Cockliffe Country House Wedding Venue Review
- Ian Bennett
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Rustic Romance in the Nottinghamshire Countryside – and a Dream to DJ At!
Nestled between the A60 and A614, just a short drive from Nottingham and Mansfield, lies one of Nottinghamshire’s best-kept wedding secrets – Cockliffe Country House. With over three centuries of history behind it and the enchanting elegance of a French chateau, this secluded Grade II listed manor offers charm, exclusivity, and heartfelt hospitality – all wrapped in a truly idyllic rural setting.
As a wedding DJ who’s had the pleasure of performing here, I can safely say: Cockliffe Country House is just as brilliant behind the scenes as it is from the front. Let’s dive into why it’s one of my favourite venues to recommend, not just to couples but also to fellow suppliers looking for an easy, welcoming environment to work in.
A Venue That Feels Like Home (But Fancier!)
Cockliffe offers exclusive-use weddings across its main country house and grounds, with a ceremony and dining capacity for up to 90 guests and reception space for up to 150. There are 11 boutique bedrooms for guests to stay overnight, making it ideal for couples looking to host their entire celebration under one roof.
You’ll notice straight away how relaxing the venue feels. From the moment you pass the rustic farm gate and drive up the lane, it’s like entering another world. The gardens and characterful interiors offer endless photo opportunities (top tip: don’t miss a portrait by the arched front entrance or under the garden trees). There’s even a converted horse box bar affectionately called Box and Bubbles, which is as quirky as it is classy.
Warm, Flexible & Professional Service
Couples repeatedly rave about the venue coordinators, and rightly so. Whether it’s Emilie, Andrea, or Heather, the team goes above and beyond to support every idea—whether conventional or completely out-of-the-box. Outside food trucks? No problem. Dogs walking you down the aisle? You bet.
Here’s what some couples have said:
“They let us have the wedding day we wanted with zero fuss.” – Chris & Kathryn
“The team was so relaxed and helpful—we didn’t have to worry about a thing.” – Nora & Dan
“They made sure everything was running smoothly, always acting in a professional manner.” – Ryan & Chloe
This warmth extends to suppliers, too. As a DJ, you’re often working behind the scenes with venue teams, and I found the staff to be friendly, accommodating, and genuinely happy to help. It makes a real difference to the flow of an evening.
DJ Reviews: A Dream to Work At – Mostly!
As a member of needadisco.com, I’ve reviewed dozens of wedding venues across the Midlands. Here’s the DJ’s-eye view of Cockliffe Country House:
The Good:
✅ Permanent wooden dancefloor – stylish and sturdy, great for dancing.
✅ No sound limiter – huge win! You can really create atmosphere without worrying about cutting the music.
✅ Blinds/curtains – handy for controlling ambient light, especially for lighting effects.
✅ Level car park nearby – quick load-in for DJs and other suppliers.
✅ Plenty of plug sockets – power’s never a problem.
The Not-So-Great:
❌ No built-in lighting – DJs will need to bring their own effects lighting (which most of us do anyway).
❌ No stage area – keep your setup compact and tidy.
❌ Haze/smoke not allowed – something to be aware of if you were planning special effects.
❌ No air con – it can get warm in summer, so dress accordingly.
Setup Notes:
💡 The function room is quite compact (2–3m width, under 2m clearance), so minimal setups work best. You won’t need a big rig to fill the room with music and energy.
🙌 The staff are helpful and respectful of your kit and setup space—always a relief!
Overall, this is a very DJ-friendly venue. I’ve had brilliant nights here with packed dancefloors and buzzing guests, and the flow from ceremony to evening party works effortlessly thanks to good internal layout and a slick team.
Food, Flexibility & Fabulous Offers
The in-house catering is another highlight, with menus priced between £28–£58 per head and flexible packages to suit all budgets and tastes. Whether it’s a full wedding breakfast or quirky midnight snacks like pulled pork rolls or mini burgers, everything is beautifully presented and thoughtfully executed.
And with current midweek and seasonal offers, you can book a full wedding package for as little as £5,600, or go all out with their Marry Me package from £10,400.
Final Verdict: Why I Recommend Cockliffe Country House to Every Couple
Cockliffe Country House ticks all the right boxes:
✅ Beautiful, intimate, characterful setting
✅ Flexible and friendly team who love weddings
✅ Excellent food and well-organised timelines
✅ Quiet countryside location with onsite accommodation
✅ A smooth, enjoyable experience for both couples and suppliers
As a wedding DJ, it’s always a joy to work in a space where everyone—from staff to guests—is relaxed, well looked after, and ready to party. Cockliffe delivers that in spades.
Whether you're dreaming of a laid-back rustic day or something more polished and elegant, Cockliffe Country House is a venue where you can truly make your wedding your own.
For more info, visit: www.cch-hotel.co.uk/weddings📍 Burntstump Hill, Nottingham, NG5 8PQ📞 0115 9680179📧 enquiries@cch-hotel.co.uk
Comments