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About

On Hitched.co.uk since 2021

Last update: April 2025

Set within the enchanting Forest of Dean, Clearwell Castle is a historic wedding venue situated in Coleford, Gloucestershire. This multi-award-winning property stands proud within 20 acres of pristine grounds, providing an idyllic setting for a fairytale wedding. Dating back to the mid-15th century, the castle is a tasteful blend of modern flourishes and characterful architecture surrounded by stunning beauty. The site is brimming with possibilities, from al-fresco gatherings to majestic ceremonies down a 75-foot aisle, giving couples ample choice for staging their unique happily ever after.

Facilities and Capacity

Journeying up to Clearwell Castle, guests will be mesmerized by the striking tree-lined driveway that leads to an impressive Portcullis. Just beyond, the stately venue awaits, ready to open its doors and 15 luxury suites to the happy couple. Through the historic entrance lies the great hall, complete with an inviting log fire and plush sofas. Here, guests can enjoy welcome drinks before stepping into one of the castle's many event spaces. The spectacular Ballroom is the most prestigious with its leaded glass windows, golden aisle, and raised dais. Steeped in natural light, couples can exchange their vows surrounded by 150 friends and family. Alternatively, the Bandstand is a beautiful outdoor location that offers a picturesque castle backdrop for a truly distinguished ceremony. After the nuptials, the newlyweds can stroll to the nearby Croquet Lawn for an intimate photo session while guests enjoy some light entertainment. For the evening reception, the Vaulted Cellar Bar provides a contemporary setting to celebrate with up to 250 guests. The Ballroom can also be transformed into a lavish banqueting hall ideal for a wedding breakfast. In addition to the castle's bedrooms, The Wyndham offers a further 24 suites only a short walk away with bar facilities. 3 beautiful cottages lie within the glorious grounds and are ideal for the wedding party to stay ahead of the big day.

Services Offered

Clearwell Castle offers to-be-weds exclusive use of its grounds for a private wedding celebration. With their bespoke all-inclusive package, couples can enjoy the assistance of the venue's experienced wedding coordinator. This friendly professional can help with every facet of the venue design and set-up, including choosing the most suitable suppliers from their trusted selection. From photographers to firework specialists, couples can feel confident their day is in capable hands. Meanwhile, an onsite banqueting manager and elite culinary team are ready to wow guests with incredible bites and quality service. As part of their bespoke package, the newlyweds-to-be can also avail of finishing touches to enhance their day, including a prosecco stand, personalized cushions, an ice-cream tricycle, and much more.

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Frequently asked questions

Venue type:

In the country
Castle
Stately home
Historic
Outdoor license
Unique weddings

Ceremony options:

Civil ceremony licence

Dining options:

Seated meal facilities
Alcohol licence
Buffet meal facilities
In-house catering

Evening entertainment:

Dance floor
Entertainment licence
Live band facilities
Evening reception facilities
DJ facilities
Outdoor fireworks permitted

Overnight accommodation:

Overnight accommodation for wedding couple
Overnight accommodation for guests

Venue staff assistance:

Master of ceremonies/toastmaster
Wedding coordinator

Venue leisure facilities:

Hairdresser
Beautician

Other features:

Exclusive use
Accessible facilities
Car parking
Helipad
Confetti permitted
Pet-friendly
illustration notebook

Do you have any questions?

Reviews for Clearwell Castle

Jody
Jody Sent on 27/01/2025
5 out of 5 rating

30 December 2024 - Mr & Mrs Brown

Can’t tell you how wonderful the team were at Clearwell. Our wedding coordinator Phaedra was exceptional. Attention to detail and everyone of the team from front of house, waiting staff, groundsmen and the DJ made our day absolutely everything we dreamed of and unique to us.

Can’t recommend highly enough and cost was outstanding value for money.

So many our guest commented on the quality of the food and that it was the best wedding they had been too! The children loved the magic of the castle and opportunity to get outside and see the grounds.

The grooms family had a fabulous time staying in the cottages the night before and our guests at both the Castle & the Wyndham had a fabulous stay on the night of the wedding.

Wish we could do it all again!
Neil
Neil Sent on 06/09/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Unbelievable venue

From the moment we first visited Clearwell, we knew this was the venue for us. From the moment we started planning to the final touches on the day, all the staff were fantastic. Ann, our wedding coordinator, was a delight to work with throughout. Nothing was too much trouble and she kept us updated throughout. The day was tailored exactly to our needs and when we arrived at the venue on the day they had prepared everything perfectly.

We did the night before package which included rooms and food the evening before. We were supplied with so much food no one went hungry. The rooms in the Wyndham and the Castle are fantastically appointed.

The venue itself is gorgeous. The cellar bar downstairs adds a whole different dimension to the occasion where you can really let your hair down.

This was an absolute dream come true venue for us. We loved every single minute.
C
Cornelia Sent on 24/10/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful venue and the most wonderful staff!

We had our wedding at Clearwell in June and we couldn’t recommend it highly enough. From start to finish everything was perfect and they went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing day. I’d not hesitate in recommending them to any couples. Just a gorgeous place with staff that really care in making your day all that you hope it will be.
Rhiannon
Rhiannon Sent on 05/05/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible service

I cannot speak highly enough about Clearwell Castle as a wedding venue. The venue itself is absolutely stunning. It rained on our wedding day but the indoor space was so vast and beautiful that ourselves and our guests still had the most amazing time! Our wedding co-ordinator, Phaedra, was absolutely incredible, both before and during the wedding. She was always so professional, replied to all of my emails (there were many) and answered all queries efficiently. On the day, we genuinely could not have managed without her. The day flowed so well with her guidance and it really helped me as the Bride as I felt I didn't need to worry about anything! All the other staff at Clearwell and at the Wyndham hotel were also so wonderful! Everyone worked so hard and every member of staff was so kind to us; it just made our day incredibly special and we are so appreciative to them all. The food was great, service very quick and all the guests really enjoyed it! We had so many compliments about the staff and venue! I honestly could not recommend Clearwell castle more as a wedding venue!
S
Sarah Sent on 13/12/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Just incredible in every way!

We had the most amazing wedding day on the 24th of November 2023, the whole day ran so smoothly and all our guests absolutely loved the venue. The food was amazing and our guests loved the fish and chip buffet in the evening! The whole progress of planning the wedding was so straight forward and Phedera was a great wedding manager.
Dan
Dan W. Sent on 23/11/2023
4.6 out of 5 rating

Fairy-Tale Perfection: A Glowing Review for Clearwell Castle Wedding Venue

Clearwell Castle exceeded all our expectations for our wedding day. The moment we stepped onto the grounds, we were captivated by its timeless charm. The staff, especially Hannah, went above and beyond to make every detail perfect, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. The Ball Room, where we exchanged our vows, felt like something out of a storybook. The surrounding gardens provided a stunning backdrop for photos and added to the overall enchantment of the day. Our guests were equally impressed, and many commented on the unique and romantic atmosphere. Choosing Clearwell Castle was the best decision we made for our special day; it truly felt like a fairy-tale come to life.
Victoria
Victoria Sent on 23/12/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect Fairytale Wedding

Our wedding on 10/11/23 was just the absolute perfect day from start to finish. Our wedding planner manager, Hannah, was incredible, not just on the day but throughout the whole planning process. She ensured everything ran smoothly on the day, sparing no details ensuring everything was just perfect and to time but without being stressful. She was very accommodating with the planning meetings working around both mine and my now Husband's shift patterns.
We both stayed the night before our wedding and the night of the wedding with many of our guests travelling a distance so also staying in the Wyndham which was very convenient. Staying in Keepers cottage with the Bridesmaids the night before added to the experience with the added feature of the hot tub, the groomsmen were very jealous. The beds were very comfortable and everyone was excited to stay in a castle.
On the day of the wedding, the staff were very accommodating moving the bridal party along to the bridal suite to finish preparations earlier than originally planned. The breakfast provided was the perfect amount for a busy morning getting ready. Everything, including the gardens, were immaculately kept adding to the WOW factor of getting married in a Castle.
The canapes served and welcome drinks were well received by the guests and ourselves whilst we had photographers prior to the wedding breakfast. The food was phenomenal and great portions and I was stuffed after. The staff were very accommodating for us with a lot of people with allergies, dislikes of mushrooms so adapting the menu for these individual people. We were even able to swap out a few bottles of wine included in our package for cocktails as us as the Bride and Groom did not drink wine.
As soon as we walked in the venue the first time, we knew it was the place we wanted to get married. Everytime we went back to view the venue again I fell more and more in love. For anyone thinking about viewing or even booking this incredible venue I would say do it! We will be going back for events in the future to relive the best day of our lives.
Stephen
Stephen Sent on 16/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

The perfect Wedding

We had the perfect wedding at Clearwell Castle, their team were superb in providing planning assistance from the point of our booking, guidance on all aspects of our wedding choices from registrars and suppliers, and coordination on the day of the wedding to make sure it flowed seamlessly. It was a beautiful day, and we couldn't be happier with our choice of Wedding location.
P
Pauline Sent on 05/10/2023
4.6 out of 5 rating

An excellent Venue

Our son got married at Clearwell last Friday. A beautiful venue.
Everything attended to perfectly from the champagne reception to the dinner provided for 130 guests which was excellent. Well done all the kitchen staff and waiters. You were amazing. The wedding planner was around for the whole event overseeing the whole process. A glorious day made the grounds look magnificent. We could not have had a better day at all. Couldnt fault it.
T
Tommy Sent on 18/06/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic Wedding venue

Where do I even begin. Simon Cooper and his team was absolutely fantastic. No task was ever too much. We had constant dialogue through the whole planning. They worked round any needs that were necessary. Perfect venue to get married at. Food is excellent, they do dinner dates as well I highly recommend. Worth every penny.
D
Dawid Sent on 30/06/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Tim and Dawids wedding

We've had a wonderful wedding at Clearwell Castle. Simon was very professional and flexible with our requirements. Well organized just a perfect day.
N
Naomi Sent on 28/06/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic day

The whole date was fantastic. The staff and all of our suppliers made it the most relaxed and enjoyable day we could have wished for. The staff at the castle couldn’t do any more for us, they were happy to help with anything we asked and set up all of our decorations exactly the way we wanted.
Our wedding coordinator Simon was amazing and we can’t thank him enough. My now husband had a very elaborate plan for the entrance and Simon followed what he wanted and smashed it out of the park.
I wish we could do it all again, we really had the most magical day.
V
Vanessa Sent on 15/12/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect Wedding

We got married at Clearwell castle April 2023. What can I say it's the most perfect venue and we had the most amazing day. The organisation was amazing and the staff were great on the day and even leading up to the big day. Phaedra was our wedding planner and communication with her was great throughout and on our wedding day she ensured that it all ran smoothly. I cannot recommend Clearwell castle and their staff enough. Thank you again for helping us have our dream wedding.
Kind regards

Vanessa & David x
L
Lucinda Sent on 28/06/2023
5 out of 5 rating

I cannot reccommend Clearwell Castle enough!

Choosing Clearwell Castle for our wedding was the best decision we made and I cannot reccommend it enough to anyone else considering getting married here!
chloeprowse
Chloe Sent on 08/06/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect wedding

Me and my (new!) husband had our wedding day at Clearwell Castle on May 1st, 2022 and we couldn't have had a more perfect experience, particularly with Sian Russell as our wedding planner. She ensured we were on top of all documentation ahead of the day and the process felt effortless—I don't know how, but she took literally all of the stress out of planning (which was the bit I was the most worried about!) I felt like all I had to do was just turn up in my dress. And that's basically what happened. It was great!

The Keeper's Cottage was such a gorgeous place to stay the night before, and me and my bridal party really enjoyed having the hot tub to relax before the big day. In the morning we were so glad we had booked Clearwell's recommended suppliers, as the hair and makeup team (Margot + Lace) and our photographer (Nick Murray) knew the venue inside and out, and everything went incredibly smoothly.

The ceremony in the ballroom was magical (and Sian helped us arrange having a friend "marry" us so we didn't need a registrar, which we really appreciated); the food, even though we hadn't tasted it previously, was so decadant, and easily the best wedding food we'd ever had; our 3-tier cheesecake cake, provided by Clearwell's chef, was stunning and so delicious; and the waitstaff, bar staff, and DJ were all so friendly and professional.

Sian was my rock all day, even rushing to write out placecards for the guests when I didn't have any. I didn't have to worry about a thing!

Our friends and family still can't stop talking about what a lovely time they had and neither can we. The rooms in the castle are also absolutely beautiful (especially the bridal suite with the jacuzzi bath!) and we're so glad our wedding party were able to stay right in the castle and have breakfast with us the next day (which was also excellent!)

I can't recommend Clearwell Castle enough for anybody planning their wedding. The fact that Clearwell can also provide so many additional services (for example, we opted for table decorations, candles and lanterns throughout the castle, iced buckets of beer in the main rooms, a candy cart, and lawn games) meant we had to worry about so much less leading up to the wedding. It couldn't have gone more perfectly. Thank you Sian and the Clearwell Castle team!
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Badges

Hitched Wedding Awards 2024 Winner
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Did the reviews win you over?

Clearwell Castle Real Weddings

George & Georgia
28 photos · 04/01/2025
Sam & Rebecca
14 photos · 17/05/2024
Lisa & Penelope
521 photos · 02/04/2024
Jade & Ben
70 photos · 14/12/2023
Gem & Lewis
10 photos · 02/10/2022
Villa Medici Tuscany & Tuscany
113 photos · 13/08/2022

Deals

Your events

01 May
Contest

Win A Wedding worth up to £25,000!

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of our Mother company, Country House Weddings, we’re giving one lucky couple the chance to win their dream wedding at their choice of venue from our stunning collection of country house wedding venues.

The main prize is an all-inclusive Luxe Wedding Package for 60 guests worth up to £25,000.

There are also 10 runners-up prizes up for grabs, which include Dinner Date Tickets for 2 and a Cocktail Hamper.

Entry closes 31st May 2025. Full details, T&Cs and how to enter are on our website.

Date: From 01/05/2025 to 31/05/2025 Schedule all day
Place: Church Road, Coleford, Gloucestershire

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5.0 out of 5 rating , 157 reviews
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Map

Church Road GL16 8LG Coleford (Gloucestershire)
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