Overlooking Queen Square, House of St John’s is in the heart of Bath. Once a small town founded by the Romans, Bath has become one of the most picturesque cities in England, well-known for its honey-coloured Georgian architecture and therefore, the perfect location for a city wedding.
By saying ‘I Do’ at the House of St John’s, you’ll enjoy being in the heart of Bath, with the city’s vibrant attractions just steps away. From the Roman Baths to unique spa experiences and luxury restaurants, here we explore how holding your wedding in Bath allows you to combine tradition with modernity in a beautiful setting, ensuring an unforgettable day.
Where to stay
A benefit of holding your special ceremony at House of St John’s is that we can offer you and your guests a discounted stay at St Catherine’s – ten lavish one-bedroom apartments in the centre of the city. With views of the original courtyard and a proximity to some of Bath’s most notable attractions, St Catherine’s is perfect for a more independent, BnB-style stay. Moreover, similarly to House of St John’s, profits are gifted to our founder, St John’s Foundation, thereby supporting the local community.
If a hotel is more your style, No.15 GuestHouse is only a ten-minute drive away from our venue. Their range of both snug and vast rooms encapsulate the charm attached to Bath’s listed Georgian townhouses, setting them apart from other hotels. To mark such a special occasion, you may want to choose their standout room, The Hideout. Equipped with a hot tub, dressing room, fireplace, and more, this room is perfect for relaxation and romance.
If you would prefer to enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside, Homewood is just fifteen minutes away. This grand country house embodies both luxuriousness and eccentricity as well as an array of fantastic offers. Homewood also prides itself on being dog friendly. Considering that in a 2022 Guide Dogs survey 94% of owners wanted their dogs to be part of their wedding celebrations, this hotel is perfect if you too want your furry friend to be part of your big day.
Where to eat
When it comes to deciding where to host your wedding breakfast, Bath offers a wide range of restaurants that can be tailored to your specific requirements.
A classic, The Ivy Bath Brasserie & Garden has two different private dining options. The Baldwin Room allows you to choose between round tables or long tables which host 28 diners, perfect for a more intimate event.[LW1] If you are planning a larger celebration after your city ceremony, The Baldwin Room can accommodate up to 50 guests or, if you really want to push the boat out, they also offer an exclusive hire of the entire first floor! With artwork inspired by Bath’s history and local botanicals, The Ivy surrounds you with a beautiful interpretation of the city’s culture.
Walcot House’s private dining room, The Conservatory, accommodates a maximum of 26 guests. Set in a beautiful old bakery, this restaurant is ideal if you are looking to join the third of couples globally choosing to plan a more intimate celebration. With a priority placed on using the best ingredients and cooking them well, Walcot House is the perfect place to enjoy Bath’s unique atmosphere without compromising on quality.
For those seeking the feel of a country house whilst remaining amongst the vibrant energy of the city, The Bath Priory Hotel is perfect. Up to 72 guests can be seated in interconnected private rooms with outstanding views of the gardens. As an award-winning 3 AA Rosette restaurant, you can be certain that you and your guests will enjoy sumptuous food and immaculate service.
What to do
Bath hosts a rich array of historical and cultural attributes. If you are looking to immerse yourself in its rich history as part of your wedding stay, there are plenty of activities for couples and their guests to embark on such as guided tours of the Roman Baths or climbs up Bath Abbey’s Tower. However, if sightseeing is not your priority, the city also offers several unique ways to experience its charm.
According to a survey, 84% of brides experience stress surrounding their wedding day. As Bath is one of the only places in Britian where you can bathe in natural hot springs, a spa experience is the ideal relaxation solution before or after your big day. The Spa Village Bath at the Gainsborough Bath Spa allows you to bathe in these natural thermal waters whilst The Thermae Bath Spa’s rooftop pool offers incredible views of the entire city. Alternatively, if you want to relax without getting wet, The Soul Spa provides an opportunity to ‘bathe’ in relaxing sound vibrations just above the thermal springs themselves.
For more interactive experiences, one of our partners, Minerva Wine, offers tours and tastings at their vineyard. Here you can explore the flavours of ancient Rome in the same fields the Romans used to cultivate their own vines. Or, if you want something slightly more extravagant, First Flight hot air balloon rides allow you to explore Bath from above. With a central launch site in Bath – at Royal Victoria Park – you can step aboard as a small group or just the two of you. Either way, what better way to mark the end of your special day than with a one-off experience that will provide memories to last a lifetime.
Our team at House of St John’s can provide more recommendations on how to build a special day around tying the knot, as well as put you in touch with a comprehensive list of local suppliers. If you would like to find out more, or book the venue for your wedding ceremony, get in touch with the team.