We are very fortunate to have some of the UK’s finest wedding venues right here on our door step. Here are just a few of the fantastic Wedding Venues that Chic Wedding Photography work with.

1. Houchins

Houchins is an elegant wedding venue with stylish grade 2* listed farmhouse accommodation. Located in north Essex it has a rich history dating back to the 17th century.

The Ceremony Loggia & Wedding Garden – Houchins
Situated in front of the terrace. Make your wedding entrance – from May to October you may choose to have your civil ceremony outside in the Loggia with your guests seated in the connecting marquee, sheltered from the vagaries of the British weather.

The Chitting Shed – Houchins
Reception Drinks area – This incorporates the bar area and enormous west facing terrace overlooking the landscaped wedding gardens. Enjoy garden games and mingling with your guests before celebrating the wedding breakfast.

The Grain Store – Houchins
Eat, drink and celebrate in our wedding breakfast dining space – with seating for up to 150 this room incorporates a large, open fireplace and mezzanine gallery to make full use of the 35 foot high ceilings.

The Foundry – Houchins
Evening Dance Barn and Indoor Ceremony area – For winter weddings the Foundry makes an elegant space for the civil ceremony and then transforms into a party barn to let you dance the night away.

2. Friern Manor

Friern Manor Country House Hotel, built in circa 1790, was transformed in the late 1980s to one of the county’s foremost exclusive hotels. Being amongst the first properties in England and Wales to benefit from the change in the Marriages Act 1994, it now boasts unrivalled facilities for wedding ceremonies within its unique setting.

Playing host to many small intimate weddings to the larger social gatherings, Friern Manor has three distinct locations for the solemnisation of marriages. The Dunton Room provides for the smaller intimate wedding for those who would prefer a more relaxed environment than that of the registry office. The Old Coaching Stables caters for larger ceremonies, perhaps providing the alternative to the church wedding. This room is designed with openness, its walls are flanked with Georgian styled glazing providing uninterrupted views of the landscaped grounds. It also benefits from a baby grand piano enabling a pianist to play for the ceremony and wedding breakfast. The South Lawns Conservatory is probably the most adventurous conception since the changes in the Marriages Act were applied to England and Wales.

This unique area brings to the conclusion a substantial redevelopment, now providing for an unrivalled wedding ceremony. Marry in the South Conservatory, under its Portland stone canopy, whilst guests are seated on the South Lawn under a luxurious awning of white canvas and silk linings. The 25-metre aisle, flanked with pedestals and urns with complementing summer flowers, ensures that any bride will be made to feel like a princess for the day. As one would expect from a venue such as this, the care and attention doesn’t just stop at the building. A whole host of luxury awaits both you and your guests from crystal glassware to English bone china from competent trained staff to an unparalleled level of service, not to mention our award-winning cuisine. You can rest assured that your special day will be memorable for all.

3. Channels Estate

Channels Estate is one of the most versatile wedding venues in Essex catering for another large weddings and is also one of the top venues in Essex for intimate weddings. Stunning indoor and outdoor weddings are all catered for in this stylish and popular wedding venue. Here are a few options:

The church without a roof

Outside, in the stunning ceremony garden overlooking the magnificent Essex countryside, the bride and groom can tie the knot under the pavilion while their guests watch the proceedings from the antique wooden pews. When it comes to reliving the memories made on this most memorable of days, the photographs taken in the tranquil Channels’ surroundings, with its extensive grounds, fountain, lily pond and avenue of mature trees, will provide a lasting memento to the special day.

The Essex Barn

The beautifully restored 17th century thatched Essex Barn is an idyllic wedding venue for your special day. Tie the knot with your soulmate in surroundings full of character with up to 100 of your loved ones there to share the moment. Under the 1994 Marriage Act, The Essex Barn is fully licensed to host civil ceremonies for both opposite and same-sex marriages. Up to 100 guests – Includes 90 seated

Wedding garden

A beautiful extension to The Essex Barn, our newly refurbished outside garden is a fantastic space to serve canapés and reception drinks.The wedding garden is a great space for live music, children’s games and photo opportunities. It is secluded and has an intimate feel surrounded by stunning country views.

4. Colchester Castle

Fulfill your dreams of an English castle wedding at Colchester Castle. At the grand, gated entrance of Castle Park lies Colchester Castle, one of England’s most important heritage sites.

Built on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, at a time when Colchester was the first Roman capital of Britain, this is one of Colchester’s most unique and awe-inspiring wedding venues. Whether you choose a large celebration or a small and intimate wedding with family and close friends, this historic venue creates the perfect backdrop to your big day. Make your choice of three unique and romantic spaces, filled with light and charm. By night the venue becomes exclusively yours, friends and family will be transported through time as you explore the historic archways and chambers, soaking up thousands of years of history and culture.

The Castle welcomes full ceremonies as well as wedding receptions.The ornate and intimate Charles Gray Room is the perfect location for your reception with its historic architectural features and views over the museum galleries. Our recommended selection of caterers will delight your guests with mouth-watering menus to suit every taste, budget and style.

Continue the evening within The Chapel, where your guests can join you to dance the night away with our in-house DJ – guaranteed to fill the dance floor and ensure the perfect finale to your big day.

This venue is open to the public and operates as a museum during the day.  However once night falls this venue becomes exclusively yours. Friends and family can rule the castle, exploring the artifacts at their leisure. Our rooms all open directly onto the Castle Gallery, making a magical evening one to truly remember.

5. Leez Priory

A breath-taking Tudor manor house set in 40 acres of Essex parkland. Nestled in the glorious Essex countryside, this Tudor manor house is exclusively yours and all just over an hour away from Central London.

Leez Priory, where a sweeping driveway leads you to a place of forgotten grandeur, and imposing gates reveal an intimate wedding venue set around a tranquil inner courtyard. This superior Tudor manor house is situated in the pretty English countryside, yet is situated just 15 minutes from Chelmsford and the M11. With shimmering lakes and manicured gardens, you won’t believe you have found a place of such beauty and splendour.

Three-times winner of Wedding Ideas Magazine’ Best Wedding Venue’, Leez Priory remains one of the most sought-after manor house wedding venues in the country. Set in 40 acres of parkland, with a sweeping driveway, manicured lawns and lakes, Leez Priory offers a picture-perfect backdrop for an exceptional day.

Ceremonies can be performed in any of seven licensed settings. Celebrate your day in the stunning historical Tower, which stands adjacent to the Main House. Or, for a truly unique environment, have an outdoor wedding ceremony, beneath the carriageway.

Fine dining is guaranteed, with a dedicated team of in-house chefs waiting to create your chosen culinary delights. Dine in the cosy Great Hall with its exposed beams and feature fireplace or, for larger parties, choose the rustic charm of the Coach House.

The newly transformed dance floor offers a more modern and contemporary space for those wishing to dance the night away. It is coupled with a contrasting traditional bar and lounge area available for those who want to chat and enjoy a quieter setting.

Leez Priory, a large, yet intimate wedding venue, also boasts 25 beautiful bedrooms including 3 lodges in the grounds; exclusively reserved for you on your wedding night. There’s also a delightful hidden cottage where the bride and bridesmaids can stay the night before the big day.

6. Crondon Park

Located in the picturesque and peaceful surroundings of Stock valley, Crondon Park boasts beautiful views over the countryside and remains as a peaceful and secluded location in Essex.

Renowned for being one of the finest wedding venues in Essex, the Baronial Hall is a truly magnificent place to host your wedding. With beautiful rosewood flooring throughout Baronial Hall and sensational light oak timber beams, the Hall is bursting with character and charm.

The popular barn is fully air conditioned and temperature controlled, and has a stunning Rosewood Floor from County Hall in London. The floor is said to be one of the rarest wood block floors in the UK, so with so much history and stunning character charm, it’s no surprise that our Baronial Hall won Highly Commended in the barn wedding venue category at the British Wedding Awards.