Wedding Receptions at The Bishop’s Palace
Medieval wedding reception in Wells, Somerset.
Whether your arrival is by car or a relaxed stroll across the drawbridge, as you make your way through the arch of the ancient gatehouse you will be greeted with breath-taking views of the stunning, 800-year-old medieval building that will be your venue for the day.
We limit the number of wedding receptions held each year in this historic place so that you feel as special as our beautiful venue.
Packages from £4950.
A Beautiful Setting for Your Wedding Day
Make your wedding day one to remember at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, an extraordinary historic setting in the heart of the medieval city of Wells.
Surrounded by centuries of history and 14 acres of beautifully landscaped RHS Partner Gardens, the Palace offers a romantic and picturesque backdrop for your special day. From the medieval drawbridge and magnificent moat to the 800-year-old Palace, ruined Great Hall and thirteenth-century chapel, every corner offers something unique.
With its beautiful gardens, historic architecture and unforgettable character, The Bishop’s Palace provides a wedding setting unlike any other in Somerset.
Whether you’re celebrating beneath the open sky or gathered around a roaring fire, The Bishop’s Palace offers an unforgettable setting for your wedding reception.
In fine weather, enjoy drinks and celebrations surrounded by the Palace’s historic architecture, beautiful terrace and gardens. As the seasons change, the atmospheric medieval entrance hall provides a wonderfully intimate setting, complete with its roaring log fire, creating the perfect place to celebrate with your closest family and friends.
14 Acres of RHS Partner Gardens
Exquisite all year round
With 14 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the Palace, there are countless places to pause, wander and create memories together on your wedding day.
From peaceful hidden corners and colourful borders to sweeping lawns and historic views, the gardens offer a magical backdrop for your celebrations. Whether it’s enjoying drinks in the sunshine, capturing photographs together or taking a quiet moment away from the celebrations, every corner has its own character and charm.
The gardens offer a beautiful setting for you and your guests to relax, celebrate and create lasting memories together. With the tranquil sound of water flowing through the moat, views across to Wells Cathedral, a picturesque willow bridge and seasonal flowers in bloom throughout the year, there is beauty around every corner.
Gather with friends and family and capture those unforgettable moments together. Our abundant gardens provide a truly magical backdrop for your wedding photography and celebrations.
The Wedding Feast
Lit by candlelight, the Palace’s medieval Undercroft provides a truly magical setting for your wedding breakfast. Beneath its magnificent vaulted ceiling and beautiful stained-glass windows, you and your guests can dine and celebrate surrounded by centuries of history.
Our bespoke wooden banqueting tables can accommodate up to 144 guests for your wedding breakfast, or up to 155 guests for an evening reception, creating a spectacular and atmospheric setting for your celebrations.
Once the wedding breakfast is over, take some time to relax and enjoy the evening with your guests while we transform the Undercroft for your first dance as a married couple.
Whether you choose a live band or DJ to provide the soundtrack, the Undercroft offers a wonderful atmosphere for dancing, celebrating and making memories together. Simply enjoy the festivities with your friends and family while we take care of the rest.
Autumn and Winter Weddings
A warm and inviting welcome awaits
Imagine softly lit windows, the warmth of a roaring fire in the medieval entrance hall and a glass of warm mulled punch shared with your loved ones. There’s something truly magical about celebrating your wedding at the Palace as the seasons change.
From crisp autumn days surrounded by golden foliage to cosy winter celebrations beside the fire, The Bishop’s Palace offers a romantic and atmospheric setting for your wedding throughout the year.
As the seasons change, the gardens take on a character of their own, with rich autumnal colours, seasonal planting and beautiful views around every corner. The crystal-clear waters of the moat and waterfall add to the sense of tranquillity, creating a wonderfully atmospheric setting for your wedding day.
Even in the cooler months, the gardens offer plenty to discover and provide a magical backdrop for photographs, quiet moments and memories with your loved ones.
Wedding Ceremonies
While The Bishop’s Palace is not licensed for wedding ceremonies, you’re spoilt for choice with several beautiful ceremony venues just a short walk from the Palace.
Exchange your vows at the beautiful St Thomas’ Church or St Cuthbert’s Church, or choose the elegant Wells Town Hall, situated right beside the Palace in Wells’ historic marketplace. After your ceremony, continue your celebrations at the Palace and enjoy the unique surroundings of this extraordinary historic setting.
Wedding Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it, read the heartfelt testimonials of our delighted wedding couples below.
Annabel & Tudor – Spring wedding
“We were so fortunate to have our wedding reception at the Bishop’s Palace. Simply, the Bishop’s Palace is a magical venue; with historical buildings, beautiful gardens, complete with a moat! The Wedding Manager and their team were so helpful and accommodating, and really helped make our day so memorable – thank you!”
Joe & Illy – Spring wedding
“Simply the best day of our lives. From the delicious food provided by the French Kitchen to the extensive guidance supplied by the Wedding Manager, the overall standard of service and support was excellent. A magical place to get married.”
We’d love to hear from you…
Love My Dress Recommended Venue
We are delighted to be a recommended wedding reception venue by ‘Love My Dress’.
You can read the full article here to find out more about what you can expect from a wedding at The Bishop’s Palace.
Click here to watch a beautiful film by Benjamin’s Films which perfectly captures the magic of a wedding in Wells, Somerset, with the reception held at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens.
Our Wedding Gallery
Click the arrows to browse through our wedding photos by Gem Hicks Photography
Considering having your wedding at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens?
Contact our Weddings & Events Manager, on 01749 988111 or via email at [email protected] to discuss your ideas or to see our venue.
Alternatively you can get in touch via our contact form below. We’d love to hear from you:
Wedding Enquiries
Fill in the form below and we’ll be in contact as soon as possible to discuss how The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens can help to make your special day unforgettable:
