We’re really on a roll with our series of blogs about celebrity weddings, so this week we’re taking a peek at the most popular wedding venues for all those A-listers with money to burn! Us mere mortals may not be able to afford the deposits on these places, but it doesn’t stop us loving them.
1. Babington House
Babington House must rate as the most popular celebrity wedding venues EVER with everyone from Fatboy Slim to James Corden tying the knot here. Part of the super exclusive Soho House group that boasts private member clubs all over the globe, Babington is their super cool country hangout in beautiful Somerset.
The 18-acre site boasts a Georgian house and private chapel as well as a Cowshed spa, indoor and outdoor pools, lake, tennis courts, croquet lawn and of course, a private cinema. Weddings are on an exclusive use basis meaning you have the run of the entire estate including the 33 gorgeous guest rooms, as well as the library, bar, restaurant and orangery.
Perfect for London dwellers, Babington gives you all the country luxe you require and is just a mere two hours from the city. You can make your arrival by helicopter if you really want to live like a celebrity and both OK! and Hello magazines have been here enough times so if you’re inviting them, they know their way around!
Celebrity Weddings: Eddie & Hannah Redmayne, Zoe Ball & Norman Cook, James & Julia Corden, Millie Mackintosh & Professor Green
2. Blenheim Palace
For a grand, opulent and elegant wedding, celebrity favourite Blenheim Palace is the ideal choice. Currently home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Sir Winston Churchill was born here in 1874 and the grand surroundings and sheer scale make it the perfect place for large wedding celebrations.
With more than six venues within the estate, the palace can host weddings of up to 2000 guests! The estate includes 90 acres of formal gardens including water terraces, a rose garden and formal Italian gardens so there’s no shortage of photo opportunities.
Inside, grand reception spaces include the Orangery and Marlborough room with double height vaulted ceilings, huge fireplaces and decadent chandeliers. If all that fails to impress, there’s plenty of scope (and space) for a marquee.
Celebrity Weddings: Marvin & Rochelle Humes, John & Toni Terry
3. Woburn Abbey
With an estate that includes a 3000-acre deer park, Woburn Abbey is an unusual venue with plenty of celebrity appeal. There are three venues to choose between including the famous Sculpture Gallery which boasts a private garden overlooking the Camelia lake. Built by Henry Holland in 1789 for the Duke of Bedford, this stunning venue is one of the most majestic settings we’ve ever seen.
There’s the luxury Woburn Hotel for a traditional wedding venue or the wonderfully quirky Safari Lodge for those couples opting for a more informal day. Where else can you do a safari park trip with your guests just hours before you tie the knot?
For intimate celebrations, there’s plenty of style and class to be had here but if the guest list is a little larger, the estate can accommodate lavish receptions for up to 250 guests.
Celebrity Weddings: Christian Horner & Geri Halliwell, Wayne & Frankie Bridge
4. Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site offering a plethora of outstanding landscapes, vistas and architecture as well as the most extensive selection of formal and ornamental gardens.
A real escape from the outside world, the atmosphere at Kew is unique and private and therefore the perfect option for a celebrity wedding. Its location in London also makes it popular with those who can’t bear the thought of venturing away from the capital!
There are numerous wedding venues including plenty of options to take your vows both indoors and out. From the intimacy of Cambridge cottage to the grand scale and spectacle of the Orangery, this glorious venue would certainly be a memorable choice. We love the idea of a cocktail reception in the stunning Princess of Wales conservatory where ten zones are climatically controlled to aid the growth of exotic and tropical plant life.
Celebrity Weddings: Fearne Cotton & Jesse Wood, Katie Melua & James Toseland
5. Amberley Castle
For celebrities who’ve always dreamed of a fairytale wedding then Amberley Castle surely ticks all the boxes. From the moment you sweep through the portcullis, you’re transported back to days of old where dashing knights rescued dainty damsels. A classic English castle with over 900 years of history, Amberley can house weddings of up to 56 within the castle itself, whilst larger celebrations can be accommodated in a marquee on the lawns.
Guest can mingle among peacocks while medieval stonework, suits of armour and coats of arms make a wonderful backdrop for all your photography. We can see why so many celebrities have opted for Amberley Castle for their nuptials – we’d jump at the chance!
Celebrity Weddings: Dan Baldwin & Holly Willoughby, Dermot & Dee O’Leary
Here at Manor by the Lake, we offer bespoke, A-list inspired weddings. Each one as unique as the couple. We pride ourselves as a unique Cotswold manor house, which will guarantee you a lifetime of happy memories.
If you are looking for a wedding venue, why not check out one of the UK’s most trusted wedding directories For Better For Worse
