If you envision your dream wedding featuring beautiful landscapes and inspiring 18th-century baroque architecture with a historic, romantic charm, then Blenheim Palace should be on your list. There are a number of unique reasons the UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for being one of England’s most popular wedding venues to tie the knot, and the opportunity for a bespoke ceremony is just one.
With its breathtaking country house grandeur, unrivalled beautiful grounds and gardens and rich history, Oxfordshire’s Blenheim Palace offers a diverse selection of spaces to host and cater for both grand, extravagant and intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions. What’s more, for the first time in its history, Blenheim Palace is now officially licensed to host formal wedding ceremonies in the Palace and Grounds with a registrar – meaning couples can officiate their wedding by signing their marriage schedule inside Britain’s Greatest Palace.
Here are just some of the many areas two can say “I do” and celebrate their nuptials at Blenheim Palace.
The Orangery – new for 2024
Having recently undergone an impressive renovation believed to be the first of this type carried out on a Grade I Listed building, The Orangery was a focus for a ground-breaking conservation project, which saw its roof restored to its former glory, original solid slate.
The interior has also had an inspiring facelift, with stunning new features showcasing a harmonious merge of contemporary chic with timeless charm. This newly opened space has a captivating bar area and opens onto the Italian Terrace, overlooking the private Italian Garden and Croquet Lawn, providing the perfect picturesque backdrop for up to 120 guests.
Steeped in history, The Orangery has many stories to tell. It was originally a greenhouse with large windows, creating the perfect climate for the growth of oranges and lemons over the winter months. But over the past 300 years, the Orangery has been transformed into various other uses, including a theatre, offices, an art gallery, and now an idyllic wedding venue.
The Long Library
The Long Library should be high up on your wishlist for a truly unique wedding reception and ceremonies. It is home to 10,000 books and the Willis Organ and is the most extended room in any British stately home. With spectacular views over the Water Terraces, this space holds up to 250 guests for a seated dinner and 400 guests for a drinks reception and wedding ceremonies in conjunction with a marquee. Top tip: for more extensive capacity requirements, guests often use this space in conjunction with a marquee on the South Lawn.
The Oudenarde Room
For couples in search of a more private wedding ceremony for your nearest and dearest only, the Oudenarde Room, named after one of the battles fought by the first Duke of Marlborough during the War of the Spanish Succession, seats up to 20 people and overlooks the East Courtyard.
The Great Hall
This banqueting venue is perfect for a grand dinner of up to 120 guests following a beautiful wedding ceremony.
The Marlborough Room
Originally, the Palace’s kitchen, The Marlborough Room, possessed charm and true beauty, with its double-vaulted ceiling rising to the full height of the Palace, two sparkling chandeliers, and a welcoming fireplace. Seating up to 120 guests, this space is perfect for those looking for a more intimate wedding ceremony.
The Formal Gardens
For a dreamy outdoor wedding ceremony, Blenheim Palace’s award-winning Formal Gardens are home to the majestic Water Terraces, the Duke’s Private Italian Garden, the tranquil Secret Garden with all of its hidden treasures, the Churchill Memorial Garden and the lovely Rose Garden. Wedding ceremonies and receptions in the Formal Gardens can host up to 250 guests and offer fantastic views of the Palace.
For larger wedding receptions, marquees can be tailored to size and placed around many areas of the Palace’s beautiful grounds. A marquee is a wonderful space for a drinks reception, as well as dining and dancing for hundreds of guests.
Your big day is guaranteed to be magical, with memories set to last a lifetime, thanks to an experienced and attentive Blenheim Palace events team and wedding planners who provide outstanding service to help create a tailored, bespoke day.
Blenheim Palace wedding prices start from £9000, and personalised quotations are available on request. These quotations match the exceptional service of this incredible setting.
For more information on wedding ceremonies and receptions at Blenheim Palace, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/hospitality/weddings/
