Bestwood Lodge Hotel: A Historic and Romantic Wedding Venue in Nottinghamshire

Tucked away in the heart of Bestwood Country Park, just a short drive from Nottingham, Bestwood Lodge Hotel is a wedding venue that blends royal history, Victorian elegance, and natural beauty. If you’re searching for a venue that offers both grandeur and a warm, personal touch, Bestwood Lodge ticks all the right boxes.

A Royal Setting Steeped in History

Bestwood Lodge isn’t just a hotel—it’s a storybook setting. Once gifted to the Duke of St Albans by King Charles II, its walls echo centuries of history. Today, the lodge serves as a characterful and atmospheric backdrop for unforgettable weddings.

The jewel in its crown is the Gothic Chapel, featuring ornate oak panelling and a minstrel’s gallery. It's a rare and striking space for civil ceremonies, brimming with old-world charm and romance.

Ceremony and Reception Spaces

Couples can choose from three distinctive rooms, each with its own atmosphere. The Ballroom, with its high ceilings, large draped windows, and parkland views, is a stunning location for receptions and dancing. Whether you're envisioning a formal sit-down meal or a relaxed buffet-style celebration, the hotel’s team offers versatile options tailored to your vision.

Key Highlights:

• Licensed for civil ceremonies

• Dining capacity: up to 150

• Reception capacity: up to 250

• 40 bedrooms, including a Honeymoon Suite

• Pet friendly

• Exclusive use available

Catering, Packages & Service

The hotel offers all-inclusive wedding packages that remove the stress from planning, giving couples the space to simply enjoy their day. Packages typically include a drinks reception, three-course meal, evening buffet, and a complimentary suite for the newlyweds.

Guests consistently praise the catering, describing it as generous, beautifully presented, and delicious. The staff—from the coordinators to the bar team—go above and beyond, with particular thanks often extended to the wedding coordinators for their attention to detail and caring support.

“Everything was perfect. Thank you for your attentiveness and work to you and the rest of the staff involved in making our day so special.” – Claire Miller, Bride, 2023

Photography Opportunities Galore

With 700 acres of surrounding parkland, Bestwood Lodge is a photographer’s dream. Whether you're posing under the canopy of ancient trees or against the dramatic stonework of the lodge itself, every photo is destined to look timeless.

DJ Reviews of Bestwood Lodge Hotel

As a professional DJ who regularly works weddings across Nottinghamshire, I’m always impressed by how DJ-friendly Bestwood Lodge is. My own experiences—and those from other DJs—highlight several key positives:

🎵 What DJs Love:

• Permanent wooden dancefloor – perfect for all kinds of dancing

• No sound limiter – rare and hugely helpful for creating the right party atmosphere

• Blinds/curtains and air conditioning – important for both ambience and comfort

• Large setup area with good height and width

• Ample power sockets nearby—no need for messy cable runs

• Friendly and professional staff – always cooperative and accommodating

🛠 Venue Access & Facilities:

• All rooms are on the ground floor with relatively easy access

• While there’s no stage or built-in lighting, DJs can bring their own rig without restrictions (note: haze and smoke are not allowed)

• Parking is plentiful once you’ve unloaded, which is crucial for setup and pack-down

“The space is flexible, and I’ve always been able to set up quickly and efficiently. The lack of a sound limiter means I can keep the energy high on the dancefloor without interruptions. Always a smooth experience!” – Ian Forest, DJ

Whether you're booking a DJ through a platform like needadisco.com or working with a local supplier, you can be confident that Bestwood Lodge supports a seamless entertainment experience.

Final Thoughts

Bestwood Lodge Hotel offers a rare combination: rich heritage, personal service, versatile packages, and a stunning setting. From the warmth of its staff to its iconic chapel and beautiful ballroom, it’s clear why couples consistently rate it so highly.

And as a DJ who has worked here multiple times, I can say with confidence—it’s not just a beautiful venue, it’s a practical and performance-friendly one too.

If you're planning a wedding in Nottinghamshire and want a venue with soul, charm, and capable hands, Bestwood Lodge Hotel is well worth a visit.