Top Rated Derbyshire Wedding Venues
There are so many unique wedding venues in and around Derbyshire, and as a Derbyshire wedding photographer, I’m lucky enough to have shot at most of them. I’ve put together a list of what I consider to be the best wedding venues in Derbyshire.
But first, let’s get one thing out of the way.
The number one myth about Derbyshire wedding venues
The more expensive and extravagant your wedding venue is, the more fun you and your guests will have.
I believe the number one thing when it comes to choosing your Derbyshire wedding venue is booking a place that allows you to celebrate in the way that YOU want.
Your wedding venue will set the vibe for your celebrations. It’s the place where all your fun and creative ideas come to life, and it has to fit your style and what you enjoy as a couple. Maybe you want a grand wedding venue, or maybe you want an alternative wedding venue in Derbyshire that offers something more chilled and laid back?
Here are my top wedding venues in Derbyshire for you, with a little bit about why I think they rock and why you might want to check them out! (Note- I’m not ‘In’ with any of the Derbyshire wedding venues listed here. I don’t receive any special favours for including the chosen venues. I have included them because I really like them and hopefully, you might too!)
WEST MILL – Exclusive Derbyshire Wedding Venue
The West Mill is an uber-cool wedding venue in Darley Abbey, Derbyshire. Available for exclusive use, the West Mill, a unique venue, is set in a Grade I Listed, former cotton spinning mill on the banks of the River Derwent, and it has the WOW factor in spades. The Cotton Quarter, ceremony room has industrial vibes with cast iron beams, barrel-vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork and wooden flooring. A big plus for me was the many large paned windows, which filled the room with loads of natural light.
I was thrilled to shoot there a while ago, and you can view the wedding here: West Mill wedding photographer
SHOTTLE HALL – Country House Wedding Venue, Derbyshire
Shottle Hall is an elegant Derbyshire Country House that blends Victorian charm with modern luxury. Set on the edge of the Peak District National Park, its beautiful grounds offer stunning views over the Ecclesbourne Valley. The venue is perfect for small, intimate weddings and grand affairs.
They can cater for 30 to 90 guests for a civil ceremony and wedding breakfast, and up to 120 guests for your evening reception at the Orangery Restaurant. My thoughts on the venue are that it feels very light; there’s so much window light that it’s a fantastic place to be inside, even in the winter when I shot there last. Also, couples can now get married outside, and I shot an outdoor wedding at Shottle Hall last summer (blog coming soon).
You can check out some of the photos from my Shottle Hall wedding here
FOXTIAL BARNS – Venue near the Derbyshire Peak District
Just over the other side of the Derbyshire Peak District, you have Foxtail barns. It’s the epitome of quintessentially English meets modern elegance, which makes it the perfect place to turn into your own for your wedding day. It’s a blank canvas, without being a blank canvas, if you know what I mean! This always makes being a wedding photographer at Foxtail Barns interesting because it’s not for a ‘cookie-cutter’ wedding venue.
I’ve shot there three times now, and every time it’s great. You get married in the oragnery, which is filled with natural light, making a very flattering place to photograph. The only downside is that the bride prep area is a little on the tiny side.
DIY BACK GARDEN WEDDING
Maybe you don’t even need a typical venue?
Maybe you want to have an outdoor wedding and DIY the whole thing? Maybe your Derbyshire wedding venue could be your family home. Why not put a tipi or a marquee in a field and have your wedding that way? That’s exactly what Rosie and Rob did below.
THORPE GARDEN
The most striking thing about the venue is the grounds – they are both emorous and immaculate. It’s a giant walled garden , and it provides an exclusive space for wedding celebrations.
The bridal suite is very spacious, so it’s ideal if you have a large wedding party. Couples can choose to get married either outside or in the yurt, which can hold up to 100 guests. The space can be turned around in the evening for an epic dancefloor.
As a wedding photographer, I enjoyed the reception space at Thorpe Garden because of the spacious grounds, perfect for outdoor games and to capture relaxed photos of the newlyweds.
TISSINGTON HALL – Wedding Venue in the Derbyshire Dales
Tissington Hall is a standout wedding venue for a reason.
Located in Ashbourne in Derbyshire, Tissington Hall is a stunning 17th-century mansion with grand interiors, historic charm, and beautiful gardens. Is an exclusive-use venue, so the entire Hall is yours for the day – no sharing, just your celebration
- Ceremony choice: Marry indoors, outdoors under the cloisters, or at nearby St Mary’s Church
If you want a classic English country-house wedding with elegance, history, and incredible views, this place delivers — grand yet relaxed, and unmistakably special.
(I’ll be posting a blog about this Derbyshire wedding venue soon)