Wedding venue inspiration - Historic venues

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.

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.

Shire Hall, Woodbridge, Suffolk

Say 'I do' immersed in history at the Shire Hall Council Chamber in Woodbridge. The magnificent Grade I listed redbrick building is a local landmark with its impressive black-iron railing, stone steps and balcony. Originally built by Thomas Seckford around 1575, the arched entrance doors stand proudly overlooking Market Hill and its historic neighbours. The fabric of the building has undergone many changes over the centuries, and the upper part was formerly used for judicial purposes while the ground floor served as an open corn market. Today it provides an intimate and romantic space for wedding ceremonies. With a wealth of stunning features including six large candelabra hanging from the tall ceiling and panelled walls, ceremonies take place in the Council Chamber, a large airy room which can hold up to 69 people seated, including the wedding par

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.

Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich, Suffolk

This iconic Ipswich landmark can't fail to impress. The mansion is a Tudor gem, with standout features at every twist and turn, so be prepared for plenty of stop-stare moments. Step inside and enter the Great Hall, a magnificent high-ceilinged room with a black and white chequered marble floor and an ornate fireplace. Numerous other period rooms and furniture as well as a large fine art collection add to its charm. The building has been altered over the years with classical columns and balustrade added in the 17th century. The picturesque grounds offer a wealth of photo opportunities, with rolling lawns, ponds and scenic woodland.

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.

Elton Hall, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind setting for your big day, this part-Gothic house could well fit the bill. Amazing architecture, works of art and glorious gardens combine to create a magical, atmosphere and set it apart from the crowd. The building has evolved over the centuries, resulting in a fascinating mix of styles from Medieval to Victorian. An exclusive big-day destination, each wedding enjoys sole use of the beautiful grounds. Couples can tie the knot in either the stunning lantern-ceiling Victorian Billiard Room, which holds up to 70 people, or the romantic Orangery in the gardens; ideal for intimate 'I dos'. Post-vows, celebrate in style with a marquee reception for as many as 250 family and friends.