Wedding venue inspiration - Historic venues

Deciding on your ideal wedding venue is an key part of your wedding planning.

There is a huge choice of different venue types in East Anglia including hotels, barns, country manor houses, romantic castles as well as chic city and town centre locations.

Check out these stunning wedding venues and those further afield in our listings below.

Historic venues: Kimbolton Castle, Cambridgeshire

Kimbolton Castle, Cambridgeshire

Be king and queen for the day in your very own castle at this one-of-a-kind wedding venue. The earliest known castle in Kimbolton, it boasts a fascinating history. Some of the Tudor remains are still visible and the many outstanding features include a collection of fine Pellegrini murals. Approached by a winding tree-lined mall, the castle is set in 120 acres of parkland and fields, complete with a picturesque lake and pond. Wedding parties enjoy exclusive use of the four main state rooms. Ceremonies are held in The Saloon, which is then transformed for the evening reception with space for up to 250 loved ones. Wedding breakfasts for 125 friends and family are catered for in the White Hall

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Historic venues: Sheene Mill, Cambridgeshire

Sheene Mill, Cambridgeshire

Perched on the banks of the River Mel, Sheene Mill has been a landmark of the Cambridgeshire countryside for more than 400 years. With immaculate landscaped gardens and a beautiful wedding pavilion set on the riverbed, it's a fairytale setting that's hard to beat. Originally a flour mill, the traditional 16th-century building boasts a wealth of original features including open fireplaces and exposed beams. Licensed for ceremonies for up to 110 guests, you can tie the knot inside or out and take your pick from a choice of romantic backdrops. The heated outdoor pavilion can be fitted with a canopy so you can marry al fresco whatever the weather. The Banqueting Hall can cater for up to 120 loved ones for the wedding breakfast or the Garden Conservatory, with views across the lake, provides a setting for more intimate celebrations.

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Historic venues: Anstey Hall, Cambridgeshire

Anstey Hall, Cambridgeshire

If you're on the hunt for a quintessential English country house setting for your big day, Anstey Hall ticks all the boxes. The family owned Grade I listed venue, oozes historic charm and character, with glorious grounds and a wealth of fabulous photo opportunities. You can have the whole place to yourself for your big day or enjoy a weekend-long wedding and make the most of the stunning spaces including the library, morning room, Venetian ballroom and billiards room. Less than two miles from the city and all its amenities, the hall is conveniently situated yet still retains all its rural character and charm. The hall's imposing facade provides a wow-factor backdrop at any time of year and in the summer the 10 acres of gardens and terrace really come into their own; perfect for al fresco drinks and canapés. The three licensed ceremony rooms can cater for everything from cosy intimate gatherings to grander affairs. The ballroom can host up to 120 guests to watch you say 'I do' and 90 for a sit-down wedding breakfast. For more lavish celebrations, the heated marquee is big enough for as many as 200 family and friends.

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Historic venues: Jesus College, Cambridge

Jesus College, Cambridge

Located on the site of a Benedictine Nunnery, Jesus College boasts some of the oldest buildings in Cambridge dating from Norman times. Here history combines with modern award-winning architecture and beautiful grounds to provide an impressive big-day setting. The versatile venue caters for weddings large or small with a choice of traditional and historic rooms and spaces for ceremonies and wedding breakfasts joined by up to 130 family and friends. In contrast the modern Brewery Room is the ideal setting for the evening reception, complete with a party room, upstairs seating and a private bar, you can celebrate your new married status with up to 160 loved ones. The grounds, gardens and historic buildings provide the quintessential Cambridge backdrop for a chilled drinks reception and the wedding photographs. Garden furniture is available too, so your guests can sit out on the lawns and soak up the atmosphere. If you're looking for an outdoor setting, you can get married at the thatched Cricket Pavilion built in 1924 with the college grounds in the background. In case of rain, the Hall would also be reserved for you.

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Historic venues: Hotel Felix, Cambridgeshire

Hotel Felix, Cambridgeshire

Just one mile from the city, this Cambridge gem offers a country setting with a blend of traditional charm and contemporary chic, including colourful, modern artwork adorning the inside spaces. A venue for all seasons, the Victorian mansion, with its open fire, provides a cosy welcome in the winter and in the summer, you and your guests can make the most of the three acres of landscaped gardens. You can tie the knot in the first floor Atlas/Calypso Suite which offers exclusive use of two interlinking rooms that can host up to 60 loved ones for a sit-down meal and 100 for the evening do. With beautiful views of the gardens from the bay window and its own bar, it's the prefect private space for your whole celebration. The original wooden staircase, with its large, arched picture window provides a great backdrop for those just-wed shots too.

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Historic venues: Hengrave Hall, Suffolk

Hengrave Hall, Suffolk

This wedding venue is a must-see if you're looking for a breathtakingly beautiful setting for your big day. It's got it all, a fascinating history, its own idyllic chapel, glorious gardens and more. Enter through the iron gates and make your way down the tree-lined drive to catch your first glimpse of the magnificent Tudor mansion. Exclusively yours, you can create your dream wedding and make the most of the indoor and outdoor spaces. With four different rooms licensed for ceremonies, you'll be spoilt for choice. You can tie the knot in the grand Banqueting Hall with 140 guests or for more intimate 'I dos', the Library is ideal and can seat up to 20 loved ones. The sun-kissed West Terrace is great for al fresco drinks receptions and the Long Gallery, with its white timber panelling and crystal chandeliers, is a popular choice for the wedding breakfast. Come the evening, throw open the doors to the Banqueting hall and take to the dazzling black and white dancefloor for a party to remember. There's a separate bar, a chill-out area and even a fully equipped playroom for the little ones.

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Historic venues: Caley Hall Hotel, Norfolk

Caley Hall Hotel, Norfolk

If you're on the hunt for a coastal wedding venue for your big day, this charming hotel is a must-see. Just a ten-minute walk from the glorious beach at Old Hunstanton, it's the perfect spot for a chilled celebration and toes-in-the-sand photos post vows. Fresh and bright, it's tastefully decorated and the recently refurbished public spaces create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere with a country-chic feel. Think wooden beams, beautifully dressed long tables with crisp white cloths and hessian runners. Whatever your taste or style, it's a great venue for a stylish wedding. Set around the original ivy-clad manor house, which dates back to 1648, the hotel boasts 38 chalet-style bedrooms, a stylish bar and lounge and an award-winning restaurant which can host up to 80 people for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, plus a further 50 for the evening celebration. For intimate ceremonies the Old Barn is ideal and when the weather's fine, the patio areas are the perfect place to mix and mingle post-vows or just for taking time out to relax in the sun.

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Historic venues: Norwich Castle, Norfolk

Norwich Castle, Norfolk

Be king and queen on your big day and tie the knot in an ancient castle. Built by the Normans more than 900 years ago, Norwich Castle is one of the city's most famous landmarks. With a multi-million-pound refurbishment programme underway, including restoration of the Keep, the castle serves not only as a popular public museum, but a one-of-a-kind private space for your 'I dos'. The Colman Gallery is home to many fine pieces from the Norwich School of Artists and can accommodate up to 75 guests for the ceremony. Post-vows you can pose on the bridge leading up to the castle and in the gardens, with panoramic views across Norwich; perfect for those all-important just-wed shots.

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Historic venues: The Athenaeum, Suffolk

The Athenaeum, Suffolk

Set in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, The Athenaeum is a well-known local landmark. Purpose-built in the 18th century as the Assembly Rooms it was renamed in 1854. The Grade I listed building boasts a range of different and versatile spaces for weddings large or small. The first-floor Reading Room and Lounge are ideal for intimate affairs, while for larger gatherings, the ornate Ballroom provides a wow-factor backdrop for your whole celebration. You can exchange vows here, watched by up to 180 loved ones, and host a sumptuous wedding breakfast afterwards before dancing the night away in style. The walled Water Garden, within the Abbey ruins, provide the perfect spot for photos and a chilled drinks reception.

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Historic venues: Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, Suffolk

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, Suffolk

This four red star luxury hotel oozes character and charm inside and out. The ideal blend of old and new it's surrounded by three acres of secluded gardens, next door to some of the most famous paddocks and horse training stables in the world. The elegant white stucco building dates back to the 17th century and the grounds offer a wealth of great photo opportunities. With meticulously kept lawns, herbs and plants surrounding the hotel, it's a riot of colour and fragrance in the summer. Ceremonies are held in the Derby Room, which seats a maximum of 80 guests or 120 with the St Leger Room. The beautiful rose gardens provide the ideal backdrop for a chilled drinks reception post-vows and there's a private garden for weddings where couples can relax and mingle. For larger affairs the Classics Suite can accommodate 150 for your 'I dos' and is available for exclusive hire for your whole day. Chandeliers and cornices add to the elegance and grandeur and you can host your wedding breakfast and evening reception here too. There's a private bar area and the versatile space can be partitioned to provide two smaller rooms to suit the style and scale of your celebration.

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Historic venues: Number 47, Norfolk

Number 47, Norfolk

Wedding venue Number 47, is a historic treasure located on St Giles Street in the heart of Norwich. Step inside the impressive Grade II listed Georgian building to discover a range of versatile spaces, each with its own distinctive character and charm. With three rooms licensed for ceremonies you can take your pick to suit the style and scale of your wedding. With its high ceilings and chandeliers the grand Bishop Bowers Temple has a wonderfully opulent feel and can seat up to 110 guests to watch you say 'I do'. The Le Strange Temple is a more historical setting, suitable for up to 20 ceremony guests or you can tie the knot in the Garden Room with 30 of your nearest and dearest. The light and airy space looks out over the pretty courtyard garden, a private landscaped area with wooden tables and seating; ideal for the wedding photos, a barbecue or buffet reception.

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Historic venues: The Ickworth Hotel, Suffolk

The Ickworth Hotel, Suffolk

If you're dreaming of a romantic, fairytale wedding in a grand setting this splendid 18th-century stately home is sure to wow. Surrounded by 1,800 acres of parkland, be prepared for plenty of stop-stare moments from the moment you set eyes on the breathtaking grounds and building. The hotel retains its historic charm and grandeur with all the modern comforts you'd expect from a luxury country house hotel. There are a host of stand-out features including an Italianate garden and acres of far-reaching parkland views, providing the perfect backdrop for a stylish wedding. With a range of luxurious and elegant rooms licensed for weddings, the only problem is which one to choose – the Library, Boardroom or the Garden Room in The Lodge overlooking the private gardens? Think high ceilings, tall windows, wood panelling, traditional chandelier and more. And if you're looking to push the boat out post-vows, you can host up to 200 reception guests in a marquee in the grounds of The Lodge.

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Historic venues: Dragon Hall, Norfolk

Dragon Hall, Norfolk

The 15th-century Dragon Hall, home to the National Centre for Writing, is a magnificent timbered trading hall right in the heart of Norwich. Easily accessible from the city-centre hotels and train station, it's licensed for ceremonies and is available for exclusive use so you can celebrate your whole day under one roof. The oak-beamed Great Hall provides a stunning backdrop and there's room for up to 120 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast. Afterwards, get out your dancing shoes and celebrate in the Foyle Gallery with its contemporary glass wall.

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Historic venues: The Grange Hotel, Suffolk

The Grange Hotel, Suffolk

For traditional country charm, check out this picturesque hotel. One of Bury St Edmunds' best kept secrets, set in its own private garden and surrounded by countryside, it's a romantic setting. Built in 1895, the Tudor-manor style building, with its wooden door and balcony over the entrance, makes a lasting impression. Inside, the tall ceilings, rich colours, original staircase and windows add to the charming atmosphere. You can tie the knot in the versatile Banquet Room which is big enough for 150 ceremony guests, 110 for a sit-down meal and as many as 300 for the evening reception. For more intimate affairs, the Coffee Room is licensed for up to 20 loved ones, while the Adam Room can cater for 40 seated diners.

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Historic venues: Orton Hall Hotel & Spa, Cambridgeshire

Orton Hall Hotel & Spa, Cambridgeshire

Steeped in history Orton Hall Hotel offers an impressive wedding venue. Surrounded by mature parkland, the hotel combines impressive architecture and elegant rooms with fine food and great service. A treasure trove of photo opportunities, you'll be spoilt for choice for where to pose. Whether you want a traditional setting for your wedding or something more modern, there's something to suit a range of tastes. The majestic Great Room has impressive high ceilings and breathtaking views; perfect for the ceremony followed by a traditional sit-down wedding breakfast. For a more contemporary feel, the Orton Suite is also licensed for ceremonies and and can host larger gatherings with up to 140 guests. And if it's a relaxed, cosy feel you're after, the venue caters for that too. The Huntly Restaurant has intricately carved wood panelling and a lovely warm atmosphere for an intimate receptio

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Historic venues: Mannington Estate, Norfolk

Mannington Estate, Norfolk

This hidden gem is located in an idyllic spot 20 miles north of Norwich and eight miles from the coast, nestled in beautiful rural surroundings. The gardens and moat provide a picture-picture setting with the impressive Medieval hall in the background. The hall is still a family home today and, although you can't marry here, there's plenty of space in the grounds for a magical marquee reception or you can hire the tearooms for a more intimate celebration.

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Historic venues: Hales Hall & The Great Barn, Norfolk

Hales Hall & The Great Barn, Norfolk

If a historic barn with a vaulted thatched roof and exposed timbers are part of your ideal wedding story; read on! Hales Hall has all this and more, the magnificent Medieval estate is set in the heart of the Norfolk countryside surrounded by breathtaking formal gardens and wild meadows providing a magical setting for your whole celebration. You can marry in The Great Barn joined by up to 180 seated guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast. The largest surviving brick-built barn of its kind in the country, it can host 300 or more for the evening reception. The upstairs Gallery provides a lovely cosy space; great as a chill-out area, complete with comfy sofas, fairylights and additional seating. It can also be used for intimate ceremonies or for the legal bit before or after an al fresco service on the front lawn. The grounds provide a wealth of fabulous photo opportunities, complete with a moated area and fountain, topiary and floral avenue. Friends and family can relax on the sun-kissed terrace, there's a pergola and outdoor seating and the lush lawns are ideal for drinks and garden games post-vows.

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Historic venues: Isaacs on the Quay, Suffolk

Isaacs on the Quay, Suffolk

Isaacs on the Quay is a wedding venue full of character and charm with a wealth of original, historical features throughout. As well as exposed beams and vaulted ceilings, there are fascinating artefacts on display from the building's long and industrious past. A former wool merchants home and business it has been lovingly restored and some of the oldest sections of the Grade I and Grade II* listed building are thought to date back to between 1430 and 1550. Situated on the Ipswich waterfront, with picture-perfect views of the boats on the marina, it now provides a magical location for weddings. The ceremony room, formally known as the Sale Room, boasts magnificent exposed timber beams, a vaulted ceiling, beautiful décor and atmospheric lighting. A romantic setting for your 'I dos', it can accommodate up to 74 guests and there's a range of great spaces to celebrate afterwards.

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Historic venues: Thurning Hall, Norfolk

Thurning Hall, Norfolk

If you're on the hunt for a grand old house in the country for your big day, look no further. Thurning Hall is a beautiful 18th-century Georgian mansion, a privately owned family home full of warmth and original character, set in more than 30 acres of grounds. Think classical elegance meets boho spirit, with an eclectic mix of nooks and crannies and elegant spaces brimming with history. Outside discover a magical mix of wonderfully whimsical and romantic informal secret walled rose gardens, woodland and grass parkland leading to a small lake; a treasure trove of great photo opportunities. With two Victorian walled gardens as well, the first provides an idyllic setting for al fresco ceremonies, while the second and largest is ideal for creative marquee receptions.

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Historic venues: Alpheton Hall Barns, Suffolk

Alpheton Hall Barns, Suffolk

Alpheton Hall Barns offers the perfect mix of ancient and vintage farm buildings; perfect for a rustic chic theme. Think Medieval honey-coloured oak beams, lime plaster walls, big barn doors and corrugated tin roofs, with all the comforts of modern heating, as well as high-tech lighting and sound systems. Bursting with character, the black featherboarded barns are surrounded by fields, next to Alpheton Church. There are plenty of outdoor areas for fabulous photos, drinks receptions, entertainment and al fresco catering for the evening. The Wedding Garden has its own brick terrace and space for garden games and there's a courtyard complete with a wood-fired pizza oven.

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