Midelney Manor
Midelney Manor is the kind of place that feels like a secret – a mellow stone Elizabethan manor tucked into 400 acres of Somerset farmland and woodland, wrapped in roses, lavender and ancient trees. If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, creative, countryside wedding with a touch of bohemian elegance, this venue should be very high on your list.
First impressions of Midelney Manor
Arriving at Midelney Manor feels more like turning up at a family home than a “venue”. The house has been in Alice’s family, the Cely Trevilians, for around 500 years, and you can feel that history in the mullioned windows, polished stone floors and wood‑panelled rooms. Step outside and you’re immediately in a 17th‑century walled garden, with rambling roses climbing the stone, borders crammed with blooms and lavender, and views that drift out into oak trees and topiary.
Because it’s family run, the atmosphere is calm, friendly and very bespoke – they only host a limited number of weddings each year, so your day feels genuinely exclusive. It’s the sort of place where you can plan something a little different, knowing the setting will quietly do a lot of the storytelling for you.
Ceremony spaces you’ll love
One of the big joys of Midelney is how many distinct spaces you can play with, each giving a different feel on camera.
The Walled Garden: Perfect for a romantic outdoor ceremony or post‑vow champagne, framed by rose‑covered walls and soft, colourful borders.
The Potting Shed: A huge rustic barn in the middle of the gardens, with old stonework, ancient beams and vintage flower‑show prize cards still pinned up, ideal for a ceremony, drinks space or evening bar.
Washams Woods: A peaceful woodland at the end of the garden where they create a magical ceremony space for blessings under the trees – think dappled light, rustic aisles and ethereal frames.
Inside the house: Smaller, intimate ceremonies can take place within the manor itself, surrounded by portraits, panelling and log fires for winter or micro‑weddings.
Because the venue is so flexible, it works just as well for a laid‑back boho tipi wedding as it does for a more classic English‑country‑house day.
Receptions, tipis and golden‑hour wandering
For your reception, Midelney Manor gives you the bones of a quintessential English garden party and lets you build on it in your own way.
Round Garden: This is where a marquee, tipi or yurt sits perfectly, with the Potting Shed nearby and the house as a backdrop – great for festival‑style setups or more minimal, modern styling.
Food and drink: They work with trusted local caterers and you’ll have a proper bar on site, so whether you’re going simple pie‑and‑mash or multi‑course feasting, it feels relaxed but well looked after.
Party vibes: With a late licence and exclusive use, the gardens and barn become your own little pocket of Somerset for the night, with festoon lights, live music and that “we’re in our own world” feeling.
From a photography point of view, it’s a dream – we can wander from walled garden to woodland to long grass at golden hour, never leaving the grounds, and every spot looks like a different scene.
Little details couples always ask about
Here are the practical bits that tend to come up in planning chats, all in one place.
Guest numbers: Up to around 150 guests for both ceremony and reception.
Style: Traditional English country house with a bohemian, slightly wild‑garden edge rather than manicured formality.
Licensed for ceremonies: Yes, with options both indoors and outdoors.
On‑site accommodation: The west wing of the manor (Midelney West) sleeps up to 7 and is self‑catering – ideal for getting ready and making a weekend of it.
Exclusivity: Yes – you have the house, gardens and grounds to yourselves.
Pet‑ and child‑friendly: Dogs and little ones are welcome, which always makes for the best candids.
It’s one of those venues where the logistics support the day quietly in the background, so you’re free to focus on bringing your personalities into the styling, music and food. Alice, in particular, is wonderful and always on hand, but never in your face. She’s the perfect companion in the wedding process!
Is Midelney Manor your kind of venue?
If you’re picturing a day that feels intimate, creative and deeply rooted in the countryside, Midelney Manor fits beautifully. It suits couples who love the idea of drifting from a woodland blessing to champagne in a rose garden, then dancing in a tipi under the stars, all without ever leaving one timeless Somerset estate.
For more information, have a look at their website at https://www.midelneymanor.co.uk/weddings/
