Planning A Wedding In The Forest Of Dean Wye Valley

Planning a Wedding in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley

Picture this: you're exchanging vows under a canopy of ancient oaks, the River Wye glinting in the distance, with nothing but birdsong and rustling leaves as your soundtrack. The Forest of Dean & Wye Valley gives you wild romance meets centuries of history, where every season paints a different backdrop for your big day.

Whether you're after a castle straight out of a fairy tale, a rustic barn lit by fairy lights, or an intimate riverside ceremony, this corner of England and Wales delivers venues and suppliers who'll make your vision real. Let's walk you through everything you need to plan a wedding that feels uniquely yours.

With our insider knowledge at your fingertips, we can help you create the most memorable wedding experience from start to finish, starting with choosing when to set your date, booking a venue, and even what you can do for an epic stag and hen party.

When is the best season to tie the knot?

Each season in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley comes with a different kind of magic.

Spring: Bluebells carpet the woodland floors, wild garlic scents the air, and the River Wye comes alive with birdlife. Perfect for outdoor ceremonies when the forest wakes up. Explore our Spring Guide

Summer: Long, golden evenings where the light filters through oak canopies until 9pm. Riverside venues make the most of the River Wye's beauty, letting you celebrate outdoors with the valley as your backdrop. Explore our Summer Guide

Autumn: This is leaf-peeping country – some of the best in the UK. Russet and gold foliage, crisp air, and that soft autumn light that makes every photo feel like a painting. Explore our Autumn Guide | Read more about leaf peeping

Winter: Mist rolls through the valleys at dawn, fairy lights reflect off medieval stone walls, and venues like The Speech House come alive with log fires and candlelight. Cosy, atmospheric, romantic. Explore our Winter Guide

Weddings In the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

Wedding venues in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

Probably the biggest decision you'll make, and highly dependent on which season you've chosen for your big day. From historic buildings with classic interiors to luxury cottages with nature right on your doorstep, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has a venue to match every vision.

Historic & elegant

Clearwell Castle – A hidden jewel steeped in history, with options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and breathtaking backdrops.

The Speech House Hotel – A former hunting lodge with classic interiors, gardens, and warm hospitality.

The King's Head Hotel – This charming venue in the picturesque market town of Ross-on-Wye boasts character and cosy spaces perfect for smaller weddings.

The Belfry Hotel – A historic coaching inn dating back over 200 years in the heart of Littledean. With a modern function suite accommodating up to 80 guests, traditional skittle alley, restaurant and bar, plus 25 en-suite rooms for guests to stay over.

Unique & rustic

Forest Barns – A group of luxury cottages and woodland spaces that lend themselves beautifully to relaxed, personalised weddings.

The Swan Hotel Lydney – A lovely riverside pub with rooms and character for small events.

Outdoor & quirky

Perrygrove Railway Adventure – A delightfully different setting combining woodland walks and heritage train rides, ideal for playful photography or reception drinks.

With such variety, you could plan a micro wedding in a historic country inn, a woodland feast under the trees, or an elegant celebration in a place shrouded in history. Whatever the weather, the local scenery ensures every moment looks stunning.

Perrygrove Railway Adventure Wedding Venue

What couples tell us:

Our guests couldn't stop talking about the scenery, the drive through the Wye Valley alone was worth it.

We wanted somewhere that felt special but not overly formal, and the Forest of Dean delivered.

The autumn colours in our photos are unreal! We're so glad we chose October!

Stag & Hen Do Ideas

Before the big day, the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley is equally full of exciting experiences that your stags and hens will love. Whether you want high-octane activities or something more chilled with drinks and laughs, there are plenty of creative options to suit every type of group. Check out a few of our favourites below.

Outdoor Fun

Watersports on The River Wye – Canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding down the River Wye is buckets of fun come rain or shine, especially if you stop off for a riverside picnic or pub lunch along the way. The Saracens Head at Symmonds Yat is a great spot to eat and to launch from, as is The Hope and Anchor & Pavilion at Ross-on-Wye. Read our full watersports guide.

Viking Games – From axe throwing, archery, adult and junior paintballing, laser clay shooting, and four Nordic inspired throwing games, Viking Games has plenty of activities that your stags and hens will love.

Kingfisher Cruises – For some outdoor fun at a slower pace, why not get your crew on a canal boat for an afternoon of cruising the beautiful River Wye? Famous for its dramatic scenery as the river winds its way through the Symonds Yat gorge.

All-Weather Fun

Mill End Mitcheldean – Weddings & Hen Parties – A versatile country house that can sleep up to 16 guests, offering weddings, hen party weekends, themed activities, pampering experiences, cocktails, cookery classes, and more.

Wye Valley Indoor Adventure Golf – Whether you're good or bad at golf, this light-hearted fun is a barrel of laughs and perfect for a mixed group.

Rachel Shilston Inspiring Creativity – Gather your hens and get crafty and learn the art of mosaic in a workshop suitable for beginners, followed by a few cocktails, G&Ts, or a spot of afternoon tea.

Cakes & Catering

Infamous Catering – A boutique caterer based in the Forest of Dean, brings relaxed vibes and unforgettable flavours to your wedding or big event in and around the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Serving seasonal feasts at a venue of your choice, chef Barney will work with you to create a menu based on your own personal preferences.

A brilliant choice if you want your wedding food to feel personal, seasonal, and locally rooted.

Photography & Moments Captured

David Broadbent Photography – A talented, local photographer specialising in capturing weddings with an eye for natural light, landscape, and authentic emotion.

Every wedding needs a great photographer, to capture your special moments, yes, but also the finer details of your surroundings, like the ever-changing light through our region's ancient trees or the ripple of the wind over the enchanting River Wye.

Here's the thing about getting married in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley: you get proper countryside beauty without the eye-watering price tags of the Cotswolds, and enough variety that your wedding won't look like everyone else's. Historic manor houses turned wedding venues, quirky railway venues, riverside pubs with rooms – take your pick. With local suppliers who know the area inside out, planning feels less like admin and more like bringing your vision to life. Timeless, beautiful, and completely yours.

Find the full list of our recommended wedding suppliers in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley here.

How far in advance should we book our wedding venue in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley?	It's best to book quickly to avoid disappointment. Popular venues, especially historic properties like Clearwell Castle and The Speech House Hotel, typically book up 12-18 months in advance for peak season (May-September). If you're planning a winter or midweek wedding, you might find availability with 6-9 months notice. Registry offices can be booked closer to your date, but it's still worth securing your preferred time slot early.
What's the weather like, and do we need a backup plan?	The Forest of Dean & Wye Valley experiences typical British weather – mild and unpredictable! Summer averages 18-22°C, but rain is always possible. Most venues offer both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, and many have beautiful covered spaces or marquee options. Autumn and spring can be stunning but changeable, while winter weddings benefit from cosy indoor settings with fires and atmospheric lighting.
Are there accommodation options nearby for our guests?	Absolutely. The area has everything from boutique B&Bs and country inns to luxury hotels and self-catering cottages. Many wedding venues like Forest Barns offer on-site accommodation. Ross-on-Wye, Monmouth, Coleford, and the surrounding villages have plenty of options within a short drive of most venues. We recommend providing guests with a range of options at different price points. Find places to stay here.
How accessible is the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley for guests travelling from other parts of the UK?	Very accessible! The area is well-connected by road – about 2 hours from Birmingham, 1 hour from Bristol and Cardiff, and 2.5 hours from London via the M4/M5. The nearest train stations are Lydney, Gloucester, Hereford, and Chepstow, all within 30-40 minutes of most venues. Many couples arrange minibus transport from train stations or nearby hotels for guests. There are taxi services available too, such as Newnham Private Hire.
Can we get married outdoors legally?	Yes! As of 2021, outdoor ceremonies are legal in England and Wales at approved venues with outdoor licences. Many venues in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley now offer licensed outdoor ceremony spaces. If your dream venue doesn't have an outdoor licence, you can have a legal ceremony at a registry office followed by a blessing or celebration at your chosen outdoor location.
What makes the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley special compared to other UK wedding destinations?	You get dramatic natural beauty, featuring ancient woodlands, the winding River Wye, and some of the UK's best autumn colours, without the premium pricing of hotspots like the Cotswolds or Lake District. The area spans England and Wales, giving you variety in venues from medieval castles to rustic barns. It's also less crowded, meaning your wedding photos won't be photobombed by tourists, and local suppliers are genuinely invested in making your day special.