The most stunning small but mighty wedding venues across the UK and Ireland (perfect groups of 15)
While the number of couples opting for small weddings has risen in the last few years, there’s nothing quite like a pandemic to turn the wedding industry on its head.
The last few months have been particularly turbulent for the industry which has seen the guidelines surrounding weddings and civil ceremonies repeatedly change. Couples due to tie the knot this year were forced to reschedule during national lockdown, many opting to postpone to dates this autumn and winter in the hope that things would be relatively back to normal. Alas, things haven’t got that much better.
The government announced earlier this summer that weddings in the UK could go ahead but with a maximum of 30 guests however as of 28 September, this has been cut to 15 people as the number after a spike in coronavirus cases. In a statement delivered in the Commons, the prime minister added that the restrictions are expected to be in place for at least six months, meaning couples planning 2021 celebrations face the prospect of entirely rethinking their lavish wedding plans.
With micro weddings now the only legal way you’re allowed to get married, the race to find a small wedding venue in the UK has begun. In fact, there’s been a huge rise in the number of Google searches for intimate wedding venues in the last few days, some venues saying they’ve seen a 73% increase in online interest, especially those who specialise in spaces for 20-30 guests.
Thankfully, across the UK and Ireland, there are plenty of small wedding venues in unique locations, each with jaw-dropping views, cosy interiors and ample space for your 14 other guests. Just because it’s a small do, that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style. Plus, you might even have more to spend on extra special touches on the day.
To help you plot your perfect wedding day, here’s a pick of some of the best small wedding venues in the UK and Ireland...
Best for country bumpkins
Anthology Farm, Gloucestershire
Old-meets-new is the vibe at Anthology Farm in Gloucestershire. Nested in 500 acres, this 18-century barn is filled with cool and quirky knick-knacks- think brass candlesticks, Moroccan tiles and exposed Cotswold stone walls adorned with tapestries and abstract art. The ceremony itself can be held in the grounds of the farm, where a flat lawn runs from the front of the house and is the perfect spot to pitch a formal wedding marquee or bohemian bell tent, before a banquet wedding breakfast awaits.
Best for those looking for something quirky
The Alnwick Garden treehouse, Northumberland
If you needed another reason to embrace a small wedding ceremony, this idyllic venue will make you want one immediately. Home to an impressive fairytale treehouse where you can get married in front of a roaring log fire, beside twisting branches and twinkling fairy lights or outside on the sun-soaked decking in the summer. It usually caters for weddings of up to 85 so for 15 it will be a doddle.
Best for epic photos
If you’re after a unique wedding venue and you’re not afraid of heights, how about throwing your intimate wedding in a windmill? Cley Windmill in Norfolk is the perfect size for a Covid-safe wedding of 15 and they’re licenced for ceremonies in the beautiful round Dining Room. Just think of the photo opportunities here.
Best for beach lovers
Northcott Beach House, Cornwall
If you’ve always dreamt of a wedding celebration by the sea, Northcott Beach House on the stunning North Cornwall coast might be the place for you. This laid back home has coastal living down to a T, where you and your small party can gather for a rustic coastal get-together. While it doesn’t hold a civil ceremony licence, there are plenty of beautiful Cornish churches to choose from in the area should you want a traditional service followed by a reception at the venue.
Best for those whose destination wedding was cancelled
If your plans for an Italian wedding have gone out the window, this apricot-washed Grade-II country house hotel in rural Nottinghamshire is your next best bet. Intimate weddings are their thing, with bags of style and charm thrown in. Take over the house for a day-long party or throw a sumptuous supper in the main dining room. Ceremonies can take place in one of three rooms, where they’re licensed for up to 50 guests, or the historic church next door.
Best for tranquility
Eilean Shona, Loch Moidart, Scotland
Fancy eloping? How about heading to a remote, exclusive Scottish retreat owned by Vanessa Branson (yes, Richard’s sister). It’s raw, wild and tranquil Scotland where you might not see another soul for days and where you and your loved ones can spend days drinking around camp fires, wild swimming, reading and kayaking.Take over the main house for wedding day to remember - while guests can stay in one of the other seven self-catering properties on the island (by the household so you’re keeping to the Covid guidelines). Ceremonies have previously taken place outdoors here.
Best for sweeping views
Delphi Lodge, Connemara, Ireland
Connemara, on the Wild Atlantic coast, might be one of Ireland’s most spectacular destinations and Delphi Lodge, a 1830s country house, surrounded by sweeping mountains and lakes, is a gorgeous location for a small wedding. Take over The Lodge for the day, where a hearty wedding breakfast can be followed by a night of dancing and merriment. There are a number of other cottages for households to stay in post-party too.
Best for romance
The sunsets at Shell Bay’s restaurant in Dorset are Insta-famous so why not make the most of the location for your small wedding celebration? Though they’re not licensed for the legal side of your big day, they’re a dab-hand at organising blessing along the water with receptions to follow. Hire the venue exclusively for the day with a BBQ or three-course wedding breakfast, followed by snaps on the beach below.
Best for the 'gram
Of all of the small wedding venues in London, Petersham Nurseries in leafy Richmond might be our favourite. All decked out with antique tables and wild foliage, and lit by fairy lights and candles at night, it's a truly special sight. Florists can create bespoke displays to suit the event, and catering is top-notch, too.
