Wedding venue inspiration - Alfresco venues

Alrewas Hayes, Staffordshire

Hidden away in the heart of rural Staffordshire, Alrewas Hayes is a historical 100-acre country estate that dates back to 1066. The estate is believed to be the extensive Staffordshire woodland noted in the Doomsday Book. In the hands of its current owners, the house and surrounding estate has gently evolved to become a country retreat that fuses historical charm with a contemporary aesthetic. At the heart of Alrewas Hayes lies The Courtyard, a peaceful oasis offering calm and seclusion among the delicate scent of English roses, French lavender and silver birch trees. the ideal space for welcome drinks and evening nibbles. The space can also be used for non-legal marital blessing ceremonies. Trailing off The Courtyard are the private, picturesque landscaped gardens and 100-acres of woodland and grounds – free for you to wander and while away time among the wild. An elegant interior that cleverly combines the venue and setting's historical charm with a contemporary aesthetic to create a modern-day country retreat.

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Worcestershire

Encompassing 30 historic buildings and beautiful surroundings the Windmill, Town Hall and the National Telephone Kiosk Collection are standout features of the setting. There's also the opportunity to hire the Bromsgrove Society of Model Engineers Railway for a ride on – an unforgettable wedding day experience. New Guesten Hall is a prime wedding venue space located just 50 metres from the main entrance. It's 14th-century roof was originally part of Worcester Cathedral's Reception Hall and contains beautiful Medieval carpentry that can be viewed throughout the building, including from the Weaver Gallery that is located above the main hall.

Laura Ashley Hotel The Iliffe, Warwickshire

Laura Ashley Hotel The Iliffe, Coventry is a stunning example of Victorian architecture surrounded by three acres of attractive landscaped gardens. The land, which the property is located on, boasts a colourful history dating back to 1257 and was once owned by King Henry VIII. The hotel was originally constructed as a mansion house in 1897, built in a bold Victorian style but embellished with a mock Tudor façade with Gothic Revival influences. A common practice in those days was placing an iron or terracotta 'dragon' on the roof, supposedly to protect the children of the house and bring general good fortune, today The Iliffe's dragon still proudly sits on the front gable. The Iliffe's elegant interiors showcase the Laura Ashley Home range and its exquisite, high-quality inherently British fabrics and furnishings throughout. Every part of the hotel has been redesigned drawing inspiration from the hotel's Victorian heritage, with carefully selected rich colours which complement each other and luxurious furnishings to create an elegant space to entice comfort & relaxation.

Bilston Brook Wedding Barn Ltd, Staffordshire

Bilston Brook Wedding Barn is located just a mile from the stunning cathedral city of Lichfield and near the outstanding area of countryside known as Cannock Chase – the surrounding fields, woods and the river provide stunning photograph opportunities for couples tying the knot here. The Cliffe family have been farming Bilston Brook Farm for more than a hundred years, and this pet-friendly venue can even provide a tractor, horses or a 'unicorn' for nuptials. The barn is situated in the fields of the farm with Bilston Brook river running near, there's a large seating area with benches with views out to open fields, or why not have games outside to entertain guests, a barbecue or hog roast? In the evening, guests can sit around firepits, and there's also a field available for camping or glamping in a beautiful place.

Coton House Farm Wedding Venue, Staffordshire

Situated in the rolling contryside of Lichfield, Staffordshire, Coton House Farm has a number of options for couples looking for a rustic wedding day. The venues exteriors are all traditional Yorkshire board clad buildings, blending into the rural setting with large oak frames. The Oak Barn is a complete working barn conversion with high oak vaulted ceilings draped in fairylights. The neutral light colours with large glass front windows gives this room an airy and spacious feel. It features large grand hanging chandeliers and leads out to the oak veranda. From here the terrace, with seating and log burner,s gives you unobstructed views into the paddock, grounds and over the green fields.