About The Bishop’s Palace, Wells
The Bishop’s Palace in Wells is a stunning Somerset wedding venue and 800 year old medieval palace which never fails to wow as guests arrive over the drawbridge and into the grounds. Entertain inside the impressive palace building and enjoy 14 acres of RHS partner gardens.
In fine weather drinks and canapés are served on the garden terrace overlooking the spectacular ruins of the original banqueting hall, whilst you spend time with your photographer and guests. There are 14 acres of gardens to explore and plenty of space for families to run around or play games in. Don’t worry if the weather lets you down, the medieval Entrance Hall is the perfect place to enjoy drinks and if it’s really cold we’ll light the impressive log fire.
A Medieval
Once it’s time to eat you will be called into the medieval vaulted Undercroft for the feasting to begin. Seating up to 108 guests, the Undercroft is a stunning environment in which to enjoy your wedding breakfast. The room will be beautifully dressed with our bespoke wooden banqueting tables and you have the opportunity to make it your own by choosing flowers and decorations to match your colours and themes.
After your meal and speeches you will retire to the elegant Long Gallery for tea and coffee, whilst we transform the Undercroft for your evening reception with space for a DJ or band and dancing, which means that your first dance will be set to a breath-taking backdrop.
One of the big attractions of the palace is the 14 acres of gardens that surround it. A mixture of formal Dutch style flower beds, a picturesque style South Lawn, the wild freedom of the arboretum and of course the well pools which give the city it’s name set against the backdrop of the famous Wells Cathedral. The grounds offer a wonderful space for guests to explore and enjoy and an amazing backdrop to your wedding photographs.
Key Info
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens, The Bishop's Palace, Wells, Somerset BA5 2PD, UK
- Reception capacity165
- Suitable for multi-day weddings
- LGBTQIA+ Friendly
Facilities
- In-house catering
- External caterers
- Licensed for weddings
- In-house bar
- External bar
- Exclusive use available
- Child-friendly
- Pet-friendly
- Accommodation
- Suitable for wedding
- Suitable for reception
- Outside space
- Suitable for Marquee
- Disabled Access
- Late License
- Parking
- Honeymoon Suite
- Confetti Permitted
- Sound System Available
Food & Dietary
- Canapes
- Dairy-free
- Fine dining
- Halal
- Ice cream
- Kosher
- Locally sourced
- Seafood
- Seasonal
- Sharing platters
- Vegan
Gallery
Virtual Tours
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your maximum capcity for dining?
We can accommodate up to 108 guests seated in two long rows of stunning wooden banqueting tables.
What is your maximum capacity for an evening reception?
Guest numbers can increase to 165 for your evening reception.
What time does the hire run from and until?
Guests can arrive from 2pm, the evening comes to a close at 11.30pm and we ask that all guests have left the site by midnight.
Do you provide catering?
We have partnered with excellent local caterers who will be able to provide high quality food and service including canapes, 2 or 3 course wedding breakfasts or sharing platters and a bar.
Can we get married on site?
We do not currently hold a license for ceremonies, however there are lot's of options available within a short walking distance. Including St Cuthbert's church, Wells Cathedral or Wells Town Hall which is adjacent to the Palace site.
Can we have exclusive use of the whole site?
Yes, We offer two types of hire. One is the hire of the palace building only, with the gardens remaining open to the public. Or you can have exclusive hire of the palace building and all 14 acres of gardens, in which case no members of the public will be allowed past the entry gate.
Are fireworks permitted?
We cannot allow fireworks, however sparklers are permitted.
Is confetti ok?
You can use biodegradable confetti outside the building only.
