As a Cotswolds wedding planner, there’s nothing we love more than a Sudeley Castle Wedding! We were overjoyed to bring Cat and Spencer’s UK destination wedding dreams to life.
Using our weekend wedding planning service, we worked with Cat and Spencer to create a dream weekend for their predominantly US based guests. As most of you know, many of our wedding planning clients are based overseas, so we’re fully versed in creating incredible experiences and working across different timezones for couples who are looking for a local UK wedding planner.
Planning a wedding at Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds is like stepping into a real-life fairytale. With its 1,000 years of royal history, breathtaking gardens, and historic chapel, it’s one of England’s most romantic and unique wedding venues — offering castle grandeur with countryside charm.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning your wedding at Sudeley Castle:
🏰 What Is Sudeley Castle?
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Location: Near Winchcombe, Gloucestershire (in the heart of the Cotswolds)
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Venue Type: Historic private castle with formal gardens and licensed wedding spaces
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Capacity: Up to 140 for the ceremony and wedding breakfast; more with a marquee
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Accommodation: Sleeps up to 90 in stylish on-site cottages
Sudeley Castle is famous as the final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife — and the only English queen buried on private land. It’s rich in history but also elegant, welcoming, and completely customisable.
💍 Ceremony Options
💒 St Mary’s Chapel
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An atmospheric 15th-century chapel within the castle grounds
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Ideal for religious or blessing ceremonies
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Home to Queen Katherine Parr’s tomb — perfect for history-loving couples
🏛 The Library and Morning Room
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For intimate, civil ceremonies indoors, filled with antiques and period charm
🌸 Outdoor Ceremonies
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The Queen’s Garden is a stunning outdoor space surrounded by roses and castle ruins
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Available for symbolic/blessing-style ceremonies
🥂 Reception Options
✨ The Banqueting Hall
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Dramatic high ceilings, chandeliers, and stone walls
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Seats up to 140 for dinner and dancing
🎪 Marquee Option
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Place a marquee on the North Lawn, with castle backdrop and views of the Cotswold Hills
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Great for larger weddings or summer events
🍷 Drinks Receptions
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Can be held in the gardens, terrace, or one of the historic rooms
🌿 The Grounds
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10 magnificent gardens including the Queen’s Garden, Secret Garden, and Tithe Barn ruins
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Picture-perfect backdrops for every part of your day — from romantic portraits to sunset drinks
🛏 On-site Accommodation
Sudeley Castle has a number of luxury cottages and holiday lets on the estate, sleeping up to 90 guests:
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Ideal for bridal party, family, or destination wedding guests
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Mix of rustic charm and modern comfort
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Additional boutique accommodation available in nearby Winchcombe
🎯 Why Couples Choose Sudeley Castle
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Exclusive use – The castle and grounds are all yours for the day
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Historic beauty – One of the most romantic castles in England
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Flexible styling – Works for classic, romantic, luxury, or even whimsical themes
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Stunning photo ops – Castle ruins, ancient gardens, Cotswold stone, and dramatic interiors
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Weekend potential – Pair your wedding with a pre-wedding dinner or post-wedding brunch across the estate
💡 Planning Tips
1. Book Early
Due to limited availability (especially in spring/summer), early booking is essential — ideally 12–18 months in advance.
2. Work with a Wedding Planner
Sudeley offers plenty of flexibility, but it’s a large and historic site, so a professional wedding planner like One Curious Dream will help:
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Coordinate suppliers across multiple locations
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Manage guest flow from chapel to reception
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Design a timeline that feels seamless and personal
3. Consider Transport
The estate is rural, so offering guest transport (shuttles, minibuses, etc.) may be wise, especially if staying in nearby villages or towns.
4. Use the Castle’s Historic Charm
You don’t need to go overboard on styling — use florals and lighting to enhance what’s already there. The castle’s gardens and interiors do much of the work for you.
📷 Insta-Worthy Spots
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The Tithe Barn ruins – ivy-covered and wildly romantic
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The rose-filled Queen’s Garden
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St Mary’s Chapel – candlelit and historic
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The castle façade at golden hour
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Garden pathways and Cotswold stone walls
🎨 Styling Suggestions
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Romantic and regal: Tall candelabras, soft florals, classical music, and elegant stationery
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Modern fairytale: Marquee with luxe draping, fairy lights, crystal tableware, and rich colour pops
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English garden: Seasonal blooms, fresh herbs, trestle tables, and a Champagne tower in the Queen’s Garden
Summary
Sudeley Castle is perfect for couples who want:
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A historic, wow-factor venue with flexibility and soul
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A mix of indoor/outdoor options with backup plans
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Exclusive-use luxury without being overly formal
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A wedding that blends timeless tradition with modern charm
If you’re thinking about planning a Sudeley Castle wedding, why not enquire about my wedding planning services? I welcome you to book in a free, no-obligation consultation here.
Alternatively, you can reach me at [email protected] or 0800 772 0765.
Photography by Natalie Pluck.
