Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club – Wedding Venue Review

Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club, West Midlands

A Stunning Woodland Wedding Venue in the Heart of the West Midlands

If you’re searching for a wedding venue that combines beautiful countryside scenery, flexible event spaces, and the convenience of on-site accommodation, Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club is definitely one to consider. Nestled within 10,000 acres of ancient woodland near Coventry and Solihull, this impressive hotel venue offers couples the opportunity to create anything from an intimate celebration to a large, vibrant wedding with hundreds of guests.

From a professional wedding DJ and event perspective, Forest of Arden is a venue that consistently delivers on atmosphere, organisation, and guest experience — all essential ingredients for a truly memorable wedding day.

First Impressions & Setting

One of the biggest highlights of Forest of Arden is its stunning natural surroundings. The venue sits within expansive woodland and landscaped grounds, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting that feels miles away from busy city life — despite being conveniently located near Birmingham Airport, the A45, and major transport links.

For couples planning their photography, reception drinks, or outdoor ceremonies, the scenery provides a fantastic backdrop all year round. Whether it’s a summer garden drinks reception or cosy autumn wedding portraits among the trees, the environment adds a relaxed yet elegant feel to the day.

Flexible Spaces for Weddings of All Sizes

Forest of Arden is particularly strong when it comes to versatility. Unlike smaller venues that cater to one specific wedding size, this location offers multiple event spaces designed to suit a wide range of celebrations.

The Marquee – Perfect for Large & Cultural Weddings

The venue’s largest space is its marquee, capable of hosting up to 300–350 guests depending on layout and décor. This area includes self-contained bars and outdoor access, making it ideal for big celebrations, multicultural weddings, or lively evening receptions with large dancefloors.

The Arden Suite – Elegant Mid-Size Celebrations

For weddings between approximately 100–180 guests, the Arden Suite provides a stylish indoor setting with a private entrance, terrace access, reception space, and in-room bar. From an entertainment perspective, this layout works particularly well for seamless transitions between speeches, dining, and evening celebrations.

Smaller & Intimate Spaces

Couples planning more intimate celebrations can make use of rooms like the Aylesford Room, offering a more private atmosphere while still benefiting from the hotel’s full wedding services.

Ceremony & Reception Options

Forest of Arden is licensed for civil ceremonies and offers both indoor and outdoor options. This flexibility allows couples to keep their entire day in one location — something guests really appreciate.

Key ceremony and reception features include:

• Outdoor ceremony availability

• Dancefloor and sound system

• Confetti permitted

• Dedicated event spaces for pre-wedding gatherings

• Large reception capacity for evening parties

The ability to host everything from morning preparations through to the final dance makes the day flow smoothly without the need for travel between venues.

Food, Catering & Cultural Flexibility

Another standout feature is the catering flexibility. Couples can choose in-house dining created by experienced chefs using quality ingredients, or opt for external caterers and bespoke self-catering packages. This is particularly valuable for couples planning cultural or multicultural weddings.

The venue supports:

• Asian, Halal, Kosher, and multicultural catering

• External catering options

• Hog roasts and varied menu styles

• In-house wine lists and licensed bar facilities

This level of choice allows couples to design a wedding menu that truly reflects their traditions, tastes, and personalities.

Accommodation & Guest Experience

With 214 ensuite bedrooms, Forest of Arden offers a huge advantage for destination weddings or celebrations with guests travelling from further afield. Instead of worrying about taxis or late-night transport, guests can simply walk back to their rooms after the evening reception.

The hotel’s facilities also add a luxury element to the wedding experience:

• Spa, pool, sauna, and jacuzzi

• Family and premium rooms

• Bridal accommodation included in some packages

• On-site parking for convenience

Many couples also enjoy hosting pre-wedding dinners or next-day gatherings at the hotel, turning the celebration into a full wedding weekend.

Planning & Coordination Support

The venue’s experienced wedding coordinators play a major role in delivering a smooth and stress-free day. With a large team and decades of experience hosting weddings, Forest of Arden provides structured planning support from the initial show-round through to on-the-day coordination.

Reviews from real couples consistently highlight:

• Friendly and attentive staff

• Seamless organisation

• Excellent communication during planning

• Attention to detail on the day

For couples who want guidance and reassurance throughout the process, this level of support can make a huge difference.

From a Wedding DJ & Entertainment Perspective

From an entertainment point of view, Forest of Arden is a strong venue thanks to its adaptable spaces and professional event management.

Positive features include:

• Spacious rooms suitable for large dancefloors

• Dedicated event suites that allow private celebrations

• Flexible layouts for DJs, bands, and live entertainment

• Good access for setup and equipment

• Experienced staff familiar with working alongside suppliers

When the layout, lighting, and crowd flow work well together, it naturally helps create an energetic evening atmosphere — something this venue supports very effectively.

Pricing & Packages

Wedding hire at Forest of Arden typically ranges between £6,500 – £9,000, with per-head packages available depending on guest numbers and catering choices. Room hire includes essentials such as:

• Tables, chairs, and linen

• Cutlery, crockery, and glassware

• Wedding coordinator support

• Couple accommodation or changing room access

• Room access from morning through evening

This flexible structure allows couples to customise their wedding based on style, budget, and cultural needs.

Final Thoughts – Is Forest of Arden a Good Wedding Venue?

Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club stands out as a versatile, scenic, and well-organised wedding venue capable of hosting everything from intimate ceremonies to large, vibrant celebrations.

Couples who may particularly love this venue include:

• Those planning large or multicultural weddings

• Couples wanting accommodation on site for guests

• Anyone looking for a countryside setting with strong transport links

• Weddings that combine outdoor scenery with flexible indoor spaces

With beautiful woodland surroundings, experienced coordinators, multiple event spaces, and strong entertainment potential, Forest of Arden offers a fantastic foundation for creating a memorable wedding day.