Award winning, exclusive use English country house

What’s not to like about Notley Abbey? It has a wonderful historic feel and atmosphere as you walk around the medieval walls and take in the scenic grounds. In fact, the current owners, Bijou Wedding Venues, have restored the venue to its former glory and making a stunning place to get married.

Tree-line Driveway and Walled Garden

Guests can’t fail to be impressed as they travel along the tree-lined driveway, passing the grazing sheep and across the old bridge over the river and arrive at the country house. In fact, this national monument is surrounded by beautiful grounds.

The driveway and the Walled Garden make for beautiful photographs and are especially intimate and romantic as the sun sets and the soft golden light falls on you.

Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh

You’re in great company as well. Notley Abbey is the former home of Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, and has played host to both royalty and celebrity, from Henry VIII to Marilyn Monroe.

The glamour and the romance ooze from Notley Abbey.

Elegant Bridal Suite

From a more practical perspective, Notley Abbey has a spacious and calming accommodation on site, boasting an elegant bridal suite for you and your family to prepare for the big day.

Abbot’s Hall Ceremony

And when you are ready for your ceremony, it’s a short walk to the Abbot’s Hall, which has remained unchanged for the last 800 years and boasts gorgeous high ceilings, oak beams and big windows throwing natural light across the room.

The Abbot’s Hall is easily accessible from the front of the house and makes it easy for guests to spill out into the garden to enjoy a glass of bubbly after the ceremony. The space can hold 100 guests for the ceremony, and for the more intimate wedding will entertain 60 for the wedding reception and an intimate banquet.

The Monks’ Refectory

For larger weddings the Monks’ Refectory is perfect. The stone barn, dating back to 1162, hosts up to 173 guests and gives you the option to throw open the barn doors and enjoy the cloister gardens. If it’s not raining, it’s a great opportunity to capture some candid wedding photographs of guests.

You can also use the Monks’ Refectory as your wedding reception, enjoying the chandeliers, grand piano and elegance of the stone barn before the party starts and your entertainment kicks in.

The Walled Garden Ceremony

The rear of the country house offers a Walled Garden for outside ceremonies. Steeped in history, with the garden being the site of the old Abbey before Henry VIII instructed it to be dissolved.

Guests enjoy an al-fresco wedding ceremony with chairs on the lawn facing the ‘nook’ in the garden where registrars sit, and you tie the knot. The garden can sit 172 guests and makes for a truly magical and unique wedding ceremony.

Get in touch

If you’re looking for wedding photographers for your Notley Abbey wedding then I would love to chat with you. We can talk about how I would capture your day and you can ask as many questions as you like. I only live a short distance from Notley Abbey so we could meet at the house and wander the grounds talking about how best to capture your day.