Add extra sophistication and style to your celebrations by holding your wedding in a grand, romantic Georgian venue.
From castles to manors and hotels, you will be spoilt for choice with the range of venues on our site.
Choose from cities including London and Bath, to Brighton and Hove for some of the most striking Georgian architecture.
London features palaces, grand halls and luxury houses. Similarly, in the city of Bath, choose from estates, hotels and historic sites, including the beautiful Roman Baths. In addition, Brighton and surrounding areas encompass castles and secluded manors, complete with sweeping picturesque green hills.
Imagine being dressed in your best attire and surrounded by all the finery and elegance of the Regency era. You will turn back in time as you say your vows. Dine and dance in rooms that boast a rich history and an abundance of charm and period décor.
Sounds like your cup of tea? Then a Georgian wedding venue is the perfect one for you!
Georgian Period
The Georgian era stretched from 1714 to 1830, from the ascension of George I to the death of George IV. It was a time of great social and industrial change in Britain, therefore building styles underwent great change.
The period featured architecture inspired by classical Greek and Roman cities, like Rome and Athens. For instance, it encompasses everything from columns to friezes.
The century saw with it a range of beautiful architectural styles. The Georgian era encompassed Neo-classical, Palladian (based on the work of 14th century architect Andrea Palladio), Gothic, and Regency design, as well as influences from all over the globe.
Georgian Buildings
Design from this time had strong associations with class and power. It also focused on simplicity and stability, which may explain why it is such a popular choice for couples on their wedding day.
Georgian houses were generally built in either red brick, bright white, honey hued or beige stone. These magnificent buildings often feature a variety of distinctive features, including panelled painted front doors, a fan window (found above the door), pilasters, and a shallow roof.
Decorative mouldings are prevalent on the outside of houses which gives an uncluttered and elegant façade. Therefore this presents a perfect opportunity for stunning wedding photographs! There is a strong influence of the golden ratio in proportions, which brings about great symmetry and flawless harmony.
Colour was starting to make a grand appearance and plaster work was reaching the height of intricacy throughout the interiors of Georgian architecture. Walls are often painted in sky blue, lavender, blossom pink and pea green. These lighter shades maintain an elegant and airy feel to the rooms.
Large windows let in plenty of light and tall ceilings emphasise the openness. The ground floor ceiling height is always the tallest. As a result, a grand sweeping staircase – and ornate handrail – leads to the first floor of these elegant buildings.
Georgian Architects
There were a great number of British architects during the Georgian period, each with their own style.
Firstly Colen Campbell, a leader in neo-classical design, is often credited as the founder of Georgian architecture. He publishedVitruvius Britannicus, a catalogue of the work of his contemporary architects. As a result, the neo-Palladian style of architecture exploded in popularity.
Another designer of note is Robert Adam, known for his classical interiors in a vast number of developments across London.
Josh Nash, too, opted for neo-classical designs, as well as picturesque styles. Some of his most famed work include Buckingham Palace and Brighton’s Royal Pavilion.
John Wood the Elder was a notable architect in Bath and the surrounding area, building a lot of the recognisable structures around the city. He designed the Circus, which was finished by his son after his death. John Wood the Younger went on to build the Royal Crescent, possibly the most unmistakable piece of Georgian architecture ever.
Georgian Weddings
Venues in Palladian and Regency styles showcase a variety of interiors. Some have delicate mahogany and walnut furniture and grand fireplaces, while others show off magnificent chandeliers, aristocratic paintings and striking staircases. These features create the most romantic of settings.
Some Georgian venues are also licensed to perform civil wedding ceremonies, allowing you to hold all of your celebrations within their historic grounds. In addition, many will even let you hire the entire venue for the whole weekend, allowing you and your loved ones to really relax and slip into the majestic glamour of a time gone by.
Some florists will help you turn your venue back in time. Suzie from Frog Flowers bases her floral displays on the setting in which the venue sits. “If we have natural surroundings we keep arrangements relaxed and organic. We work with gardens at the venue. If there is a nice garden we like to use similar flowers and ‘bring the outside in’. We take inspiration from the space.”
Georgian Venues
The Wedding Secret features plenty of these awe-inspiring buildings:
London
Addington Palace in Croydon incorporates 163 acres of land, a Grade II-listed Palladian mansion, and the Royal Pavilion, which is the largest wedding venue in the South East.
Situated near The Strand, RSA House is a Georgian townhouse. It has a variety of rooms in the venue so you can choose the one that suits your needs perfectly.
Asia House in Marylebone features a striking red panelled door, which is highly representative of Georgian styles. As the rooms are all dressed in different colours, you can complement perfectly to your wedding colours!
Bath
Nothing says Bath like the Roman Baths and Pump Room. This iconic building would act as a stunning backdrop to your ceremony and reception.
Prior Park sits above the city of Bath and was designed by John Wood the Elder. Here, impressive stone steps lead up to the Grade I-listed mansion from Capability Brown’s landscaped grounds.
Alternatively, have your wedding surrounded by countless Georgian buildings in the Parade Gardens. Overlook the world famous Pulteney Bridge as you take your vows in the bandstand.
Brighton and Hove
Proud Country House in Stanmer can host both your ceremony and your reception. Its Palladian architecture was lovingly restored in 2006.
Pelham House in Lewes is not even half an hour drive from the Brighton seafront. The venue boasts spectacular gardens a unique Trompe-l’œil mural on the ceiling above the staircase.
Sitting in the centre of Pelham Crescent, St Mary in the Castle in Hastings is a grade II-listed former church. The wonderful Adelaide Auditorium can seat up to 450 guests.
Go for a full Georgian theme
Brought back to fashion by popular films such as ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘The Duchess’, Georgian replica items of clothing are not hard to come by.
You could base your whole wedding around a Georgian theme; from the delicate invitations, lace parasols and white gloves, through to a stunning Regency-inspired wedding gown. Complete the look with a horse and carriage for your grand entrance.
Go one step further and serve a twice-iced Bride’s cake at your wedding breakfast (so named because weddings used to occur first thing in the morning). Even decorate your table and venue with herbs, flowers and candles. Top it off with a simple flower crown.
In summary, celebrate the finery and elegance of a bygone era by holding your wedding celebration at a beautiful, light and airy Georgian venue. Explore our website to discover lots of beautiful venues.
