Blake Hall isn't just a venue to us, it’s our home, and we love nothing more than sharing its history with couples starting their own chapters. Nestled in Ongar, Essex, our family-run estate features two stunning 17th-century barns that feel like a dream come true. Whether you’re looking for a quiet moment in our vibrant gardens, or partying the night away in the barn, we’ve made sure every corner of the grounds feels special and because we’re family-owned we take every wedding personally. Our amazing team is here to make sure you feel supported from the first viewing to the final dance. Both of our wedding managers, as well as our office manager and head gardener all got married here at Blake Hall. Space to Celebrate We’re fully licensed for ceremonies, so you can spend your whole day in one place. You can say "I do" in the lovingly restored Hay Barn or enjoy the fresh air under the canopy of the Saddlery. We also have our village church, St Germains, at the end of the driveway if you would prefer to have your ceremony there and then stroll back with your guests for your reception drinks. Our main Essex Barn is perfect for a party, seating 150 for your wedding breakfast or hosting up to 200 for the evening. We’ve kept all the historic charm but added the modern comforts you’d expect. Stay a While We want you and your loved ones to feel right at home. You can settle into the Old Coach House (which sleeps 7) the night before your big day. After the party, slip away to the romantic Stable Cottage, while your closest friends and family can tuck into our newly converted stable block, complete with en-suites and a private terrace. Our Family, Helping Yours Our priority is simple: making sure your day runs exactly as you imagined. You’ll have your own dedicated wedding manager to help with all the planning and to be there on the day to keep everything moving smoothly. We’re just a stone’s throw from the M25 and M11 but ensconced in the beautiful Essex countryside, making it easy for your guests to find us and once you’re here, you’ll feel a world away. A Sustainable Venue Sustainability is a top priority at Blake Hall, where we use solar power, low-energy systems, and the natural cooling of our 17th-century barns to keep things green. Our gardens are just as eco-friendly, featuring wildflower meadows, busy beehives, and annual tree planting to keep the estate lush and local wildlife happy.
Gallery
Styles & facilities
Historic
Asian wedding
In the country
Barn
Unique weddings
Church
Outdoor license
Civil ceremony licence
Fire ceremony
Confetti permitted
Entertainment licence
Outdoor fireworks permitted
Wedding coordinator
Accessible facilities
Corkage option
DJ facilities
Live band facilities
Overnight accommodation for wedding couple
Master of ceremonies/toastmaster
Changing room for wedding guests
Exclusive use
Evening reception facilities
Alcohol licence
In-house catering
Car parking
Seated meal facilities
Dance floor
Private catering allowed
Overnight accommodation for guests
Horse baraat permitted
Pet-friendly
Reviews
5.0(68)5/5 from 68 couple reviews
5/5 review
Francessca-DanyelleAugust 2026
5.0
The whole team at Blake Hall and Watersedge Catering are a huge credit to this venue. Their kindness, professionalism and hard work was so evident and we've had so many guest compliment on how lovely not only the venue is but, how amazing each employee that works here is. The food was phenomenal and we are so thankful for all of the different meals and substitutions they made for us for everyone with a dietary requirement. My step dad usually isn't able to eat a lot at weddings due to his dairy allergy but he was so grateful that, not only could he eat all 3 courses at the wedding breakfast but, he also had a dairy free pizza in the evening. Natalie and Vanessa, helped the day run so smoothly. We never felt rushed and it's thanks to them both that we really got to not only experience the day but enjoy every minute of it. We are so grateful that we booked Blake Hall for our wedding. The venue, the food, the staff and the atmosphere
5/5 review
LukeFebruary 2026
5.0
Blake Hall was the very first venue we visited when we started planning our wedding, and we completely fell in love. Although we viewed several other barn-style venues afterwards, and cancelled many more, we knew Blake Hall was the one. It didn’t need to be sold to us, everything about it felt perfect from the moment we arrived. Every member of the team is incredibly friendly, helpful, and accommodating. The barns themselves are absolutely stunning, the accommodation is beautiful, and the wedding day was truly a dream. Everything ran so smoothly, which is a huge credit to Danni, our wedding manager, and the rest of the team for making the day seamless. We genuinely had the best day of our lives and will never forget everything the team at Blake
5/5 review
NicoleAugust 2025
5.0
Had our wedding on 22.08.2025, Blake Hall made it so easy on the day - there was absolutely no stress, everyone was so helpful and attentive, the staff were absolutely amazing - Dave, Natalie and Shannon were so friendly and couldn't be more helpful with setting up and keeping track of what was happening - anything you needed, they were there. We were looked after from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. The little check ins and updates in the morning from Natalie and Shannon like coming to let us know when the boys had arrived on sight and that everything had been set up kept us all very calm and excited for our day. You know you're in for an amazing day when the staff get excited for your day too! The food was fab and everyone can't stop telling us how perfect the day was and how beautiful the venue is. Thanks so much to all the team at Blake Hall (the gardeners and staff behind the scenes need a mention too as the grounds are absolutely pristine) and
5/5 review
AtlantaJune 2025
5.0
Thank you so much to the Blake Hall team for such an incredible day. We highly recommend and the venue i
5/5 review
KimberlyApril 2025
5.0
We had the most amazing experience at Black Hall. Danni and Dave were so attentive throughout, always making sure everything ran smoothly and that we had everything we needed. Their calm and professional approach helped everything feel stress-free. A special thank you to Shannon, who was incredibly helpful on the morning of the wedding with the table set up with the mini-bridesmaids. Everyone's s
5/5 review
AbbieApril 2025
5.0
I would 1000% recommend Blake Hall to anyone. It was perfection. It was smooth from start to finish, nothing was too big an ask and they strove to make the day as perfect as possible and it really was. The venue is nothing short of stunning, I have never seen such a beautiful venue and EVERYTHING is perfectly laid out - they have thought of everything. The perfectly situated cottage to get ready in and on the doorstep is the doors to the ceremony barn which is incredible. The groom room so the groom & co can get dressed and have a beer before they head into the ceremony barn. The endless beautiful grounds. Then the green which is perfect for drinks and canapes which leads to the reception barn which was beautiful, fairy lights strung everywhere - it looked magical. Natalie was a saviour, answering my messages at any time and making everything as easy and stress free as possible. All the staff that contributed to our big day were absolutely fantastic and helped make the day amazing. Dave & the catering crew provided the best food imaginable and many of our guests told us it was the best venue & food
5/5 review
EmmaApril 2025
5.0
When I first stepped into Blake Hall I knew it was where I wanted to get married, it is just exceptionally beautiful. The barns and grounds are perfect- they almost don't need any decoration because they are a statement by themselves. If you are a considering a barn wedding, then please arrange visit because I do not think the pictures do it justice. It was also brilliant having a place to stay onsite for the bride and her bridal party the night before the wedding- this took a lot of stress out of the morning. And they have a beautiful honeymoon cottage onsite for the night of the wedding, alongside 3 other lovely cottages (great for elderly guests who want to go to bed a bit earlier!). Check out was at 12 the next day and very relaxed. Then, the staff. They are exceptional and so friendly and helpful. They really went above and beyond on the day, and beforehand were very prompt to answer any questions. Natalie was our planner and she was so helpful throughout the process, and Shannon helped us to set up in the morning and was great at helping to manage my anxiety! I also want to give a shout out to all the staff behind the scenes or helping on the morning who I didn't meet but were so good at replying to emails and making sure we had given them all the information they needed. Also a big shout out to Dave, the head of Waters Edge Catering who cater for all Blake Hall weddings- Dave was so flexible with all our last minute changes and requests, so helpful on the day with many things (not just catering related things- he walked all over the venue with me trying to find a pair of trainers at one point, and rescued me from several daddy longlegs!). Not to mention the food is absolutely delicious, with a wide choice of options, and you can arrange to do a tasting session beforehand (which I strongly recommend because then you get to eat it twice, win-win). I also recommend going to the suppliers events that they host, where you can not only see the venue again, but meet a wide range of suppliers who are familiar with working at Blake Hall and recommended by them. I found my florist, fairy light coordinator (a must!) and my MUA through attending this! We loved it so much we hope to return to
4.8/5 review
NicolaApril 2025
4.8
We'd looked at 5 venues before we visited Blake Hall. As soon as we stepped into the Hay Barn I knew where I wanted to hold our wedding reception. The barns are spacious, beautiful and airy. The grounds are charming and smart in all seasons. Blake Hall is especially ideal if you like a bit of history in your buildings. There are so many opportunities to personalise your day, especially in terms of decor. All the Blake Hall team are friendly. Dave and his catering team at Water's Edge are just brilliant, we couldn't have been happier with them. We didn't know what kind of place we wanted for our wedding, but I don't doubt that Blake Hall was the right choice. We had a fantastic day and were
5/5 review
DannyApril 2025
5.0
It’s cliche, but I would give it 6 stars if I could. From the planning, the set up, the day itself, the memories and ALL the little things that everyone at Blake hall did, it was simply perfect. The day felt flawless, there wasn’t a single issue and nothing ever felt forced or awkward, even when moving from location to location within the grounds it was seamless. The staff were incredible and so hel
4.8/5 review
RachelMarch 2025
4.8
We got married at Blake Hall in November 2024 and we must say, it was the most amazing venue. It was great to have everything in one place, the venue is classic yet modern and all the staff were amazing (especially Dave and Natalie)! The venue recommended some fantastic suppliers who we are so pleased we used on the day because they knew their way around and already have a great relationship with staff there. On the day, everything ran so smoothly and everyon
5/5 review
GeorgiaMarch 2025
5.0
I would recommend this venue over and over again and thank them for making our wedding day so perfect. A special mention to Shannon, Danni and Dave for making the day run so smoothly, nothing was too much trouble and the food was absolutely amazing. Myself and my husband have both said, that even though they do this every single day they really did make us feel so special and as if we were the only wedding to take place that year. We had so many compliments all day, from the food, to just how stunning the venue and grounds are. We are so l
5/5 review
AiméeJuly 2024
5.0
I had to leave a review to extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible team at Blake Hall for making our wedding day truly unforgettable. From the moment we first visited, and were greeted by Natalie we knew it was the perfect place to celebrate our special day. I cannot stress enough how stunning the venue is and every detail, from the incredible Ceremony barn to the impeccable service by Waters Edge Catering exceeded our expectations. The beauty of the venue provided a magical backdrop for our ceremony and reception, and our guests could not stop raving about the beautiful barns and grounds. A special thank you to Natalie, Shannon, and Dave, who went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly and to put my mind at ease! Your professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care made us feel so special and taken care of throughout the entire process, even when we were texting you pretty much 24/7 on the lead up! Thank you again for helping to make our wedding d
5/5 review
ShonaMay 2023
5.0
To Natalie, Dave, Shannon and everyone at Blake hall We Just wanted to say a huge thank you for everything you all did for us to make our wedding day at Blake hall so special on the 14th April. Rob and I had the most amazing day and we can’t thank you all enough for all your hard work and help to make the day a roaring success. Everyone said how beautiful the venue was, how delicious the food was and a great day really was had by all. You guys are the dream team, you really do go the extra mile with all the extra touches and we are so grateful for everything you all did to make our day so stress free, enjoyable. We loved every minute of it! We will be highly recommend you to everyone we know. And hope one day to come back to Blake hall in the future for someone else’s w
5/5 review
NahidNovember 2019
5.0
I couldn’t find how to leave a star rating it I would definitely give a 5 star rating I can’t recommend Blake Hall more highly. My daughter got married here last Saturday and it was amazing, all the guests had a wonderful time and everything ran very smoothly. The accommodation on site was great, the venue was beautiful, the food was very tasty and Austin and the rest of the staff were ve
5/5 review
LaurenNovember 2019
5.0
We got married here on 07/09/19 and it was honestly the most perfect venue. Right from the get go Austin was incredibly supportive and answered my MANY questions. Dave and his catering team were great, we've had great feedback from guests about the food and there was a good range of choices. The staff on the night couldn't have looked after us any better and kept checking in to see if there was anything we needed. It's such a beautiful venue, everything is well kept, gardens are just stunning. We were hoping to get married outside but having the option of the Haybarn completely took the pressure off when the weather wasn't quite warm enough on the day. I wish we could do it all again!! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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