Three Wedding Venues for the More Informal Celebration

The Olde Bell, Berkshire

This converted coach house is utterly charming.  Exposed beams, ancient floors and beautifully wonky features make this building (built in 1135), feel like a real getaway from the hassles of mode life.  The décor is homely but high quality, with simple touches everywhere that make the ambience vey welcoming and relaxed, although there is a real feel of class about the place as well.  The enormous Meadow Garden provides lovely photo opportunities and, if you’re lucky with the weather, you can arrange to dine al fresco.  The food and wine on offer here is traditional, local and reliably sourced, the venue is well situated for travel links, and the bridal suite is enchanting.

Fadon Boat House, Nottingham

Now this really is splendor on a budget.  If you want a really laid back, fun, comfortable reception, this is the place for you.  The venue has handsome views over the river and rolling countryside beyond, and the sizeable outside space here leans itself to just sitting with a glass of champagne and gazing at the scene before you.  The food here is unbelievably good value – and the venue is able to arrange anything from a sit down meal, to a buffet, to finger food.  The drink will also flow readily and inexpensively – if you’re looking for a beautiful venue with a casual feel, the Boat House has it all.

The Riverbank Bar & Kitchen, Nottingham

Forgive us for mentioning two similar venues in the same area on the same blog, but true to topic, this place is well worth a look.  Much the same as Fadon Boat House, this venue has lovely views over the river and a large outside space to enjoy them from.  The difference with this place is, the space is more flexible and there are more options in terms of dinner, drinks and dancing.  Inevitably, this comes with a slightly higher price tag in comparison, but you do have more options. For dinner, there is a diverse menu on offer here – you could serve anything from burgers to scallops.  Drinking is well taken care of, and the venue can work with you to choose your selection.  There is an L-shaped function room for the party (with access to a private terrace) that can either be used as one large space or split into two – each with their own sound and lighting equipment.