There are some amazing pubs that offer specialist wedding services across the UK. If you are dreaming of tying the knot in a relaxed setting with traditional food, then why not consider a pub wedding venue? Pub weddings are growing in popularity, with many couples choosing to get married in a characterful, often historic, British pub. Here we highlight what we love about some of our favourite pub wedding venues.
Reasons to choose a pub wedding venue
Relaxed, Unique Settings
Gone are the days where you were restricted to where you tie the knot. In fact, weddings are much more flexible than they used to be, offering the freedom to have the day you want. Many couples are seeking a more informal, yet romantic wedding venue to host their celebrations. So, due to this increasing demand for unique wedding venues, pub and inn weddings are more popular than ever! Pub wedding venues are attracting couples wanting a rustic, romantic and relaxed wedding inside a characterful venue with first-class, specialist service and a cosy environment.Â
An Intimate Wedding
Since the pandemic, many couples are now more open to the idea of an intimate wedding! Micro weddings with just a handful of guests can be truly magical and a pub wedding venue is a perfect place to host it! Rustic and romantic, these enchanting venues provide a cosy, intimate atmosphere oozing with character and charm. Surrounded by just your nearest and dearest, an intimate pub wedding is guaranteed to be delightfully dreamy!
Delicious, Traditional Pub Food
Silver service doesn't suit everyone! So, many are moving away from the traditional, formal three-course meal. Sitting down to a delicious and hearty plate of fish and chips or sausage and mash is becoming much more popular at weddings because couples want it to feel warm and homely. Almost like you’re having a roast dinner on a Sunday with your family.
Feasting menus and grazing tables where guests can help themselves have also become very common. From BBQ buffets to a selection of family favourites, these unique catering options work perfectly with a cosy pub wedding venue.Â
Simple Decor
Continuing the casual, informal theme, pub wedding venues are perfect for couples who want a no-fuss approach to decorating their venue. Within a traditional pub wedding venue that is full of character, there is very little you need to do in order to create a fun and beautiful atmosphere. You can simply add a few personal touches to make it clearly your special day.
DIY Ceremony
Not all pubs in England and Wales are licensed for civil ceremonies, so don't assume your local pub will be able to host your legal wedding ceremony. If your chosen pub wedding venue isn't licensed, you may need to get married elsewhere, such as a town hall, before going to the pub for your wedding reception. Of course, you can opt for a celebrant-led wedding ceremony inside the characterful setting if this is the case. This gives you the opportunity to build your own ceremony and create a celebration that is truly unique to you.
Having a celebrant officiate your wedding means you aren’t restricted as to where you get married and you can include lots of traditions from all backgrounds as well as make up your own. Just make sure to have a legally binding ceremony in either a registry office or licensed wedding venue close to your pub wedding date!
An Informal Second Reception
If you are planning on a destination wedding or are eloping, a pub wedding venue provides a fantastic space for the after-party or the second wedding reception. This way, you can celebrate with the friends and family that weren’t able to join you abroad or at your tiny wedding ceremony in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. It really is the best of both worlds!
Top Pub Wedding Venues
Decided that a pub wedding sounds perfect for you and now looking for the perfect venue? So, here we have just a handful of our favourite pub wedding venues from across the UK.
The Crown & Thistle, Oxfordshire
Located in Abingdon, The Crown & Thistle is a 400-year-old Grade II listed coaching inn. With a history dating back to 1605, The Crown & Thistle on Bridge Street reopened its doors in 2013, following a £1.8m restoration. This historic coaching inn comprises three individual buildings clustered around a cobbled courtyard, framed by 200-year-old wisteria. Having been sympathetically designed, many of the buildings’ original features, such as timber beams, open brickwork, and window frames that aren’t square, remain throughout the restaurant, extensive bar area, elegant function rooms, and 18 boutique-style bedrooms.Â
The two fully licensed, characterful function rooms, The Barn and the Minstrels Gallery, can be hired separately or together. Accommodating up to 80 seated or 100 standing guests, The Barn blends the charm of 17th-century timber beams and stone walls with modern amenities. For smaller events, The Minstrels Gallery seats 30 for a banquet or can accommodate 40 standing guests for a drinks reception. Also, the wedding coordinators’ attention to detail is legendary, creating bespoke weddings and celebrations, and delivering flawlessly on the big day. So, The Crown & Thistle is a historic, homely and delightfully eclectic venue perfect for intimate and informal weddings, blessings and civil ceremonies.Â
The Alma Inn, Lancashire
Nestled in the beautiful Pendle countryside in Lancashire, The Alma Inn exudes character and charm. With stone floors, original beams, and open fires, it offers a nostalgic ambiance for weddings all year round. Enjoy spectacular moorland views as your wedding photo backdrop. The cosy lounge is perfect for intimate wedding receptions and their luxurious en-suite bedrooms and delicious food will help you and your guests enjoy the wonderful English countryside with a modern twist.
The Oak Room at The Alma Inn comfortably accommodates 30 seated guests or 45 standing guests, while the Garden Room can host 100 seated guests or 120 standing guests. With these versatile options, The Alma Inn is well-equipped to cater to pub weddings of a variety of sizes and styles. If you have a slightly larger wedding guest list, the dedicated team at this pub venue are more than willing to work with you to create a wedding that meets your needs and surpasses your expectations.
The White Hart, Bedfordshire
Once an 18th-century coaching inn, The White Hart in Ampthill is situated in the north of the Georgian market town. This historic Grade II listed building, which may date back as far as the 16th Century, continues to be a prominent destination in Ampthill. Features include a wall mural above the bar’s fireplace of the Prince of Wales feathers, created by local artists in 1646, whilst the stylish 1930s dining room was built towards the end of the arts and crafts era. Blending the original character of the coaching inn with the luxury of a modern hotel, there is also gorgeous boutique accommodation
The refurbished wedding space, The Stables, features the original oak beams, an open fire, and direct access onto the landscaped alfresco courtyard. Whether you’re after a smaller more intimate event or a slightly grander affair, The Stables is a completely self-contained function suite. Boasting its own separate entrance, bar and restrooms, it can accommodate up to 60 guests for a formal seated wedding breakfast and up to 120 guests for your evening celebration and buffet. So, with a range of packages to suit a variety of budgets and tastes, The White Hart is the ideal place for a fabulous wedding celebration!
The Betsey Wynne, Buckinghamshire
Set in the heart of the beautiful Buckinghamshire village of Swanbourne, The Betsey Wynne is a traditional country pub bursting with character and charm. Surrounded by patios, manicured gardens and 1,300 acres of farmland, The Betsey Wynne re-opened its doors in 2017. Named after the Swanbourne Estate’s 18th-century owner, this traditional home farm venue has become a prominent destination in the village thanks to its striking views, 100-seat restaurant, and extensive bar and lounge area.
With its own private entrance, The Fremantle Room is a contemporary function space that can accommodate up to 100 guests offering a memorable location for your civil ceremony or wedding reception. From start to finish, the friendly dedicated team will work with you to create a day that is truly memorable, with a wonderfully warm ambience backed up by stunning food and attentive service.
The Spread Eagle Hotel, Oxfordshire
The Spread Eagle Hotel in Thame, Oxfordshire, is a charming boutique pub wedding venue. With exclusive use of the function suite, you can enjoy an intimate and personalised wedding celebration at this wedding venue. The space can accommodate up to 160 guests for a banquet-style dinner and an additional 40 people can come for the evening reception.
The spacious Fothergill Hall offers a versatile space for your civil ceremony, wedding breakfast, and evening party, with seating for up to 200 guests. The venue provides bespoke wedding packages, complete with a private bar, ample parking, and 35 comfortable bedrooms so your guests can rest easy after a night of boogying! The dedicated team at The Spread Eagle Hotel are super friendly and want to make sure your dream wedding comes to life at their pub wedding venue.
The Talbot Inn, Surrey
Conveniently located within 10 minutes of both Guildford and Woking, The Talbot Inn is a gorgeous, intimate pub wedding venue. With a number of beautiful wedding spaces, including The Surrey Barn with all it's rustic charm, The Talbot Inn exudes character and is perfect for a small wedding celebration in Surrey. Plus, boasting 43 lovely bedrooms and a license for civil ceremonies, you can spend your entire wedding day at this venue from getting ready, to your evening party. This ensures you and your wedding guests have a relaxed experience.
What's more, their experienced coordinator will guide you through each step of the wedding planning journey at this pub wedding venue. They appreciate that all weddings are unique and work with their couples to ensure that their wedding day vision can become a reality.
The Bell In Ticehurst, East Sussex
Rustic and romantic, The Bell in Ticehurst is a gorgeous pub wedding venue in East Sussex. The team at this sought after wedding venue are dedicated to crafting your perfect pub wedding, whether you envision a casual celebration or a high-end affair. Located in the serene village of Ticehurst, this wedding venue offers a calm and laid-back atmosphere and is easily accessible for you and your wedding guests from Brighton and London.
The opulent Big Room accommodates up to 90 seated wedding guests and 120 people for the evening party. Additionally, the charming Stables and Cosy Snug, your wedding day at this pub location will be truly exceptional. As the celebrations come to an end, your wedding party can rest their heads in 11 distinctive rooms, and for the wedding couple, the Love Nest lodge is an unforgettable honeymoon suite that features a luxurious copper roll-top bath and a cosy log burner. Simply perfect!
The Cock O'Barton, Cheshire
A captivating pub wedding venue in rural Cheshire, The Cock O'Barton is a wonderful setting for a wedding. This 17th Century Grade II listed pub seamlessly combines rustic charm with contemporary elegance, providing the perfect backdrop for your wedding day. Choose between their intimate Private Dining Room or the light-filled Barton Suite for your wedding ceremony, accommodating up to 70 and 120 guests respectively. Following the "I do" moment, you and your guests can enjoy the picturesque courtyard for reception drinks and canapés before indulging in a delightful wedding breakfast.
Held in either the garden marquee or the romantic setting of the main building, your wedding breakfast will be delicious thanks to the venue's in-house catering team. You'll work with them to create a mouth-watering wedding menu. Finally, with space for up to 120 evening guests in the marquee or 250 in the main building, the wedding celebrations continue into the night. Your wedding day will surely conclude in their exquisite boutique-style accommodation. The Cock O'Barton features 14 stunning bedrooms for you, your wedding party and select guests to stay after the celebrations and offer breathtaking views of the Cheshire plains. Simply stunning.
Bickley Mill Inn, Devon
Nestled in a Devon valley, Bickley Mill Inn is a characterful pub wedding venue with charm. The venue's dedicated team provides a top-notch wedding service to assist you throughout your planning journey. With space for 100 guests for your wedding ceremony and 150 in the evening wedding reception, this is the ideal location for intimate and slightly larger weddings.
Featuring whitewashed stone walls, exposed wooden beams, lush gardens and a famous rustic barn, Bickley Mill Inn is truly picturesque. The venue offers a wonderful blank canvas setting that exudes rustic character, so you can bring your own style into the space with decor and flowers. Experience this historic inn's wedding spaces all in a convenient proximity to Exeter, Newton Abbot, and Torquay; making Bickley Mill Inn a wonderful, accessible location for a Devon wedding.
Looking to start your search for a pub wedding venue near you? Find your dream venue using the Guides for Brides Venue Finder.