The best Bristol Wedding Venues | A Photographers detailed guide

The wedding industry in Bristol has boomed over the last few years. With so many venues catering to couples looking for their perfect day, you may find yourself overwhelmed with options. Bristol wedding venues vary greatly in character from the historic to the modern, from the contemporary to the quaint. You can choose from a wide range of spaces that will fit your needs and match your theme. We have compiled a list of our favourite wedding venues in Bristol for you to check out when you start your search.

Bristol wedding venues, outside shot of Old Down Manor House view from the gardens

Are you planning a wedding in Bristol?

Firstly congratulations! It’s an exciting time preparing and planning for your big day. One of the most importance decisions you will need to make is choosing the best Bristol wedding venue. There are lots of choices on offer and it can be a bit of a mind field narrowing down your selection so that’s why I have put this helpful guide together.

As a Bristol wedding photographer and videographer, I feel incredibly privileged to have worked at so many fantastic Bristol wedding venues over the years. I am often asked by newly engaged couples what are my favourite local offerings and if I have any recommendations which is why I have put this article together.

Bristol has so many amazing wedding venues, catering to any size party, big or small. Whether you are looking at keeping things fairly traditional or have decided to go all out with something totally unique, there is something here for everyone.

That’s one thing I love about my job, every wedding is unique and as special as the couple getting married. No two weddings are ever the same even if I go back to the same venue regularly.

Reasons to get married in Bristol

Bristol is a popular destination for couples to elope and it’s not just locals that pick this as their wedding destination. I have had couples travel from all around the world to get married here. Often it is somewhere where they have visited previously and for whatever reason holds a special place in their heart.

There is no denying that Bristol is an exceptional place, it has a vibrant city life, lot’s of history and great architecture. We have the bustling busy city life, the tranquil Harbourside to hang out with your friends and are also spoilt with lots of nearby rural countryside and green spaces that we treasure.

So here it is in no particular order a few of my top recommended Bristol wedding venues broken down into different categories. I hope it helps narrow down your search.

The Best Manor House Wedding venues in Bristol

For all of the romantics out there, a Manor house wedding can represent the big fairy tale day you have often dreamed of. Oozing extravagance, these timeless wedding venues offer incredibly large halls catering for plenty of guests, as well as an abundance of nooks and crannies for people to get lost in. They often have spiralling or grand staircases, stunning grounds and large doorways which create beautiful photo backdrops.

Coombe Lodge

Sitting on the edge of Blagdon Lake, Coombe Lodge provides unbeatable views over the North Somerset countryside. Offering exclusive use of the venue itself, the surrounding gardens and 12 beautiful bedrooms, your wedding should go without a hitch. For summer weddings, you will have the option to say your vows in their stunning sprawling gardens, under a romantic archway. Their glowing reviews speak for themselves, with every last detail thought of by the Coombe Lodge team.

Check out our: Coombe Lodge Photos & Films

Website: Coombe Lodge

External photo of Coombe Lodge wedding venue
Night portrait of couple being back lit in the ground of Kings Weston House

Kings Weston House

This unique Grade-I listed building was built in 1712. Kings Weston House is a little quirky for a Manor House but it is one of my favorites and a popular choice for those looking for something a little different. There are several locations on offer for you to say your vows. You have the vibrant ‘Portrait Gallery’, which as the name suggests, features historic portraits. The ‘Grand Hall’, where you can make a powerful entrance with the sweeping staircase, and The ‘Oak Room’, ideal for more intimate weddings. If an outdoor wedding is more your thing then ‘The Secret Garden’ is a striking setting for your ceremony.

Leigh Court

Leigh Court is an exceptional extravagant wedding venue with high ceilings, a double suspended staircase and 19th century decor. It provides the perfect fairy tail entrance for any bride and has amazing photo opportunities both inside and out. The beautifully manicured lawn is ideal for summer drinks but this venue is great all year round.

Website: Leigh Court

Couple stood between the columns at Leigh Court Bristol wedding venue
Bride and Groom stood on the steps in front of Old Down wedding venue

Old Down Manor

Set on the grounds of the Country park this estate boasts 66 acres of land. There are two venues on offer; The Manor and The Barn. Whether you prefer a more sophisticated Country house, or are partial to a hint of rustic charm, you’ll feel right at home in one of these fantastic venues. The views of the Countryside are stunning and it has the perfect sunset spot.

Website: Old Down

The Lord Mayor’s Mansion House

Whether you’re an outdoors-lover who would love to host their ceremony in the stunning rose garden, or if you prefer the elegant drawing room this venue offers flexibility when it comes to your big day. A truly unique setting in the heart of beautiful Clifton, this Victorian mansion will be solely yours, offering privacy on your wedding day. There are many stunning backdrops dotted around this venue, and it is also very near to the suspension bridge if you fancy a short break for some iconic photos.

Ceremony room at the Lord Mayor’s Manion House Bristol

Other Worthy Manor House mentions:

Bristol Hotel wedding venues

Avon Gorge Hotel

Just a stone’s throw from the iconic Clifton suspension bridge, the Avon Gorge Hotel offers a truly unique wedding experience for you and your guests. Not only is the inside stunning with exposed red brick-walled but the sun terrace is a real highlight with magnificent views of the bridge. The venue can host large weddings with up to 200 guests and an extensive range of packages on offer to meet your needs. 

Website: Avon Gorge

Bride and groom stood in front of the Clifton Suspension Bridge next to the Avon Gorge Hotel
Tables and chairs set up inside the Bristol Harbour Hotel wedding venue

The Bristol Harbour Hotel

For those who want a grand wedding venue then this grade-II listed building is a must-see. It was recently a finalist for the ‘Best city venue’ in the National Wedding Awards and offers a choice of three exquisite rooms. There is the cozy intimate Blue Room, the stunning contemporary Vault, and of course the luxurious Sansovino Hall on offer. The hotel doesn’t have its own grounds but it’s located in the heart of the city center with St Nick’s market and Castle park on its doorstep which are great places for photos.

Website: Bristol Harbour Hotel

No 4 Clifton Village

Based in the heart of the popular Clifton village, this venue is ideal for those wanting a more intimate wedding. Set within a Georgian townhouse, the lavish decor is the perfect romantic setting. With a ceremony guest limit of just 50 people, No4 Clifton Village is ideal for smaller weddings.

It has its own private walled garden where you will have exclusive use of the grounds and it’s on-site bar. This venue’s English charm will is a popular choice for those wanting just their nearest and dearest with them on the day. 

Website: No4

Ceremony room at No4 Clifton village
Tables laid with dried flowers for wedding breakfast at the Square Club

The Square Club

Another great little venue for smaller weddings with a maximum capacity of up to 70 people. This stylish venue has deep red tones and exposed brickwork. It also has it’s only private terrace garden and downstairs bar area for your guests to hang out and mingle. Group photo opportunities are best outside in the Berkley Square which is opposite.

Website: Square Club

The Walton Park Hotel

On the outskirts of Bristol, this cliffside hotel overlooks the water with infinity style balcony, great for sunset photos. If you fancy a short trip then Clevedon Pier is also near by and another amazing photo opportunity. The hotel can accommodate any size wedding with six different ceremony rooms to choose from.

Website: Walton Park Hotel

Walton-Park-hotel-wedding-photography-couple-kissing-on-the balcony

Other worthy mentions

Alternative Bristol wedding venues

If you are looking for something a little different Bristol has some great alternatives wedding venues. There are lots of industrial buildings, museums, boats and quirky hidden gems.

A bride and groom embrace in the middle of the staircase at the M-shed wedding venue Bristol

The M-Shed

If you’re looking for something memorable, The M-Shed could be the answer! Ideal for couples with an individual streak, you can make your entrance by boat or crane. Yes, you read that right – as the venue is harbourside, you can make an entrance in the most iconic of ways. Hosting up to 220 guests, this venue is not just a novelty. With stunning cuisine options, exquisite decor and beautiful views from the rooftop terrace over the Bristol harbour side you won’t be disappointed.

Website: M-Shed

The Paintworks

If you love industrial then the Paintworks could your ideal wedding venue. It’s a large open versatile space perfect for any DIY wedding enthusiasts or for those looking to host a large wedding. The Paintworks is set just off Bath road has many great backdrops within the estate ideal for those industrial photos with plenty of texture and colour on offer.

Website: Paintworks

The Paintwork's sign painted on a brick wall
Bride & groom stood in front of the penguins at their Bristol zoo wedding

Clifton Pavilion at Bristol Zoo 

If you adore animals, then Bristol zoo will be your perfect wedding venue. The main building is a fantastic venue in its own right with grand features such as gold wallpaper, high ceiling and chandeliers. The main benefit of course is that it’s located within zoo allowing you to share some time with your favourite animals and explore the 12 acres of beautiful gardens making plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Website: Clifton Pavilion

The SS Great Britain

Built in 1843, this ship provides one of Bristol’s ultimate unique wedding venues for those looking for something alternative. If your a history lover this popular 100m tourist attraction gives you and your guests exclusive use to explore every nook and cranny. One of the main selling points has to undoubtedly be the Promenade Deck providing your party with panoramic views of the harbour whilst enjoying a champagne reception.

Website: SS Great Britain

SS Great Britain 1

Other worthy mentions 

Farm & Barn weddings venues near Bristol

For those that love the great outdoors and want a rustic, boho or festival style wedding then one of these farm or barn wedding venues could be right for you.

Tables made up for wedding breakfast at Alnwick Estate wedding Bristol

Aldwick Estate

This spectacular modern barn is set in the grounds of a vineyard. Perfect for any country loving bride and wine lovers a like. It has a light, airy feel with exposed wooden beams. The ceremony room can host up to 160 guests perfect for larger weddings. The venue is exclusively yours so it can be decorated to your taste.

Check out our: Aldwick Estate Photos & Films

Venue Website: Aldwick

Nailsea Tithe Barn

A plain rustic brick barn dating back to 1480. It is a DIY wedding planners dream with a budget friendly price to match. The barn is the perfect blank canvas ready to be decorated to your taste. A small yard out the front provides a spot for everyone to mingle in the warmer weather. A short drive away is the perfect beauty spot ideal for your couple photos.

Website: Nailsea Tithe Barn

Collage of Tithe Barn Nailsea
groom cuddling wife in front of the saloon sign at Court Farm Country Park

Not strictly a wedding venue but they do hold wedding receptions here and if your looking for the ultimate farm experience this is one to check out. They only hold a limited number or events each year but this is the real authentic barn experience. 

Website: Court Farm

Other worthy mentions:

Golf Course weddings around Bristol

Golf courses also make ideal wedding venues with excellent photo opportunities. You don’t have to think of yourself as Tigger Woods to appreciate incredibly vast landscapes, romantic sunset hot spots and the upscale exclusive settings that golf courses have to offer.

Tracey Park

This stunning venue could be placed in the Manor House category however it’s based on a golf course. Situated between Bristol and Bath, surrounded by exquisite views of the rolling hills. There is plenty of onsite accommodation for guests.

TP 1
Newly Married couple stood with arms round each other looking at the lake at Kendleshire Golf Course

The Kendleshire

Situated in North Bristol this fantastic wedding venue has a private garden for your guests to enjoy welcome drinks and canapés after the wedding ceremony. You can then take a golf buggy ride to fantastic locations over the course as the sun starts to set. There are plenty of backdrops on offer with lots of lakes & bridges to choose from. 

The clubhouse offers an elevated view over the golf course to enjoy your wedding breakfast and evening party.

Website: Kendleshire

Thornbury Golf Centre

The wedding suite is located in the main building overlooking the golf course with panoramic views from the balcony. It has a pleasant rustic feel with white walls and exposed wooden beams. 

There is accommodation on site situated in a private lodge which has 11 bedrooms for your guests to stay.

Website: Thornbury GC

Thornbury golf course wedding 1

Registry office Weddings

Council owned Registry office weddings are a popular choice for couples to host their wedding ceremonies. They provide a budget friendly choice but are always set in luxurious settings. They give couples the freedom to hold a short ceremony and then move the celebrations on afterwards to a venue of their choice.

couple on steps of Bristol registry office after their intimate ceremony

Bristol Registry office

Set in the heart of St Nicks market, Bristol registry office is in the Old Council House building. It has four rooms on offer to cater to weddings of all sizes. The popular Mayoral room with it’s red decor for medium size weddings and if you are looking for something on the larger side The Lantern room or The Grand Council chamber could be worth checking out. Family photos are usually done on the steps outside alongside confetti. For couple photos Castle park or the Harbourside make great local choices.

Website: Bristol registry office

Yate Town Council Registry Office

On the outskirts of Bristol, Yate registry office is set in a pretty Victorian Mansion called Poole Court.

The small ceremony room on the ground floor is fairly basic but it will hold x amount of guests. The front of the building is a great spot for some family photos with a small grass area.

Website:

Bride and Groom stood at the front of Poole Court entrance with hanging baskets of flowers

So there you have it, that’s my guide to some of the ultimate Bristol wedding venues. It is by certainly not all of them and I am sure over time I will be adding plenty more. If you know of any that you would like added to the list or if you are getting married at one of the venues mentioned then I would love to hear from you. I am also happy to share my experiences with you, if you ever need any help or advice then please get in touch. Let’s discuss your wedding and find how I can help capture your perfect day.

LET ME TELL YOUR STORY!

I would love to hear all about your love story so far and what you have planned for your special day. 

Feel free to ask me any questions you may have. You can either fill out this form or contact me directly.

I’m excited to hear from you!

Nicola
Nicola Hesketh
info@imageparadise.com
07708375723
8 Hardenhuish Road, Bristol BS4 3SU.

Photographer Nicola Hesketh Image Paradise 2019