Wedding venue inspiration - Glorious gardens

Orchardleigh Estate, Frome

Nestled among 5,000 acres of parkland and lakes, Orchardleigh is a family-owned estate just 10 miles from Bath. It boasts a 19th-century stately home wedding venue, a romantic island church, an 18-hole golf course and plenty of gorgeous accommodation. The house and grounds can be hired exclusively for weddings, and the expansive gardens and vistas provide endless photo opportunities.

Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton

The happy couple can enjoy a choice of historic wedding venues within 50 acres of lovingly restored gardens, featuring lakes, light-dappled pathways and stunning views of the Blackdown Hills, Taunton. The idyllic scenery is tended by a team of skilled gardeners all year round.

Ston Easton Park Hotel, Bath

Situated within 36 acres of its own private parkland, wedding venue Ston Easton Park is a beautiful, honey-coloured Grade I listed Palladian country house with lavish examples of decorative and architectural features of the time. In the gardens surrounding the house, there's an abundance of photo opportunities, including forgotten paths, grottos and an ancient stone bridge, all designed by landscape architect Humphry Repton. Inside the house, visitors find a sweeping staircase and chandelier, followed by rooms adorned with antique furniture and fine art.

Woodlands Castle, Taunton

Set within 12 acres of magnificent parkland with an abundance of vibrant plants, majestic trees and pretty gateways, this wedding venue is picture-perfect all year round. The light pink castellated manor house is a wonderful backdrop for weddings along with its Victorian veranda where roses trail and provide a wonderful fragrance. Step inside, and visitors find a house brimming with period features, lavish decor and even the odd suit of armour. The opulent Garden Pavilion is situated next to the house and overlooks a pond, manicured lawns and secluded woodland.

Batch Country House, Weston-super-Mare

Found within award-winning landscaped gardens overlooking the Mendip Hills, this scenic wedding venue setting offers endless photo opportunities alongside ponds, waterfalls and fountains. Inside, visitors find a comfortable country house with a traditional farmhouse feel. Extended over many years, the venue features a handcrafted oak bar, cosy lounge areas and ample space for couples to celebrate with their nearest and dearest.

Old Down Manor, Bristol

This beautifully refurbished manor house wedding venue and its stunning grounds offer a wonderful big-day backdrop with stunning views of the Severn Bridge overlooking the Welsh countryside. There is a choice of venue on site. The Manor offers lavish interiors, a grand sweeping staircase, pretty orangery and a vaulted atrium, while The Barn is full of rustic charm.

Gants Mill, Bruton

Nestled in a secluded position in the valley of the River Brue, wedding venue Gants Mill is home to waterfalls, streams and picturesque gardens, as well as a 1,000-year-old working watermill. Couples benefit from exclusive use of the secluded 50-acre river valley. Its idyllic floral gardens provide a burst of colour throughout its April-to-October wedding season, and parties have access to the mill, with a guided tour for guests included as part of the day.

The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, Wells

Hidden within ancient ramparts and protected by a moat, 14 acres of tranquil, Grade II listed gardens await visitors to this stunning wedding venue. With herbaceous borders, pretty pools and the scent of roses in the air, there are endless photo opportunities against the backdrop of the cathedral. In 2016, the gardens were awarded RHS Partner Garden status.

Hamswell House, Bath

In the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stands the historic Hamswell House and its romantic 18th-century gardens. This wedding venue is a fine example of English Renaissance architecture, the stately home is located within its own private estate.

Priston Mill, Priston

With two picturesque wedding venues on site, guests approach Priston Mill past the herb garden and farmhouse on the left and the water wheel to the right. Just six miles from Bath, it's surrounded by green fields and a flowing brook. The Watermill covers three floors and stands proud in the centre of stunning gardens beside the mill pond. Blue shutters and climbing roses evoke a French feel, while The Tythe Barn is nestled in serene English country gardens. The interiors are full of rustic charm, with original features, soft lighting and cosy furniture complementing the exposed stone and brick.

Crowcombe Court, Taunton

Set at the foot of the Quantock Hills is wedding venue Crowcombe Court. With its lake, hydrangea beds, kitchen garden, lawns and wild woodland, the venue provides plenty of stunning backdrops for photographs. The magnificent Grade I listed squire's mansion was built in English Baroque style in the 1730s from amber-coloured bricks with Bath Stone pilasters and frontispiece. Once inside, visitors find sumptuous interiors and 11 superb rooms with king-size beds, Edwardian furniture and luxurious en suites.