When it comes to tying the knot in style, Britain is home to some of the most breathtaking wedding venues in the world.
While Westminster Abbey only hosts royal weddings like that of William and Kate or the late Queen, there are other stunning venues with royal connections where anyone can tie the knot.
“Whether you’re dreaming of a regal banquet or an intimate ceremony steeped in tradition, these iconic spaces promise a backdrop that’s anything but ordinary,” promises Nick Bramer of Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use wedding venues across the UK.
Below, Nick introduces eight dazzling UK wedding venues where history, romance, and royal prestige come together.
1. Kensington Palace, London
Few venues boast the fairytale grandeur of Kensington Palace. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle famously posed for their engagement photos in the Sunken Garden, but the real wedding magic happens at The Orangery – an airy 18th-century space with sweeping garden views.
“From the opulent King’s Gallery to the intimate Cupola Room where Queen Victoria was baptised, this venue offers a setting steeped in history and elegance,” says Nick.
2. Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland
Just outside Belfast lies Hillsborough Castle, the official royal residence in Northern Ireland. With lush gardens and stately rooms, it combines classic grandeur with natural beauty.
The Throne Room and Red Room provide richly decorated indoor spaces, while outdoor marquees on the South Lawn offer capacity for up to 350 guests. Whether you want an opulent dinner or a sunlit ceremony surrounded by woodland, Hillsborough caters to both.
3. Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
This former stomping ground of Henry VIII is an awe-inspiring wedding setting. Legendary Welsh songstress Katherine Jenkins said “I do” here, and so did Henry himself (for the sixth and final time).
“Couples have multiple spaces to choose from for their special day celebrations at Hampton Court Palace, from the show-stopping Great Hall to the intimate Little Banqueting House,” says Nick, “not to mention the Orangery and exquisite Privy Gardens.” Whether you’re planning a grand affair or something more personal, this palace delivers a regal atmosphere without compromise.
4. Osborne House, Isle of Wight
If you long for sea views and Victorian romance, Osborne House is the place for your wedding. “This former royal retreat is packed with character, from its ornate Durbar Room to the serene private beach where Victoria and Albert spent family days at the seaside,” says Nick.
Couples can say their vows in the Duchess of Kent suite or toast their love on the Belvedere Terrace, making this a regal hideaway that still feels refreshingly personal.
5. Banqueting House, London
The only remaining piece of the lost Palace of Whitehall, Banqueting House offers Stuart splendour in the heart of London. The Main Hall is famous for its ceiling painted by the Baroque master Rubens: a dramatic backdrop to entrance guests at your ceremony or dinner.
Newly reopening in late 2025 after extensive restoration work, Banqueting House’s wedding venues boast the capacity for hundreds of guests and the atmospheric Undercroft below for more intimate ceremonies.
6. Windsor Guildhall, Windsor
This elegant Grade I-listed building in the heart of Windsor may look modest compared to the palaces on this list, but its royal credentials are second to none. Prince Charles and Camilla chose it for their civil ceremony in 2005, and pop royalty followed suit when Elton John and David Furnish wed there later that year.
“Inside, you’ll find richly decorated rooms available for both grand and intimate affairs, with flexible options to suit every couple, whether you’re local or just love the royal connection,” says Nick.
7. Eltham Palace, London
Once a childhood home of Henry VIII, Eltham Palace blends medieval heritage with 1930s art deco elegance. The sleek circular Entrance Hall, dreamy Great Hall, and manicured gardens offer a setting that channels both vintage glamour and historical gravitas. It’s a venue for couples who want something truly distinctive – and utterly photogenic.
8. Old Wardour Castle, Wiltshire
“For lovers of fairy-tale ruins and rural charm, Old Wardour Castle delivers an unforgettable setting,” says Nick. This unique six-sided medieval fortress lets you marry within its weathered stone walls or in the romantic lakeside Pavilion nearby.
With Georgian follies, crumbling archways, and breathtaking grounds, it’s an enchanting option for couples who want atmosphere with a touch of drama.
Nick Bramer of Country House Weddings commented:
“What elevates a venue from beautiful to unforgettable is more than just the backdrop. Couples should think about how the space reflects their story, whether that’s a royal connection, a favourite landscape, or an architectural era they love. Venues with historical significance bring their own atmosphere to a celebration, and when that history aligns with your values or tastes, it creates a natural sense of meaning.
“You should also think about how the venue works in every season, what it offers logistically, and how it photographs. Whether you’re dreaming of grand staircases, intimate drawing rooms, or fairytale ruins, the UK’s most breathtaking venues offer romance, drama, and centuries of stories – all waiting to host your love story.”
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