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Description
Tucked away in the heart of Bedfordshire, Shortmead House offers you a secret, sacred space that's perfect for creating your very own flavour of life-long memories.
A place that feels like your own private villa in the South of France, yet is just 40 minutes from London by train.
And it’s yours to make your own.
So take a moment to imagine the perfect celebration of your love and union...
What do you see?
What music sounds and music do you hear?
What fragrances greet you?
What delicious food are you enjoying?
Who are you dancing with...hugging...sharing laughter with?
What did you come up with?
Are you three-course formal, or barefoot elegance? Maybe botanical luxury or cinematic charm.
Or are you fun and games with street food and BBQ?
Well, whether you’re imagining a sun-drenched summer celebration by the pool, or a magical autumn ceremony among fire-lit gardens, every season here offers its own kind of magic.
And Shortmead is ready to honour your love and your dreaming.
What makes a Shortmead Wedding unique?
A Venue You Make Your Own
With 24 acres of manicured gardens and hidden nooks, you’re not confined to one look or layout.
Create your day your way — relaxed or refined, opulent or organic.
Ceremony under the Passion Flower vines? Champagne by the pool? Dancing in the Courtyard? Yes. Yes…and YES!
A Story-Rich Estate
With roots tracing back to 1543, Shortmead carries centuries of stories. But this chapter is yours. Couples often say they can feel the love held in these walls — and how it seems to bless their day with something deeper.
Designed for Connection
Shortmead is intentionally intimate. Not huge, not corporate, not one-size-fits-all. It’s a place where you can slow down, stay present, and savour every glance, laugh, tear, and kiss.
A Seamless Experience
We care deeply about your experience — from your first visit to your final dance. Licensed for civil ceremonies and receptions, with on-site dining for up to 190 guests, we offer total flexibility — and total support. Our team is warm, responsive, and grounded in years of experience.
Whether you’re dreaming of a twilight ceremony beneath the trees, a sun-drenched marquee celebration, or a weekend escape with those you love most, Shortmead holds it beautifully.
Shortmead is where your modern love meets timeless soul and breath-taking beauty
Arrange a private tour or contact us directly to explore your dream wedding at Shortmead House.
Experience
Overview of Shortmead House
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Cultural Specialists
Pricing for Shortmead House
Reviews (16)
- JJames10/09/2026Unique and special, which had the wow factorUnique and special, which had the wow factorMy wife, Lydia, and I got married on 9th June 2018 at the beautiful Shortmead House in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. We were keen to find a venue close to our home in St Neots and Shortmead ticked all the boxes. It is something of a hidden gem, tucked away down a country lane in the town and somewhere you might not know existed had you not been told about it, and that really appealed to us. My wife, Lydia, and I got married on 9th June 2018 at the beautiful Shortmead House in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. We were keen to find a venue close to our home in St Neots and Shortmead ticked all the boxes. It is something of a hidden gem, tucked away down a country lane in the town and somewhere you might not know existed had you not been told about it, and that really appealed to us.
- JJenna10/09/2026Perfect place to get marriedPerfect place to get marriedWe got married at Shortmead House in September this year. Everyone commented on how beautiful the venue was - and it is. It is perfect. Our wedding was intimate and so much fun. One thing that it is difficult to describe in words is the ambience and atmosphere of Shortmead; it is relaxed, yet formal and if you are looking for an outdoor summer wedding, Shortmead House has everything you need.The thatch is a wonderful place to tie the knot and the honeymoon suite is a beautiful, beautiful room.We got married at Shortmead House in September this year. Everyone commented on how beautiful the venue was - and it is. It is perfect. Our wedding was intimate and so much fun. One thing that it is difficult to describe in words is the ambience and atmosphere of Shortmead; it is relaxed, yet formal and if you are looking for an outdoor summer wedding, Shortmead House has everything you need.The thatch is a wonderful place to tie the knot and the honeymoon suite is a beautiful, beautiful room.
- SSam10/09/2026Our perfect wedding and venueOur perfect wedding and venueThe grounds are set in beautiful and meticulously maintained gardens which provided a stunning setting for our summer wedding. All of our guests commented on how amazing the venue was and how much fun they had, there were outside games such as table tennis, giant Jenga and a giant chess board which added to everyone’s enjoyment. We would highly recommend hiring the beautiful on site cottage. We used it for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready on the day and also spend our wedding night there.The grounds are set in beautiful and meticulously maintained gardens which provided a stunning setting for our summer wedding. All of our guests commented on how amazing the venue was and how much fun they had, there were outside games such as table tennis, giant Jenga and a giant chess board which added to everyone’s enjoyment. We would highly recommend hiring the beautiful on site cottage. We used it for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready on the day and also spend our wedding night there.
- RRak10/09/2026A beautiful place for an amazing day! A beautiful place for an amazing day!We got married at Shortmead House in June 2022. The site is beautiful, a stately house, with beautiful grounds. The guests loved the location, there was something to keep everyone entertained with games set out around the grounds which children absolutely loved! With the sun out at the start of summer, it felt as if we were abroad on private tropical island. The outdoor setting for the wedding ceremony was perfect for the photos.We got married at Shortmead House in June 2022. The site is beautiful, a stately house, with beautiful grounds. The guests loved the location, there was something to keep everyone entertained with games set out around the grounds which children absolutely loved! With the sun out at the start of summer, it felt as if we were abroad on private tropical island. The outdoor setting for the wedding ceremony was perfect for the photos.
- PPerfect !!!!10/09/2026Perfect !!!!Perfect !!!!Shortmead house is stunning. We hired shortmead for my daughters wedding. Not only is the house and marquee visually beautiful but so are it's surroundings. Lee and all involved in making the day perfect went above and beyond, attention to detail was much appreciated. A fairytale place perfect for any wedding or special occasion.Shortmead house is stunning. We hired shortmead for my daughters wedding. Not only is the house and marquee visually beautiful but so are it's surroundings. Lee and all involved in making the day perfect went above and beyond, attention to detail was much appreciated. A fairytale place perfect for any wedding or special occasion.
- LLuisa10/09/2026Wedding 10th July 2025Wedding 10th July 2025OMG do not hesitate book today ! The team are so professional and accommodated our every request, we had a large Italian wedding and nothing was a problem. The grounds are spectacular and our guests felt like they had been transported abroad on one of the hottest days of the year. We are so glad we booked our reception here. There really is no comparison to anywhere in Bedfordshire (and beyond !) and was the perfect choice. OMG do not hesitate book today ! The team are so professional and accommodated our every request, we had a large Italian wedding and nothing was a problem. The grounds are spectacular and our guests felt like they had been transported abroad on one of the hottest days of the year. We are so glad we booked our reception here. There really is no comparison to anywhere in Bedfordshire (and beyond !) and was the perfect choice.
- AAlison10/09/2026Perfect venue & hostsPerfect venue & hostsLaura & George are really lovely people, personable, friendly, flexible, communicative & we are sorry our day is over because it means we no longer have an excuse to meet with them!!! They absolutely understood our needs, helped us negotiate what was required to find the perfect timeline for the day & were just a joy to deal with. The cottage at Shortmead is beautiful, the perfect accommodation for any bride on her wedding eve & wedding night.Laura & George are really lovely people, personable, friendly, flexible, communicative & we are sorry our day is over because it means we no longer have an excuse to meet with them!!! They absolutely understood our needs, helped us negotiate what was required to find the perfect timeline for the day & were just a joy to deal with. The cottage at Shortmead is beautiful, the perfect accommodation for any bride on her wedding eve & wedding night.
- JJasmine10/09/2026Our April weddingOur April weddingI remember at one point thinking, “everything is just running perfectly,” and that’s completely down to them. So many of our guests commented on how beautiful the venue was and how smooth the whole day felt. They truly went above and beyond, and we’d recommend them to anyone without hesitation. I remember at one point thinking, “everything is just running perfectly,” and that’s completely down to them. So many of our guests commented on how beautiful the venue was and how smooth the whole day felt. They truly went above and beyond, and we’d recommend them to anyone without hesitation.
- BBilal10/09/2026Outstanding experienceOutstanding experienceWe had an amazing experience with George and the whole team. From start to finish they were incredibly helpful, professional, and genuinely caring. What really stood out was their kindness after our event — I accidentally left my phone at the venue, and not only did they find it quickly, they posted it back to me free of charge without hesitation. That level of honesty and customer care is rare to find. The venue itself was beautiful, the team were attentive throughout.We had an amazing experience with George and the whole team. From start to finish they were incredibly helpful, professional, and genuinely caring. What really stood out was their kindness after our event — I accidentally left my phone at the venue, and not only did they find it quickly, they posted it back to me free of charge without hesitation. That level of honesty and customer care is rare to find. The venue itself was beautiful, the team were attentive throughout.
- IIrma10/09/2026Bridgerton BlissBridgerton BlissIf you are considering Shortmead House for your wedding… do it. From the moment we first visited, we completely fell in love with the grounds and the house itself. In spring especially, the estate is absolutely stunning when everything is blooming. Every direction you look feels like a scene from a period drama, and we genuinely felt like we had stepped into our own Bridgerton world. Most importantly, Laura and George are absolutely wonderful. They know this business inside out.If you are considering Shortmead House for your wedding… do it. From the moment we first visited, we completely fell in love with the grounds and the house itself. In spring especially, the estate is absolutely stunning when everything is blooming. Every direction you look feels like a scene from a period drama, and we genuinely felt like we had stepped into our own Bridgerton world. Most importantly, Laura and George are absolutely wonderful. They know this business inside out.
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Why should I choose Shortmead as my wedding venue?
Let's be real - there are hundreds of incredible venues...so why Shortmead.
For us, it's one word: Care.
We are a family business who have been running weddings on the site for 20+ years. This means we can keep the personal touch.
And we have a really beautiful and adaptable venue - truly a space you can make your own.
We are not as big or as cheap or as fancy as some places.
But we are a team who absolutely loves hosting incredible weddings - and helping the world to become a more loving place.
We get to know you and the brilliantly unique vision you have for your wedding and how you want to honour and celebrate your love...and then we work with you to transform our space into your place for your big day.
Because we care. And we believe that's the one thing that all great weddings are built on.
What is included in the venue hire?
We like to keep things simple.
Where other venues may charge you separately for things like tables and chairs and glasses etc...
We think it's easier if you just have one price and you know what you're getting.
So as a general rule, the price we quote you for venue hire will be the one you pay - and any extras like drinks packages and pool hire will be outlined in your estimate before you pay your deposit.
What is the capacity of the venue?
We have different spaces and capacity to suite all wedding/event requirements and this is detailed in our brochure.
We are licensed for ceremonies of up to 120 guests, but the site can comfortably manage around 200.
What time do we have to finish on our wedding day?
We tend to serve last drinks around 11:20, with music lowered from 11:30 (live music ends at 23:00). All guests not staying are asked to leave the site by midnight.
Is there access for people with disabilities and/or mobility issues?
Our gardens have been designed to make the pathways as flush/flat as possible and the majority of accessibility needs can be met. We also have a specific drop-off area for those who do not wish/are unable to walk from the car park area to the main venue area - Our toilets and shower also have accessibility - Neither the Cottage, nor the Cabin are currently wheelchair accessible, or suitable for mobility issues (the Cabin may be, just get in touch to discuss).
Do you have facilities for young children and babies?
The stunning water features at Shortmead - the Lake, the Pool and the Jacuzzi mean that it imperative young children are watched by responsible adults. However, children and babies are very welcome here and we have changing facilities, as well as a microwave that parents/guardians can access for preparing baby food if they wish. We are absolutely a breast-feeding friendly venue. we also have three high chairs for use.
Can we get married elsewhere and just have a reception at Shortmead?
Yes, we are flexible on use within the venue hire charges-some couples choose to just have Shortmead for a reception venue, but most of our couples choose ourstunning groundsfor all of their elements.
Where can our guests stay, if not onsite?
We will provide you with a full list of local accommodations, which will include a choice of B&B’s, hotels and camping options. We also have preferential pricing arranged with some of these establishments, and these details will also be provided (they are in the Welcome pack also).
Is there parking available for guests? Can cars be left onsite overnight?
We have a 100 space car park on site and cars can be left (at owner’s risk) in the carpark until 11:00 latest on the following day - the owner/driver are welcome to let the wedding co-ordinator know if they are leaving a vehicle and provide a contact number if they wish.
Is confetti allowed at Shortmead?
Absolutely! We love our couples to be able to enjoy this moment. However, as we are an eco-friendly venue, it is important that the confetti used is easily biodegradable. Petal confetti is able to be thrown in a few spaces within Shortmead. Biodegradable paper confetti is allowed, but needs to be thrown on the main path through the estate at the front of the manor house.
