complete with Jacuzzi bath for the married couple. There's also an award-winning spa on site for some pampering! The Clockhouse can cater for evening celebrations of up to 200 guests, and the Cottage Suite is also licensed for civil ceremonies of up to 120 guests.

For further information, tap here to visit, alexanderhotels.co.uk