Heritage wedding venues now available across North Somerset

Couples that are looking for an alternative wedding day can now choose from heritage venues including a Saxon Longhall and a 14th century Abbey Barn.

Celebrant-led weddings are being offered by the South West Heritage Trust at Avalon Archaeology and Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury.

Celebrant-led weddings are commitment ceremonies, perfect for couples looking for an alternative to a traditional wedding. They aren’t legally binding but offer a chance to celebrate with family and friends in a way that is uniquely personal to the couple.

Image: Wedding at Somerset Rural Life Museum 

The Saxon Longhall at Avalon Archaeology is a lovingly-crafted recreation of Somerset’s heritage in the heart of the Avalon Marshes. Couples can say their vows at the high-table with guests gathered around an open-fire and surrounded by hand-crafted furniture and authentic art. The Saxon Longhall is best suited to intimate weddings.

The Abbey Barn is part of Somerset Rural Life Museum and offers a grand space, packed with rustic charm, that can accommodate larger wedding parties. Once part of the Glastonbury Abbey estate, the Abbey Barn is one of the West Country’s finest buildings.

Museums Operations Manager Susie Simmons said: “Our authentic historic venues offer an atmospheric setting for celebrant-led weddings and handfasting ceremonies. Couples can choose from period locations that evoke Saxon England or take their vows within a true piece of medieval Glastonbury. Because celebrant-led weddings aren’t legal ceremonies, they can accommodate a variety of cultures and traditions and can be tailored to reflect the couple’s values and beliefs.”

Bookings are being taken for summer 2025 onwards. For information about the wedding packages available, visit swheritage.org.uk.