Elopement Weddings

We did it! Our fantastic team at St Osyth Priory are celebrating after winning both the Wedding Venue of the Year 2026 at the Essex Wedding Awards and Best Wedding Venue at the International Hotel Awards… and we could not be prouder. The prestigious Essex Wedding Awards recognise all aspects of the county’s impressive wedding industry from categories for the make-up artist of the year to wedding dress retailer, florist, DJ, events, entertainment and many more. In addition to our success for the best venue award, the priory was also a finalist in the category for the Historic Wedding Venue of the Year. The standard of finalists across all the categories was extraordinarily high with other highly acclaimed venues including Downham Hall, Cromwell Manor, East Mersea Hall and Wivenhoe House. So, it was absolutely brilliant when St Osyth Priory was announced as the winner for the Wedding Venue of the Year award, as the team enjoyed the event’s black-tie gala dinner at Chelmsford City Racecourse. But further reason to celebrate was announced within a matter of days, as our International Hotel Awards win was secured in the Best Wedding Venue in the UK category. The International Hotel Awards see venues of all kinds celebrated on the world stage, the only organisation to represent 5-star accolades at an international level, so our team were over the moon with this recognition of years of meticulous work.  Following the award wins, William Grinsted, Managing Director of the St Osyth Priory Estate, said: “To be recognised as Essex's Wedding Venue of the Year and the Best Wedding Venue in the United Kingdom is an extraordinary honour. The awards reflect the dedication of our team, who work tirelessly to ensure every couple experiences something truly exceptional. “We are immensely proud of the history and beauty of St Osyth Priory. To see it celebrated in Essex and on an international stage, amongst the most distinguished venues in the world, is deeply gratifying.” St Osyth Priory has become an iconic destination for weddings, with years of work having been carried out to preserve, restore and protect the estate’s 16 listed buildings which are set within the Grade II registered historic park and garden. Couples getting married at the priory can choose to exchange their vows in the historic Abbots Tower Ruins or in the beautifully restored Gallery and the stunning 350 acre country estate is an idyllic setting for an unforgettable celebration. The priory oozes elegance and now newly-weds and their guests can relax in beautifully renovated luxurious accommodation. If you’d like to discuss your wedding plans, call us on 01206 430160 or email us at info@stosythpriory.co.uk .

We are thrilled to invite you to our Wedding Showcase at the stunning St. Osyth Priory on Sunday, 25th of January, from 11am – 3pm.

Designed for those seeking a truly luxurious celebration, our exclusive party package blends sophistication, indulgence, and exceptional service.

Imagine celebrating your wedding not just for a day, but across an entire long weekend of joy, elegance, and unforgettable moments.

Historic St Osyth Priory took centre stage for the new series of the BBC’s flagship show Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award winning TV show launched its new series on Saturday with 15 celebrity contestants meeting their professional dance partners for the first time. More than five million viewers tuned in to watch the show with more catching up on BBC iPlayer. Viewers saw five of the contestants waiting nervously at St Osyth Priory to find out who their dance partners would be. Model and actress Ellie Goldstein, who became the first model with Down syndrome to feature on the cover of Vogue and appear in a campaign for fashion giant Gucci, waited in the formal gardens of the priory, smiling broadly as she discovered she would be partnering former Strictly winner Vito Coppola. EastEnders actor – and Strictly superfan – Balvinder Sopal, who plays Suki in the BBC soap, was paired with dancer Julian Caillon who is looking forward to his first year on the show. Shakespearean and TV actor Alex Kingston joyously greeted flamboyant dancer Johannes Radebe outside the priory while TV personality and broadcaster Vicky Pattison was filmed in the stunning panelled Darcy House to meet popular dancer partner Kai Widdrington. England footballer Lioness Karen Carney smiled with delight when she saw dancer and choreographer Carlos Gu. Aerial shots also showed the priory’s scoping grounds and stunning gardens as well as the exterior of the magnificent estate. William Grinsted, managing director of St Osyth Priory Estate, said it was wonderful to welcome the Strictly celebrities and dancers and he said he hoped the venue would be used again in the future. He said: “Everyone was so nice and it was great to have them here. They seemed to be having a good time and they were laughing and chatting with each other. “We have had historians filming here before and, of course, TV presenter George Clarke, who officially opened the restore Gatehouse. But having Strictly to film here was the pinnacle. The estate looked amazing and we are hoping it will lead to more opportunities.” To find out more about the priory and organising an event, click here , call us on 01206 430160 or email info@stosythpriory.co.uk and our staff would be happy to see how we can help you. If it’s good enough for Strictly….!

Our new Darcy Wedding Package, available until June 2026, is designed for couples who dream of a relaxed yet luxurious celebration!

We are thrilled to invite you to our Showcase

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