Best Wedding Venues in Bath and the Surrounding Countryside
A photographer’s guide to getting married in Bath and Somerset
The Best Wedding Venues in Bath and Somerset
If you’ve found this page, you’re probably looking for your wedding venue. Firstly, congratulations on your engagement!
I’m Jacob, a wedding photographer based near Bath. Over the past 10 years, I’ve photographed more than 250 weddings across Bath, Bristol and the surrounding countryside.
I’ve put together this guide to some of my favourite wedding venues in and around Bath, from historic city locations to characterful barns and relaxed countryside estates. Where I’ve photographed weddings, I’ve included my own experiences, along with observations on the atmosphere, natural light and opportunities for photographs.
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony in the city or a full weekend celebration in the countryside, I hope this guide helps you find a venue that feels right for you.
I’ll keep updating the guide as I discover new venues and photograph more weddings.
Bath Wedding Photographer
Hi, I’m Jacob. I’m based near Bath and regularly photograph weddings across Bath, Bristol, and the surrounding Somerset countryside. This list is built from venues I have genuinely loved photographing over the years.
If you are currently searching for a Bath wedding venue, I hope this gives you some helpful inspiration. From grand country houses to smaller city venues, there is something here for every kind of wedding.
I will keep this page updated as I visit new venues each year.
Overview
Table of Contents
Roman Baths and Pump Room
Roundhill Barn, Kelston
Parade Gardens and The Riverside Colonnades
Wick Farm
Pennard House
The Temple of Minerva and Botanical Gardens
Elmhay Park
Hamswell House
Priston Mill
The Pig Near Bath
The Pony Chew Valley
Noah's Pond
Bath Register Office
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
Folly Farm
The Royal Crescent Hotel
Orchardleigh House
Court Farm
Coombe Lodge
Root Bath
Woodford Farm
Mad Swans
Marquee Weddings
If you are searching for the best wedding venues in Bath, this guide covers some of the most beautiful and popular locations in the city and surrounding countryside. As a Bath wedding photographer, I have worked at many of these venues and included real insights to help you choose the right setting for your day.
Roman Baths and Pump Room
Central Bath
Starting with one of the most iconic venues in the city, the Roman Baths and Pump Room is a stunning option for both intimate and larger ceremonies. It offers the chance to exchange your vows in a truly historic setting, surrounded by ancient architecture and a unique atmosphere.
Ceremonies here take place at either sunrise or sunset, which is worth considering when planning your timeline. The ceremony space can accommodate up to 160 guests, with evening receptions for up to 300.
From a photography perspective, it is completely unique. The combination of history, lighting, and setting makes it unlike anywhere else in Bath. Its central location also makes it ideal for guests travelling in, with plenty of nearby accommodation options.
Roundhill Barn, Kelston
North West Rural Bath
Set in the village of Kelston, Roundhill Barn sits high above the surrounding countryside, with incredible views across Bath and the surrounding Somerset landscape.
This restored Victorian stone barn offers a relaxed, off-grid feel while still being easily accessible from Bath. The venue can host up to 120 guests, with the option to extend capacity using a marquee. There are also camping options on site, making it ideal for couples who want to turn their wedding into a full weekend celebration.
If you’re planning a laid-back wedding where you can put your own stamp on every detail, Roundhill Barn is a brilliant choice. I’ve photographed some really fun weddings here, with everything from bright, colourful DIY paper lanterns and decorations to popcorn machines, BBQs, sharing platters and Land Rover cocktail bars. Every wedding has felt unique, with couples having the freedom to create a day that reflects their personalities.
The flexibility to choose your own suppliers is a real draw for couples who want more control over their wedding. It does mean getting more hands-on with the planning, but if you enjoy the idea of creating something completely your own, that’s part of the appeal.
I’ve been lucky enough to photograph weddings here when the weather has been kind, and the outdoor space is a real highlight. The barn itself provides plenty of room for guests to celebrate, while the surrounding grounds and panoramic views make a beautiful backdrop for photographs.
Parade Gardens and The Riverside Colonnades
Central Bath
This is one of the most visually beautiful outdoor ceremony locations in Bath. Set within Parade Gardens and overlooking Pulteney Bridge, it offers a truly memorable setting.
Ceremonies can take place in the Edwardian bandstand or beneath the colonnades. The venue can host up to 100 guests and is fully outdoors, which is worth considering when planning.
It is perfect for couples who want a relaxed, open-air celebration in the heart of the city, with stunning architecture and riverside views.
→ View my Parade Gardens and The Riverside Colonnades Wedding Photography
Wick Farm
South of Bath
Wick Farm is a beautifully restored medieval barn set in the countryside just a short drive from Bath. It offers a rural setting while remaining convenient for guests travelling from the city.
With a choice of indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, it offers flexibility throughout the year. The barn can accommodate up to 132 guests for the wedding breakfast, with capacity for up to 200 in the evening, making it suitable for both the main celebrations and a larger evening party.
For couples looking for a characterful barn venue with countryside surroundings and easy access to Bath, Wick Farm is well worth considering.
Pennard House
Near Shepton Mallet
Pennard House is one of my favourite wedding venues in Somerset. It has a relaxed, boho atmosphere while still feeling thoughtfully run, making it a lovely choice for couples looking for a countryside wedding with plenty of character.
There are several ceremony options, including an indoor space, a garden pavilion and a nearby church. The venue can accommodate between 60 and 120 guests for dining, with space for up to 180 in the evening. With accommodation on site, it’s also well suited to a full weekend celebration, particularly if you have guests travelling from further afield.
From a photography perspective, there’s so much to love here. I usually arrive a few hours before the ceremony to photograph the preparations, and the bright, airy bridal suite is a lovely space to work in. There are also plenty of characterful rooms throughout the house where the wedding party can get ready and spend time together.
The gardens are another highlight, especially the rose garden with the house and its climbing ivy providing a beautiful backdrop for photographs.
I also love how the day flows into the evening. The Coach House is a great space for the wedding breakfast and speeches upstairs, before everyone heads downstairs for dancing and the evening celebrations.
The team here are brilliant, too. Having a venue that feels this welcoming and well organised makes a real difference, and I can’t recommend Pennard House enough.
The Temple of Minerva and Botanical Gardens
Central Bath
Located within Bath’s Botanical Gardens, the Temple of Minerva is a beautiful setting for an intimate wedding ceremony. I love how open and airy the temple feels, with the ceremony taking place in the centre and guests seated on either side.
The temple is closed to the public during ceremonies, which helps create a private and personal atmosphere despite being within a public garden. It’s also a wonderfully maintained setting, surrounded by beautiful plants and greenery.
From a photography perspective, I like to take group photographs on the private lawn beside the temple, before exploring the Botanical Gardens with the couple for portraits. With so much greenery and natural beauty to work with, it’s a lovely choice for couples who want their wedding to feel relaxed and connected to nature.
The indoor space seats around 35 guests, with the option to accommodate up to 100 using the outdoor area. This makes it particularly appealing for smaller weddings, with the flexibility to invite more guests when using the outdoor space.
Elmhay Park
Near Frome
Elmhay Park is a stunning walled garden venue set within a large private estate. It offers plenty of privacy, beautiful grounds and the flexibility to create a wedding that feels truly your own.
I love arriving a few hours before the ceremony to photograph the preparations. The ceremony is often held in the Italian Garden, which is a beautiful setting, with an open side that lets in plenty of natural light while offering some welcome shade.
The gardens are a real highlight throughout the afternoon. The terrace is a lovely spot for drinks and canapés, while the grounds have plenty of little corners for guests to explore, along with open lawns where they can enjoy a game of croquet.
For the wedding breakfast, the Orangery is a particularly lovely space. Its natural light and long dining tables create a welcoming setting for bringing everyone together to eat, drink and celebrate.
With accommodation for up to 70 guests and space for larger celebrations, Elmhay Park is well suited to couples who want to make a weekend of their wedding. The flexibility around corkage and timings can also give you more freedom when planning, subject to the venue’s current arrangements.
From the preparations through to the evening celebrations, the day flows beautifully here, with plenty of opportunities for natural, candid photographs along the way.
Hamswell House
Near Bath
Hamswell House is a beautiful countryside wedding venue with panoramic views across the surrounding landscape and a choice of ceremony settings.
Couples can choose from spaces including the orangery and gardens, with a nearby church also offering an option for a more traditional ceremony. The grounds provide plenty of room for guests to enjoy the surroundings, making it an appealing choice for couples who want an outdoor feel without being too far from Bath.
With its sweeping views and variety of settings, Hamswell House offers plenty of potential for a relaxed countryside wedding.
Priston Mill
Near Bath
Set in a peaceful valley just outside Bath, Priston Mill offers two distinct wedding venues: the Watermill and the Tythe Barn. Both are full of character, with the Tythe Barn ideal for larger celebrations and the Watermill offering a lovely setting for more intimate weddings.
Priston Mill is also a venue with a bit of personal history for me. It was one of the first wedding venues I photographed independently back in 2015, and I’ve been lucky enough to return many times over the years.
What I love about this venue is how well weddings are run. The team really know what they’re doing, the food is great, and the beautiful surroundings provide a lovely backdrop throughout the day. Both spaces have their own character, and everything flows naturally from the ceremony through to the celebrations.
Having photographed weddings here for over 10 years, it’s a venue I know well and one I can happily recommend to couples looking for a countryside wedding near Bath.
The Pony Chew Valley
Near Bath
Set above the Chew Valley, The Pony is a restaurant and pub with beautiful countryside views and a focus on seasonal, locally sourced food.
With space for a larger gathering, it could be a great option for couples who want their wedding reception to centre around good food, drinks and time with friends and family.
I haven’t photographed a wedding here myself yet, so I can’t offer the same first-hand insight as I can for some of the other venues in this guide. However, its setting and food-led approach make it an interesting option to consider if you’re looking for something relaxed and a little different.
Noah's Pond
Near Frome
Noah’s Pond offers a relaxed, festival-style wedding setting, with tipis, woodland surroundings and beautiful views across the countryside.
With space for around 80 to 160 guests, alongside camping and glamping options, it’s a brilliant choice for couples who want an informal, creative celebration that can stretch into a full weekend.
Lucy and Craig, who run Noah’s Pond, are two of the loveliest people, and they’ve created a really special venue with everything you need for a proper party. Weddings here tend to be laid-back but full of energy, with a real focus on having a good time, enjoying great food and drink, and dancing to brilliant music.
There’s plenty of flexibility to put your own stamp on the day, making it a great fit for couples who want their wedding to feel personal rather than follow a traditional format.
I love photographing weddings here. If you’re looking for a relaxed countryside setting where your guests can eat, drink, celebrate and stay together, Noah’s Pond is well worth considering.
Guildhall Bath
Central Bath
If you’re looking for a simple, elegant wedding ceremony in the heart of Bath, the Guildhall is a lovely option.
The Jane Austen Room is well suited to smaller weddings, with the city’s beautiful Georgian architecture right on your doorstep. After the ceremony, there are plenty of opportunities for photographs around the surrounding streets and historic buildings, with Parade Gardens and Pulteney Bridge also nearby.
It’s a great choice for couples who want an intimate, straightforward ceremony in the city, with the freedom to celebrate afterwards at a nearby restaurant or bar.
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
Central Bath
Set within private gardens while still being close to the city centre, Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel offers a lovely balance of convenience, elegance and greenery.
With space for up to 120 guests indoors and options for larger celebrations outside, it’s a great choice for couples with guests travelling from further afield. The accommodation and grounds also make it easy to keep everything in one place.
From a photography perspective, I’m a big fan of the rooms. The antique wood panelling and natural light make them a beautiful setting for photographs during the preparations and ceremony. The corridors, lined with elegant potted plants, are full of character, while the red carpet leading out towards the grounds gives you plenty of space and opportunities for photographs.
I often take group photographs on the lawn, followed by couple portraits around the garden temple. On a sunny day, the outdoor bar is also a lovely spot for capturing candid moments as guests relax and enjoy themselves.
With Bath city centre within walking distance and Sydney Gardens just across the road, there’s plenty of choice if you want to explore beyond the hotel itself.
The Pig Near Bath
Near Bath
Known for its seasonal food, beautiful gardens and relaxed country-house atmosphere, The Pig near Bath is worth considering for a smaller wedding celebration.
With private dining spaces for more intimate gatherings, it’s particularly suited to couples who want to bring their favourite people together over a memorable meal, rather than plan a large traditional wedding reception.
If food, atmosphere and spending quality time with your guests are high on your list, it could be a lovely option for a more intimate celebration.
Folly Farm
Near Bristol
Folly Farm is a countryside wedding venue with a relaxed, natural feel, surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful views.
The stone barn provides a lovely blank canvas for couples to put their own stamp on the day, with the option of holding your ceremony outdoors overlooking the countryside or inside the barn. With accommodation on site, it’s also a great choice for couples who want to make a weekend of their wedding.
I’ve photographed some brilliant weddings here, and they always seem to strike that lovely balance between being relaxed and full of energy. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, with plenty of personality, and the celebrations often turn into a really good party.
Another thing that makes Folly Farm special is that it’s run by a wildlife trust. For couples who care about the natural environment and want their wedding to reflect those values, that’s an appealing part of its character.
It’s a lovely venue for couples who want a countryside wedding that feels personal, fun and connected to the landscape.
The Royal Crescent Hotel
Central Bath
Set within one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, The Royal Crescent Hotel offers an elegant setting for weddings, combining beautiful Georgian architecture with private gardens and luxurious interiors.
With a choice of rooms and garden spaces, it’s well suited to intimate weddings, while exclusive use offers the opportunity to celebrate on a larger scale.
The location is a real highlight. The hotel’s gardens provide a lovely setting for photographs, while the surrounding Royal Crescent offers one of Bath’s most recognisable backdrops. You’re also within easy reach of the city’s beautiful Georgian streets, giving you plenty of options for photographs that capture the character of Bath.
For couples looking for an elegant city wedding with a little more privacy and a timeless setting, it’s a wonderful option to consider.
Orchardleigh House
Near Frome
Orchardleigh House is a grand country estate set within extensive grounds, offering a beautiful setting for a wedding and plenty of space to make a whole weekend of it.
With accommodation on site, a private church and multiple options for your ceremony, there are plenty of ways to make the estate your own. Whether you’re planning a traditional celebration or something a little more personal, the flexibility allows you to bring your own ideas and vision to the day.
I love photographing weddings here. The scale of the estate makes a real impression, with beautiful surroundings in every direction and plenty of space for guests to explore and enjoy themselves throughout the celebrations.
With its combination of grandeur, flexibility and on-site activities, Orchardleigh House is a great option for couples planning a larger wedding who want to bring everyone together in one place.
Woodford Farm
Near Wells
Woodford Farm is a reception-only wedding venue set around a lake in the open countryside. It’s ideal for couples planning a marquee or tipi wedding who want the freedom to create a day that feels completely their own.
The weddings I’ve photographed here have been so much fun, with everything from ponies and crêpe stalls to fried chicken, multiple food vendors, DIY cocktail stations and even a games marquee. There’s plenty of room to get creative and bring in those personal touches that make a wedding feel unique.
I love photographing weddings here because they have a real party atmosphere. With the flexibility to choose your own suppliers, food and entertainment, it’s a brilliant option for couples who want a relaxed countryside celebration focused on good food, great company and having a genuinely good time.
Court Farm, Standerwick
Near Bath
Court Farm is a relaxed barn wedding venue with plenty of character and a personal feel. I’ve been lucky enough to photograph weddings here for over six years, and it’s a venue I’ve always enjoyed returning to.
The large barn is a lovely space for wedding receptions, with long tables that bring everyone together for the wedding breakfast. The surrounding grounds provide plenty of room for guests to relax and enjoy themselves throughout the day.
With accommodation for a smaller group and a natural flow between the different spaces, Court Farm lends itself to relaxed celebrations where couples can spend quality time with their guests. No two weddings I’ve photographed here have felt quite the same, and that sense of personality is a big part of its appeal.
It’s a lovely choice for couples looking for a countryside barn wedding that feels welcoming, informal and full of character.
Coombe Lodge
Near Bath
Coombe Lodge is a lovely choice for couples looking for a countryside wedding venue with beautiful views and plenty of character. The gardens and surrounding grounds provide a lovely setting for spending time with guests and taking photographs throughout the day.
With multiple ceremony options and indoor spaces available, there’s flexibility when planning your wedding, whatever the weather.
From a photography perspective, I’d focus on what makes the venue special to you as a couple, whether that’s the views, the gardens or the atmosphere as the celebrations get going.
Root Bath
Shires Yard, Bath
Root is a lovely restaurant in the heart of Bath, perfect for wedding receptions and celebrations after a ceremony elsewhere in the city. I love photographing wedding receptions here, and the food is always incredible.
From a photography perspective, the upstairs terrace is a real highlight. It’s an open, airy space that’s particularly lovely around sunset, when the golden-hour light reflects off the surrounding stone buildings. It’s a great spot for relaxed couple portraits, as well as photographs with family and friends.
Inside, the natural light coming in from one side of the restaurant creates lovely conditions for photographs during speeches, capturing both the people speaking and the reactions around the room.
Root is a great option for couples planning a smaller or mid-sized celebration who want excellent food, a central Bath location and a relaxed atmosphere.
Mad Swans
Near Bath
Mad Swans is a newer wedding venue in the Mendips, offering a mix of spaces including a tipi, farmhouse and characterful indoor areas.
With accommodation on site and space for around 100 guests, it offers plenty of flexibility for couples looking for something a little different. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces makes it an interesting option for a relaxed countryside celebration, with room to put your own stamp on the day.
If you’re looking for a venue with a distinctive setting and a more informal feel, Mad Swans is one to explore.
Marquee & Garden Weddings
If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding, a marquee or garden celebration gives you the freedom to create a day that feels completely your own. Whether it’s in a family garden, a field in the countryside or the grounds of a private home, you can build the day around the things that matter most to you.
From the ceremony location and seating to the food, drinks and evening entertainment, you have plenty of flexibility to make it personal. These weddings often have a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, with guests spending time outdoors, children playing on the lawn and the celebrations carrying on into the evening.
From a photography perspective, I love how individual these weddings can be. Every setting is different, and the freedom to do things your own way often creates some of the most natural, memorable moments of the day.
Of course, it’s worth thinking about practicalities such as toilets, power, catering and a wet-weather plan, but if you want the freedom to create something truly personal, a marquee or garden wedding can be a brilliant option.
→ See more weddings I've captured at Marquee & Garden Weddings
Planning Your Bath Wedding
Choosing your venue is one of the most important parts of planning your wedding.
If you are still deciding or would like advice on how your day could work at any of these venues, feel free to get in touch.
If you are looking for a relaxed and natural Bath wedding photographer, I would love to hear more about your plans.
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