Dreaming of saying "I do" under open skies? Many of Essex’s most beautiful wedding venues offer the option to tie the knot outdoors, surrounded by nature, gardens, or historic charm.
From elegant country estates to rustic barns, there’s no shortage of stunning outdoor settings to choose from. At Hatfield Place, couples are spoiled for choice between the sun-soaked Terrace, the romantic Lawn Gazebo, and the charming Walled Garden Pergola. Over at Houchins Wedding Venue, the options are equally inviting — whether it's an intimate ceremony in the woodland area, a marquee celebration, or one of the atmospheric indoor spaces like the Foundry or the Grainstore.
If you're after something more secluded, East Mersea Hall features a magical Woodland Ceremony Retreat tucked away behind a tranquil lake. Meanwhile, barn venues like Blake Hall Weddings blend rustic elegance with outdoor charm — offering ceremonies either inside the beautifully restored Hay Barn or outside beneath the Saddlery’s canopy. At Crondon Park, couples can choose between the elegant ceremony room or a romantic garden ceremony beneath a floral arch.
Explore our curated list of outdoor wedding venues in Essex below, or use our Venue Search to find even more enchanting locations across the region.
Sudbury, Essex
Licensed for Marriage Yes Ceremony Capacity 150 Reception Capacity 250
Smeetham Hall Barn is a typically English,16th Century building that has been lovingly converted and tastefully decorated to create the most romantic wedding venue in Essex. Licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies, our venue and grounds will offer any happy couple a stunning location to begin married life.
Dunmow, Essex
Licensed for Marriage No Ceremony Capacity 10-150 Reception Capacity 10-200
A stunning Georgian country house in the heart of the Essex countryside. Barnston Lodge has been a family home for generations, and today, Jane and her two daughters have turned it into a successful wedding venue and location house. Featuring rolling paddocks with grazing horses and a large lake, it's a picturesque setting and we'll do our best to make you feel right at home.
Roxwell, Chelmsford, Essex
Licensed for Marriage Yes Ceremony Capacity 10-200 Reception Capacity 10-200
A picturesque and unique wedding venue Essex, Newland Hall is located just 4 miles west of Chelmsford city centre. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes of enchanting woodland and delightful countryside, you wouldn’t believe this deluxe wedding venue in Essex is only minutes from urban convenience.
Colchester, Essex
Licensed for Marriage Yes Ceremony Capacity 25 - 150 Reception Capacity 200
The Barn is an immaculately preserved 16th Century Grade II listed timber building with over 20 years experience as an award winning restaurant. Whether you are looking for intimate or grand you can expect premium service and outstanding cuisine. Fully licenced, we have a beautiful garden space for ceremonies or why not get married under the rustic beams of the main barn.
Sible Hedingham, Essex
Licensed for Marriage No Ceremony Capacity 50 - 120 Reception Capacity 120
Set in a meadow beside a beautiful lake and surrounded by hedges, trees and woodland, and full of wildlife, this ‘dry hire’ space allows you to create your wedding day just as you want it. With space for a marquee or tipi for up to 120 people, accommodation for 6, and spaces for an unlicensed wedding ceremony in the woodland, it is available for a maximum of 12 weddings a year.
Stock, Essex
Licensed for Marriage Yes Ceremony Capacity 120 Reception Capacity 220
Crondon Park is located in beautiful and peaceful countryside; the perfect place to hold your unforgettable wedding. The venue was voted ‘Best Countryside Wedding Venue in Britain’, ideal for your special day. Our impressive Baronial Hall, is a grand, exclusive-use venue - a fine example of a Tudor/Jacobean barn with a truly special atmosphere.
Bobbingworh, Essex
Licensed for Marriage Yes Ceremony Capacity 50 - 150 Reception Capacity 200
Within the historic setting of Blake Hall and its stunning private gardens, we are proud to offer you the beautifully restored 17th century barns and surrounding areas for your exclusive use for weddings, wedding receptions and other special occasions.