A pub wedding always has a very special vibe, and I’m always a fan of a wedding that ends in a pub! (Side note: a slightly biased article since I was married in a pub – the gorgeous Bridges Inn in Shropshire). So if you are looking for a pub wedding venue near London that has a more relaxed vibe, some good beers on tap, and will give your guests that English country wedding feel, then do check out these pub wedding venues in the Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and beyond.

And of course, if you are looking for a pub wedding photographer then please get in touch here!

Why choose a pub wedding venue?

My number one reason for loving a pub wedding is the relaxed atmosphere. There’s something about knowing you’re heading to the pub after the ceremony that sets the tone for the whole day. Whether you choose to have your ceremony at the pub itself (and yes, some pubs are licensed for weddings, so you can do the whole thing in one place), or head there afterwards for your reception following a registry office or ceremony nearby, it just feels a little less formal from the outset.

Pub weddings also give you the freedom to keep things informal and do things a bit differently. You don’t have to follow a traditional wedding format or include all the usual formalities. You can make the day your own, whether that means garden games, a barbecue, a few speeches over a pint or simply a long afternoon catching up with everyone you love.

And let’s face it, pubs are already set up for people to relax! There’s often a lovely garden, indoor space if the weather turns, somewhere comfortable for guests to sit, a bar ready to serve drinks and food without having to reinvent the wheel. What more could you need?

Pub Wedding Venues in Hertfordshire

The Hermit of Redcoats, Hitchin

In North Hertfordshire, The Hermit of Redcoats is a country pub with a relaxed, welcoming feel. It’s a lovely setting for couples who want something a little less formal, with a good selection of wines, local ales and craft spirits, and a countryside location just outside Hitchin. If you’re imagining a wedding celebration centred around good food, drinks and spending time with your favourite people, it’s one to look into.

For a real wedding here see Toni and John’s day which began at Hitchin Town Hall and finished at the pub!

The White Horse, Hertingfordbury

The White Horse is a lovely option for couples looking for a relaxed pub wedding with a little more space. The venue has a light, airy Garden Room (I love the seating colours in this room!) opening onto an outdoor terrace, making it a lovely setting for summer celebrations and drinks outside. 

You can choose from a range of food options, from canapés and a champagne reception to a three-course wedding breakfast or a more informal evening buffet. There’s also the option of hiring the venue exclusively, so you and your guests can make the most of the pub’s spaces for the day. It’s a good choice if you want the welcoming feel of a village pub but with the flexibility to put together a celebration that suits you

For a real wedding see Chelsie and Jack’s day at this lovely pub.

Elephant and Castle, Wheathamstead

This stunning 18th century pub has wonderful character and picturesque views. With two gardens, a wild flower area, a kids play frame and hidden secrets to explore there is plenty for your wedding guests. The pub has two giant tipis in the front and back gardens – heated when needed and both available to hire for your wedding day.

For a real wedding here see Flora and Romaine’s relaxed day here.

The Waterside Wedding Venue, Rickmansworth

If you’re looking for a pub-style wedding which offers it all, The Waterside Venue in Rickmansworth is worth a look. Set alongside the river, it’s an exclusive-use wedding venue with two gardens, a bridge, a beautiful Willow Grove and a choice of indoor and outdoor spaces for your celebrations. You can even hold your ceremony outside in the Willow Grove or in the Oak Room, so there’s no need to travel elsewhere to get married.

One of the things I love about The Waterside is how much freedom you have to make the day your own. The venue provides the space, bar and furniture, but you can choose your own caterers, whether that’s a traditional wedding breakfast, a summer BBQ or even a food truck. With room for around 150 guests, garden marquees and plenty of outdoor space, it’s a lovely option for couples who want a relaxed celebration that can spill out into the gardens, whatever the season. 

For a real wedding at this lovely venue see Alicia and Peter’s wedding.

Pub Wedding Venues in Buckinghamshire

King’s Chapel, Old Amersham

King’s Chapel is a very unique building with a beautiful domed roof, a gorgeous mezzanine level and an original pulpit from 1906. It makes for a really distinctive setting for a wedding, with some great photo opportunities! The King’s Arm’s is the adjoining pub and has been featured in TV and Film Productions including Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), The People we Hate at The Weddings (2022), Miss Marple (1964) and My Cousin Rachel (2017) to name just a few…

For a real weddings at King’s Chapel see my guide to the venue here.

Pub Wedding Venues in Berkshire

Olde Bell, Hurley

A traditional coaching inn, the Olde Bell in Hurley offers the pub feel, with beautiful private pub gardens for your afternoon drinks reception, and a 16th century Tudor barn for the evening’s entertainment.

Pub Wedding Venues in Oxfordshire

Old Luxters Barn, Hambledon

Old Luxters Barn is located in the Hambleden Valley, near Henley-on-Thames, set within a renowned Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The barn is part of Chiltern Valley Winery, Brewery & Vineyard so you can enjoy some unique photos in beautiful the vineyard all year round!

Things to consider when choosing a pub wedding venue

Pub weddings can be wonderfully relaxed, but there are a few things worth thinking about before you book.

Can you get married there? Some pubs are licensed to hold civil ceremonies, which means you can have everything in one place. Others are reception-only venues, so you’ll need to arrange your ceremony elsewhere. If you’re planning a registry office wedding first, check how far away the pub is and how easy it will be for guests to get between the two.

What happens if it rains? A pub garden might be one of the things that attracts you to a venue, but make sure there’s somewhere comfortable for everyone to go if the British weather doesn’t play ball. Is there enough indoor space for your guests to enjoy themselves, or will you need a marquee or tipi?

Is there accommodation nearby? If you’re inviting guests from further afield, it’s worth checking whether there are rooms at the pub or somewhere nearby for them to stay. Not everyone will want to drive home after a few drinks!

What sort of food and drink can you offer? One of the lovely things about a pub wedding is that you don’t necessarily need a traditional sit-down wedding breakfast. Some venues offer everything from a three-course meal to sharing platters, barbecues and buffets. Ask what’s possible and whether you can tailor the menu to suit your day.

What are the timings and restrictions? Check when the celebrations need to finish, whether you can have live music or a DJ, and whether there are any restrictions on using outdoor spaces. Some pubs are also open to the public, so it’s worth finding out whether you’ll have exclusive use of the venue.

And finally, think about the atmosphere you want. Some pubs are traditional and cosy, others have big gardens, barns or separate function rooms. Have a good look around and imagine what your wedding day might actually feel like there.

Planning a relaxed pub wedding?

One of the best things about choosing a pub for your wedding is that you can make the day whatever you want it to be. There are no rules saying you have to include all the traditional wedding formalities or stick to a particular timeline.

If you’re looking for a few ideas to help you plan a day that feels relaxed and completely your own, I’ve put together some other guides that might help:

• 5 Ways to Have a More Relaxed Wedding in Hertfordshire – simple ideas for taking the pressure off wedding planning and making sure you enjoy the day itself.
• Alternative Wedding Timelines – real examples of couples who did things a little differently, from festival-style celebrations to intimate elopements.
• How Much Time Do You Really Need for Wedding Photographs? – how to fit in the photographs you want without disappearing from your drinks reception.
• How Many Group Photos Do You Need at Your Wedding? – a little advice on choosing the family photographs that matter without spending all afternoon lining people up.

Looking for a pub wedding photographer?

If you’re planning a pub wedding in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire or the surrounding counties, I’d love to hear about it.

I’m Rachael, a wedding photographer who loves relaxed celebrations, characterful venues and couples who just want to enjoy their day. I’ll give you a little direction when you need it, but mostly I’ll let you get on with celebrating while I capture everything happening around you – from the big moments to the little things you might otherwise miss.

And as someone who got married in a pub myself, I’m always happy to hear about a pub wedding!

Take a look at my wedding photography or get in touch to tell me about your plans.