At these 100 Best Wedding Venues 2020 picks, food is absolutely the star, but you’ll also find lots of other pleasures beyond the table to make your celebration here truly unique
Words Isabella Eckett
Our 100 Best Wedding Venues 2020 selection are always going to put on a fabulous spread, but these foodie stars offer something truly special for gourmets. Whether it’s organic farm-to-table produce at a traditional farm or superb fine dining at a country house hotel, the setting and the catering are a perfect combination to delight your guests.
River Cottage, Devon
A famous farmhouse, as seen on TV, River Cottage is the picturesque home of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s renowned cookery empire. You and your wedding party are in for a gastronomic treat because menus are made with the finest organic ingredients sourced from local farmers and fisherman, as well as produce grown and reared on site. It is also an idyllic setting for a rustic celebration. rivercottage.net
Dewsall Court, Herefordshire
This 17th-century exclusive-hire estate with picturesque church, rustic Wainhouse Barn and manor house looks out to the Black Mountains. The superb catering team serve a mouth-watering menu (vegan options are delicious). Toast your newlywed status with a homemade honey-infused cocktail or Dewsall Gin garnished with fresh garden herbs. By night, discover the secret cellar bar and firepit under the stars. dewsall.com
Chewton Glen, Hampshire
A twisting driveway leads to a delightful courtyard entrance that’s home to the large and productive walled garden and James Martin’s cookery school. As you’d imagine, food at this classic country hotel is first-class and the wine cellar is vast. A romantic ceremony can be held at The Treehouse Hideaway Suite in the wooded valley. The Lake Suite has its own private entrance and Garden Terrace is great for bigger parties. You can guarantee your guests will love the laid-back hog roast that is a Chewton Glen forte. chewtonglen.com
The Fife Arms, Scottish Highlands
This extraordinary retreat was once a Victorian coaching inn, but today has become one of the hottest Aberdeenshire foodie destinations. The 46-bedroom hotel displays an exceptional art collection and celebrates local heritage. Host a banquet with traditional ceilidh or a simple drinks reception surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park. Weddings can take over the entire hotel between October and March. thefifearms.com
Bingham Riverside, Richmond-upon-Thames
Nestled on the banks of the Thames – and known locally as the Ritz of Richmond – Bingham Riverhouse is a charming spot and a worthy entrant for our 100 Best Wedding Venues 2020. After 2019 renovations, the interiors are incredibly chic and with welcoming staff delivering a laidback vibe. It has a well-earned reputation for outstanding food, meaning that your menu will be the talk of the town, and you can’t beat the riverside gardens for perfect wedding snaps. binghamriverhouse.com
Jimmy’s Farm, Suffolk
Get wed at an old-fashioned farm with oodles of charm. You will have exclusive use of the Celebration Tent, hand-built Eco Roundhouse and 18th-century barn. Put your wellies on and meet the animals, take in the scents of the landscaped herb garden. You can have your own Bell Tent Village for the ultimate glamping experience. Menus are seasonal and straight from the land. jimmysfarm.com
The Harper, Norfolk
Renowned wedding specialists, Bijou Wedding Venues opened their first hotel this spring. A former glass-blowing workshop brimming with original features, The Harper has 32 boutique bedrooms, luxury spa and a dedicated team of wedding experts. Set to be a Norfolk gem for glamorous country weddings, there’s an in-house sommelier for perfect wine pairings and the Bijou kitchen will deliver on any request. bijouweddingvenues.co.uk
Hampton Manor, West Midlands
Nestled close to Shakespeare country, this is a modern manor where the friendly team wear jeans and tweed. The Michelin-starred restaurant guarantees guests will be blown away by the quality of the food, with local produce, biodynamic wines and foraged ingredients from the garden. It’s a wonderful setting for couples who enjoy the finest things in life and full of character and creativity. hamptonmanor.com
Lime Wood, New Forest
From Monday to Friday this forest retreat is available for exclusive hire. With 33 bedrooms, Hartnett Holder & Co restaurant and helipad, it’s laidback luxury at its best. Italian style menus are made from homegrown goodies thanks to the on-site Smoke House and Greenhouse (with cookery school). Couples can enjoy a signature Bamford treatment at the Herb Hut Spa in prep for the big day. limewoodhotel.co.uk
South Farm, Cambridgeshire
Family-owned and organic, South Farm grows 200 varieties of fruit, veg and herbs so the eco-conscious team design wonderful wedding feasts. It offers a wide variety of menu options, including ethnically diverse, vegan and vegetarian. The farmhouse is exclusively yours and boho celebrations can take place in the Tudor Barn, Old Dairy or Summerhouse. Guests can even stay in the farm’s beautifully restored Gypsy Caravans. south-farm.co.uk
