Weddings at Fanhams Hall – A Jacobean Manor House Wedding Venue in Hertfordshire

Imagine exchanging vows in a grand Jacobean manor set amid 27 acres of manicured gardens. Fanhams Hall in Ware, Hertfordshire is just that kind of enchanting place. This stately country house – often described as a medieval hall meets Jacobean mansion – offers elegant indoor halls and beautiful outdoor spaces for your wedding day. With its oak-beamed ceilings, carved panelling and historic details, every corner feels timeless and romantic. As a wedding photographer who was fortunate to marry here myself, I still remember how the morning light filled the Long Gallery and how magical it felt to walk from the Great Hall out into the Japanese garden on our wedding day.

Historic Jacobean Manor and Gardens

Fanhams Hall’s centerpiece is its historic Jacobean-style mansion (originally early 18th century, expanded in 1901) with a striking long gallery, carved oak panelling and even Delft-tiled fireplaces. The main Great Hall is a showstopper, with high-beamed ceilings, lattice windows, stone fireplace and an original minstrel’s gallery, making it perfect for a grand reception. The house sits in formal parkland with sweeping lawns, a wisteria-covered walk and ornamental lakes. Everywhere you look there are charming details – from the elegant staircase to the period drawing rooms – that create a romantic, storybook atmosphere for your wedding.

Enchanting Japanese Gardens & Grounds

One of Fanhams Hall’s most unique features is its world-famous Japanese garden. Designed by Japanese gardeners in the early 1900s, the 27-acre estate includes authentic Japanese-inspired landscaping, complete with stone lanterns, bridges and two traditional tea houses (one original Japanese tea house, “House of the Pure Heart”, and a second Austrian pagoda). This tranquil garden is a dream for outdoor ceremonies and portraits: couples can say “I do” beneath cherry blossoms or stand by the ornate teahouse with the Hall’s lake as a backdrop. In fact, I love bringing couples here for photos – the gentle ponds, maples and architectural ornaments provide a serene, storybook setting that feels like an elegant secret garden.

Ceremony and Reception Spaces

Fanhams Hall offers flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions. Whether you plan an intimate gathering or a big celebration, you’ll find beautiful options:

• The Long Gallery: A dramatic, historic hall for ceremonies (up to ~130 guests). Its carved wood panelling and tall windows make a grand aisle.
• The Great Hall: The centerpiece for receptions (seated up to 130, 200 for evening dancing). This Jacobean-style room with oak beams, stained glass and a stone hearth is truly spectacular. Adjacent is a bright conservatory and terrace overlooking the gardens.
• Lakeside Pavilion (Hertford & Ware Room): A bright, first-floor suite for indoor ceremonies (up to ~130 guests) with water and garden views. Guests can then move downstairs for dinner in the Great Hall.
• Oak & White Hall: A cozier historic room with wood panelling and high ceiling for smaller weddings (ceremonies 25–45 guests, receptions up to 60).
• Japanese Tea House (Garden Room): A Grade-II-listed timber pavilion in the Japanese garden that can host up to 130 guests for outdoor ceremonies. It’s surrounded by the serene gardens and pairs beautifully with a reception inside.
• Gazebo Lawn: A lovely lawn ceremony spot with the manor as the backdrop (up to 130 guests). Perfect if you plan to use the Great Hall for your reception and want an outdoor ceremony nearby.
• Croquet Lawn: A large flat lawn ideal for marquee weddings (up to ~300 guests). It’s a blank canvas for a big outdoor party under the stars – the grounds and parking are included with the land hire, and guests can easily wander the gardens all evening.

On-site Accommodation

After a day of celebration, Fanhams Hall keeps the fun going: the venue includes a luxury hotel with 77 individually styled bedrooms and suites. Many rooms are in the main house, so you can literally stumble upstairs to your own bedroom after the dance floor. The rooms range from cozy courtyard doubles to ornate mansion suites (my personal favorite is the 4-poster Princess Anne Suite). Waking up surrounded by history and enjoying a full English breakfast together is a wonderful way to start married life. It’s also convenient for guests – everyone can relax and enjoy the wedding weekend without any travel concerns.

Your Wedding at Fanhams Hall

As someone who’s experienced a Fanhams Hall wedding both as a bride and a photographer, I know this venue intimately. It’s a place where historic charm meets relaxed country style. Every time I return to photograph a new couple here, I discover fresh ways to make the most of its light and features – whether it’s capturing the sunset glow on the Long Gallery or a quiet moment in the Japanese garden. Couples love how personal their wedding feels here, with dedicated spaces for every part of the day and no need to leave the beautiful grounds.

Ready to learn more? Browse my full Fanhams Hall wedding gallery to see the magic of this venue through my lens, or contact me to discuss how I can capture your special day at Fanhams Hall.