If exclusivity sits at the top of your priority list when it comes to venues, you may as well stop your search as you need look no further than Unique Homestays.
Despite being known, and loved, for its esteemed collection of the most inspiring self-catering retreats about – think Airbnb but without the endless scrolling – Unique Homestays also dabbles in the art of wedding venues.
From towering Gothic castles lifted from the pages of your favourite fairytales to more intimate Austenian abodes that ooze romance and charm, the online curator caters not only for all brides, but also for all party sizes – so fret not, you won’t have to reevaluate guestlist…again.
What makes these venues truly stand out though is that all-important personal touch that larger commercial spaces tend to lack. A Unique Homestays venue is completely yours, there’s no curfew or stringent schedules to adhere to – instead you can lose yourself in a celebration that feels authentically yours.
Although there are thirteen luxury listings found in the exclusive wedding collection, we’ve picked our favourite five for you to peruse…
#1 Weddings at Charity
Boho brides will swoon at this Welsh stone farmhouse nestled within the embrace of the Black Mountains. Though its rustic spirit beguiles as eclectic country interiors look-out to heather meadows and a festoon-lit courtyard, don’t let its wild charm deceive you as this venue is only a mere three hours from London – making it perfect for the city bride looking to elope in the country.
Start your big day with an intimate exchange of vows in the open air before kicking off the celebrations with a warming wedding breakfast menu that speaks to the surrounds. And as the evening draws in, let the fires roar and head straight for the cocktail room (yes, you heard that right) for a tipple or two. Oh, and did we mention, dogs are welcome.
Location: Black Mountains, Herefordshire
Party Size: Wedding guests, 100; Sleeps, 12
#2 Weddings at Scarlet Hall
Once the home of a passing prince, this Cheshire country estate surely brings visions of fairytale fiction to life. Spread across 12 acres of a private estate, the Unique Homestays venue encompasses groomed gardens, a whimsical barn and classic interiors that are ready and waiting to be dressed to suit your desired scheme and style.
With 11 bedrooms available to sleep 22 guests, wake up and start your day surrounded by your nearest and dearest with a nerve-banishing glass of Nyetimber before the hair and make-up troops arrive. For an additional cost, a marquee can also be set up on the front lawn.
Location: Malpas, Cheshire
Party Size: Wedding guests, 58; Sleeps, 22
#3 Weddings at The Stack
If you’re looking for something a little different, something with a bit of character and pizazz then take a look at The Stack. The former 19th century stone engine house sits between the undulating Cornish hills and is our favourite pick for smaller, more intimate days.
For the those keen to wed traditionally, there are a wave of enchanting churches and chapels just around the corner, however, for the romancers out there, why not make your way down to the secluded Trelion beach for an ocean-side ceremony to remember.
Location: Trelion, Cornwall
Party Size: Wedding guests, 40; Sleeps, 6
#4 Weddings at Figtree House
With 17 acres at your disposal, head to the emerald dales of Cumbria for the ultimate country wedding at Figtree House. Of the farm buildings on the rural plot, the old barn offers rustic charm at its finest with exposed stone facades and timber beams swaddled in streams of twinkling fairy lights that brighten as the day goes on.
And remember, everything is in your control, so make this venue your own with decorations galore, a wedding breakfast that exploits local produce, a live band who’re stocked with all your favourite sing-alongs and a firework display that showers over the rolling hills
Location: Farleton, Cumbria
Party Size: Wedding guests, 100; Sleeps, 10
#5 Weddings at Florin
Now if 100 guests just isn’t enough to fit the bill, you surely can’t complain at the 250-guest capacity of steely home Florin. Its tree-lined drive certainly sets the scene for a wedding venue that is both dramatic yet wonderfully romantic – a theme which continues throughout the grounds.
Immaculate lawns threaded with secret pathways wrap around the Victorian manor which has been carefully brought into the 21st century. And these elegant gardens not only provide enviable backdrops for all of your photos, but they also create the foundation for a sizeable marquee that ensures there’s enough room for you to dance the night away under the stars with all of your favourite people.
Location: Ceredigion, Wales
Party Size: Wedding guests, 250; Sleeps, 14
For more information head to Unique Homestays.
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All images courtesy of Unique Homestays.
