10 of the Best Wedding Venues in Suffolk
Home to stunning coastlines and an abundance of beautiful countryside and farming fields, it’s no wonder that two of England’s most highly regarded landscape painters John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough were born here. With two areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in just Suffolk alone, it’s a wonderful spot to choose if you want a wedding venue nestled away in the charming countryside.
Below we’ve listed 10 of our favourite wedding venues in the county to help you on the search…
1. Butley Priory
A beautiful Grade I listed former gatehouse, Butley Priory is a boutique wedding venue that is perfect for smaller weddings of up to 80 guests within the house, or for larger numbers you can host your wedding within a marquee in the grounds. You’ll arrive to the venue along a pretty forest driveway where you’ll be greeted by the venue in all its glory, complete with high vaulted ceilings, light filled rooms and magnificent stonework. It has plenty of accommodation for your nearest and dearest too, with 24 guests able to sleep in the Georgian Farmhouse, 6 in their Priory Cottage and 11 in the main house itself.
2. Woodhall Manor
Located within 9 acres of charming grounds, Woodhall Manor is an Elizabethan house in Woodbridge filled with character and historic charm. From its red brick facade covered in ivy and pretty manicured grounds, to its Tudor style dining room with exposed beams and french windows, it feels like a real wedding ready backdrop.
3. Crow’s Hall
Positioned on a 400 acre farm surrounded by its own moat and island ‘garden rooms’, this 16th Century Grade II listed manor house and Tudor long barn feel like a majestic location for a wedding. Available for exclusive use over a long weekend, it’ll be your own private stately home, with the ability to host up to a whopping 500 guests. It is a no corkage venue and has plenty of space for your guests to glamp within the grounds.
4. The Granary Estates
Located in the village of Woodditton, The Granary Estates is a collection of pretty flint and timber 18th century barns, that offer plenty of space, flexibility and character. Surrounded by cornfields and woodlands, the two original barns are linked together via a large open glass walkway, with an idyllic courtyard in the centre.
5. Smeetham Hall Barn
A privately owned historic wedding venue with a modern twist, Smeetham Hall Barn is set within the heart of the Belchamp countryside. Featuring classic and contemporary design against the backdrop of high vaulted ceilings, exposed timber beams and vintage chandeliers, it beautifully mixes old and new. The venue can host up to 150 guests, is exclusive use and charges no corkage.
6. Wilderness Reserve
Set within 8,000 acres of rural landscape and just 7 miles from the pretty seaside town of Southwold, Wilderness Reserve is the height of luxury in the countryside. It consists of two adjoining estates - Chapel Barn Estate, a 15th century thatched long barn and Sibton Park Estate, a Grade II listed Georgian mansion, each set within their own private parklands and complete with their own collection of barns, farmhouses and cottages that total 86 bedrooms. You can choose to get married at either estate, with plenty of spaces to choose from that can host up to 300 guests both inside and out.
7. Bruisyard Country Estate
Surrounded by 700 acres of pretty informal grounds, Bruisyard Country Estate consists of both the main hall and a 17th cenutury barn, that has been recently restored for weddings and events. The venue can host up to 140 guests within the barn or up to 30 in the grand Dining Room. you can take over exclusively for the full weekend and make the most of their in house chef throughout.
8. Retreat East
A luxury, sustainable retreat in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, Retreat East blends historic countryside architecture with contemporary design beautifully. Rated ‘Romantic Hotel of the Year 2023’ by The Times, it is made up of a range of characterful barns and a 16th century farmhouse, providing a premium, rural chic experience in the countryside. From dining on food from their own kitchen garden to making the most of their fancy spa, you and your guests will have a lovely time celebrating here.
9. Alpheton Hall Barns
Originally part of an ancient settlement that comprised the hall itself and the Church of St Peter and St Paul, this history filled wedding venue is set amongst lots of whimsical meadowland and woodlands. Consisting of two interconnected timber framed barns, the space has large barn doors that can be fully opened on good weather days. The venue can host up to 200 guests and is exclusively yours for the weekend.
10. Henham Park
Located moments from the seaside town of Southwold, Henham Park is a historic estate that has a variety of lovely buildings and landscapes to get married in, and is also the home to Latitude Festival every year. Most popular is Henham Barns, a large and beautiful blank canvas space, with high ceilings and original features alongside more modern amenities such as underfloor heating, LED lighting, a wireless speaker system and a projector screen. Surrounded by tranquil and peaceful grounds, choose to host your ceremony either within the smaller connected barn space or down on the bridge over the lake.