If you’re planning your wedding, you’re probably going through myriad different emotions – and no doubt have a to-do list as long as your arm, with choosing a venue likely to be a priority. And, while we hate to add to your tasks, as well as selecting a venue, you’ll need to determine the exact location where you’ll tie the knot.
Your choice will, inevitably, depend on a number of things. Here are some considerations to bear in mind:
Look at layout and capacity
Can your chosen spot fit everyone you want to be there? Can you seat them all comfortably without feeling cramped, or swamped by the space?
Religious or civil ceremony?
One key element is whether you want a religious or civil ceremony. Clearly this a hugely personal, important and potentially sensitive decision, so you and your future husband or wife will need to discuss this side of things.
Go with your gut
This is as important a factor as any. A location should simply ‘feel right’ for you both – so think about this and trust your instincts. The correct spot will simply seem right for you as a couple. Equally, think about how the spot would make your guests feel.
Indoors or outside?
Open-air weddings give you more space, a stunning natural backdrop, potential savings on décor and a unique atmosphere. But you have to balance this with accessibility of your potential ceremony spot and guest comfort. For al fresco weddings you’ll also need a Plan B in case the weather doesn’t play ball. So an indoor marriage can offer greater certainty. If you want to get wed under the sky, think about the logistics of sound, lighting and marriage permits. (There’s now far more flexibility than pre-Covid, but that doesn’t mean you can exchange vows anywhere.)
Overall vibe of the day
Think about your big day and picture the atmosphere. Are you thinking grand ballroom, intimate garden or a rustic barn? What will align best with the décor, theme and style you have in mind? What will best suit the look you have in mind for the wedding photos? Ponder considerations including natural light and colour scheme.
Make an informed decision
Understand, for example, the exact order of events on the day and how long it will take to set up and dismantle the ceremony area, especially if you’re having dancing in the same place afterwards. Carefully view all the potential locations yourself. Take notes, photos or videos, and jot down your thoughts about what you liked or disliked for each option.
Ask about any restrictions on decorations, music or other aspects of the occasion in each spot, and double-check the space is licensed for civil ceremonies.
Options for your ceremony at Brinsop Court
Brinsop Court is an award-winning Herefordshire wedding venue set within 800 acres, incorporating a medieval manor house surrounded by water. Within our extensive estate, we offer various ceremony locations. Here’s an overview:
Elizabethan Library
This is hugely popular with our couples, and it’s not hard to see why. The rows of books on ancient oak shelves and plasterwork ceiling make it a gorgeous setting, plus it seats 94 guests.
The Banqueting Hall
The soaring vaulted ceiling of this stunning room was built in the twelfth century. You can even choose to tie the knot by flickering candlelight in this magical space, which seats 120.
The Knot Barn
The Knot Barn may be fairly new, but the ancient oak from which it is built lends it a rustic feel. And it offers every modern convenience, while giving on to landscaped gardens and open fields and magnificent year-round views. Here you can host up to 180 guests.
The Courtyard
Our ancient, lovingly preserved courtyard, has space for 150 people. It’s somewhere you can really make an entrance, through an oak door or down the spot’s stone steps, as you walk towards the central pergola. It’s ideal for both sunny and overcast days.
The Astley Pergola
This timber-framed pergola on the Astley Lawn is an enchanting setting for groups of up to 200. Enter via the boardwalk and enjoy year-round weather protection – if necessary, we can add sides to the structure.
Al fresco weddings
Our idyllic Wordsworth Lawn seats 180, with views over hills and woodland and surrounded on three sides by the moat. Meanwhile, the immaculate Cricket Pitch Lawn fits 500 – plus you could have a marquee. An ancient cedar at its far end makes the whole place even more picturesque.
For something truly unique, check out our woodland ceremony space, set within a circle of London Plane trees. You could have 180 guests, plus it’s conveniently close to the main property. Think rustic seating, fairylights, sheepskins and firepits.
Religious ceremonies
If you want a church service, again there are various options. Delightful St George’s Brinsop is just two minutes away by car, and fits 130. Meanwhile St Michael’s Breinton is larger, although further away. Finally, St Mary the Virgin, Burghill is less than three miles away.
Come and see Brinsop Court for yourself – book a tour here. Learn what our wedding packages include and potential late availability.
Finally, get in touch with any questions; we’ll be delighted to help.
