A Gothic Revival castle in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
✓ Recommended wedding guitarist at this venue
Clearwell Castle in the Forest of Dean is one of the most magical wedding venues anywhere in England, a Gothic Revival castle with a fairy-tale quality that is impossible to replicate. Playing here is always a genuinely special experience.
Set in the village of Clearwell in the Forest of Dean, the castle is a Gothic Revival mansion built in the 18th century, surrounded by formal gardens and ancient woodland. I played at Clearwell Castle for the wedding of Martha Howe-Douglas (Horrible Histories, Ghosts, Nativity) and it remains one of the most memorable venues I have ever played at. The castle rooms have a drama and grandeur that acoustic guitar fills beautifully, and the walled garden is extraordinary as a setting for outdoor music.
I cover weddings across Gloucestershire, including venues around Gloucester.
I cover every part of the day at Clearwell Castle. Here is how the music works across the different spaces.
The ceremony rooms at Clearwell Castle have a drama and intimacy that is unlike almost anywhere else I play. The stonework, the Gothic detailing, and the scale of the rooms create an acoustic environment that suits the instrument naturally, the sound has a warmth and depth that the architecture draws out.
The walled garden at Clearwell is among the most beautiful outdoor settings I play at anywhere. I bring outdoor-rated equipment and position speakers to cover the full garden space, ensuring the music reaches every corner of this extraordinary setting.
The wedding breakfast at Clearwell Castle takes place in the Great Hall or one of the main entertaining rooms, spaces with the character and scale that the castle's architecture demands. I position my speaker carefully for even coverage across the room, and the music sits naturally in the space throughout the meal.
Most couples at Clearwell Castle choose one of three options. I am happy to discuss a combination that suits your day.
I play while your guests arrive and take their seats. The ceremony includes your entrance, register signing and exit. I then move to the drinks area and continue through the reception. This is the most popular combination.
Ceremony musicThis works well if you want a recorded ceremony song. I begin at the drinks reception, so you can enjoy the live music with your guests.
Drinks receptionFull-day coverage starts when your guests arrive and continues through the wedding breakfast. We agree timings and transitions in advance, so every move is planned.
Wedding breakfastWhichever option you choose, I invite you to sit down with me beforehand. We can go through your song choices together. I am happy to learn songs outside my current set list. If a song does not suit guitar, I will say so honestly. We can then find an alternative.
Pricing depends on the parts of the day you would like covered. See the pricing page for the current packages and booking details.
There are very few venues where acoustic guitar and the setting feel genuinely made for each other, Clearwell Castle is one of them. The stonework, the Gothic proportions, the quality of the light in the castle rooms, they all give the instrument a depth and warmth that is hard to achieve in more modern spaces. The music fills the room with presence without ever feeling forced. It is a venue where live music feels entirely natural, and where the quality of the occasion demands nothing less.
Planning your wedding at Clearwell Castle? I would love to hear from you. There is no obligation or pressure. We can simply discuss the music you are imagining for your day.