The Best Wedding Venues in the midlands. top eight (updated for 2022)

So you‘re looking for the best wedding venues in the Midlands? Have a read through the updated list I’ve put together below. These are based on my experience photographing weddings and being part of some amazing experiences in these venues.
I’ve tried to vary the types of venue to suit all kinds of wedding plans, so you’ve got a mix of tipi venues, historic buildings, micro weddings, registry offices etc. Don’t hesitate to hit the contact button above id you’re looking for a fun, relaxed wedding photographer for your big day.

The Westmill, Derby

An incredible industrial styled venue on the outskirts of Derby. The lighting is amazing in there and you cannot fail to take an epic photo.

The West Mill is a Grade I Listed former industrial mill dating back to the early 1800’s.

Originally built as a cotton spinning mill, the building played an important part in the industrial revolution. Having laid empty and derelict the four-storey building has been lovingly restored back to life.

The mill’s renovation has retained all of the industrial architecture of the 1800’s and the building is positioned in a superb setting on the riverbanks of the River Derwent. Inside, think barrel-vaulted ceilings, exposed brick walls, cast iron columns and beams, all a stone’s throw away from the breathtaking waterfalls of the weir.

The West Mill is licensed for civil weddings and wedding receptions. The building is positioned in a superb setting on the riverbanks of the River Derwent and the waterfall over the historic weir. The Westmill is without question one of the best wedding venues in the Midlands.

Here’s a few photos from a wedding I shot here a few years ago. And one of me trapped in a lift.

tipis AT WHATTON HOUSE

What an amazing wedding venue! Whatton House is owned by those crazy cats at Wonderland Wedding Venues.

This has to be my favourite of their setups, the tipis are set within trees, gardens, and beautiful winding pathways. It’s so atmospheric, so intimate and looks absolutely timeless. As Whatton House describe this beautiful setting on their website: “Our stunning tipis are located in the depths of our incredible English garden, within the arboretum, which is a beautiful setting for a wedding breakfast and evening party.
The seclusion of the garden makes this a venue that delights all who visit and leaves a lasting impression in the hearts of all who marry there.
We will be there to help create your own memories to share with your family and friends.” 





moddershall oaks

Moddershall Oaks is a stunning wedding venue near Stone, Staffordshire. Combines beautiful function and ceremony rooms and some amazing outdoor areas to take portraits. A leisure spa and hotel, Moddershall blends old and new tastefully. The lake and surrounding woodland is really atmospheric and perfect for photos of the bride and groom.

the cosy club, Nottingham

The cosy club is a beautiful venue with Art Deco styling, bang in the centre of Nottingham, which is an amazing location to walk around and take some city centre portraits. The whole vibe of the venue is old-world, classic and elegant. There’s a cool hipster vibe to the place and the staff are incredibly friendly. For your wedding breakfast and reception, there’s a beautiful candle-lit atmosphere to the whole place. For couples who want an intimate space and want to do things in style.

Lichfield Registry office

This is a great choice if you’re planning a smaller wedding with a small group of friends and family; or you prefer a registry office before setting off to your main wedding reception venue. What makes it so appealing is that it’s bang in the centre of the historic cathedral city of Lichfield. There’s plenty of great spots to get portraits around the area; cobble streets, a river, loads of antique shops and areas bursting with character. The registry office leads out directly into Beacon park too, which is great for family photos and to spend time with a bride and groom to get some natural portraits in a park setting.



RISLEY HALL

Risley Hall is located between Derby and Nottingham. This really is one of the best wedding venues in the Midlands. A beautiful country house setting which has stunning rooms and characterful gardens. So many spaces to capture portraits with the bride and groom. This is how Risley Hall is described on their website: “With a unique heritage, this stunning 11th Century Saxon country house is set among 10 acres of its own private landscaped gardens and grounds, which are begging to be explored. The Manor House has 16 bedrooms, each individually decorated and the fine restaurant. Adjoining the Manor House is the Willoughby Court wing with a further 19 spacious suites. Within the hotel is the 16th-century Baronial Hall, restored to provide a room of great charm and character. The Cocktail Bar and Orangery provide light meals and snacks throughout the day and there is a comfortable Drawing Room with an open fire.”


pendrell hall

Pendrell Hall is a beautiful West Midlands Wedding venue. The venue describe it best:

“Pendrell Hall in the West Midlands is one of the country’s most romantic country house wedding venues; it combines all the character and romance of Victorian England with crisp contemporary interiors, stunning gardens for outdoor weddings, elegant entertaining rooms and much much more…”



Rookery Hall

Rookery Hall is near Crewe and although in Cheshire, is just about in the Midlands catchment area and it’s such a stunning venue that it’s going on the list! If you want traditional, historic, jaw-droppingly beautiful then this is the venue for you. If you’ve got quite a large wedding party planned it’s perfect to accommodate a large amount of guests. There’s outdoor areas for your ceremony and if the weather’s a bit dodgy, plenty of ceremony rooms inside. The grounds and the building are incredibly well maintained, and the modern wedding rooms for your ceremony and wedding breakfast are tastefully done, in keeping with the old building. I love this venue, it’s romantic, grand, and gives off a period drama vibe.





So you’ve found some inspo for your wedding venue in Staffordshire but you also want a relaxed, super-fun and amazing documentary-style photographer? Check out my wedding packages above and you can also hit the contact button above for a friendly chat with me about your wedding.

Max Sarasini