A LUXURY, EXCLUSIVE-USE WEEKEND WEDDING VENUE WITH ACCOMMODATION
Your fairytale weekend wedding at Butley Priory
Butley Priory is an enchanting exclusive-use wedding venue in the English countryside offering three-day celebrations with luxury accommodation set in the beautiful Butley Abbey Wilds.
Winding your way through the countryside, enjoy a drive through the forest before Butley Priory majestically appears, a setting full of romance, history, and charm. Just a few miles from the coast and close to the pretty towns of Woodbridge and Orford, Butley Priory is 2 hours from London and 90 mins from Stansted Airport.
A Grade I listed former gatehouse, Butley Priory is a luxurious and romantic weekend wedding venue, providing a fairy-tale setting for a celebration with beautifully designed rooms that invite you to step into another world. With its rare combination of historic charm and natural beauty, it’s the perfect setting for a relaxed three-day celebration.
For the larger guest list, there is the option to add a marquee, tipi, or sailcloth tent for dinner and dancing, hosting up to 200 guests in an exquisite English garden setting.
With 20 bedrooms across four properties, you can create your own private ‘wedding village,’ where friends and family stay on site for the entire weekend. The flexibility to host your wedding over two nights or more means that your wedding is much more than just a one day affair, it’s a relaxed and elegant experience with comfort and luxury guaranteed. Whether midweek or weekend, this is a wedding venue with accommodation, privacy, and comfort woven into every detail.
Our exclusive-use venue is set in the newly established Butley Abbey Wilds, a natural reserve comprising four charming properties in characterful buildings, including Butley Abbey Farmhouse, Butley Priory Cottage, and Paddy’s Cottage.
Butley Priory is a unique venue rich in history, surrounded by old oak trees and ponds where centuries ago, the monks would fish. In spring, the surrounding woodland is carpeted bluebells and daffodils, adding to the magical feel.
We host a limited number of full weekend weddings each year, so every wedding is carefully tailored to the couple. Our skilled team is ready to guide you through every step. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate gathering or a large, lavish celebration, you’ll feel completely supported with every detail taken care of, you and your guests can simply relax and enjoy a truly unforgettable weekend.
WEEKEND WEDDING OPTIONS
SMALL AND INTIMATE WEDDINGS
~ 40 guests
LUXURY WEEKENDER WEDDINGS
~ 60 guests
PRIORY AND MARQUEE WEDDINGS
~ 80+ guests
“We couldn't have wished for a more perfect three-day wedding weekend at the beautiful Butley Priory. Within seconds of arriving for our first viewing, we fell in love and we just knew it was the one! It's a little haven in the most stunning grounds surrounded by beautiful woodlands which makes it feel so intimate and magical - the most wonderful setting to tie the knot with all our favourite people.”
Laura & Tom, July 2024
Have questions?
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Absolutely. We’re an exclusive hire weekend wedding venue, which means the entire estate is yours — from Friday through Sunday — with no other events or guests on-site. It’s perfect for couples seeking a deeply personal and intimate celebration.
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Yes — Butley Priory is a weekend wedding venue with accommodation, sleeping up to 47 guests across charming on-site rooms and cottages. Ideal for a relaxed and intimate gathering.
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We offer three-day wedding stays as standard. Arrive on Friday, host your celebration on Saturday, and enjoy a slow Sunday breakfast before departure — with time to connect and unwind in a peaceful, intimate setting.
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Our three day wedding venue package includes exclusive use of the entire property, on-site accommodation, and space for your ceremony and reception. Whether you're planning a grand gathering or an intimate weekend celebration, you’ll have the time and freedom to make it your own.
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Yes — many couples host welcome drinks on Friday or a relaxed brunch on Sunday. The venue is yours to enjoy across the weekend, creating space for both celebration and intimate moments.
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Our accommodation sleeps up to 47 wedding guests. There are also nearby options for additional guests, and we’re happy to help with recommendations for a seamless weekend wedding.
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Weekend hire is our standard offering, as it allows you to truly relax into the experience. However, if you're looking for a shorter celebration, get in touch to discuss availability.
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Yes — children are welcome at Butley Priory. Our family-friendly accommodation and spacious, secure grounds make it easy to include little ones in your intimate countryside wedding weekend.
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Absolutely. A weekend wedding is ideal for a smaller guest list — it gives you time to savour the celebration and focus on meaningful moments with your closest people. With exclusive use of Butley Priory, you’ll have the space and freedom to celebrate at your own pace, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
If you’re planning something more intimate, you might also like to explore our small intimate wedding venue page.
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We're around 2 hours from London and 90 minutes from Cambridge, with great road and rail links. Many couples choose us as a peaceful, countryside alternative to city venues — perfect for an intimate wedding just outside London.
YOUR EXCLUSIVE-USE WEEKEND WEDDING VENUE, AT A GLANCE
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Licensed for Ceremonies
Yes
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Ceremony Capacity
100
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Dining Capacity (Priory)
Up to 80
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Dining Capacity (Tipi/Marquee)
80-200
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Outdoor Ceremonies
Yes
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Catering
In-house catering
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Bar
In-house bar
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Child Friendly
Yes
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Dog Friendly
Yes
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Finish Time
Midnight
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Exclusive-Use Wedding Venue
Yes
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Accessible Facilities
Yes*
*Butley Priory (the venue) is accessible throughout the ground floor, including toilet facilities
Film Credits: Videography - Films From Lewis, Styling - VC Event Curation, Florals - Tudor Rose Florist, Tableware - Banqueting Hire
LUXURY WEDDING ACCOMMODATION
Four charming on-site properties for your weekend wedding guests, all within three minutes’ walk
BUTLEY PRIORY
Sleeps 7-11
Four exquisite bedrooms, usually for the wedding party.
BUTLEY ABBEY FARMHOUSE
Sleeps 24
12 bedrooms, a large garden, tennis court, thatched summerhouse and croquet lawn - perfect for night-before drinks
BUTLEY PRIORY COTTAGE
Sleeps 4-6
Right next to the Priory. Perfect for ushers or families with young children.
PADDY’S COTTAGE
Sleeps 4-6
Ideal for those with mobility issues. Adjoins the farmhouse with accessible bedroom and bathroom.
Our wedding brochure
Let us properly introduce you to Butley Priory
View, download and share with family…
Thinking of something smaller?
Find out about our elopement weddings for just 2-10 guests.
”We loved having exclusive hire of the venue for the weekend staying on site with 35 of our family and friends across the Priory, two cottages and the epic Farmhouse. Such beautifully decorated accommodation which everyone spoke so highly of - and the Priory bridal suite is just to die for, I wish I could wake up there every day!”
Laura and Tom, July 2024
Take the next step…
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1
Click ‘Book a Viewing’ which takes you straight to our online diary to book an appointment to view Butley Priory
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2
After your viewing, we’ll send you a personalised quote based on your exact guest numbers and individual requirements
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3
Reserve a date for your wedding! We’ll guide you through our easy booking process with a simple step-by-step guide.
Weekend Wedding Pricing
Everything you need for a relaxed three-day celebration at our exclusive-use weekend wedding venue. Pricing varies based on guest numbers, accommodation, and bespoke catering options — perfect for couples planning a personal, extended celebration in the countryside.
