Among the plain and the simple, there is always room for some gloriously unique wedding venues – and Essex is a fab place to start! From terrific towers and vibrant vineyards to seaside celebrations, this county truly does have some outstanding unusual wedding locations to wow your guests.

Before we get started, you can also use Bridebook.co.uk’s Wedding Venue Search to find your ultimate Essex setting – simply click here to begin your search for unusual wedding venues in Essex.

Now, without further ado, let us commence showing off some of our favourite unique finds…

1. Blakes

blakes wedding venue in essex set up for a ceremony

Crisp contemporary decor with neutral grey tones works perfectly against the green golf course of Blakes, a unique clubhouse setting with panoramic landscape views. Nestled in the countryside of Epping and easily accessible from London, this alternative Essex wedding venue will steal any Pinterest-lover’s heart.

2. Apton Hall

apton hall wedding venue newlyweds exiting the ceremony as guests cheer

Steeped in history and dating back to 1086, Apton Hall comprises of gorgeous red brick courtyard buildings and rustic wooden features, with splendid views around for all to enjoy. Aside from the beautiful Grade II listed bridal suite, it offers a range of newly-renovated barns for an alternative charming twist.

3. Brandy Hole

brandy hole wedding venue with tables set for wedding lunch

Brandy Hole claims to be ‘not your average wedding venue’ – and we think that describes it perfectly! Hidden away in Hullbridge, this incredibly flexible location not only offers views over the estuary but is the ideal place to host your DIY wedding. Choose from an all-inclusive package or total dry hire (or a bit of both!) to create a wedding day of dreams.

4. Browning Bros

If you’re after something a little different for your outside celebrations, we could recommend Browning Bros! With an alternative orchard and a serene water meadows setting up for grabs near Colchester, just add some boho tipi tents and you’ll have a standout wedding day sorted.

Check out these stunning outdoor wedding venues in the UK!

5. Bury Lodge

The family run Bury Lodge showcases a 16th Century barn with exposed wooden beams and rustic iron chandeliers – basically the venue of dreams! The icing on this scrumptious cake is the romantic two storey bridal suite and range of boutique rooms within the historic hotel building. Lush.

6. Frinton Lawn Tennis Club

guests play tennis at frinton lawn tennis club

Are you and your partner tennis lovers? If so, what else could seal the deal than getting wed at Frinton Lawn Tennis Club?! Sitting near the North East coast of the county, this unusual thatched wedding venue in Essex doesn’t just come with the courts – there’s a wonderful vaulted ballroom in which to celebrate, too!

7. Garon Park Golf Club

Moving down to the South East coast of Southend-on-Sea, another alternative location to get married is Garon Park Golf Club. You can have use of the clubhouse and adjoining luxury marquee, boasting incredible green views. If you’re feeling like you could do with exploring some more alternate locations, take a look at some of our wedding venues with a difference.

8. High House Weddings

newlyweds crossing the bridge at high house weddings

High House is a countryside oasis nestled in the centre of the county with six acres of lovely gardens and seemingly infinite meadows! Inside, a rich Grade II listed barn awaits featuring exposed red brick and a charming ambience. Finished off by a cosy Brides Cottage, this eloquently designed venue stands out as one of our favourite quirky wedding venues in Essex.

9. Layer Marney Tower

A majestic Tudor gatehouse, panoramic river views and perfectly preened grounds – if that doesn’t sum up unique, we don’t know what does! Layer Marney Tower combines wonderful architecture and delicate terracotta decoration to form a grand and memorable venue in the countryside of Essex.

Check out these dreamy UK castle wedding venues!

10. Marygreen Manor Hotel

chairs set up for a wedding ceremony ay marygreen manor hotel

Quirky Essex wedding venue Marygreen Manor Hotel is a 16th Century house that has it all! It intertwines historic features with contemporary opulence across its range of period function rooms and relaxing courtyard garden.You won’t find another venue like this!

11. Mersea Island Vineyard

Are you a pair of wine lovers, or did you do wine tasting on your first date? An incredibly unique Essex wedding venue is Mersea Island Vineyard, an outdoor paradise with a luxury marquee set up on the vineyard lawn, the perfect place for you to taste some fine British wines!

12. Oysterfleet Hotel

The Lakeside Suite at the Oysterfleet Hotel overlooks Canvey Island’s glorious lake, while being an ideal place to host a wedding with a difference! Create a totally bespoke package here, where the decor compliments pretty much every wedding theme you could think of.

Explore more hotel wedding venues in the UK

13. The Roslin Beach Hotel

the roslin beach hotel ready for a wedding ceremony

Award-winning venue The Roslin Beach Hotel is one of Southend’s finest! It’s coastal setting (just yards from the beach!) makes it a unique Essex wedding venue to remember… you’ll find some seaside themes continuing inside the gorgeous function rooms, from where you can enjoy the sea view. If you can’t get enough of seaside weddings, you can find some of the best beach wedding venues here!

14. High House Barn

empty high house barn unusual wedding venue in essex

What makes this next location an unusual Essex wedding venue is its blank canvas feel. High House Barn boasts high ceilings, exposed beams and rustic brickwork with a mixture of historic and modern touches – and you can do with it what you wish to create your dream setting.

15. The Compasses at Pattiswick

the compasses at pattiswick decorated with greenery and flags

Nestled in the North Essex countryside, you will find the incredible venue The Compasses at Pattiswick. Combining historic features with contemporary decoration and neutral palettes, this cosy setting has a homely feel that will help you and your guests fit right in on the big day.

16. Golf World

Golf players, listen up! The clue’s in the name, and we’re pretty sure you’re going to love it. Breathtaking parkland surrounds Golf World in the Bishop’s Stortford area, and you can enjoy these glorious views from inside the clubhouse or from the Oak Framed Pavilion, where outdoor ceremonies take place. It’s up to you!

Craving a little bit more of these alternative wedding venues in Essex? Fear not! Simply head over to the Bridebook.co.uk Venue Search, type in your preferred location and click ‘unique’ in the filters. We’re sure you’ll find the dream venue for you!

While you’re there, why not use the other Bridebook.co.uk features to help make your wedding planning a little easier? Forget the pen and paper – keep notes of your budget, guestlist and checklist all in one place.