Essex is famous for a lot of things. The oldest recorded competition in Britain (the Great Dunmow Flitch trials), the 350-mile-long coast, Britain's oldest town, it has the longest pier in the world, and of course, Gemma Collins. That's not all though. Essex also has some truly stunning places to tie the knot. Wedding venues in Essex are as dazzling as they are varied; with barns, country houses, hotels and so much more. The magnificent South East England is home to so much beauty and nature - so wanting to get married here is more than understandable. But choosing a wedding venue is not the easiest feat. That's why we thought we'd make the whittling process that little bit easier for you. Today, we'll be diving into some of the best wedding venues Essex has to offer. 

Wedding venues Essex - barns, country houses, hotels, castles, and more! 

Braxted Park

First up, we've got Recommended venue Braxted Park. A historic, exclusive-use stately house set on thousands of acres of stunning grounds and 500 acres of parkland, this Essex wedding venue is the ideal backdrop for your big day. That is, if you like remarkable Orangerys, dramatic Roman-inspired decor, uninterrupted views of the lawns, a delightful summer house, and quaint churches. If you do, then Braxted Park is the one for you. If it's not, why? With in-house catering and bar, a standing capacity of 350 guests and 150 guests for your ceremony as well as 13 bedrooms, it's a no-brainer. 

Wivenhoe House Hotel 

Recommended venue Wivenhoe House Hotel is an 18th-Century wedding venue in Essex found in the heart of the beautiful Colchester countryside. Creating the ideal backdrop for a plethora of wedding themes, this country house hotel is set in the most idyllic, naturally beautiful location. Choose between a number of opulent, luxurious indoor spaces. Or go for an al-fresco wedding, in a gazebo on the stunning grounds. You also have the option of hiring the Garden Suite. With a capacity of up to 150 guests, have the wedding of your dreams with the people closest to you.

East Mersea Hall - Wedding venues Essex

Do you want a unique, personalised wedding surrounded by the best of the British countryside? Then Recommended venue East Mersea Hall is a fantastic choice. Let your nature-loving sides shine with a wedding in the Pavilion, a barn-style venue. The Pavilion boasts light oak beams and glass windows overlooking the tranquil lake, seating up to 150 guests. The Secret Garden is for more festival-style weddings, located behind the lake. Surround yourself with picturesque, mature tree woodland, landscaped gardens and uninterrupted views of the lake. 

Houchins Wedding Venue

A family-run, Grade II* listed farmhouse with a dedicated team, beautifully rustic interiors and stunning gardens and grounds, next up is Recommended venue Houchins Wedding Venue. This exclusive-use Essex wedding venue allows couples to choose from the gorgeous farmhouse, the woodlands, or a marquee in the grounds to tie the knot. You've also got access to the Honeymoon Lodge. Not only that - Houchins can sleep 16, so your big day can turn into your big weekend. Revel in the sheer power of Essex's natural beauty whilst celebrating your love story the right way. 

Apton Hall

Recommended venue Apton Hall is up next. A truly unique wedding venue set in the countryside and exclusively yours for the day, Apton Hall is sat on acres of beautiful farmland. With a harmonious mix of rustic charm and contemporary features, Apton Hall really offers the best of both worlds. Couples will feel the magical aura of this venue from the minute they step foot on the idyllic, historic grounds. Apton Hall can entertain up to 200 guests, with a stunning range of onsite accommodation for up to 26 people. Wander around the incredible courtyard, bask in the rustic magnetism of the interiors, and dance the night away in the beautifully decorated cowshed. 

Hedingham Castle - Wedding venues Essex 

Situated in 160 acres of privately owned gardens, Recommended venue Hedingham Castle is one of the most unique and romantic venues in England. Historic, breathtaking beauty and fairytale vibes can be found here. Want to feel like royalty on your big day? Then Hedingham Castle is a fantastic choice. Have your civil ceremony in the luxurious banqueting hall with up to 100 guests. Following that, gather for a drinks reception in the Great Hall of the Georgian House. Overlook the grounds and picturesque lake, taking in the amorous, regal aura, the lush greenery and the tulip trees. Or go for the Castle itself - with a captivating wedding breakfast in the Tapestry Room.

St Osyth Priory 

Modern luxury surrounded by history, St Osyth Priory is next. Situated on incredible parkland and famous for 1400 years of myth and legend, St Osyth Priory is a fairytale in real life. Enjoy the grandeur of the estate, dine in style and relish in the romance of this fabulous Essex wedding venue. Tie the knot in the magnificent St Osyth Estate Chapel, one of 16 separate Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings on the estate. If you want to get married outdoors, start your new chapter gazing over the 1920s Lily Pond underneath the hand-crafted wooden gazebos. The bespoke wedding menus will ensure your perfect day is just that - perfect. 

Mulberry House

Enjoy a truly magical setting at Mulberry House. An award-winning venue, Mulberry House is situated in the heart of the Essex countryside within 22 acres of breathtaking grounds. Mulberry House is also licensed for both indoor and outdoor weddings! So whatever your dream, Mulberry House can accommodate. Enjoy the charming interiors or the natural comeliness of its surroundings. This perfectly located Georgian House boasts overnight accommodation, landscaped gardens, an in-house wedding coordinator, in-house catering, and is exclusive use. Did we mention that it's STUNNING, too?

House of Ryker

House of Ryker has several acres of stunning landscaped grounds. It also has fabulous views of London, including The Shard and Canary Wharf. This stunning wedding venue is situated on the luscious grounds of Abridge Golf Course and Country Club in Romford. With a rustic entrance, luxurious interiors, deep green furnishings and wooden furnishings, House of Ryker screams modern luxury. The main space has lots of natural light, with folding doors opening to a patio. You've got the option to hold your ceremony open-aired, or sheltered in a marquee. Toast the love of your life on a balcony. Overlooking London. Glass in your hand. Sunset in motion. Doesn't that just sound dreamy? 

Newland Hall - Wedding venues Essex

Newland Hall is a grandiose, 15th-century Tudor manor house in Chelmsford. Surrounded by its own moat. Yes - you read that right. A moat. Newland Hall sits within over 100 acres of gorgeous land. The woodlands and lakes make it one of the most picturesque wedding venues in Essex. The rolling countryside paired with the refurbished interiors promises couples a breathtaking wedding. The interiors have been maintained to preserve the hand-carved Tudor beams. However, they have otherwise been reimagined into modern, opulent rooms that boast incredible views across the heavenly grounds. 

Maidens Barn

A rustic barn located in Pleshey, Essex, Maidens Barn is an exclusive-use show-stopper of a venue. Maidens Barn offers a truly authentic wedding barn and garden venue. It encapsulates rural simplicity whilst simultaneously offering modern opulence. The barn itself dates back to 1806, and the large windows, lofty ceilings and gorgeous beams all tie together perfectly. Your ceremony can take place inside the incredible barn, or in the midst of the private gardens, under the wedding arbour. You and up to 200 guests can revel in the beauty of the Essex countryside and enjoy the in-house catering, 14 guest bedrooms and fully staffed, licensed bar. 

Old Essex Barn

Finishing off this roundup of glorious wedding venues in Essex, we have Old Essex Barn. Situated in the heart of Essex, Old Essex Barn is an exclusive-use, rustic barn that dates back to the 15th century. The venue offers truly exceptional surroundings, making it the perfect place to celebrate your love. The stunning grounds, indoor or outdoor ceremonies available, an intimate courtyard, and an overall idealistic atmosphere make this venue a fabulous choice for a plethora of couples and wedding styles. Old Essex Barn is perfect for more intimate weddings, holding a maximum of 64 guests during the day and 120 for later on in the evening.

Wedding venues in Essex are a fantastic choice, whether you're going for a rustic theme, boho theme, elegant theme, or anything your heart desires 

Phew! Now that's what we call a roundup. If you've been searching for the perfect wedding venue in Essex, then hopefully you'll have found it here. Once you've selected your wedding venue, it's important to ask the right questions. But these questions might be hard to think of. Luckily for you, we've got a downloadable PDF with a huge list of questions. If you've already found your venue and are trying to help save for the big day, no need to fret. We've got an article detailing the best ways to save money for your wedding.