Clearwell Castle

Set within the enchanting Forest of Dean, Clearwell Castle is a historic wedding venue situated in Coleford, Gloucestershire. This multi-award-winning property stands proudly within 20 acres of beautiful grounds, providing an idyllic setting for a fairytale wedding. Dating back to the mid-15th century, the castle is a tasteful blend of historic character, impressive architecture and elegant interiors, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. From al-fresco celebrations to majestic ceremonies down a spectacular 75-foot aisle, couples can enjoy a choice of beautiful settings to create their perfect wedding day.

Facilities and Capacity

Arriving at Clearwell Castle, guests will be captivated by the striking tree-lined driveway leading to the impressive Portcullis entrance. Beyond, the historic castle awaits, offering exclusive use of its beautiful interiors and grounds for your celebrations.

Through the grand entrance lies the Great Hall, complete with an inviting log fire and comfortable seating. It provides a wonderful setting for guests to enjoy welcome drinks before exploring the castle's many event spaces.

The spectacular Ballroom is a particularly impressive setting, featuring beautiful leaded glass windows, a raised dais and a magnificent 75-foot aisle. Accommodating up to 150 guests for a civil ceremony, it offers a memorable backdrop for exchanging vows. Alternatively, couples can choose the Bandstand for an outdoor ceremony, with the castle providing a picturesque backdrop. St Peter's Church is also located next door for those wishing to celebrate with a religious ceremony.

Following the ceremony, guests can enjoy drinks and canapés on the cocktail terrace or explore the beautiful grounds. The Croquet Lawn offers a lovely space for photographs, outdoor games and entertainment, while the gardens provide plenty of opportunities to capture special moments.

The Ballroom will also be transformed into an elegant banqueting space for your wedding breakfast, accommodating up to 150 guests. As the celebrations continue, the Cellar Bar provides a contemporary setting for the evening reception for up to 250 guests, complete with a spacious dancefloor, disco lighting and a fully stocked bar.

For those wishing to extend their celebrations, Clearwell Castle offers an extensive choice of on-site accommodation. The castle itself has 15 beautiful bedrooms, while The Wyndham, just a short walk away, provides a further 24 en-suite rooms alongside its own bar and lounge. Three additional cottages and the Portcullis View Studio offer further accommodation options, with space for over 100 guests across the estate. There is also the opportunity to arrange a night-before stay, with accommodation available for up to 50 guests.

Services Offered

Clearwell Castle offers couples exclusive use of the house and grounds, allowing you to enjoy a private celebration in beautiful surroundings. With a choice of comprehensive wedding packages, including Classical and Luxe options, couples can tailor their day to suit their plans and preferences.

A dedicated Personal Wedding Manager will guide couples through the planning process, helping with the details and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day. An experienced team of banqueting managers and in-house chefs will also be on hand to provide exceptional service throughout the celebrations.

The venue's culinary team offers a choice of delicious menus, from canapés and three-course wedding breakfasts to handmade petit fours and evening food. Couples can choose from the Classical and Luxe menus or work with the chefs to create a bespoke menu. Evening food options include a Pizza Feast, Fish & Chip Supper, Hog Roast and Indian Feast, with additional choices available through upgrades.

Drinks packages offer a selection of welcome drinks, house wines, Champagne and cocktails, with opportunities to personalise drinks for your celebrations. Couples can also enjoy food tasting experiences, including Dinner Date and Luxe Tasting Evenings, giving them the chance to sample the menus ahead of their wedding.

A range of finishing touches and additional extras are available to make the day truly personal, from personalised details and styling options to food and drink stations and seasonal upgrades. Couples can also enjoy unlimited venue visits on non-wedding days as part of the relevant package, helping them prepare for every detail.

With complimentary car parking, extensive accommodation, beautiful grounds and an experienced wedding team, Clearwell Castle offers everything needed for a memorable celebration. For couples looking to make more of their wedding experience, the venue also offers a Two Day Luxe package, allowing the celebrations to continue beyond the wedding day itself.