The Best Luxury Cambridge Wedding Venues

The fact that I take on such a limited amount of weddings per year could mean that I haven’t photographed a wedding at your chosen venue. Something that I have learned over the years is how to adapt to any given lighting scenario so it doesn’t matter if I haven’t photographed there. So for me there are a few Cambridge Wedding Venue Goals that are on my list of places I would absolutely LOVE to photograph as someone who calls themself a Cambridge wedding photographer.

I have already had the joy of ticking off a bunch of those in the last couple of years like the famous Kings College:

This place was gorgeous, even in the winter we managed beautiful locations! This was always one of my Cambridge Wedding Venue Goals. There has been building work on Kings College going on since 2020 which has meant it hasn’t looked as amazing it could for a long time. However, there are plenty of areas inside that still retain the authenticity.

The grand, epic Manor Barn:

The size of this venue is incredible, and the team there are always looking to raise their game year on year. Be it the outdoor garden area or the entrance with cocktails for everybody before the reception.

And although usually I photograph weddings in Kent & Cambridge, here’s a venue in London called the Trafalgar Tavern that I photographed a wedding at recently.

I would LOVE to photograph at a few of these venues in Cambridge:

Holmewood Hall

Holmewood Hall is a striking Tudor-Gothic mansion set in around ten acres of parkland. With its dramatic red brick exterior, impressive interiors, and private grounds, it offers an elegant and exclusive setting. The venue is licensed for civil ceremonies, with space for up to 77 guests for the ceremony itself and 80 for a sit-down dinner. There are sixteen bedrooms available, making it a convenient option for couples who want accommodation onsite, and the hire is exclusive, giving you full use of the house and grounds.

Madingley Hall

Madingley Hall is surrounded by beautiful gardens designed by the legendary landscape architect “Capability” Brown. The building itself is steeped in history and provides a grand, academic atmosphere while still being welcoming. Licensed for civil ceremonies, it can host up to 80 guests for the ceremony and 110 for dinner. With 62 bedrooms available, there’s plenty of space for guests to stay overnight. Unlike some venues, it is not always offered as exclusive use, but its extensive grounds and historic rooms provide a versatile setting for weddings of varying styles.

The Old Hall, Ely

The Old Hall is a Jacobean manor house with sweeping views across three lakes and out towards Ely Cathedral, making it one of the most dramatic wedding settings in Cambridgeshire. With exclusive hire, sixteen bedrooms, and a choice of indoor or outdoor ceremony spaces (including the elegant Garden Pavilion), it’s a venue that feels both grand and welcoming. Couples can host up to around 165 guests for the ceremony and 170 for dinner, with in-house catering and attentive service adding to the sense of luxury.

Poets House

Poets House is a boutique, Grade II listed venue situated in the heart of Ely, just a short walk from the cathedral. It blends period character with contemporary design, offering a stylish backdrop for modern weddings. Licensed for civil ceremonies, it accommodates up to 70 for the ceremony and up to 130 for the wedding breakfast. With 21 bedrooms onsite, it works well for intimate weddings where guests want to stay close by. Its position in Ely also means couples can take advantage of the stunning cathedral views for their photographs.

Granary Estates

The Granary Estates features two eighteenth-century barns connected by a glass walkway and centred around a courtyard. The barns are full of character, with flint walls and exposed beams, while the modern design touches create a light, versatile space. Licensed for civil ceremonies, the barns can hold up to 175 for a ceremony and 180 for a wedding breakfast. Exclusive hire is available, and there are two cottages onsite for accommodation. The outdoor courtyard is perfect for mingling during summer weddings, while the barns themselves provide a cosy, atmospheric backdrop for winter celebrations.

Waresley Park Estate

Waresley Park Estate is set within around 120 acres of private parkland, offering couples the freedom to shape their wedding exactly as they imagine it. Unlike traditional manor house venues, it is highly flexible, with options for ceremonies under ancient oak trees, beside a lake, or in one of the estate’s ornamental temples. A lakeside marquee site provides space for receptions, with a sunken seating area, built-in sound system, and fire pit for evening celebrations. It is licensed for up to 150 guests for both ceremony and dinner. There is a bridal suite available, and couples can also arrange bell tents or glamping setups for overnight guests. Weddings here are always exclusive use, and catering is managed through the estate’s preferred suppliers.

Kimbolton Castle

Kimbolton Castle combines historic grandeur with a warm, elegant atmosphere. Weddings take place in the State Apartments, which feature ornate murals painted by Pellegrini, offering a dramatic backdrop. Licensed for civil ceremonies, it can accommodate 120 guests for the ceremony and up to 250 for a wedding breakfast. The castle is available on an exclusive hire basis, though it does not provide onsite accommodation, so couples usually make arrangements with nearby hotels or guest houses.

Swynford Manor

Swynford Manor brings together sleek, modern styling with historic charm, once being the home of Lord Byron’s half-sister. With striking interiors, it is ideal for couples looking for a stylish yet characterful venue. Licensed for civil ceremonies, it accommodates up to 150 guests for both ceremony and dinner. Exclusive hire ensures privacy, and there are 13 bedrooms onsite for guests. Catering is managed through the venue’s preferred suppliers, making planning more straightforward.

Longstowe Hall

Longstowe Hall is a beautiful country house about ten miles from Cambridge, surrounded by unspoilt countryside. It offers several options for ceremonies, from the Rose Ballroom to the lakeside pavilion and the Orangery. The venue is licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and can accommodate up to 100 guests for the ceremony and 150 for the wedding breakfast. Sixteen rooms provide accommodation, and the entire venue is offered on an exclusive hire basis. Its lakeside and garden areas are especially popular for summer portraits.

Rectory Farm

Rectory Farm is known for its enchanting gardens and hidden walkways, creating a romantic and natural atmosphere. Couples can marry under “The Folly,” a thatched roof outdoor space, or choose one of the indoor rooms. Licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, the venue holds up to 150 guests for the ceremony and the same number for dinner. With 38 bedrooms onsite, there is plenty of accommodation, and the venue is hired on an exclusive basis. Rectory Farm also provides in-house catering and bar services, as well as ample parking and accessibility for guests.

Landwades Hall

Lanwades Hall, just across the Suffolk border, is a Tudor-style manor house that offers charm and grandeur. With oak-panelled rooms, fireplaces, and elegant ceilings, it is ideal for couples looking for period features in a more intimate setting. Licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, it can host up to 90 guests for the ceremony and 150 for dinner. Exclusive hire is available, and the venue includes 13 bedrooms onsite. Bar and catering are handled in house, with full parking and accessibility provided.

Sheene Mill

Sheene Mill is a four-hundred-year-old flour mill on the River Mel, blending historic features with a modern finish. With exposed beams, open fireplaces, and waterside gardens, it creates a romantic and atmospheric setting. Couples can marry in the riverside pavilion or inside the mill itself, with a ceremony capacity of 110 and dinner capacity of up to 180. Licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, it also offers exclusive hire. There are ten bedrooms available onsite, as well as parking and accessibility for guests.

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So hey, if you happen to be getting married at one of these venues I am showing my hand right now to say I would be so stoked to photograph your wedding. Each of these venues has great social media presence and communication that I am sure it would be a pleasure to shoot there.