Ceremony Only Weddings
19th November 2025
Not every couple dreams of an all day wedding at a single venue. For some, the perfect day means a beautiful, heartfelt ceremony in stunning surroundings, before continuing the celebration somewhere else entirely. At Layer Marney Tower, we are delighted to offer the option of holding simply the wedding ceremony, giving you the freedom to say “I do” in our elegant setting, without the commitment of hosting a full reception on site.
Our ceremony only option is ideal for a couple who want something more memorable than a registry office, yet still simple and relaxed. Whether you’re heading back to a family garden, local pub or village hall for your reception, your ceremony at Layer Marney Tower will provide the perfect beginning to your special day.
You’ll have access to the venue for one hour before your ceremony, which allows time for guests to arrive and take their seats. Then followed by an hour for the ceremony itself and the photographs. This gives you plenty of time for a registrar led ceremony, which usually lasts around 20-25 minutes, and for capturing some gorgeous images in our gardens and grounds afterwards.
Planning Your Ceremony-Only Wedding: Where the ceremony can take place
Most ceremonies take place in the romantic Corsellis Room, which is available for a flat fee of £950 in 2026 and 2027, whatever the day or time of the year. Alternatively, couples may choose the Long Gallery or our beautiful gardens as the setting for their vows, available for £1,250 in 2026 and 2027.
Ceremonies can take place on any day of the week, with just a few exceptions of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. On Saturdays, the latest ceremony start time is 12pm while on any other day, ceremonies can begin at the latest time of 1pm.
Booking Your Registrar for a Ceremony-Only Wedding at Layer Marney Tower
Please remember that couples must arrange and pay for the attendance of the registrar independently. This is a really important step, as the registrar is the person will will legally conduct and register your marriage. For guidance on how to book a registrar, take a look at a previous blog post: https://layermarneytowerweddings.co.uk/booking-a-registrar-for-your-wedding-ceremony/
Stunning Photo Opportunities Around the Tower and Grounds
After you’ve said your vows, our gardens and grounds provide the most wonderful backdrop for your wedding photos at any time of year. With colourful borders and mature trees, the warm terracotta brickwork of the buildings and serene pond area, you will be spoilt for choice for places to have those memories captured on camera.
Start Your Ceremony-Only Wedding Journey With Us
The option of a ceremony only at Layer Marney Tower means you can enjoy the beauty and atmosphere here for your ceremony and photos, then continue your celebrations wherever you wish, giving you the chance to tailor your day exactly to suit you.
Take a look at this selection of photos from recent ceremony only weddings at Layer Marney Tower.
If you’d like to find out more or check availability, please get in touch with our friendly team. We’d be delighted to help you begin your journey to saying “I do”.
by Karen Brand – Wedding Manager
