Planning a Wedding in Cambridge:
What you need to know

 

If you are planning a wedding in Cambridge or are considering this beautiful city or its surrounding countryside as a destination for your special day, this article serves as a guide for all you need to know to guarantee wedding success.

From why Cambridgeshire is such a desirable UK wedding destination to the legalities of Marriage and Civil Partnership in Cambridge, and from accommodation options close to Bassmead Manor Barns to things to do in the area to ensure your guests are entertained.

Here’s all you need to know about planning a wedding in Cambridgeshire.

Why Cambridge is one of the UK’s most sought after wedding destinations

The historic University City of Cambridge is both tranquil and sophisticated, and yet the city hums with life and exudes an energy that is instantly and uniquely recognisable. It is a city that successfully manages to blend tradition with modernity and boasts some of the most beautiful architecture in the country.

Here are just three reasons why Cambridge is one of the most attractive wedding destinations in the UK.

Blending city with countryside

The mix of town and country is one of the greatest attractions Cambridge has to offer. Many couples are drawn to its beautiful, unspoilt countryside featuring barn wedding venues such as Bassmead Manor Barns, which despite its feeling of seclusion is conveniently close to the vibrant city centre which offers entertainment, accommodation and excellent transport links. These benefits are particularly appealing for couples hoping to invite guests from afar.

 

The weather

Cambridge enjoys a temperate climate and is considered one of the driest regions in the UK. The peak wedding season in Cambridgeshire runs from April to September, with the most popular months being June and July. The weather during this time is usually mild and pleasant, and it is a great time to plan an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception in the countryside.

Plenty of exciting things to do

There are plenty of fun attractions and new things to discover in Cambridge to keep your guests occupied. Did you know that Cambridge University consists of 31 colleges which make up around half of the city centre’s architecture? Take a walk around the impressive city, or go punting along the river Cam, perhaps stopping off for a drink in one of the many popular pubs along its banks.

Chill out in one of Cambridge’s beautiful green spaces, including Jesus Green, Midsummer Common or Parker’s Piece, and enjoy a fantastic lunch or dinner at one of Cambridge’s many restaurants boasting cuisine from all over the world.

Top 6 things to do the day after your Cambridgeshire wedding

If you’re getting married in Cambridgeshire, whether in a rural or city setting, the chances are your guests will want to visit Cambridge city centre before they head home. So why not invite guests to stay on for an extra night or two and consider suggesting a few fun group activities and extend your wedding day into a wedding weekend or mini break.

 

1.Go Punting

Surely Cambridge’s most famous pastime, punting is one of the best ways to see the city. Book a gondolier-like guide and sit back and relax as the city cruises past.

 

2.Visit Kettle’s Yard

Kettle’s Yard is a beautiful house with a remarkable collection of modern art. A must-visit for art enthusiasts.

 

3.The Fitzwilliam Museum

Cambridge’s top art and antiquities museum contains a treasure chest of objects from around the world. Plus, it’s free entry.

 

4.Explore King’s College Chapel

King’s College features a stunning gothic chapel that dominates the centre of Cambridge. A must-visit.

 

5.Paxton Pits Nature Reserve

Just a short drive from Bassmead Manor Barns, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve is an invigorating antidote to a fun fuelled wedding day. Offering great walks, wildlife and a great place to stop for a coffee and a snack.

 

6. Southlake Aqua Park

Southlake Aqua Park is a great entertainment option for children on a sunny day. The large lake is filled with inflatables and slides, providing family fun just a short drive from Bassmead Manor Barns.

© Chris Boland

© Karen Cann

© Markus Leo

© Aqua Park

© Paxton Pits Nature Reserve

Places to stay near Bassmead Manor Barns in Cambridgeshire

Here are some of the popular accommodation options close to Bassmead Manor Barns, working toward Cambridge city centre.

Premier Inn St. Neots
Great N Rd, Eaton Socon, Wyboston, Saint Neots PE19 8EN
03333 219023

Eaton Oak, St Neots
Crosshall Rd, Eaton Ford, Saint Neots PE19 7DB
01480 219555

The Waterfront Hotel, Spa & Golf
Great North Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire MK44 3AL
03337 007667

Holiday Inn Express Cambridge West
Back Ln, Great Cambourne, Cambourne, Cambridge CB23 6LJ
01223 949990

Travelodge Cambridge Swavesey
Huntingdon Rd, Swavesey, Cambridge CB24 4RE
0871 984 6021

Turing Locke, Eddington
47 Eddington Ave, Cambridge CB3 1SE
https://www.lockeliving.com/en

The White Horse Inn Barton
118 High St, Barton, Cambridge CB23 7BG
01223 262327

Places to eat and drink near Bassmead Manor Barns in Cambridgeshire

Bohemia St. Neots | Restaurant & Bar
01480 716265
A cosy eatery based in St. Neots serving top quality breakfast, brunch & lunch dishes. In the evening, the cafe transforms into a modern restaurant and bar, serving World Tapas.

Buffalo Mediterranean Restaurant
01480 477000
Mediterranean restaurant focusing on authentic dishes from Turkey and Greece.

La Cucina
01480 474799
“A piece of Italy, here in St Neots.” Serving authentic Italian food in a family-run environment.

The River Mill
01480 219612
A family friendly, relaxed, pub restaurant based in a beautiful setting, serving high quality, locally sourced food.

Marriage and Civil Partnership in Cambridge 

In Cambridge, you can hold your wedding ceremony in a registry office, an approved venue
(like Bassmead Manor Barns), or in a religious building.

If you choose to get married at Bassmead Manor Barns, the registrar you book will join you in Civil Marriage or Civil Partnership, which is a non-religious contract between two people.

Here in the United Kingdom, only a registrar can perform a legal marriage in a non-religious ceremony. Some of our couples host their legal ceremony first, either onsite or at a registry office, followed by a non-legally binding ceremony, which can be conducted by a celebrant, religious leader or loved one.

In order to be joined in a Civil Marriage or Civil Partnership you will need to give legal notice of intention in a registration office, and will be required to produce documents detailing your ID, nationality and residence.

You can only give notice up to 12 months before the date of your ceremony. Cambridgeshire Ceremonies would recommend that you give notice 4-6 months before your ceremony to ensure that all the legal requirements have been completed in time. Notice periods may be extended for foreign nationals so please visit Cambridgeshire Ceremonies to find out more about your individual circumstances as well as how to book your notice(s), the original documents you’ll need to bring to your appointment(s) and any additional fees that apply.

At Bassmead Manor Barns, your civil ceremony will take place in the 300-year-old Rickety Barn or in the new outdoor ceremony area, The Thatched Bower, depending on the weather and the time of year you choose to get married.

© The Kensington Photographer

For more information on weddings in Cambridge, get in touch

​If you are looking for a charming, exclusive use barn venue in the countryside with luxurious onsite accommodation, then look no further than Bassmead Manor Barns.

Designed entirely with weddings in mind, Bassmead Manor Barns is a venue for all seasons and for all styles of celebration.

Get in touch today to discuss post-wedding activities, entertainment or accommodation options in and around Cambridge, or to book an exclusive show round at the beautiful Bassmead Manor Barns.

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