Choose your perfect ceremony location at our castle wedding venue
Once you’ve found your ideal wedding venue, you’ll need to decide where exactly to tie the knot. Clearly, the space where you marry needs to fit all your guests comfortably, and there will be things like fire safety regulations to think about. You’ll also want to be able to use the room or outside area for as long as you wish, without feeling rushed.
The average ceremony lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, but guests may arrive up to half an hour in advance, and take a few minutes to leave afterwards. So the actual time spent in the marriage area could be nearer an hour or longer. You may want to consider things such as closeness to facilities including restrooms, and how people will have shelter and stay warm (or shade and remain cool in the summer) if you’re exchanging your vows outside.
You will want the space you choose to get married in to be special and have that all important wow factor. After all, this is where you will say your “I Do’s” and declare your undying love in front of your family and friends. Berkeley Castle ticks all of these boxes, and is licensed for civil ceremonies and marriages, so all you need to do is decide which of our lovely inside and outside spots best suits your vision for your wedding.
Say ‘I do’ outdoors
Last year, the government announced that al fresco marriages at licensed venues across England and Wales would be legalised permanently, in a move that received strong support from the public, faith groups and the wedding industry. The decision makes permanent the temporary introduction of measures to permit outside ceremonies during the pandemic. It gives couples greater choice, and the government says the change has the support of more than 90% of us.
Outdoor wedding ceremony
So your entire ceremony can now legally take place outdoors in the grounds of your wedding venue, including at Berkeley Castle.
We’re a traditional rural estate set in some 6,000 acres in Berkeley Vale, Gloucestershire. We have incredible views of our medieval deer park, plus extensive landscaped grounds, including the Queen Elizabeth Bowling Lawn.
Especially exquisite in June when the roses are at their best, our gardens are planted with rare plants, trees and shrubs, plus we specialise in growing a mixture of flowers known for their scents.
From the lily pond, curved steps sweep down to the Lower Lawn, where two pines said to have grown from cones taken from the Battle of Culloden stand.
Book a tour of our grounds today and decide which location would be the perfect place for you to say ‘I do’.
Indoor wedding ceremonies
The Great Hall
Built in the 1300s and featuring stained glass windows, sumptuous tapestries and an original black-and-white stone floor, the Great Hall fits up to 130 guests, making it the ideal setting for occasions on a grander scale.
The Long Drawing Room
Another wonderful spot, this space is perfect if you’re planning for your special day to be rather more intimate. It sits up to 70 people, and its highlights include carved gilt mirrors plus a stunning mantlepiece.
The Small Drawing Room
This lovely room has a fine carved door, splendid fireplace and oak beams which bear witness to the shipbuilding skills of medieval times; again this room is ideal for a cosy, intimate ceremony without feeling cramped.
Choose your indoor or outdoor wedding ceremony at Berkeley Castle
Wherever you decide to tie the knot at Berkeley Castle, inside or outdoors, you can look forward to marrying in an incredible setting, adding to the sense of occasion. Vow to say ‘I do’ here in a way that suits you and your dreams for your big day, either with a registrar or independent celebrant.
Book now to have a look around and see what we offer for yourself.
