Wedding Venues in Cambridge

Wedding Venues in Cambridgeshire & Average Costs

Cambridgeshire has no shortage of incredible wedding venues, whether you’re after historic elegance, rustic charm or something completely unique that neither you nor your guests will forget in a hurry.

From the centuries of educational history at the University of Cambridge to the ancient eel fishing trade around Ely, Cambridgeshire has so many amazing historical places to visit. Many of those locations also make for fantastic wedding venues, so you can pay homage to the area’s history as part of your wedding day. Kimbolton Castle might not look like a typical castle, but it was actually Catherine of Aragon’s home at one time, so you just know it’s filled with the ultimate in luxuries. The Old Hall Ely is an enormous Jacobean manor house with pristine gardens and multiple places to have your ceremony. There are also Hockwold Hall and Madingley Hall to consider, two stunning country manor houses that let you tie the knot in a truly magical location.

If you’re keen to incorporate what makes Cambridgeshire so famous into your wedding, you could do absolutely that. Many of the historic colleges around Cambridge are stunning wedding venues, as well as being famous educational buildings, including Girton College, King’s College Cambridge, Queen’s College Cambridge and Homerton College.

Cambridgeshire has some truly picturesque countryside – after all, it was voted as the 8th best countryside vacation spot for a reason. That means, not only are there some amazing sites and locations around the county, but also plenty of venues that let you take advantage of it and tie the knot surrounded by nature. Venues include South Farm, Bassmead Manor Barns and Rectory Farm, and each have wonderful outdoor venue spaces.

To keep your spending low, you might be on the lookout for lower-cost venues or to make sure you have a more intimate celebration. The good news is that Cambridgeshire also has loads of venues that are perfect for smaller budgets, so you can still have your dream wedding on a tighter budget. Venues like The Three Hills, Coach House Hotel and Minstrel Court are all great options if you’re trying to keep a close eye on spending.

The average cost of a venue in Cambridgeshire and the wider East of England Region is £5,047, compared to the overall UK average of £5,945. This shows that not only can you secure an incredible venue in a super popular area, but you can also do so for less than couples in other regions across the country.

Average Wedding Venue Booking Lead Times in Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire is a popular wedding destination, so early booking is definitely recommended. The average booking lead time in the area is around 12 to 18 months, but expect it to be anything from two years plus for venues that are especially popular, or if you’d like to get married during the height of wedding season.

For off-peak or weekday weddings, or if you simply have a lot more flexibility, availability is often within six to nine months, or perhaps even sooner. Plus, by getting married during a time when there’s less competition, you’re also likely to save money on your wedding.

Weather & Seasonality in Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire’s weather can be a little all over the place, with unexpected rain possible at any time – which actually doesn’t make it unexpected at all, really! But, while the Great British weather can be unpredictable, if you plan things carefully, you can take full advantage of the seasons and everything they have to offer.

Spring (March – May) is a beautiful time for a wedding in Cambridgeshire, with parks and gardens like Milton Country Park in full bloom with plenty of greenery. Temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) in March to 16°C (61°F) in May, with a mix of sunshine and spring showers. An outdoor ceremony might be pushing it early on in the season, but towards the end of spring, it’s definitely worth thinking about.

Summer (June – August) is the most popular time to get married in the area, with temperatures between 19°C (66°F) and 23°C (73°F). Longer daylight hours make it ideal for outdoor weddings, especially at venues that highlight how fabulous Cambridgeshire is. Venues with outdoor spaces should definitely be considered, like The Granary Estates and Manor Barn.

Autumn (September – November) is perfect for couples who love warm, rich colours and don’t mind that it might be a little grey. With temperatures from 18°C (64°F) in September to 8°C (46°F) in November, there’s a higher chance of rain, but historic indoor venues like Cambridge Union Society and Rosewood Pavilion still have bags of elegance.

Winter (December – February) helps create an intimate and festive atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 7°C (45°F), and occasionally dropping below freezing. Candlelit receptions and cosy fireplaces make for a magical winter wedding setting in towns and cities like Ely and Saint Ives.

Transport & Accommodation in Cambridgeshire

One of Cambridgeshire’s biggest advantages is its excellent transport links, making it easy for almost everyone to get to from across the UK.

For guests arriving by train, Cambridge Station offers direct services to London King’s Cross in under an hour, as well as connections to Norwich, Birmingham and Stansted Airport. Other major train stations include Peterborough, Ely and Huntingdon, all providing access across the region.

For international visitors, London Stansted Airport (STN) is the closest major airport, just 40 minutes away by car or train. London Luton Airport (LTN) and London Heathrow (LHR) are also within relatively easy reach.

By road, Cambridgeshire is well connected via the M11, A14 and A1, making it a straightforward journey from London, the Midlands and the South East – in fact, pretty much everywhere.

As for places to stay, the county is filled with great hotels and B&Bs, including family-run spots and all the well-known budget hotels. With Cambridge being known for its affluence, the area has plenty of luxury hotels on offer, too. In fact, many hotels in Cambridgeshire are also great wedding venues in their own right – perfect if you’d like to have your entire wedding day, from ceremony to bedtime, all under one roof. Hotels like Poets House Hotel, The Old Bridge at Huntingdon and The Cambridge Belfry all make for brilliant choices.