About
On Hitched.co.uk since 2025
Last update: December 2025
About The Shire
The Shire is a wedding venue set within 150 acres of lakes, parkland and carefully restored farm buildings on the Buckinghamshire–Northamptonshire border, close to Milton Keynes, Northampton and only an hour from London.
Family-owned and gradually rewilded over the past 30 years, this secluded estate offers a serene backdrop where nature and understated elegance combine to create a truly memorable setting for your wedding day. The estate can be a blank canvas for your perfect day, whether you want to add fireworks, weave in wellness activities, or even have a weekend long wedding.
Facilities and Capacity
The Shire's restored farmhouse and beautiful walled garden offer a versatile space for wedding receptions. The indoor event space accommodates up to 120 seated guests or 200 standing, while the gardens and terraces provide outdoor options with fire pit, outdoor seating and lake views. Couples enjoy exclusive use of the venue across the weekend, ensuring time for set-up and pack down.
The estate also features a wild swimming lake, sauna and cold plunge, tennis court and 150 acres of meadows and woodlands, which you can weave into your weekend.
Wedding Bookings
The Shire hosts a limited number of weddings each year, with each one personally tailored to each couple's vision. Through their trusted partners, you can organise catering, florals and décor, to live music, photography, and marquee hire. The family team behind The Shire is your dedicated point of contact from first enquiry through to the special day, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully looked after.
The Shire Retreats and Events is a stunning wedding venue nestled in Towcester, Northamptonshire.
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Meet the team
Hi, I’m George, one of the co-founders of The Shire. My family has spent decades re-wilding this land, planting trees, creating lakes, and bringing wildlife back to the old farm.
I’ll be your main point of contact from your first enquiry through to your wedding day, keeping everything straightforward, calm and bespoke. We host a limited number of weddings each year, so you’ll always have a relaxed, personal experience without any rush.
If you’re looking for a beautiful countryside space cared for by a family who truly love it, I’d be delighted to show you around.
Map
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