South West England’s 5 best period wedding venues

As well as the dress and the toe-tapping wedding jazz band, your wedding venue is the star of the show. If you’re browsing in the South West, and looking for somewhere rich in history, these are 5 of the best.

1. Almonry Barn, Somerset

wedding jazz band

Source: Hitched.co.uk

You’ll find the beautifully converted, 800-year old Almonry Barn in the village of Muchelney, Somerset. The ceremony will be hosted in the Hayloft above the main space, which seats 100 reception guests. The light stone walls and traditional wooden doors are as classically quaint as it gets!

Be prepared for a long waiting list! They only host around 30 weddings a year. They also have some rules about the use of sparklers and Chinese lanterns because the surrounding village is full of very flammable thatched rooves!

2. De Vere Tortworth Court, Gloucestershire

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Source: Hitched.co.uk

This Grade II listed Victorian mansion is one of Gloucestershire’s finest. Your ceremony will be held in the Orangery, dating back to 1874, with its glass domed roof and elegant tiled floor. In the summer, outdoor ceremonies take place at the pagoda. You can seat up to 280 guests in the Gallery, so this is a great venue for couples with a large guest list.

There are 30 acres of grounds for incredible photography, and the interior has been stunningly preserved to showcase all the period features, with plenty of modern refinements and finishing touches.

3. The Italian Villa, Dorset

wedding jazz band

Source: Hitched.co.uk

Luxuriously Mediterranean, this unique Villa couldn’t look bad in a photograph if it tried. Built in 1924 from Bath stone (perfect for a 1920s wedding jazz band!), there are a collection of suites to book for your big day. The Italian Garden alone is worth a look, with an ornamental lake, Carrera marble temple, and a wall of rhododendrons.
Anyone who wants a brief moment of calm during all the chaos and excitement will particularly love the Japanese Garden and Koi Carp…

4. Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol

wedding jazz band

Source: Hitched.co.uk

If getting married on terra firma feels a bit too predictable, the SS Great Britain could be exactly what you’re looking for. Designed by one of Bristol’s most famous exports, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the SS Great Britain was launched in 1843. Now, it sits in Bristol harbour and is ready to hire.

The Promenade Deck comfortably seats 100 for the ceremony, and the First Class Dining Saloon seats 160. The Chief Steward will be Master of Ceremonies and give your guests the grand tour.

If you want a wedding jazz band to start the party onboard, The Jazz Spivs are 100% acoustic and really look the part!

5. Lulworth Castle, Dorset

wedding jazz band

Source: Hitched.co.uk

There are so many stately homes to choose from in the South West (and the rest of the country) that they can all start looking a bit too alike. Lulworth is completely different. Designed to entertain royalty, this fortress-like castle was built between 1608 and 1610. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also right next to the Jurassic Coast and the gorgeous Lulworth Cove.

The rustic, ruined walls make this a very unique setting for your ceremony and reception. If it’s good enough for seven monarchs, it’s good enough for you and your guests!

Book an authentic 1920s wedding jazz band

Match your beautiful period venue with the right wedding jazz band. The Jazz Spivs play authentic, toe-tapping, Charleston-ready 1920s jazz.

For booking enquiries and prices, give us a call or send us an email.