If you’re planning a micro-wedding, or even an elopement, these small Cotswold wedding venues will create the cosiness you desire.
When thinking about Cotswold wedding venues, the last thing that typically comes to mind is small. Grand yes, sprawling even maybe. But intimate was traditionally not the calling card of a classic Cotswolds wedding venue. However, tastes are changing, and the desire to marry on a large scale is not what it was. Due in no small part to couples’ experiences during the pandemic, and a modern admiration for experience, over mass appeal. Creating unique moments with loved ones through good food, entertainment, or via the venue itself is the de jour of modern couples.
Photo by Jonathan Borba
By choosing a small wedding venue, and a guest list of under 75, Cotswold couples are opening themselves up to a whole new world of planning options. Suddenly they can now serve their guests restaurant quality food, rather than the standard catering large weddings would often need to hire. They’re able to get more creative with their stationery, and the entertainment, offering a more tailored experience to their guests.
For those Cotswold couples with aesthetics at the forefront of their wedding planning minds, small wedding venues are certainly the way to go. As intimate celebration spots tend to already tick many of the stylistic boxes, with very little need for extra decor. Boutique hotels, trendy restaurants and chic manor houses all look fabulous to begin with. Leaving you free to create a spectacular experience for your loved ones.
The Best Small Cotswold Wedding Venues
In this post we would like to share our pick of the finest small Cotswold venues, in the hope of inspiring your micro-wedding search. Maybe your dream spot to tie the knot is on this list! Keep scrolling to find out.
The Greenway Hotel & Spa
If you’re looking for all-inclusive wedding packages in the Cotswolds, complete with some beautiful surroundings – look no further than The Greenway Hotel & Spa. This elegant 16th century manor house is situated on the edge of the Cotswolds Hills, and sits within 8 acres of meticulously maintained grounds.
This Cotswold venue is ideal for small, to medium-sized weddings, with a capacity of up to 100 for evening receptions in the largest event space. However, typically at this hotel, weddings tend to have around 50 to 60 guests. Which is an ideal size if you want your wedding to feel like a weekend away for the whole group.
On-site there are 21 luxurious bedrooms available, along with a fabulous spa. The ideal place to relax in before all the festivities begin!
Civil ceremonies with up to 60 guests can be held at the venue, but there is also a church nearby in Leckhampton, if you’d prefer a religious ceremony. There are many delightful spots outside that are ideal for cocktails and canapés. While the variety of spaces inside will ensure there is a perfect space available for every couple.
Ingleside House
For those looking for small, winter wedding venues. Places that feel extra cosy during the cooler months. You have to check out Ingleside House, one of those Cotswold wedding venues that celebrates its intimacy, and curates a very homely feel for its guests.
Photo by Cat Stephens Photography
The iconic building can be dated back to the early 19th century, and has been lovingly restored to cherish its unique look and feel. While also delivering the modern luxuries couples crave in a hotel, and celebration space. There are 11 luxury boutique rooms available on-site, ideal for those who want their wedding party to stay close throughout the festivities.
The venue actually has a capacity for up to 150/180 guests within its largest rooms. But there are many other spaces that suit an intimate celebration perfectly, and so stylishly. Like The Music Room, which has a capacity of 55 for licenced ceremonies, and 40 for sit down receptions.
The Bower House
If you’re searching for small Cotswold wedding venues that feel far from average, The Bower House needs to top your visit list. This Georgian building has a capacity of up to 70 seated, and 100 standing within its very chic, and elegant space. And it sits right in the heart of the historic Warwickshire market town of Shipston on Stour. Which gives the venue a very buzzy, vibrant feel.
Photo from The Bower House
Within the venue, you can take your pick from a variety of stunning rooms, all opulently designed and in keeping with the Georgian period of the building. There are also 5 wonderfully well appointed bedrooms available, along with a special newly-weds’ suite, called the Pink Room.
The good food and excellent bar service (the cocktails are incredible) make this one of the hottest small wedding venues in Warwickshire, née the Cotswolds. With couples often booking 2 or more years in advance just to secure their date at this prestigious location.
Stratton House Hotel & Spa
Whether you choose to celebrate within the chic walls of this 17th century hotel. Or instead, decide to make the fairytale gardens your intimate wedding day location. The Stratton House Hotel & Spa would be an idyllic location for a small, weekend wedding.
This stunning venue can accommodate guests of up to 80 for daytime seated affairs, and more during the evening for unseated events. But Stratton House is really at its best when hosting small, all-inclusive wedding packages, for around 50 guests. Then they can really give their all to everyone present, and provide the whole party with a truly luxurious experience.
Photo from Stratton House Hotel & Spa
Style-wise the outside is beautifully maintained, making it ideal for champagne receptions and portraits in and around the gardens. The walled garden in particular is a stunning spot to sneak off to with your photographer, and capture some sweet moments. Inside, the decor is purposefully soft, neutral, and refined, allowing couples to effortlessly place their personality onto the space. Perfect for those who want to get creative with their decoration, without completely starting from scratch.
There are also a range of bedrooms available in the hotel, along with sumptuous spa facilities.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
No list of small Cotswold wedding venues would be complete without the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. An enchanting celebration space that prides itself on delivering an intimate big day experience like no other. If you know Bath, you’ll know The Royal Crescent. It is an iconic destination, and the dream backdrop for a wedding day. With its sweeping views of rich greenery, and that unique half-moon style Grade 1-listed structure the hotel sits within.
Photo by Julian Navarette
The hotel and spa is actually located at the centre of the crescent, across two buildings. There are several grand rooms available to hire, along with a magnificent garden which can be used either for a drinks’ reception, or as a space for a marquee. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is also licenced as a wedding venue, meaning the garden could play the perfect host to your ceremony.
Following a night of stately celebrations, guests have the option to retire to the 45 individually designed bedrooms, each of which has been curated to offer that ‘second home’ feel. There are even special suites for the newly-weds, complete with private living room and spectacular views across the crescent.
