The Top Ten Themed Wedding Destinations

by Liz Coggins (June 2012)

Themed weddings are becoming more popular with couples who want to give their wedding an unusual and exclusive feel. They can reflect a couples dreams, aspirations, interests and personalities and above all can be fun! With a themed wedding is vital to choose the right venue for your reception so its in tandem with your theme and the mood of the day and with the right backdrop your photographs will look absolutely stunning. Whether you chose a medieval, Elizabethan, art deco, seaside, romantic, nautical or pastoral theme it’s important to find the hotel that is the perfect match!

Coombe Abbey Hotel

Brinklow Road, Binley, Coventry

The 12th century former Cistercian abbey is medieval splendour personified. The grand staterooms provide opulent surroundings for wedding breakfasts. But the ultimate medieval weddings take place amidst colour and pageantry in the unique atmosphere of the Baronial Hall. Minstrels and Ladies of the Court serenade guests and there’s a traditional menu and entertainment appropriate to the period.

Burgh Island

Bigbury-on-Sea

This listed art deco hotel will bring all the 30’s glamour you could ever want to your special day. On an island with dramatic sea views, an art deco ballroom with an orchestra playing live, you’ll feel you are re-living those heady days when Noel Coward and Agatha Christie regarded this hotel as their second home.

The Lowry Hotel

50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf, Manchester

For an ultra modern theme the Lowry Hotel ticks all the boxes. The cutting edge design and architecture, glass fronted facade and curved terraces are unique. On the banks of the River Irwell next to the famous Trinity Bridge it has a feel of light and space throughout, especially in the function rooms with their breathtaking views over the waterfront.

The Goring

Beeston Place, London

For the crème de la crème of an aristocratic English Garden Wedding follow in the steps of royalty and, the rich and famous at The Goring. This is where Kate stayed the night before her wedding. For an ultra decadent touch celebrate with A Bollinger Afternoon tea on the terrace of the secluded garden served just as The Duchess of Bedford intended.

Dornoch Castle Hotel

Dornoch

One hour north of Inverness, deep in the Scottish highlands, lies the historic Dornoch Castle the perfect venue for a highland wedding. This fairytale castle is an imposing building beautifully restored with oak panelling, original artefacts, open fire places, where fires still burn, and a restaurant and terrace overlooking a magical walled garden.

Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel

Holbeck Lane, Windermere

This country house, is the ultimate choice for a lake side wedding with a pastoral theme. Awake on the day and stroll round the grounds to enjoy the silence and beauty of the landscape – where the gardens roll down to the lake in this perfect country paradise.

Carberry Tower

Musselburgh

For an Elizabethan, Tudor or historical themed wedding Carberry Towers provides the perfect backdrop. The interior has the feel of a private residence with wood panelling, beautiful stained glass and ornate furnishings and carvings. This stunning property is set in 35 acres of parkland, has its own 150 seat chapel and is only 10 minutes walk from the beach.

St George's Hotel

The Promenade, Llandudno

If you want a seaside themed wedding with a dash of Victorian elegance then this is the place. The function rooms have high ornate ceilings, stained glass windows and private terraces for evening alfresco eating. And you can end the day with a bang with fireworks on the beach, a midnight paddle and hot cocktails served on the sands.

Spitbank Fort

Royal Clarence Marina, Weevil Way, Gosport

This old converted sea fortress off the Solent is tailor made for nautical themed weddings and will literally blow you out of the water the first time you see it. Couples set sail with their guests, there is a limit of 50, on their own chartered boat to their reception on what can only be described as an island of dreams.

The Enchanted Manor

St Catherine's Point, Sandrock Road, Niton, Isle of Wight

Tucked away in secluded part of the island is the Enchanted Manor. As its name implies its speciality is creating weddings with a fairytale theme. With its romantic gazebo, fairy dells, cupid statues and heart shaped flower decorations hanging from trees a romantic fairyland ambience has been created in the gardens and in the Manor itself.