Weddings – who doesn’t love them. But as any bride and groom will tell you, the day goes far too quickly. So then, it’s no surprise that couples are looking at ways to extend the celebrations and make the most of such a happy and special occasion.

A popular trend, is to hire out a house-style venue. Stately buildings have plenty of space for guests, and are often available for weekends or longer – perfect for intimate celebrations, or hosting friends and family visiting from afar.

Luxury Country Houses for Wedding Parties

Why should celebrations be restricted to one day, when you can make a weekend of it!? Check out these stunning exclusive use private houses, from the Cornish coast to the Scottish borders, here’s seven awe-inspiring wedding venues for lingering just a little longer.

Pull out all the five-star stops for an unforgettable wedding at Dun Aluinn. Located in the picturesque setting of Perthshire, the manor house offers charming views of the Scottish countryside in all its glory.

Its privileged elevated position high up offers uninterrupted views of the River Tay. There’s five acres of private grounds to discover, all yours for the big day, and then some.

With the luxury of its own private grounds, this is the ideal property for celebrating with friends and family over a number of days. It can accommodate up to 18 guests in stylish en-suite bedrooms.

With access to your own butler, housekeeper and concierge services, the property is perfectly equipped for hosting special occasions. To that end, salmon fishing and local whisky tours are the perfect way to ease you into married life.

For small, bijou, and meaningful celebrations, Treseren is your ‘home-from-home’. This quaint and cosy country house is set within stunning grounds, handed over to you for the wedding of your dreams. There’s no shortage of space, allowing you to get back to nature and enjoy time out from the world.

Ideal for intimate ceremonies, the property is tucked away in tranquillity, making it the perfect hideaway for your microwedding. With boutique accommodation available for up to 12 guests, you can take over the property for as long as you need. Plus, it’s well-located to discover the beauty of St Agnes nearby.

In the beautiful northern border of Wales in Llandinam, lies a peaceful and private mansion dating back 144 years. Despite its historic significance, it brings a modern-day twist to wedding celebrations.

Plas Dinam exudes character and charm, hosted within 13 acres of idyllic countryside. There’s breathtaking views across the Severn Valley, setting the scene for a magical celebration. Should you linger a little longer, the estate includes tennis courts, stables, a fire pit and glamping facilities to round off your stay.

You can’t help but feel like you’ve been transported to another place and time.

There’s a sense of prestige and importance about Gileston Manor that makes it ideal for VIP occasions such as your wedding day. The Georgia Grade II listed building will give you all the Downton Abbey feels, with luxury and decadence at every turn. No wonder many guests extend their stay, as they soak up the beauty of its luxury surroundings.

As well as the perfect backdrop for your big day, there’s plenty of on-site facilities to keep guests entertained: a pop-up bar, shooting facilities, and its impeccable grounds. Plus, it’s delightfully close to the Jurassic coastline for exploring this famous Welsh attraction. Bring your camera, and a home-made picnic – you can’t go wrong.

When you want to let loose without restrictions, Drovers Barn is perfect for taking over for a weekend of festival-like celebrations. For the young at heart and those with a bohemian spirit, this is the perfect venue for making your very own.

With bell-tents and on-site glamping for up to 40 guests, there’s plenty of reasons to stay long after vows are exchanged. Sleep under the stars, or get into the country way of life at its organic farm. Perhaps you’ll explore the wider region. Then again, with a fully-licenced bar until 1am, you might prefer to stay up and make the most of it. 

It’s surprisingly budget friendly for a wedding venue that has it all!

Splash out in style at this expansive estate that can host up to 240 guests. Ideal for large parties and extended families, perhaps coming from wide and far.

Expect warm hospitality from this family-friendly venue, that takes great pride in catering to its guests. Take advantage of their packages and stay two or three nights to prolong the magic of your big day. The property is available for exclusive use and includes a coordinator to enhance your stay.

Choose this venue and communal kitchens, vast gardens, and a rustic manor house and barn could all be yours for the big day and beyond.

If you’re after grandeur without the price tag, add Colehayes Park to your wedding shortlist. Nestled in 20 acres of woodland at the foot of Dartmoor National Park, it couldn’t be more quintessentially British.

Nonetheless, no two weddings here are ever the same, with the option to put your personal stamp on proceedings.  For the big day, there’s plenty of outdoor space allowing for pop-up bars, hog roasts, tents, or wherever your imagination takes you. Nothing is off limits at this ‘DIY’ venue. That said, there’s also plenty of formal options available too.

The impressive Georgian mansion is particularly well-suited to larger groups. Impressively, it can house up to 70 guests under its luxury roof.

Things to consider when booking a house for your wedding?

When looking at houses in the UK to hire for a wedding reception make sure you consider;

Minimum stay requirements

Many house rentals will have a minimum stay period of 3 nights, with some for the whole week. If you wish to enjoy celebrations just across one night make this clear when researching venues.

Does the venue hold a wedding license?

If you plan to have a legal ceremony then make sure the venue and house you are looking at using has a wedding licence.

The amount of onsite Accommodation

Consider who you are inviting and who would you like to stay at the venue and house with you depending on the size of the property and accommodation on site.