Gay-Friendly / Same-Sex / LGBTQ Wedding Venues in Somerset

Reasons to get married in Somerset

Choosing a venue for your wedding can be incredibly stressful. While some people want a venue close to home, others opt to tie the knot miles away on a tropical island – it all depends on the couple! If you’re preparing to become ‘Mr & Mr’ or ‘Mrs & Mrs’ soon, why not consider getting married in gorgeous Somerset?

When you say the word Somerset, most people picture cows, farmers, and cider. Failing that, the iconic image of Glastonbury mud is always conjured up! But Somerset isn’t entirely farms and festivals – the rolling hills and countryside fields of the West Country make it the perfect backdrop for your countryside wedding. If your hearts aren’t set on a countryside wedding, Somerset is also home to lots of quaint, historic towns: with old castles and stunning manor houses – who wouldn’t want to get married in this unique county?!

If you wanted to go the whole hog – pun intended – you could adopt aspects of Somerset culture into your wedding as part of the theme. Somerset is famous for its cheese, so if you’re opting for a summer wedding, you could serve selections of different Cheddar cheese as nibbles while the guests come in. If you’re saying your vows in the winter - why not serve guests a delicious cup of mulled Somerset cider? It will warm the guests up, as well as giving them an excellent talking point. If you were won over by my earlier mention of festivals, you could always host a festival themed wedding – a theme which has become increasingly popular over the past decade. Dining with your loved ones in a fancy marquee, saying your vows in a picturesque field while the sun sets, having your first dance outdoors to a live band – if any of these things appeal to you, Somerset is the perfect place to host your special day.

If you’re still not convinced – and by now you should be! – here are some interesting facts about Somerset that are guaranteed to win your heart.

1. Cheddar – a town in the heart of Somerset – is not just famous for its cheese. It also boasts the largest gorge in Britain (around 500 feet) which you can drive through. Just imagine the looks on your guest’s faces when they drive towards your wedding on one of the most interesting roads in the UK!

2. Want horses at your wedding? Exmoor ponies, which are native to Somerset, have inhabited the land for tens of thousands of years. While hiring a tame Exmoor pony is difficult and costly, there’s always the chance a few might wander past your wedding – how cute!

3. Looking for a way to entertain the guests? Ten-pin bowling isn’t exactly the most traditional game to play at a wedding – but it did originate in Somerset (the only difference being they played it outside, with nine pins). It’s not as conventional as karaoke, but having outdoor nine-pin bowling at your wedding will certainly make you stand out.

4. As you’re aware, lighting is key at any event. It may interest you to know the Taunton (the capital of Somerset) was the first town in the UK to be entirely lit by electric street lighting! Why not play on this fact and have some one-of-a-kind light at your forthcoming nuptials?

Before marriages or civil partnerships take place, you must give notice in person that you intend to marry. The minimum notice period is 29 days but do not leave it this late. You can give notice up to a year before the ceremony date.

If you are planning to get married in Somerset, a link to all of the registration offices can be found here: Somerset County Council Registration Offices