Here are the best UK vineyards for a wonderful, more unusual wedding venue as well as wine tasting regions in the UK perfect for a staycation honeymoon.
We all love an unusual wedding venue and a beautiful backdrop when it comes to saying your vows. UK vineyard wedding venues offer up just that, not to mention the endless wedding photograph opportunities amongst the vines.
There are more and more wineries across the UK opening their doors to potential brides and grooms to celebrate their special day, as well as some stunning minimoon and honeymoon packages for aspiring sommeliers.
Sunshine-soaked slopes and sprawling fields of vines – what could be a more romantic setting for a wedding than a beautiful vineyard? Thanks to the UK’s blossoming viticulture we now have an abundance of vineyards right on our doorstep that double as show-stopping wedding venues.
The UK’s 10 Most Beautiful Vineyard Wedding Venues
With 2022 and 2023 set to be another stellar year for the staycation honeymoon and outdoor weddings, South Western Railway has sourced some of the UK’s best vineyards.
While some can deliver the full wedding experience, others are perfectly situated near some of the best-loved wedding venues in the UK.
Llanerch Vineyard, Wales
The largest and oldest premier vineyard in Wales, Llanerch Vineyard is set among 20 acres of beautiful Glamorgan countryside. They produce five different varieties of rose, sparkling and white wines in their Cariad wine brand, and offer vineyard tours and tastings for guests. If you’re exploring Wales, make sure to add this to your to-do list.
With a number of different wedding venues available on the wine estate, couples can seek out the perfect location to say I Do, before sampling some of the local wine varieties.
Chapel Down, Kent
Located at the edge of The Weald in Tenterden, Kent, Chapel Down is the world’s leading English winemaker, but as well as rosé, white and sparkling wines, the vineyard also produces gin, vodka beer and cider – lots to choose from. Chapel Down even has the accolade of having the same chalky soil as the famous Champagne region in France, which helps give their wines that distinctive flavour.
For those wanting to tie the knot after in the beautiful Kent countryside, Chapel Down is one of the few wineries in the UK offering a full wedding package. The Swan at Chapel Down is a beautiful venue for your wedding and reception, and is available for exclusive hire of up to 100 guests.
Lympstone Manor, Devon
For a truly exceptional experience, Lympstone Manor can be hired exclusively for your special day. They have 21 luxury bedrooms, six shepherds huts, three dining rooms, a bar, lounge, terrace and gardens, with the large estate providing numerous picturesque locations, both inside the hotel and out in the grounds.
Triassic Pinot Noir 2020, the first wine from the Lympstone Manor vineyard, has now been released and is available in the Restaurant and Pool House Restaurant & Bar. Lympstone Manor Cuvée, their premium sparkling wine, continues to age in the bottle on the lees, in readiness for release sometime in 2023.
Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey
Totalling 20,336 posts, Denbies can boast being the most Instagrammed vineyard in the UK. Also a prime spot to celebrate nuptials, Denbies wedding venue in Dorking, Surrey provides the perfect backdrop for stunning photo opportunities, whether in the heart of the vineyard, atmospheric cellars or romantic Cloisters Pavilion.
There are three rooms and one outdoor space available for civil ceremonies accommodating from 20-180 guests, and the estate also offers five different reception venues sure to please every taste – plus, the hotel on site saves a long journey home.
Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery
Overlooking Hambleden Valley, Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery is home to The Old Luxters Barn near Henley-on-Thames, set within a renowned Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Since 1984 they have produced an increasing range of fine, award-winning English wines as well as ales from their onsite brewery.
The 18th century converted barn has a charming rustic appeal, with all modern conveniences discreetly to hand. Seating from 60 adult guests up to 114 guests, and drinks receptions up to 150 guests.
Holmfirth Vineyard, West Yorkshire
This vineyard produces award-winning English red, white and rose wines among their beautiful vines, accompanied by an excellent food menu.
Sheveling Wine Estate at Holmfirth Vineyard provides a romantic setting for your special day, with a range of packages and complete versatility of the vineyard, with bespoke options for an indoor or outdoor ceremony, outdoor blessing or magical twilight wedding.
Capture your big day amidst the vines, and raise a toast to the start of married life together, with wines perfectly paired to suit your menu selection at your wedding breakfast.
The Vineyard Leonardslee Gardens, West Sussex
This beautiful vineyard stretches across four acres, growing Pinot Noir and Pinotage grapes. The vineyard sits amongst Grade I listed gardens and is surrounded by breathtaking views of the valley, Leonardslee House and the South Downs.
The country estate can host weddings and is home to a majestic 19th-century Italianate style house that can seat up to 200 guests as well as a bespoke marquee alongside the house with uninterrupted South Downs vistas.
Sharpham Vineyard, Devon
Nestled in a picturesque valley in the South Hams, this Devon-based vineyard and winery, now owned by Sandridge Barton Wines, has been growing grapes since 2008, producing over 60 tonnes of fruit per year. Set in a south-facing bowl and overlooking the River Dart, the vineyard is planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Madeleine Angevine and Bacchus.
On a few limited occasions each year, the Trust welcomes couples to use the nearby, 18th century Sharpham House and its wonderful gardens exclusively for their weddings, with all proceeds going to help support the work of the charity and upkeep of the Estate.
The Mount Vineyard, Kent
The Mount has been producing wines since 2008 and started welcoming guests in 2016, and the unique micro-climate of the Darent Valley produces vintages that you cannot find anywhere else.
Just a stone’s throw from London and situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Mount Vineyard offers the most romantic setting for your wedding day with its southern French vibes and photo opportunities aplenty, from private moments taking in the stunning views over the Darenth Valley to dancing the night away in your bespoke luxury tipi.
Knightor Winery, South Cornwall
Knightor Winery is a producer of premium quality English still and sparkling wines, located in mid Cornwall and a stone throw’s from the Eden Project.
Perched above the shores of St Austell Bay on the South Cornwall coast, Knightor is a working winery situated amongst four acres of vineyards and orchards. From weddings and events to wine tours and tastings, the collection of 18th century barns ooze rustic appeal and provide the perfect Cornish backdrop to any occasion.
With the option of formally seating up to 90 day guests and hosting up to 150 evening guests, couples can choose between an all out celebration or a more intimate occasion in the the 18th century barn, an inspiring space with plenty of rustic appeal.
To find the most beautiful vineyards, South Western Railway analysed 268 vineyards against Instagram hashtags, the number of fivr-star TripAdvisor reviews and the number of times ‘beautiful’, ‘stunning’ and ‘gorgeous’ were mentioned in reviews to form a score out of 100, then further filtered the data to find the top 10 vineyards that also act as wedding venues.
More of the Best Vineyards in the UK
Holiday company holidaycottages.co.uk has sourced some more of the UK’s best vineyards, alongside Sarah Spreckley who discovers more of the UK’s vineyards serving up delectable wedding packages including some of the finest English Sparkling wine, rosé, red and white wines.
Nyetimber, West Sussex
Nyetimber has been producing award-winning sparkling wines for over thirty years, with their vineyards spread across Hampshire, Kent, and West Sussex – and plans to extend even more due to such high demand for the product! Why not visit Nyetimber’s beautiful vineyard in West Chiltington on one of their open days and sample the fruits of their labour yourself? You won’t be disappointed.
Nyetimber offer up a range of wedding wine packages so you and your guests can toast to the happy occasion with the award-winning tipples.
Ryedale Vineyard, York
The UK’s most northern vineyard, Ryedale Vineyard is hidden away at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds, just 30 minutes’ drive from York and under an hour’s drive from Scarborough. Ryedale Vineyard offers guided tours and tastings sessions, so be sure to check it out if you’re enjoying a honeymoon in North Yorkshire!
Although Ryedale doesn’t have a license for weddings, the event space is available for private hire and would make a gorgeous setting for a rehearsal dinner or evening reception.
Rathfinny, Sussex
Located in the popular Sussex South Downs, Rathfinny produces a variety of sparkling wines and offers year-round tours of their vineyard to wine enthusiasts! The winery produces wines with the traditional in-bottle fermentation method commonly used by Champagne makers in France, so you’re sure to get a taste of class in every glass! What’s more, the vineyard can host weddings of up to 120 guests at the Rathfinny Wine Estate.
Commenting on the best vineyards in the UK, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk says: “This year is set to be another year for amazing UK trips and for anyone fancying something a little different to do on their honeymoon, a vineyard visit could be a wonderful (and very romantic) activity!”
Camel Valley, Cornwall
Situated on Cornwall’s famous Camel Trail, Camel Valley near Bodmin is the only vineyard in the UK to hold a Royal Warrant. The vineyard produces sparkling, rose and white wines, with the sunny Cornish temperature ideal for viticulture. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out in Cornwall – their wine-tasting sessions may be the perfect ticket!
Although not a vineyard wedding venue itself, the nearby Camel Studio is a stunning setting just a stone’s throw from the Camel Valley winery. After a day of celebrating with your loved ones, head over to the vineyard for a wine-fuelled minimoon.
More Vineyard Wedding Venues in the UK
West Street Vineyard, Essex
Located in the pretty village of Coggeshall, the boutique West Street micro-vineyard prides itself on appreciating that every wedding is different by offering couples the opportunity to bespoke their special day. No wedding packages to see here! From marrying amongst the vines to a relaxed afternoon tea or BBQ reception – flexibility is key and the team at West Street will work with you to create the day you’ve always dreamed of.
Offering space to accommodate up to 150 guests, this fabulous 6 acre plot even includes a play area to entertain the little people! With the option of providing formal or casual dining – the chef at West Street will work with you and your budget to create the perfect menu to wow your guests, accompanied by an impressive range of wine from their vines, some dating back 30 years.
Recently awarded with a gold medal from the International Wine Challenge as the only venue in East Anglia to win the Cellar Door Award – this vineyard is proud to share its amazing views, grapes and personalised service to create your perfect Wedding day.
Yorkshire Heart, Nun Monkton, York
Situated in the picturesque village of Nun Monkton, lies Yorkshire Heart – an award-winning family run vineyard that provides a simply gorgeous setting for your wedding reception. The venue isn’t currently licensed for ceremonies but provides the perfect location for a reception or informal ceremony after the legalities have been completed.
Set amongst 35 acres of beautiful vines, couples can choose to celebrate in their on-site marquee that can accommodate up to 140 for a sit-down meal or up to 200 for a standing reception. An impressive variety of menus will satisfy all taste buds and an award-winning selection of home-grown wines and craft beers will help the celebrations along their way! Why not make the most of the setting and invite your guests to stay overnight at the vineyard – tents, caravans and motor-homes are all welcome to stay in the grounds or you could even organise for a local yurt company to set up your own glamping village!
The welcoming team at Yorkshire Heart are on hand to help at every step of the way to ensure your day is as unique as possible.
Trevibban Mill, Cornwall
Nestled in the heart of the Cornish countryside lies the stunning Trevibban Mill – a working vineyard that offers couples a magical exclusive-use option for their big day. This award-winning venue, located near to the north Cornish coast and with pretty Padstow next door is fully licenced for wedding ceremonies and can accommodate up to 120 guests for a reception in their ‘Upper Deck’ event space.
Renowned for its excellent cuisine, Trevibban boasts ‘Appletons’ – a Michelin listed restaurant on site that offers couples flexible menu ideas for the celebrations – all washed down with estate-made award winning wines.
With views to die for across the St Issy Valley, 11,000 vines, 1,700 apple trees and a wonderful flower garden – Trevibban offers couples endless photography opportunities in a truly beautiful setting. An eco-lodge is available for the bride and groom plus lakeside glamping for up to 40 guests – why not make a week-end of it and take advantage of the fabulous location with your nearest and dearest? Beachy walks and award-winning local cuisine…what’s not to love?
Three Choirs, Hampshire
At the foot of the Meon Valley sit the beautiful Three Choirs Vineyard – a 30 hectare site that offers couples the opportunity to tie the knot nestled amongst the vines and rolling hills of Wickham. Fully licensed for wedding ceremonies, the happy couple can choose to say ‘I do’ under an elegant wooden gazebo if an outdoor/rustic feel to their nuptials is on their wish-list. For those not so trusting in Mother Nature, the Byre offers a more sheltered alternative, whatever the weather!
The Old Winery provides the perfect reception venue accommodating 50-80 guests for a wedding breakfast and an additional 150 guests for the evening celebrations. With 10ft oak doors in which the newlyweds can make their entrance, this room has the wow factor in spades. Not forgetting the endless photo opportunities that the vines provide – Three Choirs offers couples a truly spectacular backdrop for those all-important wedding snaps.
Wild Gastro are the vineyard’s chosen caterer who will work with the bride and groom from the outset to create a menu to suit even the most fussiest of guests!
Bluebell Vineyard, Sussex
Located on the edge of the beautiful Ashdown Forest in Sussex lies Bluebell Vineyard – an award winning estate set amidst acres of vines in which to celebrate with your nearest and dearest. Set amidst bluebell covered woods (from where their name originates), the estate offers a stunning location for a quintessentially English wedding.
Following a drinks reception on the pavillion terrace or beside the vineyard ponds, couples can enjoy their wedding breakfast and evening festivities in a fully-lined marquee overlooking the vineyard, which holds up to 120 comfortably (with the possibility to increase up to 180); the marquee offers a blank canvas so you can decorate the marquee to your personal taste and theme as desired. With award winning ‘Hindleap’ wines to accompany the celebrations, the team at Bluebell offer a complimentary tasting to couples to help choose the perfect wine for their big day – everything has been thought of with this fabulous venue and nothing is too much trouble.
As the name suggests, photo opportunities to capture the day are endless at Bluebell Vineyard – with 70 acres to wander in, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Brickhouse Vineyard, Devon
Brickhouse Vineyard is an idyllic location for a small and romantic Devon wedding venue. Set amongst 20 acres of beautiful countryside, the lovingly restored 18th century, Grade II listed Round House is licensed by Devon County Council for legal weddings and ceremonies.
Each couple dreams of finding a hidden gem with a picturesque location – and that’s what you’ll find in this tucked away vineyard. Full of charm and history, the Round House is a beautiful, thatched timber structure that creates a unique open space overlooking the vineyard. The glass doors open up so you can enjoy the newly landscaped gardens planted with wild flower meadows, iris beds and native trees with some great places for your wedding photos.
Brickhouse Vineyard specialises in small and intimate weddings. If you want a romantic and personal ceremony that is all about your special day, without the stress and hassle of trying to please everybody else, this is the perfect place for you!
Read More:
- The Best English Sparkling Wine For Your Wedding Day
- How To Choose The Best Wedding Wine List – Your Complete Wedding Wine Guide
- 12 of the Best Rosé Wines For Your Wedding Day
Want more wedding information and inspiration? Just hit ‘Like’ on our Wedding Ideas Facebook page, and ‘Follow’ on our @wimagazine Twitter account.To join in the conversation, share your stories here.
