The Quintessentially English Wedding

Elegant history, decadent architecture and rolling countryside makes England a highly sought after location for romantic, picture-perfect weddings. For a quintessentially English wedding, the county of Oxfordshire is a perfect choice for your big day, just an hour from London on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds. Whether you're looking for a princess style palace or a converted rustic barn, Oxfordshire has a venue to suit all. 

Blenheim Palace

This wedding venue is a national treasure which offers brides their dream venue. From stunning architecture and luscious gardens to decadent interiors and antique furnishings - Blenheim Palace has it all. Steeped in history, the venue comes complete with over 2000 acres of beautiful parkland with lakes, woods and gorgeous gardens, Blenheim Palace delivers a bespoke, world-class service for its elite, worldwide clients.

 Your Ceremony 

After arriving at the Palace, prepare to be escorted into the ceremony of your dreams. Blenheim has a variety of different function rooms which can be used to create an idyllic and romantic ceremony. The Orangery is our favourite choice - with high ceilings, huge arched windows and a glass panelled roof which creates a light and airy ambiance. Historically, the Orangery was used to store the orange trees for the gardens and remains a popular choice for moonlit evening ceremonies which can hold up to 250 guests. Alternatively, you can exchange your vows in the historic, cosy Marlborough Room enjoying the double vaulted ceiling, decadent fireplace and charming chandeliers. 

Your Reception

Whether you're planning a small intimate reception or a lavish party, there are a variety of stunning function rooms at Blenheim. The Great Hall is located at the main entrance of the Palace. This impressive space is the ideal room for a grand reception, with beautiful hand-painted high ceilings which are 67 feet tall. 

Alternatively, if you're looking for a more dramatic and historical space then The Saloon is the perfect option for a more intimate reception. This room is also known as the State Dining Room as it remains at the heart of the historic Marlborough family, who still dine here for Christmas and special occasions. The cosy fireplaces help create a cosy and intimate space for the perfect romantic reception.

If you're planning an even bigger wedding with up to 300 guests, The Long Library is ideal. One of the most beautiful rooms in the Palace, this space will transport you into your very own fairytale. Packed with charm and character, the Library is adorned with antique paintings and is also home to over 10,000 books and the breathtaking Willis organ. Guests can enjoy a fine dining experience and enjoy the idyllic views over the Great Lake and Water Terraces.

The Cuisine 

Blenheim Palace prides themselves on an exceptional fine dining experience. With the reputable Searcys as their catering partner, prepared to be wowed by this fine English cuisine and impeccable service. The catering team work closely with you to create a menu which not only suits your personal taste but also compliments the style of your wedding.

The Gardens

The perfect place to enjoy some drinks and canapés, the Water Terraces, butterfly house and maze gardens are a beautiful backdrop to your wedding, providing some breathtaking photo opportunities. 

Guest Accommodation

Located near the historic town of Woodstock, Blenheim Palace is surrounded by quaint English pubs and boutique hotels which not only provide convenient accommodation for your guests but also complete the quintessentially English experience!

Recommended Suppliers

If you're organising a wedding from abroad then venues such as Blenheim offer a list of reputable and recommended suppliers for your consideration. This makes it a lot easier to book suppliers from overseas. These suppliers will be local to Blenheim and usually work with the venue on a regular basis; having previous experience at the venue will make your wedding day run smoother.

Looking for other Quintessentially English Venues?

Lains Barn - If you're looking for something slightly less grand than a British Palace, then Lains Barn offers a rustic, converted barn nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire countryside. It balances the traditional English barn with quirky modern adaptation - perfect for a relaxed country wedding. We love the idea of a barn wedding as they provide the perfect blank canvas to personalise your big day. If you are choosing a barn for your wedding you may also want to consider hiring an event stylist to help personalise and transform the venue backdrop.

The Manor Country House Hotel - If you're looking for a more quaint English venue, then this fabulous country house is a great choice, successfully balancing style and luxury with a welcoming homely feel. A stone's throw from the Cotswolds, The Manor Country House Hotel is a rural haven for those seeking a relaxed big day. Your wedding guests can stay in the Hotel, making use of the outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and croquet lawn - in true British style!

Getting Married in Britain  

If neither partner is a British citizen, the notice period (minimum time prior to the wedding, spent in the UK) is usually 28 days. Many overseas couples prefer to complete the legal formalities of their wedding in their own country so that they are free to have the ceremony they choose in Britain, carried out by a wedding celebrant. This option also allows you to hold your ceremony in any part of the venue including the gardens, rather than just the rooms licenced for weddings of UK residents.