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About
On Hitched.co.uk since 2019
Last update: October 2025
A refined and relaxed boutique hotel and wedding venue at the heart of the North Wessex Downs, The Retreat is where quirky British sensibility meets elegant, authentic luxury. We blend the old with the new, the refined with the comfortable, and the local with the worldly.
Since opening in June 2022, The Retreat has become a destination of choice for guests from all over the world and was recently named Britain's Best Hotel by The Times and the Sunday Times, topping their list of the Top 100 Places to Stay in the UK. The perfect venue for your dream wedding.
Facilities and Capacity
Inside The Retreat, you can choose from 6 beautiful spaces to hold your Civil Ceremony. With our largest room accommodating up to 80 Guests for your Ceremony and our smallest accommodating up to 6 guests, there are lots of options for you both to think about! During the warmer months, we offer outdoor Ceremonies - what could be more beautiful than exchanging vows with views of the Wessex Downs as your backdrop! We also offer Exclusive Hire of The Retreat.
Once you've tied the knot, you and your guests will enjoy a delicious Wedding Breakfast and Toast as the new couple. A fun after party will then unfold whilst you mingle, sip wine and dance while the sun sets over the Wessex Downs.
Located on sixteen acres of gorgeous grounds, with a sweeping staircase and a grand fireplace, there are many beautiful backdrops for photos!
As well as 55 individually styled bedrooms and suites, two stunning restaurants and an indulgent spa, there’s also a heated outdoor pool, a charming courtyard with a Hair & Nail Salon, perfect for the bridal party’s finishing touches.
Services Offered
The Retreat offers 4 comprehensive Wedding Packages for you to choose from, and our Weddings Manager will be on hand to make sure your planning and your Day runs smoothly. Should you be looking for a more intimate Wedding, then our team would be delighted to put together a bespoke package for you.
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Contact The Retreat at Elcot Park and their preferred suppliers
-
The Retreat at Elcot Park -
Sonning Flowers -
Jade Koh Photography -
Jennie Colbourne Photography
Frequently asked questions
Venue type:
In the country
Small hotel
Stately home
Historic
Outdoor license
Unique weddings
Ceremony options:
Civil ceremony licence
Dining options:
Seated meal facilities
Corkage option
Alcohol licence
In-house catering
Evening entertainment:
Entertainment licence
Live band facilities
Evening reception facilities
DJ facilities
Overnight accommodation:
Overnight accommodation for wedding couple
Overnight accommodation for guests
Venue staff assistance:
Wedding coordinator
Venue leisure facilities:
Hairdresser
Swimming pool
Health suite
Beautician
Fitness centre
Other features:
Exclusive use
Accessible facilities
Car parking
Confetti permitted
Pet-friendly
Orangery on site
Do you have any questions?
Reviews for The Retreat at Elcot Park
Rosie Sent on 24/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating
A dreamy wedding at The Retreat
From start to finish, our wedding at The Retreat was absolutely perfect. The planning process was seamless the team were responsive, supportive, and always provided us with helpful options.
The night before the wedding, the bride to be stayed on site, enjoyed a delicious dinner, and relaxed by the pool with family, which set the tone beautifully for the celebrations ahead. On the morning of the wedding, I had breakfast in the Sutton Room with my bridesmaids. Nothing was too much trouble, the team quickly provided extra mirrors and more drinks when we asked, making us feel completely at ease.
I hadn’t seen the ceremony room beforehand, so I was nervous leaving my ideas with Ella and her team. But as I walked down the aisle, it was everything I had dreamed of, and even more. The attention to detail was incredible.
The wedding breakfast was not only speedy and delicious, but the team also catered perfectly to the extras we had requested for particular guests. Later in the evening, the bar staff were fantastic, no glass was ever empty, and they blended in seamlessly while ensuring the turnover from the wedding breakfast to the evening party was smooth.
I would love to relive the whole day all over again. It was everything I could have wished for and more. I would wholeheartedly recommend The Retreat to anyone looking for a relaxing, special, and truly beautiful wedding experience.
The night before the wedding, the bride to be stayed on site, enjoyed a delicious dinner, and relaxed by the pool with family, which set the tone beautifully for the celebrations ahead. On the morning of the wedding, I had breakfast in the Sutton Room with my bridesmaids. Nothing was too much trouble, the team quickly provided extra mirrors and more drinks when we asked, making us feel completely at ease.
I hadn’t seen the ceremony room beforehand, so I was nervous leaving my ideas with Ella and her team. But as I walked down the aisle, it was everything I had dreamed of, and even more. The attention to detail was incredible.
The wedding breakfast was not only speedy and delicious, but the team also catered perfectly to the extras we had requested for particular guests. Later in the evening, the bar staff were fantastic, no glass was ever empty, and they blended in seamlessly while ensuring the turnover from the wedding breakfast to the evening party was smooth.
I would love to relive the whole day all over again. It was everything I could have wished for and more. I would wholeheartedly recommend The Retreat to anyone looking for a relaxing, special, and truly beautiful wedding experience.
Claire Sent on 10/10/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Perfect wedding venue!
We were so happy with our whole experience with The Retreat. Ella was amazing, and always on hand to answer any queries - nothing was too much trouble! We had a small wedding in the Orangery (28 guests), the food was faultless and our stay at the hotel was equally lovely. The venue was perfect, even though it was a rainy day, it didn't matter because the hotel is so beautiful. Also, found it great value for what you got. Highly recommend!
Emily Sent on 25/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Beautiful hotel and wedding venue
Very professional helpful service from Samantha and Ella. Very clear and helpful in the lead up, useful check ins and very helpful on the day.
Food was incredible, all the guests were extremely well fed.
Venue staff went above and beyond the whole weekend we were staying there to make sure we were well looked after. Bride and Groom had food allergies which were very thoughtfully catered for!
Guests staying at the hotel enjoyed the spa the day after which was a lovely bonus.
It rained all day we were so grateful there was reserved spaces indoors in case of bad weather and the staff made sure these were quickly sorted out as it started raining.
Food was incredible, all the guests were extremely well fed.
Venue staff went above and beyond the whole weekend we were staying there to make sure we were well looked after. Bride and Groom had food allergies which were very thoughtfully catered for!
Guests staying at the hotel enjoyed the spa the day after which was a lovely bonus.
It rained all day we were so grateful there was reserved spaces indoors in case of bad weather and the staff made sure these were quickly sorted out as it started raining.
Camila Sent on 14/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Dream Wedding
We couldn’t be happier! We had the best wedding day ever at The Retreat at Elcot Park. We had a small and intimate wedding which felt just like a dream. The service, the atmosphere and the team were exceptional. Always very friendly and helpful. It is alone a beautiful venue, but the staff makes it even more special. Cannot recommend enough! Our photographer who also works at the hotel and knows it very well, managed to capture all our special moments at the right places of the venue. Thank you to Laura (photographer), Ella (event manager) and all the team that made our wedding day the best day of our lives. Thank you for looking after us and all our guests.
Stephanie Sent on 14/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating
The venue/hotel was perfect and staff made it even better
Ella was super helpful throughout the planning. The venue was just what we were after. All the staff are very friendly and welcoming but with a calming relaxed feel. Our guests all mentioned how excellent the food was. We had an amazing day and a big part of that was down to the venue.
Jen Sent on 03/09/2025
4.6 out of 5 rating
The Retreat at Elcot Park Wedding
The Retreat at Elcot Park is such a beautiful venue. We had so many compliments about the venue, some wedding guests have even booked to go back to stay at the hotel. Before the wedding we did some difficulty with communication from a former employee however this was resolved once Ella joined. Ella is a superstar! I'm a type A bride and Ella really calmed me down. Before the wedding she went into so much detail so I knew exactly what was happening and when. On the wedding day, Ella was so helpful and decorated the room exactly as I imagined. The Retreat team were all so happy to help and accommodating on the day. We really had the best day! The food was unreal! High recommend on the beef wellington. 1000% recommend this venue for your wedding, it's a really bright and happy hotel. The cost is very reasonable and much better than other venues. I'd like to say a big thank you to Ella for being so calm, happy and amazing, The Retreat are very lucky to have you! 10/10 venue!
Louise Sent on 31/08/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Unbelievable, stress free, epic day!
We had our day in July 2025 and it was the BEST day ever! The Retreat is an amazing venue. Everyone who came has said how beautiful it was and how incredible the food was. Sam and Ella (wedding coordinators) were fantastic. I had zero stress; they were easy to communicate with, transparent with costs and did everything they could to make the wedding run smoothly. On the actual day Ella dealt with the decorations and suppliers leaving me to swan about getting ready! It was such a relaxed and fun day. Big shout out to the chefs as the food was divine. Another big shout out to the bar staff who threw themselves into the celebrations and seemed to enjoy themselves.
Genuinely all the staff made me feel super special and could not have done more for us. Cant wait to return for our anniversary.
Top tips;
I know it's expensive but get the bridal suite the night before, enjoy the spa and give yourselves a nice space to get ready in.
Also, use Sequoia Hair and Beauty who have a salon in the courtyard. It was so lovely having the salon to go to and they did a great job of our hair.
Suppliers I would recommend;
Photography - Chris Kemp (so easy to work with and great photos)
Flowers - Flowers by Helen (stunning!)
Content creation- Magical Moments social (Definitely book, I have a beautiful 5 min video which you can see in instagram)
Band - The Dukes wedding band (best fun ever)
Make up - Make up by Tish (loved having her around, sublime make up)
Sequoia - Joseph did my hair beautifully but all the team were great. Amazing vibe in the salon.
Genuinely all the staff made me feel super special and could not have done more for us. Cant wait to return for our anniversary.
Top tips;
I know it's expensive but get the bridal suite the night before, enjoy the spa and give yourselves a nice space to get ready in.
Also, use Sequoia Hair and Beauty who have a salon in the courtyard. It was so lovely having the salon to go to and they did a great job of our hair.
Suppliers I would recommend;
Photography - Chris Kemp (so easy to work with and great photos)
Flowers - Flowers by Helen (stunning!)
Content creation- Magical Moments social (Definitely book, I have a beautiful 5 min video which you can see in instagram)
Band - The Dukes wedding band (best fun ever)
Make up - Make up by Tish (loved having her around, sublime make up)
Sequoia - Joseph did my hair beautifully but all the team were great. Amazing vibe in the salon.
Katie Sent on 19/08/2025
4.8 out of 5 rating
An amazing day!
The Retreat is an amazing venue and we had the most amazing day. The staff were great, especially Ella as she ensured everything ran smoothly on the day. We had an outdoor ceremony, the grounds are beautiful and you feel you are in the middle of nowhere which we loved! The food was delicious and our guests commented on how it was the best wedding menu and food they had experienced. The orangery is a beautiful and open space where we could have our band play and our guests dance. We had 100 guests and it didn’t feel cramped at all! Overall I would highly recommend this venue!
Alice Sent on 02/08/2025
5 out of 5 rating
5* Wedding venue and good value for money!
Ella and Sam were great from day 1. We had regular calls with them and they were supportive all the way! Food was incredible with many guests saying it was the best wedding food they have ever had! The venue itself is stunning and perfect for medium size weddings! We had 60 guests and the room was perfect and made it feel intimate. Serving staff were amazing and drinks were never empty. We even had a spa day the day after to relax and take it all in.
Highly recommend. 10\10
Highly recommend. 10\10
George Sent on 16/06/2025
4.8 out of 5 rating
George & Sam Wedding
The Elcot completly made our day!!
We have visited the venue a number of times, so there was without a doubt that this had to be our wedding venue.
From initial planning meetings, to the final countdown meetings we would go over the function sheet everytime, any changes were never an issue.
The operations team on the day were seamless and the team took care of everything!!
We have visited the venue a number of times, so there was without a doubt that this had to be our wedding venue.
From initial planning meetings, to the final countdown meetings we would go over the function sheet everytime, any changes were never an issue.
The operations team on the day were seamless and the team took care of everything!!
Elliott Sent on 28/05/2025
5 out of 5 rating
The best wedding experience ever!
This venue is absolutely stunning with beautifully kept grounds and an incredibly designed interior.
Every single member of the team at The Retreat were amazing whilst planning and on our wedding day itself, so attentive and made the day as special as it was.
They made the planning seamless and enjoyable, catering to every single one of our needs. This took the stress of planning a wedding away which we were so grateful for.
And the venue speaks for itself - the orangery is stunning, along with many other room options which helped with our guests having different areas to mingle in and enjoy.
The spa facilities were also highly rated by our guests who enjoyed them on the day of check in and day of check out.
We simply cannot recommend this venue enough for all of the reasons about and more! We can’t wait to visit again soon to enjoy all the facilities now as a married couple!
Thanks all at The Retreat.
Every single member of the team at The Retreat were amazing whilst planning and on our wedding day itself, so attentive and made the day as special as it was.
They made the planning seamless and enjoyable, catering to every single one of our needs. This took the stress of planning a wedding away which we were so grateful for.
And the venue speaks for itself - the orangery is stunning, along with many other room options which helped with our guests having different areas to mingle in and enjoy.
The spa facilities were also highly rated by our guests who enjoyed them on the day of check in and day of check out.
We simply cannot recommend this venue enough for all of the reasons about and more! We can’t wait to visit again soon to enjoy all the facilities now as a married couple!
Thanks all at The Retreat.
Georgia Sent on 25/04/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Amazing venue, highly recommend.
We got married at Elcot in May 2024 and it was a fantastic venue, I highly recommend as a wedding venue. Samantha and the rest of the events team were so professional, supportive and flexible to everything we wanted for our big day. They also went above and beyond, with really thoughtful touches to make us feel really special such as a hand written welcome in our room on arrival.
The Retreat at Elcot is such a beautiful setting, we had our wedding and reception in The Orangery. The day flew by and was managed to perfection by the events team and went so smoothly we didn’t have to worry about a thing. We also had our wedding breakfast and reception food provided by The Retreat at Elcot which was delicious, seasonal and catered to our tastes with the kitchen being really flexible, adding on vegan options for our guests when requested. Thank you so much to the team at The Retreat at Elcot, it was an amazing day and everything we dreamed of.
The Retreat at Elcot is such a beautiful setting, we had our wedding and reception in The Orangery. The day flew by and was managed to perfection by the events team and went so smoothly we didn’t have to worry about a thing. We also had our wedding breakfast and reception food provided by The Retreat at Elcot which was delicious, seasonal and catered to our tastes with the kitchen being really flexible, adding on vegan options for our guests when requested. Thank you so much to the team at The Retreat at Elcot, it was an amazing day and everything we dreamed of.
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The Retreat at Elcot Park Real Weddings
Natalee & Simon
75 photos · 12/07/2025
Natalee & Simon
176 photos · 12/07/2025
Preferred suppliers
Sonning Flowers
5.0 out of 5 rating , 76 reviews
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Florists 
Jade Koh Photography
5.0 out of 5 rating , 4 reviews
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Photographers 
Jennie Colbourne Photography
Photographers
Live & Love Music
Music and DJs
The Kind Designer
Stationery
Magician & Master of Ceremonies | Dean Leavy
5.0 out of 5 rating , 6 reviews
·
Entertainment Map
Elcot RG20 8NJ Newbury (Berkshire)
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