Waterside venues


There's something extremely romantic with weddings beside the river. Usually, these are settings in the countryside with the sound of the water and wildlife, or in the city with a bit more hustle and bustle. We've rounded up some of our favourite venues nestled beside the river, in the countryside and in the city.


Ardanaiseig, Argyll

Ardanaiseig, a short drive from Taynuilt in Argyll on the main road between central Scotland and Oban, sits amid 120 acres of forest, streams and waterfalls, and comes with its own secret walled garden. The Grade 2 listed house on Loch Awe, dating back to 1834, contains an Aladdin’s Cave of eccentric furniture, fittings and artworks - not surprising when you know it’s owned by a major London antique dealer.

In such a setting guests rightly expect top quality food and drink. Ardanaiseig’s Head Chef Colin Cairns has been winning rave reviews for his fare, based on fresh ingredients for which the West of Scotland is famed. In the 2 AA Rosette restaurant, crisp white linen and candles add to the romantic atmosphere. The hotel has a magnificent wine cellar - and more than 50 malt whiskies.

The hotel has 16 rooms plus a cottage in the grounds, and can comfortably handle up to 50 people for a function. However, it also welcomes small intimate receptions. Services can be held in a Greek-style amphitheatre on the lawns, in traditional stone-built churches in the area, or in the hotel itself.

For further information, tap here to visit, ardanaiseig.com


Canary Riverside Plaza, London

The five star Canary Riverside Plaza has become one of London’s most dazzling wedding venues, towering over the glittering Thames.

Created by one of the world’s most influential living designers, Philippe Starck, the lifestyle hotel’s sophisticated charm, breathtaking city and river views, prime location and amenities have attracted several high-profile figures celebrity guests. And its romantic views and amenities, wedding license, host of incredible event and shoot spaces, top florists, caterers and wedding planners have made the lifestyle hotel the perfect destination for nuptials and honeymoons.

It's grand, two-storey ballroom can be tailored to receptions of any scale, while the River Room makes the perfect location for truly unforgettable ceremonies. 

The 145 generously proportioned rooms and suites all enjoy large bay windows, providing the bridal party with unparalleled panoramic views across the glistening London skyline. You can also take advantage of the acclaimed Quatrado restaurant, gym, spa, including the infinity pool from the iconic scene in Bond movie Skyfall, treatment suites - offering romantic couple's pampering - tennis courts and more.

For further information, tap here to visit, canaryriversideplaza.com


Drakes Hotel, East Sussex

If you're searching for a beautiful venue set on the seafront, this is the venue for you. Drakes Hotel is a stunning 4-star boutique hotel nestled on the seafront in Brighton, East Sussex.

You will be won over by the relaxed glamour of this award-winning hotel where the philosophy is to treat guests like treasured friends coming to stay. The ambience at Drakes is more that of an impressive home than a hotel. Exclusive Use of the property for your Wedding ensure a private and very personal service as you and your guests are the only guests, with the full run of the house.

Drakes Hotel is perfect for weddings for up to 40 wedding guests with its 20 boutique bedrooms, Ceremony Licence and a fine dining restaurant. The 'Complete Exclusive Use' package includes all the essential elements from canapés and champagne reception after the ceremony to full breakfast the following day. An additional 25 guests can be invited to share the celebrations at the evening reception party.

For further information, tap here to visit, drakesofbrighton.com


Galgorm Resort & Spa, County Antrim

Galgorm Resort & Spa, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel and spa, set within 163 acres of lush parkland with views out to the River Maine, is the perfect location for your big day.

The resort features 122 luxurious guest rooms and the unique Thermal Village & Spa that is the first of its kind in Ireland. You and your guests can enjoy the tranquillity of nature and experience pure relaxation with an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas.

There are two unique ceremony rooms to choose from, The Phantom House and The Ghost House. Each of these can accommodate civil, religious and humanist celebrations, allowing you the freedom to make your nuptials completely personal to you. If your ceremony will have over 120 guests, the beautiful function suites are licenced and can be transformed into stunning ceremony backdrops.

During your wedding planning, your personal wedding planner will be on hand throughout. They will be able to assist with sourcing perfect local suppliers, working with you on the perfect wedding breakfast menu and more.

For further information, tap here to visit, galgorm.com


Tanfield House, North Yorkshire

For a beautiful venue which will feel like your very own home, Tanfield House is perfect. Its beautiful riverside setting located on the banks of the River Ure will simply wow your guests. The house is available on an exclusive use basis, enabling you and your guests to enjoy the house and grounds.

Neil and Allanah are the owners of this stunning period house. With a combined background in hospitality and project management, and a passion for people (and fun!), Neil and Allanah identified a gap in the market for characterful private event locations in Yorkshire that don’t cost the earth. They also delight in sharing their home and hospitality to curate the perfect event for their guests. Hence Riverside Events Yorkshire was born!

The venue offers a riverside garden marquee area, the ideal place for a marquee for up to 100 guests. Alternatively, dinners for up to 40 people can be held within the house, with accommodation for up to 7.

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


The Bristol, Bristol

The Bristol, with 187 rooms and suites, is located in the heart of the city of Bristol, right on the Harbourside, with only the pretty – and pedestrianised – historic cobbled Narrow Quay separating it from the waterfront.

The Bristol’s Ballroom, which seats a maximum of 300 for a wedding breakfast, can alternate between lighter and less formal in the day time and super glamorous in the evening lit by candles and the room’s Waterford Crystal chandeliers. With floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Harbourside, it can provide plenty of natural daylight for an afternoon event or a romantic backdrop of twinkling city lights in the evening.

Alternatively, The Bristol’s highly-acclaimed River Grille restaurant seats up to 70 guests in a light and airy room that also has large picture windows overlooking Narrow Quay and the Harbourside.

The Bristol’s dedicated and experienced wedding coordinators are on hand to help you plan every stage of your wedding, and a banqueting manager makes sure that the day itself runs smoothly.

For further information, tap here to visit, doylecollection.com/bristol


The Great House, Berkshire

Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, The Great House is a gorgeous recently relaunched venue surrounded by romantic views. This is a true hidden gem tucked away in Sonning, Berkshire.

The Great House Lodge is licenced for civil ceremonies which overlook the terrace, manicured gardens and river. There's ceremony space for 115 guests and an evening reception for up to 200 guests. Both the ceremony and reception rooms overlook the river, offering beautiful views.

During your wedding, you and your guests will be treated to utterly delicious food by the Coppa Club. The chefs have created a variety of menu options to choose from, with a fresh and modern approach. The chefs will work with you to ensure you have the perfect menu for your big day.

For guests that wish to stay the night, they'll enjoy the new contemporary rooms and suites. With a modern retro style, these suites are comfortable yet homely.

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


Lakes by yoo, Gloucestershire

With interiors designed by Kate Moss, Elle MacPherson, Jade Jagger, Kelly Hoppen, Phillipe Starck & the Yoo Studio the Lakes by yoo are a gorgeous design-led holiday and weekend home destination within a spacious yet truly private countryside environment.

Offering a full security and concierge service, events management, a bespoke activities team & access to a luxurious spa, The Orchard, with Bamford & Oskia therapies as well as a kids’ club with plenty of outdoor and indoor activities, the Lakes by yoo are the perfect for those looking for an intimate, exclusive wedding venue.

Located in the glorious Cotswold water park, The Lakes by yoo is 30 minutes from Cheltenham, Stow on the Wold & Bourton, only 15 minutes from Cirencester and only 1.5 hours from London.

Wedding receptions and ceremonies for up to 30 people can be hosted in the Barnhouse, the only property in the world to have been designed by Kate Moss or at the fairy-tale tipi in the spacious garden area. It is the perfect venue for an intimate wedding experience combining boutique hotel luxury with the sanctuary of a private villa.

For further information, tap here to visit, thelakesbyyoo.com