Wedding venue inspiration - Country havens

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.

Country havens: 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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Country havens: Tuddenham Mill, Suffolk

Tuddenham Mill, Suffolk

If you're on the hunt for a wedding venue with a difference Tuddenham Mill could be the one. Set in a picturesque rural location, the converted historic mill oozes character and charm with beamed ceilings and open brickwork. Beautifully converted with contemporary flair, it's surrounded by 12 acres of Suffolk countryside. The idyllic setting and rustic chic surroundings provide a wonderfully romantic big-day backdrop. The venue is licensed for ceremonies and the Terrace Room with wooden beams and a private balcony is ideal for intimate weddings for up to 36 people. The stylish restaurant is full of character with its beamed ceiling, mill-wheel cogs and views over the mill pond and can host 60 loved ones for your celebrations.

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Country havens: Park Farm Hotel, Norfolk

Park Farm Hotel, Norfolk

Set in 200 acres of Norfolk countryside, this inviting hotel has the charm of a rural retreat with all mod cons and the attractions of historic Norwich on the doorstep. A mix of old and new, the original Georgian country house has undergone extensive renovation and redevelopment. Boasting 52 individually designed rooms, there's plenty of space for friends and family to stay over and relax and unwind or explore the city the next day. Couples can tie the knot in the light and airy conservatory joined by 100 guests or the Ellingham Suite with up to 60 loved ones. Celebrate afterwards in the spacious and modern Colney Suite leading to the conservatory with its own bar and access to a private lawn. There's a host of other great features too, including the staircase in the Georgian house, the beautiful landscaped gardens, gazebo, fountain and a wealth of nooks and crannies for album-worthy photos.

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Country havens: 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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Country havens: Seckford Hall Hotel & Spa, Suffolk

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.

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Country havens: 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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Country havens: 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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Country havens: Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, Suffolk

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.

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Country havens: 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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Country havens: Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, Suffolk

Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, Suffolk

Enjoy a taste of the good life at Jimmy's Farm with bags of rustic charm, panoramic countryside views, free-roaming peacocks and more. A wonderful mix of contemporary yet natural spaces with an abundance of wildlife throughout the grounds, it's an idyllic setting for you and your guests to reconnect with the great outdoors. Take a stroll in the ancient woodland and admire the views, you can even treat your loved ones to an exclusive out-of-hours tour of the wildlife park; great for original fun photos. What's more there's the added bonus of five-star luxury glamping, so you can retire at the end of the evening under the magical Suffolk night sky.

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Country havens: Swynford Manor, Cambridgeshire

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.

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Country havens: Dove Barn, Suffolk

Dove Barn, Suffolk

Dove Barn is ideal if you're on the hunt for a blank canvas to call your own. Divided into two large spaces, one for the ceremony and wedding breakfast and the other for drinks and dancing, this classic Suffolk barn offers a versatile relaxed space that lends itself to a host of different styles and themes. Tucked away in a quiet corner of south Suffolk, just outside the village of Boxford, it's set in the grounds of the elegant Castlings Hall, providing a picture-perfect backdrop for those all-important photos. You can say 'I do' in the Ceremony Barn and celebrate afterwards with a wedding breakfast for up to 110 guests. With beautiful exposed oak beams and a minstrels' gallery overlooking the main room, the informal terrace at the back is ideal for the drinks reception when the weather's fine or hanging out later in the evening. The wedding meadow beyond is an idyllic spot for a children's play area or bar and from February 2022 it will be used for chilled celebrant-led ceremonies.

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Country havens: Holmewood Hall, Cambridgeshire

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.

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Country havens: 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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