Weddings at Berkeley Castle

Your Ceremony

Emily & Steve Photography

Your ceremony is the heart and soul of the wedding, and there are many choices here at Berkeley Castle. We have a range of ceremony options so you can exchange vows in just the perfect way for YOU.

We are licensed for both inside the castle, and outside in the grounds for Civil Ceremonies and Partnerships.

The magnificent Great Hall built in the 14th Century with its illustrated stained glass windows, Oudenarde tapestries and original black & white stone floor is wonderful for larger ceremonies of up to 130 guests.

For more intimate ceremonies, the Long Drawing Room with its carved gilt mirrors and beautiful mantlepiece is the perfect space seating up to 70 guests.

The large grounds offer a dreamy location for outdoor weddings, with the castle becoming a stunning backdrop – you can find out more about this option below.

Civil Ceremonies

What is a Civil Ceremony?

A civil ceremony is a legal marriage conducted without any religious context. It is performed by a government official (a registrar) from the county council where you choose to get married in. In order for your civil ceremony to be legal you must give notice that you intend to get married and your ceremony must be performed in a licensed/approved building or grounds.

A civil ceremony is a standard ceremony about 20 mins long where you will declare that you are free to marry and where you will exchange vows. It must be conducted in front of at least 2 witnesses and after you have been declared married you will be asked to sign the official register.

What is the difference between a Civil Ceremony & Marriage?

The main difference is that a marriage ceremony is religious, usually held in a church or other religious building, whilst a civil ceremony is just the legal contract you make with no religious or faith elements included at all.

Although you cannot have any religious or faith elements as part of your civil ceremony, you are able to have a non-religious readings or a poems included as part of your ceremony.

Divine Day Photography

Church Service

We are blessed to have St Mary’s Church next to the Castle. Dating back to 1225, it is breath-taking in both its history and beauty. We are very happy to put you in touch with our parish vicar to discuss the possibility of you marrying in the church.

This gives you the opportunity to be religiously married in the church before enjoying the rest of your celebrations at Berkeley Castle.

Get married alfresco

An outdoor wedding ceremony can be perfect setting during the warmer months. We are fortunate to with our vast grounds, and terraced gardens to have several possible marriage locations including The Lower Lawn, Queen Elizabeth Bowling Lawn, The Culloden Pine and The Memorial Garden.

We want to ensure every couple can fulfill their dream wedding, and as licensed outdoor venue we can achieve this by giving you the perfect location to exchange your vows whether you decide on a Registrar or Independent Celebrant to conduct your ceremony.

Adam Drake Photography