Experience the timeless romance of Thornbury Castle, a luxurious wedding venue nestled in the heart of South Gloucestershire, UK. Create cherished memories in a historic castle setting with exclusive use, making your fairytale wedding dreams come tru
Dating back to 1510, Thornbury Castle was once the honeymoon destination of none other than Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds, near Bristol and Bath, Thornbury Castle is an easily accessible yet exclusive wedding venue. Set within its stunning grounds and walled gardens, our Tudor castle provides the perfect backdrop for a fairy-tale wedding.
Whether you’re looking for a grand showstopper on your big day, allowing you exclusive use of the whole castle and its grounds, or a more intimate celebration with a handful of loved ones, our expert team are ready to help you create a truly magical day.
What could be more perfect than waking up in the castle on your wedding day? Our gift to you is a complimentary bridal suite the night before. Enjoy breakfast in bed and bring all of your bridesmaids together for hair and makeup with a Bucks Fizz.
Our suites have everything you need to start your special day in style, with a wealth of space for your photographer to capture those special moments. Say ‘I do’ in a truly unique setting that’s perfect for you. Choose between the elegant large church adjacent to the castle, the timeless rose garden with a quaint gazebo, the historic Tudor hall or the intimate library. Our wedding team can discuss the best options for your party size.
Sit down as a newly married couple to enjoy a three-course wedding breakfast with all your loved ones. Our delicious menus are crafted by our head chef using the freshest ingredients, paired with the perfect wine selections.
Seating up to a maximum of 70 guests, our Tudor Hall is a beautiful historic backdrop with its private bar and late license. Boasting 26 luxurious bedchambers, we encourage your guests to stay overnight (with preferential rates) and experience the true magic of the castle, which will extend the party into the next day and beyond. Weddings requiring evening entertainment are priced to include 12 bedrooms as part of the package.
The award-winning gardens and castle exterior offer the most unique backdrop for photographs of your special day. Please discuss the various options with our team, including the original castle walls, a wildflower garden, yew tree topiary, and a lovely rose garden; the choice is yours.
We'd welcome the opportunity to show you around our beautiful castle and discuss your ideas to help you create a truly magical experience. Contact us at [email protected], and let's start planning your big day.
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Location: Castle Street, Thornbury, Gloucestershire, BS35 1HH, United Kingdom
Ceremony: Licensed for civil ceremonies in the Tudor Hall, Library, and outdoor Rose Garden (up to 70 guests)
Reception Dining: Bespoke in-house catering – pricing on request
Venue Hire: From £4,000 to £20,000+, depending on guest count, day of the week, and exclusivity
Exclusive Hire: Yes – includes all 26 bedrooms, lounges, dining rooms, and landscaped gardens
Accommodation: 26 luxury bedrooms and suites sleeping up to 52 guests
Spaces: Tudor Hall, Library, Rose Garden, Dining Rooms, and private lounges
Entertainment: Live music and DJs permitted; outdoor music and fireworks allowed with prior approval
Photography: Stone towers, archways, spiral staircases, manicured gardens, and regal Tudor interiors are ideal for fine art and editorial wedding photography
Drone Use: Permitted with prior arrangement – aerial views capture the full scale of the castle and grounds beautifully
1. Can I have an exclusive-use wedding at Thornbury Castle?
Yes, the castle is available for exclusive hire, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the entire estate privately, from grand dining halls to manicured Tudor gardens.
2. How many guests can Thornbury Castle accommodate?
The castle can host up to 120 guests for your ceremony and wedding breakfast, with additional evening capacity depending on your celebration style.
3. Is there on-site accommodation for guests?
Absolutely. The castle offers 26 bedchambers and suites, each with rich historic detailing, four-poster beds, and luxurious modern comforts.
4. Can we have our ceremony at the castle?
Yes. Thornbury Castle is licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships. Many couples opt for a ceremony in the grand Tudor Hall or on the lush lawns with castle views.
5. What dining options are available for weddings?
The in-house culinary team offers exquisite, locally sourced menus, from formal plated dining to more relaxed, tailored options. Bespoke menu creation is encouraged.
6. Are pets allowed at weddings?
Yes, Thornbury Castle is pet-friendly. Your four-legged companion can be part of the day, whether it's walking down the aisle or appearing in portraits.
7. Can we stay the night before the wedding?
Yes, pre-wedding overnight stays are welcome. Many couples use the evening before to host a rehearsal dinner or relaxed welcome drinks in the lounge.
8. Is there a bridal suite or getting-ready space?
Yes, the Henry VIII Suite — a show-stopping room once occupied by the king himself — is a favourite for wedding mornings and romantic first nights.
9. Are fireworks or live music allowed?
Live music is permitted indoors, and the castle can accommodate discreet outdoor entertainment within agreed-upon hours. Fireworks may be allowed with prior approval and the necessary licensing.
10. Is there parking available for guests?
Yes, complimentary on-site parking is available for wedding guests, including designated spaces for overnight stays and suppliers.
Thornbury Castle is designed for romance on every scale, from elegant elopements to grand receptions. Its historic spaces and landscaped gardens create a versatile canvas for bespoke celebrations.
Ceremony Options
Couples can choose from several beautifully appointed ceremony spaces:
The Tudor Hall offers regal splendour for up to 70 seated guests.
A charming outdoor gazebo, set within manicured gardens, is ideal for exchanging open-air vows.
The Library provides an intimate, atmospheric setting for smaller gatherings.
For those seeking a traditional touch, a nearby historic church is also available.
Wedding Breakfast
The castle’s main dining spaces can host up to 70 guests for a formal seated wedding breakfast, with options for custom layouts, styling, and floral design.
Evening Reception
As day turns to night, the castle welcomes up to 120 guests for evening celebrations, dancing, and entertainment, all within a setting of timeless grandeur.
Accommodation
With 26 luxurious bedchambers, the castle can sleep up to 52 guests in sumptuous style — from four-poster suites to turreted rooms filled with character.
Thornbury Castle’s scale is just right: intimate enough for exclusivity, spacious sufficient for unforgettable celebration.
Exclusively Yours...
Make the castle your private home, from £15,000.
What does the exclusive use hire include?
26 beautifully designed bedchambers, inclusive of bed & breakfast (sleeping 52 guests, double occupancy)
Exclusive use prices include all bedrooms and hire but exclude the wedding breakfast costs.
Please speak to our team for a bespoke quote for taking over the castle.
T: 01454 506191
Intimate weddings ...
There is nothing like an intimate wedding at the castle, and we have the perfect package for a special day with all your loved ones. Our package is based on numbers of 10 - 20 guests and includes a two-night stay for the bride & groom in a honeymoon suite plus:
Each wedding is bespoke and our prices are based on your individual requirements. Do get in touch, and let us help you plan your perfect day.
T: 01454 506191
Sit down as a married couple to enjoy a three-course wedding breakfast with your loved ones. Our delicious menus are created by our head chef to suit your requirements using the freshest of ingredients many of which are grown in our own kitchen garden. Our Sommelier can suggest the perfect wine pairings as well as sparkling champagnes, cocktails and an extensive range of beers, ciders and spirits.
Seating up to a maximum of 70 guests, our Tudor Hall is a beautiful historic backdrop with its private bar and late license.
Smaller, more intimate weddings for up to 20 guests can also be catered for.
Please chat with our team to discuss your requirements.
Thornbury Castle welcomes weddings throughout the year, offering timeless elegance across every season. Whether you're drawn to the soft blooms of spring, the golden tones of autumn, or the festive magic of December, the castle provides a dramatic and romantic backdrop year-round.
High Season, from May to September and December, is perfect for al fresco celebrations in the Tudor gardens or sun-drenched receptions in the grounds. These months are in high demand and ideal for grand summer weddings.
The low season, from January to April, October, and November, offers a more intimate and atmospheric setting, with roaring fires, candlelit feasts, and exceptional value for couples seeking a quieter time of year.
Weddings can be held seven days a week, with weekday and Sunday options offering added flexibility and reduced rates. Saturdays tend to book up well in advance, particularly during peak months, so early enquiry is recommended for those dates.
The castle also offers exclusive-use hire, granting full access to all historic spaces, gardens, and suites for the ultimate private celebration.
From intimate weekday elopements to lavish weekend affairs, Thornbury Castle’s calendar accommodates a wide range of styles, but availability is limited due to its popularity and exclusivity. Couples are encouraged to inquire early to secure their preferred date.
Boasting 26 luxurious bedchambers, we encourage your guests to stay overnight (with preferential rates) and experience the castle's true magic, extending the party into the next day and beyond. Weddings requiring evening entertainment are priced to include 12 bedrooms as part of the package.
Our deluxe and superior deluxe rooms feature rich period detailing and luxurious contemporary comforts, while our suites offer a truly unique experience.
The Henry VIII Suite once hosted King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in 1535 and overlooks the oldest Tudor Gardens in England. Relive history and stay in this beautiful four-poster bed suite. The room boasts an open fireplace and en-suite bathroom and can be reached via the original spiral stone staircase.
Found, somewhat fittingly, at the very top of the South Wing Tower, the Catherine of Aragon Suite is in every sense the top suite in the castle.
Once you’ve climbed the atmospheric spiral staircase and pushed open the grand wooden door, you’re greeted by exceptional features artfully presented across a decadent 71 square metres of living space. This encompasses 24-carat gilding, sumptuous Tudor furnishings, silk wall hangings and, at the heart of it all, the most enormous four-poster bed of any UK hotel.
