Although the sunnier seasons tend to be what first springs to mind when thinking of idyllic wedding scenes, there’s something utterly magical about tying the knot in winter. 

Snow sprinkled grounds, cosy lighting, festive decorations and of course, the celebratory atmosphere that comes with the jolliest time of the year. It all contributes to making winter a very special time to plan your big day. 

But which are the best of the best wedding venues to pick for a wintery ceremony? Protectivity Insurance has analysed a selection of winter wedding venues on Instagram to discover which are the most popular, looking at how many social media users have used the hashtags around the following 10 venues, to come up with a list of the crème de la crème.

From a tiny coastal gem to an old farmhouse and even Mr Darcy’s famous abode, whether you’re getting married or not, this list makes for some lovely viewing. 

10. East Quay, Kent 

It doesn’t need to be a destination wedding to have beach views, East Quay on Whistable Harbour is a charming little wedding venue that was originally the oyster grading room of the Seasalter and Ham Fishery Company, and still retains its original brick structure and coastal heritage charm. 

You can see the sea from the venue’s ceremony room, and after you’ve said your vows you’re welcome to wander by the water and get as many pictures as you like with a beachy background. 

Must-snap photo opportunity: Take your beloved to the end of the pier for a rustic photo opportunity just the two of you. 

9. South Farm, Royston 

Brides looking for a venue full of life and character will love this working farm, which offers a friendly, relaxed environment ran by a family team. 

As well as the beautifully rustic farmhouse, South Farm has a uniquely large portfolio of venue options at its disposal. The Old Diary was built in 1862 and its dark beams make for a dramatic backdrop to a ceremony. While The Tudor Barn, Horse Barn, Barnyard and gardens are all worth your attention, too. 

Must-snap photo opportunity: Ready to get your hands dirty? Copy some of the couples before you and get the piglets involved in your photo shoot!

8. Kings Chapel, Amersham 

This picturesque 18th century hapel in the historic market town of Old Amersham is the perfect place for a traditional tying of the knot. 

From the large arched windows that overlook Chiltern’s infamous countryside, to the quaint balcony interior, the organisers behind this venue promise you and your loved ones will fall in love with it - and we can see why. 

Must-snap photo opportunity: Go for something a little different and get papped outside the bright, bottle-green front door for an image that’s oh-so-Pinterest worthy. 

7. Hedsor House, Hedsor

Country extravagance at its finest, this Georgian stately home is just 45 minutes from London but has 100 acres of stunning grounds around it. 

Thanks to its magnificent size, there are plenty of options when it comes to planning your ceremony space. From the Centre Hall with its domed ceiling and intricate pillars, to the oak-panelled Ballroom and Drawing Room and Boudoir, which are advised as great places for a drinks reception. 

Must-snap photo opportunity: As beautiful as the interior looks, we can’t get over Hedsor House’s ornate gardens. Stop outside the front of the house and strike a pose next to the water feature and manicured hedges. 

6. Great Fosters, Surrey

This Grade I listed building has even been voted AA hotel of the year 2018, so is its magnificence. 

With 50 acres of stunning gardens and parkland you wouldn’t be stuck for spots to get a wonderful momento, either at the lawn by the Saxon moat or the 14th century Tithe Barn. 

Must-snap photo opportunity: Take a peek at the Orangery, its tall, 18th Century-style arched windows look divine.

5. Holkham Hall, Norfolk 

From candlelight tours to seasonal workshops, this 18th century mansion is an especially festive place to see at Christmas time, so can you imagine how joyous it would be having a winter wedding there?

And even though its stunning now, it’s got a wealth of background too. The house was originally constructed in the Palladian style for Thomas Coke, the 1st Earl of Leicester by the architect William Kent, and has had both a regal and aristocratic history. 

Must-snap photo opportunity: The marble hall is home to an exquisite array of cream and dark blush swirled columns and is where the house hosts chamber music and opera concerts. It’s grandeur has to be seen to be believed. 

4. Clivedon House, Maidenhead 

This award-winning five star hotel has been standing for 350 years, and within that time it’s been the home of glittering parties and hosted many powerful people. These days it’s one of the places in the country to go to getaway and relax, with some of the most extensive parklands and beautiful decor. 

Weddings at Clivedon can be held in a plethora of gorgeous rooms, from the gold-gilded French Dining Room to Lady Astor’s Suite. 

Must-snap photo opportunity: Sunset over Clivedon House is an especially beautiful time, wait until dusk for some particularly atmospheric photos. 

3. Luton Hoo, Luton 

Not only is Luton Hoo a gorgeous five star hotel, with a casual 1,065 acres of parkland, but its former stables designed by the 18th-century architect Robert Adam also house a beautiful spa and wellness centre - perfect for pampering before the big day. 

This venue has some romantic history behind it too. In fact, Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh often used to frequent Luton Hoo in the early years of their marriage to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

Must-snap picture opportunity: Has to be in front of the impeccable manicured gardens.

2. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire 

Is there a greater love story than Jane Austin’s Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy? Well, then, could there be a more romantic location to get wed than Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, aka Mr Darcy’s lavish abode?

It’s particularly big on Christmas, with festive fairytale scenes woven throughout the house and an excess of Christmas trees, so it couldn’t be a more beautiful place to visit at winter. 

Must-snap photo opportunity: Although the grounds and exterior of the house are nothing short of magnificent, Chatsworth is famous for its art collection which spans 4,000 years. Stand in front of some of its greatest works in the striking Painted Hall (pictured above). 

1. Kew Gardens 

We’re not surprised Kew’s Royal Botanical Gardens have landed the number one spot, being not only one of London’s most iconic and beautiful attractions, but a unique venue for a wedding. 

The spanning gardens sprinkled in snow would no doubt look stunning, but thanks to the famous glasshouses it doesn’t matter if it rains or shines, wedding photos always look incredible surrounded by plants and shielded from the weather.

Must-snap photo opportunity: It simply has to be the Temperate House, which re-opened this year after the biggest restoration in Kew’s history. Home to over 10,000 plants, it’s been dubbed as the ‘greatest glasshouse in the world’.

Images: Getty / Instagram