Surry, just south of London, offers old-fashioned charm for the ultimate stylish country wedding with very easy access to London, combining the best of all worlds, particularly for couples who want a city wedding with a rural reception.
It is hard to appreciate just how peaceful and rural Surrey is unless you visit the county. Surrey is the most wooded county in England with a landscape of pretty villages and country pubs dotted with approved venues, with large manor houses and properties of historic interest amongst some of the favourites.
Mansions, barns and even castles are all possibilities for your special day with just about every architectural style you can think ranging from Tudor through to the Arts and Crafts style of the pre-war years in the 20th century. Surrey, due to its proximity to London, has always benefited from the patronage of wealthy and prominent families which is why so much of the very best in period properties have been preserved.
If you don’t want to stray too far from the capital then consider a venue like Kew Gardens with a choice of marriage options and so well located for guests travelling from all directions or, Hampton Court House, actually a school and located near to the famous Hampton Court Palace.
As an alternative to a country wedding and a rural backdrop, head to Guildford or Godstone, Mickleham or Oxshott for a tranquil small town wedding that is definitely not London, and surround yourself with the mellow and classic architecture of these pretty towns.
Surrey has a rather conventional vibe, no doubt about it, but look a little harder and you will find plenty of alternative wedding venues that offer something a little different. How about recording studios in a 16th century farmhouse or the Royal Horticultural Society Wisley Garden at Guildford? Surrey can also cater for small, intimate weddings with niche venues like England’s largest vineyard which offers an approved venue with a choice of settings, a reception with wine on tap of course and, accommodation – distinctive, unusual and a sure fire winner with your guests.
Surrey is very well known for its golfing heritage with more golf courses in the Top 100 than any other county in the UK. Many of the golf clubs offer a range of wedding options including contemporary or more traditional buildings, all beautifully located with the green backdrop of the course and in more rural parts of the county, the rolling Surrey countryside beyond.
Surrey is very accessible from both south and west London with numerous train services and good road networks including the M25 London orbital motorway which brings traffic from all parts of the UK. Within forty miles of both London Gatwick and London Heathrow, arriving guests and flights for the honeymoon are easy and convenient.