Oakham Castle is one of the most distinctive wedding venues in Rutland for couples who want a civil ceremony with history, character and a memorable setting. The Great Hall is licensed for civil marriages and civil partnerships, with ceremony bookings for 2 hours and space for up to 80 guests.
A Historic Wedding Venue in the Heart of Rutland
Oakham Castle offers couples something very different from a standard hotel, barn or modern function room. Set within the centre of Oakham, the Castle’s Great Hall gives your ceremony a setting that is rich in history, atmosphere and architectural character.
The Great Hall was built between 1180 and 1190 and is widely recognised as one of the finest surviving examples of Norman domestic architecture in Europe. For wedding couples, that means the venue is not simply a place to hold a ceremony. It becomes part of the story of the day.
Inside the hall, guests are surrounded by stone arches, tall windows, whitewashed walls, historic timbering and Oakham Castle’s famous collection of ceremonial horseshoes. The result is a ceremony space that feels intimate, romantic and impressive at the same time.
Civil Ceremonies for up to 80 Guests
The Great Hall is licensed for civil marriages and civil partnerships. Wedding ceremony bookings are for 2 hours, giving time for guests to arrive, the ceremony to take place, photographs to be captured and couples to enjoy the Castle grounds before leaving for the next part of their celebration.
Oakham Castle can host up to 80 guests for ceremonies. This makes it suitable for intimate weddings as well as larger civil ceremonies with family and friends. The hall has enough presence to feel special for a smaller gathering, while still creating a sense of occasion for a fuller ceremony.
Why Couples Choose Oakham Castle
Couples searching for wedding venues in Rutland often want a venue that is convenient, beautiful and meaningful. Oakham Castle offers all three. It is located in the centre of Oakham, close to local accommodation, restaurants, pubs and public car parks, while still offering the atmosphere of a nationally important historic building.
The venue also provides free parking for up to 8 cars, with easy walking access to other nearby car parks for guests. The building is accessible for disabled guests, wheelchair users and buggies, helping make the ceremony more comfortable for visitors of different ages and mobility needs.
For photographs, the Great Hall and surrounding grounds provide an instantly recognisable setting. Couples can capture images against the hall’s medieval architecture, horseshoe display, Castle grounds and nearby Oakham streets.
Wedding Planning Details to Know
Couples booking Oakham Castle for a ceremony also need to make separate arrangements with the Superintendent Registrar for the County of Rutland. Registrar fees are separate from venue hire, and the ceremony must follow civil ceremony rules, which means religious elements cannot be included.
Because the Great Hall is a Grade I listed historic building, decorations must protect the fabric and furniture of the hall. Naked flames, balloons, pins, nails, sticky tape, white-tac and similar fixings are not permitted. Decorations may be tied with ribbon or string.
Dogs are allowed in the Castle if they are kept on a lead, which can be helpful for couples who want a well-behaved dog to be part of the day.
Start Planning Your Oakham Castle Wedding
Speak to the Oakham Castle team to check your preferred ceremony date, arrange a visit and understand the current wedding hire process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Great Hall at Oakham Castle is licensed for civil marriages and civil partnerships.
Oakham Castle can host up to 80 guests for wedding ceremonies in the Great Hall.
A ceremony booking is for 2 hours, allowing time for arrival, the ceremony, photographs and use of the grounds.
Yes. The Castle is accessible for disabled guests, wheelchair users and buggies.
Couples can contact Oakham Castle on 01572 757578 or castle@rutland.gov.uk to check availability and arrange next steps.
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