Shropshire based wedding photographer & videographer
A Photographer’s Guide to the Best Wedding Venues in the West Midlands
Dana Lewis Photography
A photographers guide
Find Your Perfect Wedding Venue West Midlands
Dreaming of a wedding in the heart of England? Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a big celebration, the West Midlands wedding venues scene is packed with charm, variety, and personality.
From countryside estates to urban-chic spots, this guide is designed to help laid-back, fun-loving couples find their ideal venue, with plenty of real-world photography tips included.
OUTDOOR & GARDEN WEDDING VENUES
Thorpe Garden: Tamworth Outdoor Elegance
Run by the same team behind Shustoke Barn, Thorpe Garden is a hidden gem. It’s got a stunning yurt for your reception and a walled garden for beautiful ceremonies.
Why it’s great:
Gorgeous indoor/outdoor flexibility
One-of-a-kind yurt reception space
Dreamy gardens for portraits
Photography tip: The light here is chef’s kiss warm and soft in the afternoon, perfect for romantic couple portraits.
Shustoke Barn, Warwickshire
Shustoke Barn, Warwickshire is a red-brick 18th-century barn with a moody, romantic vibe and plenty of space for a relaxed party. It’s run by Cripps & Co, which means flawless coordination and excellent food.
Why it’s great:
Fire pits for toasting marshmallows
Candlelit receptions
Dramatic vaulted ceilings
Photography tip: The natural light pouring through the huge glass windows makes for stunning documentary moments.
Manor Hill House: Modern Elegance Meets Country Charm
If you’re after a modern country house that feels exclusive and personal, Manor Hill House is a gem. Set in the Worcestershire countryside, it’s family-run, which means the team truly cares about your experience, and it shows.
Why it’s great:
Exclusive-use, with a modern yet homely feel
Indoor and outdoor ceremony options
Customizable menus and styling
On-site accommodation for a seamless experience
🎉 Vibe: Perfect for fun, laid-back couples who want a day that feels elegant but relaxed, with great flow from ceremony to party.
Redhouse Barn: Modern Rustic
Redhouse Barn is a venue is super polished, with award-winning catering and a sleek take on country charm. It blends the warm feel of a barn with high-end finishes and great service.
Why it’s great:
Underfloor heating (yep!)
Beautiful landscaped gardens
Purpose-built with photography in mind
📸 Photography tip: Their ceremony barn has incredible side-lighting — perfect for those storytelling, in-the-moment shots.
Coombe Abbey: Historic Romance & Grand Atmosphere
If you’re dreaming of a fairy tale setting with dramatic photo ops and rich history, Coombe Abbey delivers in every way. Originally a 12th-century Cistercian abbey turned luxury hotel, it’s dripping with character, charm, and old-world elegance.
Why it’s great:
Breath taking architecture and interiors
Acres of landscaped gardens, woodlands, and a lake
Multiple ceremony and reception spaces
Ideal for large, luxurious weddings (but still works for smaller, intimate ones too)
🎭 Vibe: Romantic, grand, and a bit dramatic — perfect for couples who love history, elegance, and want a venue that wows their guests.
Alrewas Hayes: Staffordshire Timeless & Luxe
A historic estate turned luxury venue, Alrewas Hayes is a dream for couples looking for something sophisticated with a modern edge.
Why it’s great:
Multiple ceremony spaces (including a stunning Orangery)
Lake and gardens for portraits
Great for larger weddings
📸 Photography tip: The neutral tones throughout make it ideal for true-to-colour documentary photography.
Moxhull Hall: Grand & Romantic
Moxhull Hall is a Victorian mansion with lush gardens and a magical, almost fairy tale vibe. It’s ideal for couples wanting a grand backdrop without feeling too formal.
Why it’s great:
Ornate interiors
Outdoor ceremony option under the oak pagoda
Elegant but welcoming atmosphere
📸 Photography tip: The ivy-covered façade and garden archways are perfect for soft, romantic images
Pendrell Hall : Codsall Wood Elegant & Classic
Already mentioned, but worth repeating, Pendrell Hall, is an exclusive-use country house venue is perfect for elegant weddings with a relaxed, homey feel.
📸 Photography tip: Beautiful golden hour light in the gardens and a grand staircase that’s perfect for portraits.
Mythe Barn: Rustic & Modern Combo
A gorgeous mix of rustic charm and modern luxury. Mythe Barn is airy, light-filled, and designed with weddings in mind from the ceremony space to the flow of the reception.
Why it’s great:
Farm-meets-luxury vibe
Floor-to-ceiling windows
Scenic countryside views
📸 Photography tip: The clean architectural lines are ideal for documentary coverage that feels crisp and natural.
New Hall Hotel & Spa: Moated Manor with Medieval Romance
One of the most unique wedding venues in the West Midlands, New Hall Hotel is a real moated manor house dating back to the 13th century. Located in Sutton Coldfield, it’s perfect for couples who want old-world romance with luxurious, modern comforts.
Why it’s great:
Historic architecture, gardens, and interiors
On-site spa and luxury accommodation
Moat, drawbridge, and manicured grounds
Great for smaller, intimate weddings or exclusive full hire
🎯 Local Appeal: Ideal for couples in Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, and the wider Black Country who want a romantic, memorable venue close to home.
Hogarths Solihull: Modern Elegance with Woodland Vibes
Tucked away in the heart of the West Midlands, Hogarths Solihull feels like a peaceful woodland retreat. It’s modern, classy, and ideal for couples who want a nature-inspired setting with high-end service.
Why it’s great:
Woodland Island ceremony space (yes, really!)
On-site accommodation
Sleek modern interiors mixed with nature
Local Appeal: Brilliant for couples in Solihull, Birmingham, and Warwickshire looking for a peaceful escape without straying too far.
The Mount Hotel: Wolverhampton
The Mount Hotel, this Victorian manor house is right in Wolverhampton but feels tucked away. Ideal for couples wanting a local venue with character, charm, and class.
📸 Photography Tip: The wood-panelled rooms give a warm, cinematic feel to your photos, and the garden is perfect for golden hour shots.
Hogarths Stone Manor: English Garden Elegance
Hogarths Stone Manor, is a romantic manor house offers formal gardens, historic charm, and flexible indoor/outdoor ceremony options. It’s a lovely balance of classic and contemporary and it’s especially photogenic in spring and summer when the grounds come to life.
Why it’s great:
Gorgeous gardens with topiary and floral walkways
Garden Room for light-filled ceremonies
Boutique hotel feel with country house warmth
🎯 Local Appeal: Perfect for couples in Worcestershire, Dudley, Stourbridge, or the Black Country who want elegance without the formality.
Hawkesyard Estate – Rugeley (near Cannock)
Hawkesyard blends historic elegance with countryside charm. Located close to Cannock and Lichfield, it offers a grand manor, modern reception space, and landscaped gardens.
📸 Photography Tip: The arches, gardens, and long drive make this a dream for couple portraits with depth and symmetry.
Bordesley Park Wedding Venue: Rustic Countryside with Epic Views
If you’re dreaming of rolling countryside, rustic charm, and an outdoor ceremony under the sky, Bordesley Park checks all the boxes. Tucked away in the hills near Redditch, it feels private and peaceful yet it’s just 30 minutes from Birmingham.
Why it’s great:
Outdoor ceremony space with panoramic views
Marquee reception with fairy lights and wood accents
Rustic barns and open countryside vibes
Private estate for exclusive use
🎯 Local Appeal: Perfect for couples in Birmingham, Redditch, Bromsgrove, Solihull, and the Black Country who want a rural, relaxed venue without venturing too far.
ANSWERED BY A LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Frequently Asked Questions About West Midlands Wedding Venues
Book 12–18 months in advance, especially for peak Saturdays. Off-season and weekday weddings offer more flexibility.
Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Tamworth, Solihull, Coventry, Cannock, Sutton Coldfield, Redditch, and surrounding towns.
Yes, most do offer exclusivity. Best thing to do is research and ask the venues direct. Mainly Hotel’s wont offer exclusivity.
Definitely! Fridays and Sundays often have lower rates plus, they’re easier to book at short notice and “Off-Peak”
Most venues do allow your own photographer, just confirm whether they require insurance or pre-approval.
Many venues offer in-house coordinators or day-of planning services to help your day run smoothly. Others work closely with recommended planners. If full planning isn’t included, it’s worth asking about timeline support or staff presence during key parts of the day.
Look for good natural light, varied locations, indoor and outdoor, and flexible ceremony timing.
Hire a documentary-style photographer (like me!) who captures genuine, in-between moments. It’s all about trust, timing, and letting go of perfection.