Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle, home to Lord and Lady Ashcombe and the Dent Brocklehurst Family, has been described as ‘the most romantic Castle in England’.

Nestled in the Cotswold Hills, Sudeley is a truly unique venue, with a rich history and over 1200 acres of grounds. Romantic ruins and award winning Gardens create a beautiful, dramatic backdrop to your Wedding.

Throughout the year we provide a bespoke service in an exclusive setting. Every Wedding is unique and our recommended suppliers provide all of our clients with a truly personal service. Whatever the theme and size of your Wedding, you will be assured a stylish, elegant and versatile venue for a most memorable day.

Marquees

We have three beautifully located Marquee sites within the Castle grounds, all with spectacular views of the Castle, 15th Century Ruins and surrounded by the Cotswold Hills.

The North Lawn is the private lawn of the Dent Brocklehurst Family and is situated close to the Castle, overlooking the 15th Century ruins of the Tithe Barn, beautiful gardens and carp pond. This lawn can accommodate a marquee for 500 plus guests, which for many of our Asian clients is perfect.

The Hop Field has amazing views over the Queens Garden and the 15th Century Ruins of the original Banqueting Hall, and again can accommodate 500 plus guests if required.

The Mulberry Lawn, named so because it is bordered on one side by ancient Mulberry Trees, is the smallest of our sites, set close to the Castle and the Ruins of the original Banqueting Hall. This lawn can accommodate up to 180 guests and makes a more intimate setting.

The Medieval Banqueting Hall

This hall is an ideal Castle setting with its baronial armour, banners, flagstone floor and roaring fire if required, looks wonderful in candlelight. The hall can accommodate 100 guests for either a civil ceremony between November and March or a wedding breakfast all year round.

The Dent Brocklehurst Family’s Private Library

Situated within the Family’s Private apartments, The Library is a truly striking room filled with antiques, fine art, a unique Sheldon tapestry and beautifully bound leather books. This room is perfect for a more intimate civil ceremony and can also be used for the wedding breakfast for up to 25 guests.

Chandos Hall

Situated within the Sudeley Castle Country Cottage complex, Chandos Hall has a peaceful and intimate feel and can accommodate up to 60 guests for a civil ceremony.

Blessings & Civil Ceremonies

Sudeley Castle is licensed for Civil Ceremonies in the following rooms:

• The Dent Brocklehurst Family’s Private Library can accommodate 50 guests and is available all year round with permission from the Family.
• The Long Room can accommodate 80 guests and is available from November through to March inclusive.
• The Medieval Banqueting Room can accommodate 80 guests from November through to March inclusive.
• Chandos Hall which is within our Holiday Cottage complex and a two minute drive from the Castle can accommodate up to 50 guests.

St Mary’s Chapel is truly magical and is situated within the heart of the grounds and the award winning gardens of the Castle. It invites you to celebrate your marriage and re-affirm your vows in a traditional setting. The Chapel can accommodate just over 100 guests.

Stylish Catering

Our recommended caterers provide exquisite quality and outstanding service.

From delicious canapés to mouth-watering starters and beautifully presented mains using locally sourced produce and the finest ingredients.

History

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Cotswold Hills, Sudeley Castle is steeped in history. With royal connections spanning a thousand years, it has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England's past.

The Castle was once home to Queen Katherine Parr, the last and surviving wife of King Henry VIII. Henry himself, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Queen Elizabeth 1 and Richard III have all played a part in Sudeley’s story. King Charles 1 found refuge here during the Civil War, when his nephew Prince Rupert established headquarters at the Castle.

Following it’s ‘slighting’ on Cromwell’s orders at the end of the Civil War, Sudeley lay neglected and derelict for nearly 200 years. King George III was among those sightseers who came to admire its romantic ruins.

Then in 1837 Sudeley was rescued by the wealthy Worcester glove-makers, brothers John and William Dent, who began an ambitious restoration programme which was continued by their nephew, John Coucher Dent, when he inherited the Castle in 1855. His wife, Emma Brocklehurst, threw herself enthusiastically into Sudeley’s restoration, at the same time forging strong links with the nearby town of Winchcombe. It is the results of Emma’s dedication that are so evident in the gardens and exhibitions at Sudeley today.

Sudeley is now the home of the Dent-Brocklehursts and Lord and Lady Ashcombe. The family are committed to the continued preservation of the Castle and its treasures and the ongoing restoration and regeneration of the gardens.

The family are delighted to offer access to their home on special Connoisseur Tours of the Private Apartments, which run every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the season.