This month we look at the best Hand Picked Hotel wedding venues under two hours from the UK’s capital

If you live in the heart of London there are many reasons for picking a wedding venue just outside. As well as being cheaper, it also means you can have a venue that is more secluded while still offering easy travel connections. It also gives your guests a chance to extend their stay and explore the local area before or after your big day.

So, if you do fancy stepping out of the big smoke and into the classic English countryside then Hand Picked Hotels have seven beautiful country houses for you to pick from – all less than 100 miles from the city centre. If you do not want to travel further than 50 miles then you might want to consider our range of south east venues. From the heathland, valley woodlands and illustrious parks to the vibrant market towns and historic villages, the country of Surrey is an inspiring escape destination for your special day. 

With a wonderfully accessible location, Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa dates back to 1872, and offers the most marvellous setting for a romantic wedding venue. This unique Victorian mansion house near Redhill has an almost endless number of possibilities for your wedding or civil partnership. For the ultimate in exclusivity, take over the whole house – the lounges and garden terraces, restaurants and bedrooms, or, for smaller parties you could choose one of the stunning period rooms.

Similarly Woodlands Park Hotel near Cobham is a great venue to hold a wedding or civil partnership. With its oak panelled rooms, vaulted ceilings and characterful antiques this Victorian house will take guests back to an era of style and sophistication. Our specialist events team will be by your side every step of the way to ensure everything runs seamlessly with meticulous attention to detail, leaving you to treasure every magical minute. 

Known as the ‘Garden of England’, the historic county of Kent is renowned for its rural beauty and as well as giving guests the chance to explore the area’s rich heritage they can discover the outstanding culture on offer. 

Within easy reach of the M25 and M20, as well as Gatwick, Heathrow and the Channel Tunnel, Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa in Fawkham Kent will provide you with the country house wedding you always dreamt of. We have several packages for you to choose from, whether you want to hire out our fantastic Georgian mansion exclusively, take advantage of our special offers or tailor your day to match your exact requirements, we will ensure that your expectations are met.

If you are keen on a Kentish wedding, then you can also choose to have your special day at the 17th century Chilston Park in Lenham. Surrounded by 22 acres of private grounds with its own lake it makes for the perfect backdrop. If you are planning an intimate wedding then the Coach House, our Grade 1 listed stables which overlooks the courtyard garden is ideal, alternatively the Grade I listed hotel with its charming orangery, and a choice of three reception rooms will accommodate a bigger ceremony and reception.

Located in the neighbouring county of East Sussex and 35 minutes south of the M25, Buxted Park Hotel is a Grade II listed Palladian mansion set in the finest parkland providing a unique backdrop for your wedding day. Relax and mingle with guests on the terrace or head for the tranquillity of the lake in the afternoon, and come evening dine in the stunning Victorian Orangery or spacious Ballroom. From the exquisite venue and outstanding staff to superb service we will ensure your wedding day is truly magical. 

If you are prepared to travel a little further then Ettington Park Hotel is the most delightfully dreamy wedding venue in Stratford-upon-Avon and a world apart from the hustle and bustle of London. Steeped in a rich and varied history, this grand gothic mansion with its towering turrets is set in 40 acres of parkland and licensed for indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies and partnerships. Boasting excellent leisure facilities guests can also make the most of their visit to the hotel.

Situated in the heart of the shires, but a short drive from Daventry, Banbury, Leamington and Northampton, Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa can cater for a small wedding or a larger celebration within the exclusive contemporary setting of Knightley Court, or the grand surroundings of the Main House. They can also host outdoor ceremonies in the stunning grounds of their formal gardens and parkland landscaped by Capability Brown during the 1760s for parties bigger than 150 wedding guests.