Wedding venue inspiration - Manor house, Stately homes

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.

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.

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

Swynford Manor, Cambridgeshire

Swynford Manor is a luxurious country house wedding venue offering a fusion of contemporary style and rural charm. Arrive down the gravel drive with plush lawns either side to catch your first glimpse of the distinctive timber-framed building. Step inside and the magic continues with a gleaming monochrome chequerboard floor in the hall and a huge crystal chandelier above the grand staircase; perfect for making a fairytale entrance. The rest of the rooms are dressed to match the chic black and white colour scheme with tactile touches including velvet wingback chairs and lush curtains.

Holmewood Hall, Cambridgeshire

Nestled in a quaint Fenland village, there's plenty to capture the imagination at this impressive wedding venue. Surrounded by 10 acres of grounds including a lake with a water fountain, a manicured croquet lawn and woodland, it's a photographer's dream. There's a whole host of great backdrops inside the manor house too. Full of character, the Great Hall never fails to impress with its original wood panelling and turning staircase. Step through the double doors at the top on to the rear balcony and you can pose for just-wed shots while looking down on your guests below. The Library has its own quirky window seat with dual aspect windows overlooking the grounds and every reception room exudes its own homely style.

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.

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.

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.

Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, Suffolk

You can celebrate in style at this versatile wedding venue. With its own dedicated event space to make your own, you can party the night away joined by up to 300 of your family and friends. The Hangar is a spectacular setting, designed with state-of-the-art lighting to create a romantic atmosphere. Set back from the Milsoms Kesgrave Hall Hotel on the edge of the landscaped grounds, the exclusive, self-contained space has its own turning area for guests to arrive, a welcoming reception with comfy sofas as well as its own private kitchen and facilities. The star-clothed interior includes a dancefloor and stage; the perfect blank canvas to style your day, your way. Licensed for ceremonies you can tie the knot joined by up to 120 loved ones, host a sumptuous wedding breakfast afterwards and invite as many as 180 more for the evening reception.

Seckford Hall Hotel & Spa, Suffolk

Seckford Hall has all the credentials for a storybook wedding – an ivy-clad Tudor red-brick building, 34 acres of grounds and mature woodland, sweeping lawns, a private lake, beautiful walled garden and more. All you need is your Prince Charming and a happy ever after. The 16th-century listed country house offers the ideal mix of comfort and luxury steeped in Tudor history. The Great Hall oozes character and charm with its oak panelling, high ceilings, huge open fireplace and fabulous views. Overlooking the lake and gardens, you can tie the knot here and host a reception for 180 guests or up to 250 teamed with the beautiful marquee dining space in the adjacent garden pavilion. The hall has a separate entrance from the hotel as well as its own bar, toilets and cloakroom, so you and your loved ones can celebrate in style, comfort and privacy.

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.

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.

Woodhall Manor, Sutton, Suffolk

Step inside Woodhall Manor and discover a romantic exclusive-use wedding venue steeped in history. Close to the Suffolk Heritage Coast, surrounded by beautiful grounds and countryside, your guests are sure to be impressed as they arrive down the sweeping drive. Full of character and charm, the stunning manor is set in nine acres of glorious gardens. With an experienced team on hand to help every step of the way, the versatile venue caters for everything from intimate weddings to grand celebrations with up to 200 guests. Licensed for indoor and outdoor ceremonies, you can be sure of a one-of-a-kind big day. The manor's mix of history, beauty and eclectic features offers something for everyone. Combined with the Blossom Bar, with its stage, comfy seating and dancefloor, it's great for a lavish evening party so you can dance the night away in style with your family and friends. Foodie heaven too; the award-winning chefs use only the freshest local ingredients for a feast to remember.

Abbot’s Hall Weddings, Stowmarket, Suffolk

Abbot's Hall Weddings, set within the grounds of the Museum of East Anglian Life, offers historic buildings galore. From the stunning Queen Anne-style architecture of Abbot's Hall, to the 13th-century Medieval Abbot's Hall Barn providing a stunning backdrop for wedding photos, it offers something to suit a whole host of different styles and themes. The impressive marquee on the back lawns of Abbot's Hall provides a blank canvas for the wedding breakfast with up to 200 guests and the stunning Medieval tithe barn is a wonderfully atmospheric setting for evening receptions. There's a variety of characterful ceremony spaces too, full of original features including Edgar's Medieval farmhouse, Abbot's Hall dining room, the Stable block for outdoor weddings and Gt Moulton Chapel, a tin tabernacle that still retains original features from when it was an active chapel.

Heacham Manor Hotel, Heacham, Norfolk

If you're dreaming of a quintessentially English country house wedding, Heacham Manor Hotel is a must-see. Built from the region's earthy carrstone bricks in 1580, it oozes history and charm with period features inside and out. From the moment you arrive down the pretty driveway to catch your first glimpse of the gardens and picturesque duck pond, the magic begins. With two rivers winding through the parkland golf course, and four lakes, it's a photographer's dream. The peaceful grounds include garden areas with romantic arbours, ponds and hidden seating areas. What's more, it's only a mile-and-a-half away from the Victorian seaside town of Hunstanton; great if you're planning to stay over to explore the surrounding coast and countryside.

Hintlesham Hall, Ipswich, Suffolk

Wind your way down the tree-lined drive to discover this historic gem of a wedding venue. Surrounded by peaceful mature gardens, the outside of the hall has a Georgian façade and an elegant Tudor feature at the back. You can tie the knot in a choice of distinctive rooms to suit weddings large or small. The Georgian-style Salon can host up to 100 guests and boasts an impressive chandelier and ornate gold-leaf ceiling while for more intimate 'I dos' with up to 20 loved ones, The Justice on the ground-floor overlooks the back lawns and has a charm all of its own. There are three beautiful function rooms including The Salon which with the adjacent Parlour is big enough for 135 family and friends. There are three lounges to relax in and at the end of the night staying guests can retire to the luxuriously furnished bedrooms, all individually designed and many with original timber beams.

Kimberley Hall, Wymondham, Norfolk

You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to pose for romantic photos at Kimberley Hall. Built in 1712, the romantic Queen Anne-style house offers breathtaking views of the lake and private park and the redbrick frontage, curved colonnades, wings, turrets and other classical features provide a fairytale big-day backdrop. Your family and friends are sure to be impressed as they're welcomed into the grand entrance hall. You can tie the knot in the light and elegant Music Room with its grand pianos, chandelier, cosy fireplace and huge arched window looking on to the garden. There's space for up to 130 guests and the room connects to the garden via an impressive spiral staircase complete with a cascade of hanging butterflies; great for bridal shots. The terraced garden looking towards the lake can also be used for outdoors ceremonies and with a marquee for the wedding breakfast and reception, there's unlimited capacity if you're planning on inviting a crowd.