I have photographed weddings here in the Cotswolds for many years and there are some venues that I cannot seem to get tired of - and trust me, the Cotswolds boast a plethora of gorgeous, charming, amazing venues to choose from.

Spanning multiple different counties (Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, West Oxfordshire), the Cotswolds area has a large range of venue types, from private use Manor Houses, Barns, Hotels, Gardens, Private Schools... the list goes on and you are sure to find something that fits your style and budget.

      

These are some of my absolute favourite ones to work at, all with their different styles and perks, so I thought I'd show you why these could be your dream wedding venue in 2026 and 2027.

   


Two strong candidates in my local area are based just a few miles from Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

 

The matara centre

 

If you ask me, one of the most interesting venues out there, with a large variety of options for your celebration backdrop.

Created as a space for "wellbeing for people and place", it is a space that encourages connection with nature and with yourself.


The gardens and structures you will find as you explore the park are influenced by many world cultures: from the Chinese portals and arches guiding you towards the courtyard, with its koi pond and cloisters, to the Grade II Regency home perfect for intimate weddings. From the Indian-inspired greenhouse to magical woodland circles. It can truly cater to your imagination.


And with a strong sustainability ethos at the forefront of what they do, it is the perfect environment for anyone looking to create a harmonious, relaxed and grounded wedding atmosphere.

the best photo spots at Matara



  • The Koi Pod Courtyard - whether it's being captured during the ceremony or as a backdrop for your portraits it's a must, as it's the focal point of the whole venue, with the mix of beautiful architecture and nature coming together harmoniously.

  • The Keyhole Portal - at least that's what I call it! A beautiful little vignette that frames you perfectly for a stunning wedding portrait.

  • The Greenhouse - a jungle-like haven with gorgeous lanterns and an exotic vibe, for those more sultry portraits, when you really want to have a moment to yourselves as newlyweds.

  • The House/Rose arched balcony - brings in the quintessential English Romance, especially once the flowers are in bloom!

  • BONUS SPOT: The Tree Blossoms - if you have timed it right and are getting married whilst the blossoms are out in Spring, you will not get any dreamier wedding portraits than the ones of you frolicking amongst the falling petals! 
Bride in silver gown and groom in navy suit pose together in a lush garden wedding setting.
Couple shares a kiss on a wooden bridge over a pond at a Japanese garden wedding venue with guests seated nearby.
Bride and groom share a romantic moment under a Chinese pavilion, her veil flowing in the breeze.
A bride and groom share a romantic kiss surrounded by lush greenery inside a charming greenhouse wedding venue.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand toward a white country house with a blue door on their wedding day.
Bride in elegant white backless gown with train holds bouquet under ornate iron pergola at garden venue.
Couple embracing under blooming cherry blossom trees in sunny park, sharing a romantic moment outdoors.

Planning - mw weddings events | fabulous functions uk | Celebrant - the leopard print celebrant | Florist - the flower hut tetbury | Hair - viks bridal hair | Hair accessories - holly and boo weddings | Makeup - florence mua | make up by maurice | Dresses - rembo styling &  marylise bridal from bys vyken bridal | Suit - deanes of cheddar | Veils - annabelles bridal boutique | Joy scott london | shoes - di hassall

 

Kingscote barn

 

Just down the road from Matara, this stunning barn venue has all you need to celebrate in style.

With on-site accommodation, multiple ceremony space options and rolling hills that go on for miles (and a lake to boot!), it is a great wedding location all year round. And with their handpicked recommended caterers, which are some of the best in the area, you can be assured of a fantastic wedding meal - I can attest to that!


If you want a quintessential Cotswold stone barn look for your wedding, this is the right place to be!


the best photo spots at Kingscote Barn


  • The Lake - this is a recent addition to the landscape, and I am so glad they did because it amps up the romance to 100000%!

  • The Rose Arbor - even when it's not in bloom it's so pretty. Whether golden light shines through or fairy lights glittering around you, the portraits here are always stunning and a little intimate.

  • Outdoor Ceremony A-frame - whenever I have the opportunity my favourite photo to capture here is a creative portrait, playing with lighting and silhouettes. Gorgeous!

  • The Grounds/fields surrounding the venue - honestly you cannot go wrong anywhere within the grounds and the surrounding fields. The beautiful expanding views truly create something dramatic, worthy as an art piece.  *little tip: go to the fields at the top of the driveway if you want to chase the sunset!
Bride sitting on a wooden dock by a serene pond surrounded by lush green hills and autumn trees on a sunny day.
A smiling bride in a lace ballgown and groom in a dark green suit lean against a stone wall in a countryside setting.
Rustic barn wedding ceremony with floral balcony, bride and groom at altar, exposed wooden beams, and seated guests.
Bride and groom share first dance in rustic barn venue with fairy lights and purple uplighting, surrounded by wedding guests.
Outdoor wedding ceremony on lush green lawn beside rustic stone barn venue with guests gathered around the couple.
Bride and groom leaning against a tree in a sunlit green meadow, sharing a romantic moment in wedding attire.
Disco ball and fairy lights illuminate a purple-lit barn venue with black candelabras for a magical event.
Bride and groom kissing under a lit garden arch at night, surrounded by lush greenery in a romantic outdoor setting.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand along a scenic garden path on their wedding day.
Aerial view of wedding reception dance floor with guests holding colorful ribbons around the bride in a festive tent venue.

Celebrant - Sophie Stanton | Florist - the unwalled garden | Hair - charlotte holder bridal hair | Makeup - florence mua |

Dress - special day Bridal keynsham | Suit - Clifton Suits

Now moving further south in the Wiltshire/Bath end of the Cotswolds...

 

hamswell house

 

If you spend any time researching "Cotswolds" in any context on Pinterest you will probably have come across this venue.

It is called Hamswell House and it has become an iconic location that depicts the look and vibe of the Cotswolds.


The only descriptors I can think of for this beautiful venue is Tranquillity, Romance, Elegance.

Although technically you are not allowed to use the House itself for your celebrations (as it is the owner's private residence), why would anyone want to be anywhere other than the grounds?!


It boasts stunning views of the valley beyond the formal gardens, an orangery framed by wisteria (this is an option for your ceremony) and a large marquee for the best of parties.


The venue only allows a restricted amount of weddings per year so you can be sure to have it all to yourself for your weekend wedding.


the best photo spots at Hamswell house


  • Front of the House - ICONIC. No notes required.

  • The Turret/Folly - who doesn't dream of a romantic portrait inspired by a medieval painting. Not many, I'm sure. This is situated in the second portion of the formal gardens, right by the herb garden.

  • The Window Alcove - this is on the side of the house facing the main lawn. It creates a beautiful vignette, with steps leading to the large window, framed by wisteria and adorned with a beautiful shell design above it. This is a great spot for portraits but also small group photos (with a little bit of cover if it starts to rain)

  • BONUS SPOT: Red Virginia Creeper Wall - if you happen to get married towards the end of September, you should find a garden wall covered in bright red leaves. It may not be for everyone but it makes for simple but striking and vibrant photos. Which I adore!   
Wedding couple standing before a grand historic English manor house with manicured hedges under a cloudy sky.
Bride and groom stand on a stone terrace overlooking lush green rolling hills at an elegant countryside wedding venue.
Wedding party in green bridesmaid dresses walking outside a stone venue with scenic countryside views.
Couple embracing in front of vibrant red autumn foliage, groom in gray suit, bride in white off-shoulder wedding dress.
Bride and groom walk down the aisle under a clear marquee tent as guests toss confetti at an outdoor wedding.
Bride and groom dancing on lush garden terrace with scenic countryside views and stone architectural ruins.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception under a clear tent with string lights, round tables, and guests mingling at dusk.
Bride and groom embrace on lush green lawn before grand stone manor house with colorful autumn gardens.
A smiling groom in a gray suit stands with his bride in a white off-shoulder gown outside an ivy-covered stone building.
Bride and groom embrace on stone steps of ivy-covered Georgian manor house wedding venue surrounded by lush gardens.

Florist - Worle Florists | Hair & make up - loxus hair and makeup | Dress - White laces and promises | Suit - Roy Duffy Personal Tailoring

| Marquee - Bath marquees

 

prior park

 

Are you looking to bring Bridgerton to life for your own wedding? Then look no further than Prior Park for your choice of wedding venue.


Perched on a hill overlooking beautiful Bath this venue has no equal (at least in this area).

In it's normal day-to-day it's a boarding school, but on a handful of weekends a year you can book this glorious Palladian mansion for your event.


The colossal columns and staircase that lead to the main foyer overlook the sweeping views of the park, with it's iconic bridge.

Right at the top of those steps, underneath the portico is a ceremony view that is unbeatable and a wow factor for everyone.


And not to mention all the classical details you can find everywhere in the architecture and statues. Pure elegance.



the best photo spots at prior park


  • The Steps - From the front. Front behind. From the bottom. This is where you feel the grandeur of the place.

  • The Colonnade - with its' view, it's the whole reason you're there!

  • The Bridge - Iconic spot to feel like you've jumped out of Pride & Prejudice. *only disclaimer is that this comes at an added expense as it is part of the National Trust.
Bride and groom share first kiss at outdoor wedding ceremony with stone columns and scenic countryside views.
Stone statue overlooks grand staircase with red vintage car driving past lush green landscape at golden hour sunset.
Bride and groom walk through confetti shower on grand columned steps surrounded by cheering wedding guests.
Elegant wedding reception hall with ornate plasterwork ceilings, gold chiavari chairs, and round tables with white linens.
Bride and groom pose by a red sports car on stone terrace of elegant country estate with rolling green landscape.
Wedding guests gather on grand stone steps flanked by tall columns, overlooking lush green hills and a distant cityscape.
Bride and groom share a romantic moment at an elegant estate wedding venue with scenic countryside views in the background.
Bride in elegant white off-shoulder gown with veil walks on garden path at historic estate during golden hour.
Bride and groom share first dance at elegant wedding reception with guests watching in grand hall.

videographer - swan heart weddings | Florist - pulteney bridge flowers | Hair & make up - south west bridal hair & make up

| Dress - alan hanna hbridal | Suit - peter posh suit | classic car - rng classics

 

ellenborough park

 

Heading back north to the Cheltenham area, I personally think this venue is a little underrated.


Ellenborough Park is a functioning 5 star Spa Hotel, so you wouldn't be able to have it all to yourself

(unless you put some real money on the table, I'm sure), but that's not a problem because the main event spaces are fairly separate from the rest of the hotel.


It has multiple spaces for your ceremony: the Old Chapel, the beautifully decorated main event hall, and my favourite, the extremely charming, a little gothic looking, Stone Gazebo.


This is a perfect space for a summer wedding with plenty of outdoors space to mingle and bask in the long summer evenings, an outdoor bar, and a gorgeous glass ceiling that makes the space bright and inviting.

the best photo spots at ellenborough park


  • The Stone Gazebo - a structure full of interest and super versatile for multiple posing opportunities

  • The Secret Orchard - this is at the back of the chapel, accessed by a little door by the outdoor bar. For portraits that feel wholesome and inject a little nature. *Tip: perfect place to start Golden Hour portraits as the sun starts its descent.

  • The Main Staircase - this is the one in the main part of the hotel. The dark wood, the beautiful decorative wallpaper and the glittering chandelier create an opulent feel, perfect for those night-time, a little sultry, shots.   
Historic Cotswold stone manor house with church tower under blue sky, surrounded by manicured lawns and mature gardens.
Elegant wedding reception hall with white tablecloths, chiavari chairs, floral chandelier, and glass skylight ceiling.
Historic stone church tower with battlements, ivy-covered walls, and Gothic architecture under a blue sky in England.
Stone garden path with ornate gazebo, trimmed hedges, and classical pillars at a historic English country estate.
Sunlit dirt path through rows of green fruit trees in an orchard on a warm summer day.
Elegant outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs and a stone gazebo surrounded by manicured hedges.
Elegant outdoor wedding ceremony setup with rows of chairs on a terrace overlooking lush green countryside.

Florist - The Flower Studio - Cheltenham | Hair & make up - Cotswold wedding day | stationary - Louise Rowles Designs

This is just a handful of beautiful wedding venues here in the Cotswolds and I am constantly visiting and shooting new ones that I've been dreaming to work at for years - so I know I will need to make a new blog post highlighting more special venues such as these.


I hope this little introduction to some of my favourite wedding venues has been useful in your planning and wedding venue search in the Cotswolds.

If you're planning to get married at any of these venues and would like to discuss your wedding photography with me, contact me today. I would love to work with you.

Woman in red turtleneck holding a mug, sitting on kitchen counter with wooden shelves and glassware behind her.