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Wedding Venues · GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Live Wedding Guitar at Clearwell Castle

A Gothic Revival castle in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

Clearwell Castle · GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Live acoustic guitar at Clearwell Castle

✓ 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.


~450 weddings20 years experienceFully insuredPAT tested
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Stuart Toogood wedding guitarist at Clearwell Castle
Setup & Coverage

Where I play at Clearwell Castle

I cover every part of the day at Clearwell Castle, here is how the music works across the different spaces.

01
Ceremony

The Castle Rooms

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.

02
Drinks Reception

The Walled Garden

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.

03
Wedding Breakfast

The Great Hall

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.

Music Packages

What I can cover on your day

Most couples at Clearwell Castle choose one of three options, but I am always happy to discuss combinations that suit your day best.

01

Ceremony & Drinks Reception

I play as your guests arrive and take their seats, through your entrance, the signing of the register, and your exit, then move to the drinks area and continue through your guests' celebrations. The most popular combination.

Ceremony music
02

Drinks Reception & Wedding Breakfast

A great option if you want a specific recorded song for the ceremony. I take over from the drinks reception onwards, meaning you get to be present and enjoy the live music alongside your guests.

Drinks reception
03

Ceremony, Drinks & Wedding Breakfast

Full day coverage, live acoustic guitar from the moment your guests arrive right through to the end of the wedding breakfast. I would discuss timings and transitions with you in advance so everything is planned and nothing left to chance.

Full day options

Whichever option you choose, I always invite you to come and sit down with me beforehand to go through your song choices. I am very happy to learn songs not already on my set list, and if anything doesn't translate well to guitar, I'll tell you honestly, and we will find something that does.

Why it works

Why acoustic guitar works at Clearwell Castle

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.

Acoustic guitar at Clearwell Castle
450+
Weddings across the Midlands
20+
Years as a professional
Recommended
At ${vc.name} & more
Fully Insured
PAT tested equipment
Questions

Frequently asked questions

Are you recommended at Clearwell Castle?
Yes, I am a recommended guitarist at Clearwell Castle and have played there on a number of occasions. I know the rooms, the team, and how days at Clearwell typically flow. That familiarity means I can set up efficiently and focus entirely on the music.
How does acoustic guitar work in the castle rooms?
The castle rooms have a natural acoustic depth that suits fingerstyle guitar beautifully. The stonework and Gothic proportions give the sound a warmth and resonance that is genuinely pleasurable to play in, one of the most characterful acoustic environments I work in anywhere.
Can I have music in the walled garden at Clearwell?
Yes, the walled garden is one of my favourite outdoor music settings anywhere. I bring outdoor-rated equipment and position speakers to cover the full garden space. It's a beautiful combination.
How much does it cost to hire a wedding guitarist at Clearwell Castle?
Pricing depends on which parts of the day you'd like covered. Full details are on my pricing page, or get in touch directly for a clear and straightforward conversation.
Planning your wedding at Clearwell Castle?

Get in touch

If you are planning your wedding at Clearwell Castle and would like to talk about live music, I would love to hear from you. There is no obligation and no pressure, just a conversation about what you are imagining for your day.

Get in touch View pricing