Wedding hotels

Amberley Castle 

West Sussex, United Kingdom

Wow factor   This moated medieaval castle has all the visual trappings of a fairy tale, including a portcullis and battlements.

Need to know   Weddings involving more than 40 guests will guarantee exclusive use of the castle. The hotel has its own wedding coordinator and a list of recommended suppliers; the head chef and master sommelier are available to give advice.

Inspiration   Amberley staff arrange around 90 bespoke weddings a year, from intimate parties of a dozen to marquee weddings for 150.

Number of people 10-150

Licensed for weddings Yes

Barnsley House

Cotswolds, United Kingdom

Wow factor   The hotel's helipad is ideal for making grand entrances and exits.

Need to know   Weddings are only held on Thursdays, and wedding parties have to book the hotel in its entirety. There are 18 rooms in the hotel, and it has an additional seven rooms in The Village Pub across the road. Wedding parties can also have sole use of the hotel spa for a further fee.

Inspiration   Barnsley House has hosted many weddings, each of them unique and tailor-made to suit the couple's wishes. The manicured gardens at Barnsley House look beautiful all year round and make an idyllic setting.

Number of people 2-120

Licensed for weddings Yes

Bingham

London, United Kingdom

Wow factor   Gorgeous location on the River Thames, on the leafy Surrey fringe of London. Many happy couples make a splash by going away by boat.

Need to know   If you want a Saturday wedding, the minimum number of guests is 50. The maximum number of guests for a sit-down meal is 100, and 150 for a drinks reception. Exclusive hire of the hotel is possible.

Inspiration   The Bingham holds an average of 80 weddings a year, and provides a dedicated wedding co-ordinator who can arrange every detail, from invitations to entertainment.

Number of people 50-150

Licensed for weddings Yes

Blakes

London, United Kingdom

Wow factor   The Corfu Suite, Anouska Hempel's original white-on-white room, is the perfect place to start your honeymoon.

Need to know   Couples wishing to get married at Blakes must inform the Register Office of the date and time of their ceremony. Ceremonies are held in Suite 007 which can accommodate 36 people. The hotel can arrange lunch or dinner in the restaurant for up to 80 guests, or canapés for 100 guests. Of the hotel's 46 rooms, a maximum of ten may be booked by a wedding party. The hotel can arrange spectacular floral displays, and Anouska Hempel Couture can create your dream wedding dress.

Inspiration   Suite 007 is spectacularly decorated in shades of raspberry and ivory. The Blakes team can create any kind of decorative scheme, from romantic chic to sleek glamour, using petals, candles, flowers and decorations.

Number of people 2-75

Licensed for weddings Yes

Charlton House 

Northeast Somerset, United Kingdom

Wow factor   Soothe away last-minute nerves in the hotel's spa, which offers a range of specially designed bridal treatments.

Need to know   The marquee usually goes up in spring and stays up until it is dismantled at the end of October, so if you want to take advantage of the extra outdoor space and the terrace, it is best to book a date during the summer months. The East Wing provides an intimate and very private setting for the couple and their witnesses. For larger weddings, the Orangery can accommodate up to 110 guests, although there is only space for a maximum of 60 guests for a banquet. Charlton House can arrange the flowers, music, cake and photographer.

Inspiration   The resident special events manager has many years' experience of handling bespoke wedding celebrations at the hotel, and when it comes to creating a truly special day, she knows every trick in the book. Entertainments for guests include clay-pigeon shooting and archery in the grounds, or quad biking nearby.

Number of people 2-120

Licensed for weddings Yes

Chewton Glen 

Hampshire, United Kingdom

Wow factor   Gorgeous country house and idyllic grounds are a winning combination for a quintessentially English wedding. The world-class spa soothes any last-minute nerves.

Need to know   All-inclusive wedding packages are available for a minimum of 40 guests, and include a drinks reception, three-course meal, a cake, floral arrangements, a string quartet, and the services of a toastmaster. Look for special offers, such as the Winter Wedding Package, which includes a complimentary honeymoon suite for the wedding night.

Inspiration   With over 40 years hosting weddings and receptions, Chewton Glen has organising a seamless big day down to a fine art. The wedding coordinator Bettina Eickhoff (01425 282278) is in charge of all arrangements, whether you opt for a wedding package, or something completely bespoke. Bettina can arrange all the details, including photography, going-away transport, wedding invitations and favours.

Number of people 5-200

Licensed for weddings Yes

Cotswold House

Cotswolds, United Kingdom

Wow factor   Beautiful gardens, honey-coloured stone buildings, a sweeping spiral staircase and romantic night views from the French windows – you couldn't ask for a more picturesque setting.

Need to know   If you book the hotel's 30 rooms you will have exclusive use of the property. Other packages are based on booking 20 rooms; these packages are all-inclusive. The latest parties can sit down for dinner is 6.30pm, and a £2,000 deposit is required on booking. The hotel can help with everything from weddings cars and music to flowers. Alternative services and same-sex commitment ceremonies are also welcomed. A qualified childminder can be on hand to look after little ones throughout the day. Afterwards, couples can retreat to one of the honeymoon-perfect rooms with romantic baths for two, outdoor hot tubs or a steam room.

Inspiration   Cotswold House can create a bespoke event for you, whether it's an intimate gathering of friends or a sit-down dinner for 96.

Number of people 2-100

Licensed for weddings Yes

Fowey Hall

Cornwall, United Kingdom

Wow factor   With spectacular views of the Fowey Estuary, a gorgeous walled garden and a setting with evocative literary associations, there can be few places better positioned to host an intimate wedding with your extended family and friends.

Need to know   Several spaces at Fowey Hall are licensed for civil ceremonies, up to a total of 50 attendees in the Drawing Room, for example, or just 15 in the John Hanson Suite, and the hotel has had plenty of experience of hosting hugely enjoyable, stress-free wedding parties. Fowey can at certain times of the year be booked on an exclusive-use basis, offering privacy and total flexibility on how you and your guests want to celebrate.

Inspiration   Have reception drinks on the terrace in summer to capitalise on those amazing views; Fowey can tailor-make a package for you to ensure you have a wonderful day.

Number of people -100

Licensed for weddings Yes