I’m so lucky to be recommended supplier to a few lovely venues in and around Bath, but also to have worked in the most amazing places. I never would have seen or been to most of these otherwise. Imagine pulling up to an amazing manor house, a boutique hotel, a countryside barn or even a tipi every week, what a joy!
As a hair and make up artist, of course for me it’s all about great space, good lighting, access to sockets and mirrors and the lovely ambience that comes from a wonderful venue. On a practical level, parking is super important. Don’t forget you don’t want to be dragging your wedding dress for miles and we have heavy cases to carry – not great for anyone with five flights of stairs in your average central Bath bnb.
If your hotel tells you to park at Charlotte Street, this is pretty much a no-no. Please talk to me for more insight/recommendations.
In no particular order, here are some fabulous venues where I’ve been lucky enough to work regularly, and I really rate them for a variety of reasons. This might just give you a little insight into what’s worth a look in the neighbourhood. All brilliant but all so different 🙂
Things to consider
- Is your wedding going to be formal or informal?
- Do you want good outside space/gardens/grounds or is it a small intimate wedding?
- Do you want your guests to be able to stay there and is there a ‘prep’ room?
- Will you be able to stay in your bridal suite the night before or not get the room until 9.30 am? (not good for weddings before 1.30 pm.
- How many people are getting ready in the morning and is the room big enough? i.e. add on one hair, one make up, a photographer for example to the bridal party.
Smaller or unusual weddings
Roman Baths
www.romanbaths.co.uk
Sunrise for early birds and a pre-breakfast ceremony, sunset for those wanting a leisurely day, late brunch, loads of prep time, atmospheric candle lit ceremonies.
The Temple of Minerva at the Botanical Gardens, Bath
www.heritageparkweddings.co.uk
Outdoorsy, cute temple building in the lovely Victoria Park. Picnics, laid back vibes, strawberries and cream type weddings.
The American Museum and Gardens, Bath
americanmuseum.org/venue-hire/weddings
Georgian manor house with lovely gardens, a bit different.
The Holburne Museum, Bath
www.holburne.org/about-us/venue-hire/weddings/wedding-packages
Grade 1 listed building with fine and decorative arts, and totally contemporary glass extension. Bridgerton vibes (used for the latest series), very different, set in Sydney Gardens.
Barn style weddings
Wick Farm, Bath
www.wickfarmbath.co.uk
Historic medieval barn venue catering fully for weddings, lovely setting, great and organised staff/owners. Onsite ‘Getting ready’ suite and farmhouse 🙂
Priston Mill
www.pristonmill.co.uk
Ancient tithe barn and water mill set in the estate of the Duchy of Cornwall. Caters for a variety of wedding sizes, are pretty and popular.
Hotel weddings
Bailbrook House Hotel – Very handily right next door to where I live 🙂
www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/bailbrookhouse
A gem of a hotel, a Grade 2 listed mansion house with more modern additions. For small to larger weddings. The mansion house rooms are fabulous, copper baths, great views 🙂
The Moonraker, Bradford on Avon
www.moonrakerhotel.com
Grade 2 manor house with onsite wedding facilities, for up to 100 people. Pretty and accessible with good parking.
Tracy Park Golf and Country Hotel
www.tracypark.co.uk
Wedding venue with manor house set in a large country park with great golfing facilities, very close to Bath.
Country house weddings
Homewood Park
www.homewoodbath.co.uk
Secluded country house hotel around six miles from Bath. Quirky decor, boutique style, fun, great vibe. Lovely little pool and spa area, hot tubs to some accommodation. Dyson hairdryers. ‘Help yourself’ goodies to the rooms and nothing is too much trouble.
Pennard House, nr Shepton Mallet
www.pennardhouse.com
Family owned and run. Feels like walking into your own (very special) home, lovely grounds, little church nearby. Lovely touches.
Grittleton House, Grittleton nr Chippenham
www.grittletonhouse.co.uk
This gorgeous building used to be a school and is still owned by the family. Gorgeous galleried house and grounds, Italian sunken garden, and fab tree-lined drive. Prep room 🙂
High end, extra stunning venues
Hamswell House
www.hamswellhouse.co.uk
The 18th-century orangery with Cotswold stone roof and huge arch windows is a wonderful place to tie the knot. Gardens and amazing wisteria to die for. Stunning views and it’s a hidden gem.
The Royal Crescent Hotel
www.theroyalcrescent.co.uk
Quintessentially Bath – the famous hotel at the centre of the Royal Crescent. Jane Eyre country. Classy, sophisticated, gorgeous spa on the grounds. Cream teas are fabulous!!
The Priory, Bath
www.thebathpriory.co.uk
Very sophisticated venue just off Victoria park in Bath. Gorgeous rooms, spa and food. Small to larger weddings.
The Manor House and golf club at Castle Combe
www.exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house/weddings
A fantastic setting in this lovely village – home of many film shoots. Fabulous manor house and acres of grounds, summer weddings take place under a huge tree in front of the house. Fab menu and food.
Euridge Manor, Colerne (The Lost Orangery)
www.euridge.uk
A totally hidden gem in the countryside but not so far from Bath. Small to larger weddings with a maze of grounds, lake, lookout point, orangery and hidden corners everywhere. Just wonderful.
Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa
www.lucknampark.co.uk
I’m always blown away by this place. I think it’s the entrance and driving along the tree-lined ride towards the stunning house. Stunning courtyard housed by the manor, fabulous spa, riding stables, and gourmet food. A must-look.
Parish’s House
www.parishshouse.co.uk
Glamping in fabulous grounds. The bridal party gets a stunning cottage for prep and wedding night/weekend. Regency house in 22 acres. Lovely owners, white peacocks, kitchen gardens, outdoor wooded wedding area.
Getting ready
Just to help you along, a scattering of Brilliant BnBs, hotels, and guest houses. These are great for wedding morning prep (sorry but it makes our lives so much easier) and really look after their guests. I’ll add more as I find them 🙂
No 15, Pulteney Street, Bath
www.guesthousehotels.co.uk
Gorgeous ‘designer’ rooms and artwork, cute ‘dolls house’ tea, and coffee containers, help yourself goodies area – free sweets, drinks, ice creams, etc – proper ‘child in a sweetshop stuff’.
The Gainsborough, Bath
www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
Elegant, sophisticated, case carrying, and super close (walkable) to the Roman Baths, Thermae spa, and all amenities. Amazing spa and treatments.
The Hideaway, Bath
www.thehidingspace.co.uk
Boutique-style apartments right in the centre of Bath. Cowshed toiletries, Nespresso machines.