Five Unique and Historic Bristol Wedding Venues
I am a born and bred Bristolian and extremely proud to come from a city that is so vibrant and so full of history. There is an absolutely fantastic choice of wedding venues across the city and surrounding areas. I have chosen five of what I think are the most iconic and historic for a wedding venue.
Brunel’s SS Great Britain – Stunning & Historic Bristol Wedding Venue
I had a very small wedding at a beautiful hotel in the Wiltshire countryside. My husband and I then chose to have a wedding party a few months later in order to celebrate with all our friends and family on the SS Great Britain and what a party it was!
Brunel’s SS Great Britain is one of the most important and historical ships in the world. She was launched in 1843 and is now situated in central Bristol. This historic ship really is a stunning location for your very special day.
As well as being steeped in so much history the ship itself provides lots of different spaces that will suit different wedding numbers. These include the ‘Promenade Deck’, the ‘First Class Dining Saloon’, the ‘Hayward Saloon’ and the ‘Riggers Yard’. If you are looking for something different and historic then the SS Great Britain is a wonderful choice.
Clifton Observatory – Amazing Bristol Views
With the backdrop of the Clifton Suspension Bridge the Clifton Observatory is another absolutely stunning location for your wedding. The venue itself attracts thousands of visitors each year and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The venue is both intimate and unique providing a setting that will be remembered by your guests for a very long time.
Again, there are different options for your wedding including the ‘William West Room’ which can accommodate up to 60 guests. For a more intimate wedding ceremony the ‘Observatory Tower’ has the capacity for up to 15 guests. There is also the option to hold your ceremony in the ‘Giants Cave’, an amazing viewing platform that overlooks the Avon Gorge and the Clifton Suspension bridge.
Arnos Vale – Wedding Ceremony in a Cemetery
Set within 45 acres Arnos Vale was opened in 1839 when Queen Victoria was new to the throne. The history of this site was that the British General Cemetery Company was set up to provide stylish and spacious alternatives to existing graveyards.
The preservation of this site has been incredibly important, and this is where you will find the graves of some of Bristol’s leading Victorian citizens.
As they quote on their website ‘Bristol’s most unique wedding setting,’ it really is something a bit different and very special.
They provide three unique venues for your ceremony and wedding celebrations.
They are even a dog friendly wedding venue!
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery – A Bristol Wedding Venue To Impress
I love this museum and art gallery. I have really fond memories of when my dear Granny used to take me to visit the museum on a rainy Saturday when I was a child.
The Edwardian Baroque architecture will make a huge impression and again this is an absolutely unique space for a wedding.
There are two main event spaces, ‘Winterstoke Hall’ which has an extremely grand and beautiful feel to it. In addition, ‘Wills Hall’ is the centrepiece of the museum and ideal for an extravagant wedding reception.
A central location on the edge of Clifton, this venue space will surely wow your guests.
Thornbury Castle – Dream Bristol Wedding Venue
Built in the 1500s, Thornbury Castle is an important and iconic building within the Bristol landscape. Think of halls lined with suits of armour, tapestry-hung walls and kings and queens, this really is the dream wedding venue.
The Tudor castle has the most beautiful, landscaped gardens, an ancient walled kitchen garden amongst the backdrop of the Castle itself, all within a very exclusive and private estate.
The wedding planning team are amazing, they know the castle inside and out and will provide a first class service for your very special day.
