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About
On Hitched.co.uk since 2023
Last update: November 2025
One of England's most iconic landmarks and crowned best Manor House and Boutique Hotel wedding venue of the year! St Osyth Priory, offers a historic wedding venue for couples looking to celebrate in Colchester, Essex. The estate takes its name from the 1,400-year-old legend of Osyth, the daughter of Frithwald. Just over an hour away from London by train, with direct lines from Liverpool Street Station, this accessible venue is the perfect setting for a wedding steeped in grandeur.
Facilities and Capacity
St Osyth Priory is nestled on a 350-acre estate home to rare breeds of deer, sheep, and cows, enhancing the majesty of the area and making for more unforgettable moments. This gorgeous wedding venue holds a civil ceremony licence; However, there is a church just three minutes away for a traditional ceremony. You can also host celebrant ceremonies or other religious blessings within the extensive grounds, surrounded by glorious nature. The property features many beautiful spaces for your festivities, including Darcy House - The Gallery, The Great Hall, the historic Chapel, The Gatehouse, on the Precinct, and in the gardens. This choice allows for extraordinary memories and incredible photo opportunities. Darcy House can seat 110 guests upstairs in the Gallery for your wedding breakfast and 110 loved ones downstairs in the Grand Hall. There is a lift inside and wide corridors for easy access, so everyone can move about in comfort. The venue's flexibility allows couples and event planners the freedom to have marquees or structures in many areas of the grounds if they wish to host an extravagant soiree. There are striking, scenic, and historic accommodation options throughout the estate for you and your guests. You can also book one of the self-catering retreats to return for your anniversaries to come.
Services Offered
Hosting your wedding at St Osyth Priory means you will have nothing to worry about. The team of exclusive wedding planning experts will be there from the very start to guide you. On the big day, an event manager will be present to coordinate your festivities and ensure everything runs smoothly. The Head Chef, who formerly served the late Queen Elizabeth II, will be overjoyed to continue providing phenomenal menus for your special day. The team will be of service to all dietary requirements, ensuring exquisite dishes everyone can enjoy. Your day will be bespoke to you, your partner and your guests.
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Contact St Osyth Priory and their preferred suppliers
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St Osyth Priory -
Courtyard Bridal -
Day and Knight Photography -
Studio LEL
Frequently asked questions
Venue type:
In the country
Unusual weddings
Stately home
Historic
Landmark
Marquees and tents
Outdoor license
Unique weddings
Ceremony options:
Chapel or temple on-site
Civil ceremony licence
Dining options:
Seated meal facilities
Alcohol licence
Buffet meal facilities
In-house catering
Evening entertainment:
Marquee available
Dance floor
Entertainment licence
Live band facilities
Evening reception facilities
DJ facilities
Overnight accommodation:
Overnight accommodation for wedding couple
Overnight accommodation for guests
Venue staff assistance:
Master of ceremonies/toastmaster
Wedding coordinator
Other features:
Exclusive use
Accessible facilities
Car parking
Confetti permitted
Pet-friendly
Elephant baraat permitted
Horse baraat permitted
Do you have any questions?
Reviews for St Osyth Priory
Rachel Sent on 16/07/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Perfect wedding venue
For our wedding venue, we wanted something that had some history and character to it but with a modern feel and nice accommodation. We saw a number of venues and we couldn’t find anything to fit this criteria - until we came across St Osyth Priory. The venue and the grounds are stunning, both inside and out, and we knew instantly this was the venue for us. The accommodation is not only stunning but it’s immaculate, with amazing attention to detail. The bridal suite is also incredible, and we loved how much space we had on the morning of the wedding for the bridal party to get ready.
We booked our wedding in a very short time period, just over eight weeks, and the team were so accommodating, making sure it all happened in good time, even accommodating a visit from parents to ensure concerns about mobility issues were allayed.
On the day, the team couldn’t have done more to make it all run smoothly, and although there must be so much that goes on behind the scenes of a wedding, Livi and Melanie made it all run so seamlessly, with Melanie even helping to sow a button back onto the groom’s jacket! The whole team, from the servers to the bar stuff, were so lovely and we’ve had nothing but wonderful comments from our guests about what a stunning venue it was.
We booked our wedding in a very short time period, just over eight weeks, and the team were so accommodating, making sure it all happened in good time, even accommodating a visit from parents to ensure concerns about mobility issues were allayed.
On the day, the team couldn’t have done more to make it all run smoothly, and although there must be so much that goes on behind the scenes of a wedding, Livi and Melanie made it all run so seamlessly, with Melanie even helping to sow a button back onto the groom’s jacket! The whole team, from the servers to the bar stuff, were so lovely and we’ve had nothing but wonderful comments from our guests about what a stunning venue it was.
Meg Sent on 14/11/2025
5 out of 5 rating
St Osyth Priory Made Our Dream Wedding Come True!
We had our wedding at St Osyth Priory and it was absolutely the perfect venue. The grounds are stunning and made for the most amazing photos. The entire team were incredibly accommodating from start to finish. Livi and Mel were amazing—nothing was ever too much trouble. They both helped so much throughout the day and made everything feel effortless.
The bar staff and waiters were also incredible, so friendly and attentive. The food was honestly the best we’ve ever had — our guests are still talking about it!
The accommodation is absolutely stunning. Our whole family stayed there and were completely in awe — it made the whole experience even more special.
We wish we could do it all over again. We truly couldn’t fault a single thing. Highly, highly recommend St Osyth Priory to anyone looking for a beautiful, seamless, and unforgettable wedding venue.
The bar staff and waiters were also incredible, so friendly and attentive. The food was honestly the best we’ve ever had — our guests are still talking about it!
The accommodation is absolutely stunning. Our whole family stayed there and were completely in awe — it made the whole experience even more special.
We wish we could do it all over again. We truly couldn’t fault a single thing. Highly, highly recommend St Osyth Priory to anyone looking for a beautiful, seamless, and unforgettable wedding venue.
Jennifer Sent on 14/11/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Elopement Wedding
Every moment was a joy. The whole event was so exciting and secretive and secluded. The afternoon tea enormous and delicious. The weather was kind all day which was a bonus. Olivia and Melanie are a credit to St Osyth Priory.
Laura Sent on 10/11/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Our dream wedding venue!
We had the pleasure of celebrating our wedding at St Osyth Priory, and it truly exceeded all our expectations. From start to finish, the experience was seamless.
The setting itself is breathtaking! Steeped in history and surrounded by stunning grounds, but what sets St Osyth Priory apart, was the incredible personalised service we received. Livi went above and beyond to ensure every detail reflected our vision. Nothing ever felt generic and we were made to feel like our day genuinely mattered to them. From the first planning meeting to the final moments of the wedding, all the staff were attentive, warm, and highly professional.
Our guests were just as impressed, many commented on how beautiful and unique the venue was, and how smoothly everything ran. We were exceptionally happy with how everything went on the day and cannot recommend St Osyth Priory enough!
The setting itself is breathtaking! Steeped in history and surrounded by stunning grounds, but what sets St Osyth Priory apart, was the incredible personalised service we received. Livi went above and beyond to ensure every detail reflected our vision. Nothing ever felt generic and we were made to feel like our day genuinely mattered to them. From the first planning meeting to the final moments of the wedding, all the staff were attentive, warm, and highly professional.
Our guests were just as impressed, many commented on how beautiful and unique the venue was, and how smoothly everything ran. We were exceptionally happy with how everything went on the day and cannot recommend St Osyth Priory enough!
Amy Sent on 08/11/2025
5 out of 5 rating
The Best Venue & Team You Will Ever Find!
We knew from the moment we first arrived at St Osyth Priory that it was the perfect venue for our wedding. The architecture is breathtaking, the grounds are expansive, and the accommodation is beautiful. When the newly developed Gatehouse suites became available, we added the bridal suite and rooms for close family, and we are so glad we did. The interiors are decorated perfectly, a thoughtful blend of classic character with modern comfort. The bridal suite’s bathtub deserves a special mention; ending our wedding day with a quiet drink and a soak there was unforgettable.
The venue itself is stunning, but what truly made our experience exceptional was the team. Livi and Mel were fantastic from start to finish. Their organisation, communication, and attention to detail allowed us to be completely relaxed and present. They understood our vision for the décor and worked seamlessly with our florist to bring everything together beautifully. I didn’t feel a moment of stress once I arrived on-site the evening before the wedding.
Our guests were absolutely blown away. We received so many compliments throughout the day, with many people saying it was the best venue they had ever seen.
We genuinely couldn’t have imagined a more perfect setting or a more supportive team. St Osyth Priory will always hold a special place in our hearts.
The venue itself is stunning, but what truly made our experience exceptional was the team. Livi and Mel were fantastic from start to finish. Their organisation, communication, and attention to detail allowed us to be completely relaxed and present. They understood our vision for the décor and worked seamlessly with our florist to bring everything together beautifully. I didn’t feel a moment of stress once I arrived on-site the evening before the wedding.
Our guests were absolutely blown away. We received so many compliments throughout the day, with many people saying it was the best venue they had ever seen.
We genuinely couldn’t have imagined a more perfect setting or a more supportive team. St Osyth Priory will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Alannah Sent on 04/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating
St Osyths is an absolute dream venue!
We could not have dreamed of a better wedding day! The venue is absolutely breathtaking—every corner is picture-perfect, and our photos turned out even better than anything I had saved on my Pinterest board. Mel and Livi were incredibly helpful every step of the way, making everything run so smoothly and allowing us to just soak in the moment. We’re so grateful to have celebrated here and would recommend it a thousand times over!
David Sent on 13/08/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Perfect and personal every step of the way!
Where can we begin?! Couldn’t have asked for a more perfect wedding location and superb team to support us the whole way up to and on the day.
We had the pleasure of both Livi and Mel helping us up to the day from the moment of booking. They were incredibly helpful and supportive, and no ask was too big for them.
The day of the wedding we were lucky enough to stay the night before with all the family onsite in gorgeous accommodation. Luxury yet homely at the same time. The morning of the team had already started with the set up and allowed us to help with the little details as we wanted.
The rest of the day I can only describe as sheer perfection, and all of the guests couldn’t have rated the venue and staff any higher! From the ornate halls to the incredible priory ruins, there was so much history and beauty for us and guests to admire. A brilliant setting for a day full of laughter and memories. And even a dance or two with the bar staff!
The team were there for us every step of the way, and I can’t recommend this venue enough!
We had the pleasure of both Livi and Mel helping us up to the day from the moment of booking. They were incredibly helpful and supportive, and no ask was too big for them.
The day of the wedding we were lucky enough to stay the night before with all the family onsite in gorgeous accommodation. Luxury yet homely at the same time. The morning of the team had already started with the set up and allowed us to help with the little details as we wanted.
The rest of the day I can only describe as sheer perfection, and all of the guests couldn’t have rated the venue and staff any higher! From the ornate halls to the incredible priory ruins, there was so much history and beauty for us and guests to admire. A brilliant setting for a day full of laughter and memories. And even a dance or two with the bar staff!
The team were there for us every step of the way, and I can’t recommend this venue enough!
Rebecca Sent on 15/07/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Better than we could have possibly imagined!
From the moment we first visited St Osyth Priory, we knew it was the perfect venue for us. It’s truly breathtaking—steeped in history and beauty at every turn.
We dreamed of a three-day wedding celebration with a different atmosphere for each day, and the team at St Osyth Priory made that vision come to life flawlessly. From an intimate ceremony in the enchanting chapel on day one, a vibrant celebration in the sunken garden for day two, followed by a BBQ feast and party on the main lawn under a beautiful stretch tent, and finally a relaxed alfresco brunch with lawn games to close the weekend; it was everything we imagined and more.
The food was simply exceptional. Each day had its own bespoke menu, from an Italian-style sharing dinner to a delicious BBQ feast with Ottolenghi-inspired salads, a showstopping Eton Mess cake, late-night party pizzas, and a delicious Sunday brunch. Every dish was beautifully presented and tasted phenomenal—our guests are still talking about it!
There are so many incredible people from the team who deserve recognition, but we must give a special thank you to William, Livi, and Mel for making the entire process seamless. From the very first planning meeting and brilliant supplier recommendations to the impeccable coordination across the whole weekend, they went above and beyond. During that first meeting, they told us, “Anything is possible,” and they truly meant it. They made what could have been a stressful process feel effortless, and even fun.
Having exclusive use of the venue and its stunning cottages meant our guests could stay on-site and fully enjoy the beautiful grounds. So many of our guests have said it was the best wedding they’ve ever been to!
It was truly the wedding of our dreams and a weekend we’ll cherish for a lifetime. We are delighted we chose to get married at St Osyth Priory.
We dreamed of a three-day wedding celebration with a different atmosphere for each day, and the team at St Osyth Priory made that vision come to life flawlessly. From an intimate ceremony in the enchanting chapel on day one, a vibrant celebration in the sunken garden for day two, followed by a BBQ feast and party on the main lawn under a beautiful stretch tent, and finally a relaxed alfresco brunch with lawn games to close the weekend; it was everything we imagined and more.
The food was simply exceptional. Each day had its own bespoke menu, from an Italian-style sharing dinner to a delicious BBQ feast with Ottolenghi-inspired salads, a showstopping Eton Mess cake, late-night party pizzas, and a delicious Sunday brunch. Every dish was beautifully presented and tasted phenomenal—our guests are still talking about it!
There are so many incredible people from the team who deserve recognition, but we must give a special thank you to William, Livi, and Mel for making the entire process seamless. From the very first planning meeting and brilliant supplier recommendations to the impeccable coordination across the whole weekend, they went above and beyond. During that first meeting, they told us, “Anything is possible,” and they truly meant it. They made what could have been a stressful process feel effortless, and even fun.
Having exclusive use of the venue and its stunning cottages meant our guests could stay on-site and fully enjoy the beautiful grounds. So many of our guests have said it was the best wedding they’ve ever been to!
It was truly the wedding of our dreams and a weekend we’ll cherish for a lifetime. We are delighted we chose to get married at St Osyth Priory.
Wendy Sent on 08/07/2025
5 out of 5 rating
My wedding day at the Priory
What can I say, this place is second to none, everything about St oysth priory is simply stunning and the team can not do enough for you. They made my day even more special and I can not thank them enough for everything they did.
I wouldn't change a thing about having my wedding at the priory. Just take yourself along and view the place and meet the team, you will not be disappointed.
I wouldn't change a thing about having my wedding at the priory. Just take yourself along and view the place and meet the team, you will not be disappointed.
Clarice Sent on 19/06/2025
4.8 out of 5 rating
The dream wedding venue!
When we first found St Osyth’s Priory, we fell in love with the breathtaking beauty of the venue. Everything seemed to be perfect, the little chapel, the wonderful grounds, the beautiful gardens, the magnificent wedding breakfast room; absolutely everything. We were sold not just by the grandeur, but by the amazing professionalism of Livi. She was fantastic, communicating with us throughout the whole process, answering every email and every question, ensuring we had enough meetings to know what exactly was happening on the day, being on site with Mel and ensuring everything was going well. They made our wedding planning and the day itself so stress free, it was fantastic. The food was delicious, and every guest enjoyed it. We asked for a few extras, such as bowls with berries and cream for the drinks reception, which the venue very kindly offered to create for us, as well as creating a bespoke children’s menu (curtesy of my very picky younger sister!). Our wedding was non alcoholic for religious reasons, and the venue did everything to ensure that was being adhered to on the day and were incredibly welcoming even with this different type of wedding. In short, we absolutely adored it and the coordinators made everything incredibly stress free and easy, we had an amazing time and are so happy we got to celebrate our special day here!
Emma Sent on 02/06/2025
5 out of 5 rating
A dream come true
We recently had our wedding at St Osyth Priory in Essex, and it truly was the only venue in the entire area that ticked every single one of our boxes.
From start to finish, our experience was absolutely flawless, and we couldn't recommend it highly enough.
One of the standout features was the stunning accommodation available for all our guests. It was such a relief to know everyone was comfortable and beautifully housed on-site.
The team at St Osyth Priory also made it incredibly easy to tailor everything. No request was too big or too small, and communication with the team was consistently easy, prompt, and reassuring - Livi answered 1000s of questions for us!
As dog owners, finding a dog-friendly venue was important for us, and St Osyth Priory offered this. Being able to have our pup join us for photos was incredibly special and truly made our day complete.
The food was INCREDIBLE. It was absolutely amazing, and we loved that we could truly make it our own. We opted for the BBQ option, and it was a massive hit with everyone. We are still getting comments from our guests about the delicious mac and cheese – it was a real highlight!
Ultimately, everything was seamless. The team at St Osyth Priory handled every last detail with professionalism and warmth, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy our special day.
Everything about this team and venue is incredible. We couldn’t recommend it enough! X
From start to finish, our experience was absolutely flawless, and we couldn't recommend it highly enough.
One of the standout features was the stunning accommodation available for all our guests. It was such a relief to know everyone was comfortable and beautifully housed on-site.
The team at St Osyth Priory also made it incredibly easy to tailor everything. No request was too big or too small, and communication with the team was consistently easy, prompt, and reassuring - Livi answered 1000s of questions for us!
As dog owners, finding a dog-friendly venue was important for us, and St Osyth Priory offered this. Being able to have our pup join us for photos was incredibly special and truly made our day complete.
The food was INCREDIBLE. It was absolutely amazing, and we loved that we could truly make it our own. We opted for the BBQ option, and it was a massive hit with everyone. We are still getting comments from our guests about the delicious mac and cheese – it was a real highlight!
Ultimately, everything was seamless. The team at St Osyth Priory handled every last detail with professionalism and warmth, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy our special day.
Everything about this team and venue is incredible. We couldn’t recommend it enough! X
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St Osyth Priory Real Weddings
Juliana & James
128 photos · 24/08/2024
Deals
Preferred suppliers
Courtyard Bridal
5.0 out of 5 rating , 3 reviews
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Day and Knight Photography
5.0 out of 5 rating , 14 reviews
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5.0 out of 5 rating , 6 reviews
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5.0 out of 5 rating , 2 reviews
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Fireworks 
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4.7 out of 5 rating , 13 reviews
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Music and DJs Map
St Osyth Priory, West Field Lane, Essex CO16 8GW Colchester (Essex)
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