Wedding planning is a big deal, and right now, planning often feels like all that a bride and groom can do! While current restrictions can make wedding planning difficult, we’re focusing on the positive and bringing you some roundups of our favourite locations. Our spotlight is on Surrey today, as the Wedding Directory team considers it one of the finest counties in which to marry in the UK. Why? Three main reasons: the wedding venues, the honeymoon locations and the photo opportunities.
Surrey – wedding venues
Honestly, you’re simply spoilt for choice. As well as the standard churches, Surrey has over a hundred venues licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies and there really is something for everyone. We’ve picked out just a few of our favourites – and there are many many more. Let’s start with the obvious:
Mansions, castles and National Trust properties
There are at least two castles and several mansions along with outstanding National Trust properties where you can marry in Surrey. Like all venues of this kind, they do get booked up really early, so you need to plan ahead and consider getting married in less popular months (March, October and November are the easiest months in which to get wedding dates at popular venues).
Brooklands Museum
So if you, your partner or a beloved parent is a plane or car buff, then this museum of aviation and motor history is an outstanding wedding location. Beautifully laid out, rich with vehicular history and offering some amazing photo opportunities, this is an unusual but also family friendly wedding venue.
At least five golf clubs
Yes, at least five golf clubs in Surrey are licensed for marriages. There are real benefits to marrying at a golf club, like gorgeous manicured surroundings and well trained experienced caterers and wait staff.
Charterhouse Hall
With all the pomp and glory of a London Guild but outside the bustle of the capital, Charterhouse Hall is a perfect venue for lovers of architecture and history.
Kempton Park or Epsom racecourse
Well, who doesn’t love the races? You can get married at both these Surrey racecourses and have your reception catered there too.
Hampton Court Palace and Kew Palace
Both these palaces get booked up years in advance. But if you’ve always wanted a regal wedding, Surrey’s palaces are pretty special.
Wedding Photo opportunities in Surrey
Surrey is rich in gorgeous visuals, so let’s start with somewhere a little controversial
Mayfield Lavender Farm
Now, according to the government, Sutton (where the lavender farm is located) is in Greater London. But according to residents of Sutton (who surely ought to know) they live in Surrey! It’s been a bone of contention since 1965, when the national government moved Sutton into the London conurbation but regardless of that, it’s been one of the most popular summer wedding photo locations for many years.
RHS Wisley
The Royal Horticultural Society is famous for its amazing gardens, and Wisley is one of the finest. It takes a bit of planning to have your wedding (or just your wedding photos) here, but if you love fine plants, it’s worth it.
Richmond Park
Majestic trees, soft flowing water, roving herds of deer – what’s not to love about having your wedding album set in Richmond Park?
Box Hill
There are a dozen lovely wedding photo locations in Box Hill, but it’s most famous for its iconic stepping stones – a high risk wedding photo but worth it for adventurous types who don’t mind getting their feet wet!
Honeymoons in Surrey
There’s so much to enjoy if you honeymoon in Surrey:
- Painshill, near Cobham has romantic follies to wander around and picnic beside
- Leith Hill sounds like it should be in Scotland but actually offers some of the best views in the south of England
- Too many pubs to name, from the oldest (the Crown Inn at Chiddingfold, 1383) to the smallest ( Platform 3, seating twelve, in Claygate) and with something for everyone in between.