Why The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Is a Dream Wedding Venue (with DJ Reviews)

The Old Vicarage at Elkesley, Nottinghamshire

Nestled in the heart of the Nottinghamshire countryside, The Old Vicarage at Elkesley offers something beautifully different from the standard wedding venue. With its rustic charm, tipis surrounded by greenery, and a totally relaxed atmosphere, this venue caters perfectly to couples looking to break free from tradition and host a day that's truly unique, personal, and full of heart.

Whether you're planning a whimsical, festival-style celebration with food vans and hay bales or an elegant garden gathering under canvas with candlelight and canapés, The Old Vicarage is a magical blank canvas venue. It gives couples the freedom to bring their wedding vision to life—with a team that genuinely cares and a setting that sparks imagination.

A Venue with Soul: The Setting

Driving up the tree-lined path, the venue slowly reveals its charm—perfectly secluded but still easily accessible from Retford and the wider Nottinghamshire region. At its heart, the site boasts a 3-hat tipi capable of seating up to 150 guests, nestled among sweeping lawns and encircled by the countryside.

Unlike many purpose-built venues, The Old Vicarage has character. It doesn't feel like you're on a wedding conveyor belt—it feels like the grounds are yours for the weekend. You can decorate the tipi and surrounding area from the Thursday before your wedding, and there's plenty of space for outdoor games, bars, chill-out zones, or anything else you want to create.

There’s even a zip wire and swings for children—showing that the venue balances fun and function effortlessly.

Accommodation and Camping

Accommodation is on-site, and it’s as charming as the venue itself. The 17th-century Coach House sleeps four, and the stylish Log Cabin sleeps up to six, offering a romantic, private space for the wedding party or close family.

Guests also have the option to camp or glamp in the field, with bell tent hire available and electric hook-ups. This festival-style offering makes The Old Vicarage ideal for multi-day celebrations, after-parties, and morning-after brunches in the fresh country air.

A Personal, Flexible Experience

Reviews consistently praise Sue, the venue’s coordinator and owner, whose passion, flexibility and experience help guide couples through every twist and turn of wedding planning. Her support is proactive and personable—from recommending suppliers to solving last-minute hiccups with a calm head and a kind heart.

In a world of copy-and-paste weddings, Sue and her team work hard to ensure your day is as personal as it is beautiful.

The Practical Details

• Licensed for ceremonies: Yes

• Indoor and outdoor options: Yes

• Firepits and onsite bar: Yes

• On-site catering: Optional, you can choose your own caterers

• Pet friendly: Yes

• Confetti and fireworks: Allowed (depending on weather and season)

• On-site showers/toilets for campers: Yes

• Parking: Limited formal parking, but plenty of room for suppliers on the grass around the tipi

DJ Review of The Old Vicarage at Elkesley

From a DJ's perspective, the venue offers a mostly smooth experience—but it comes with a few important considerations.

One detailed review from Excalibur Mobile Disco (14/07/2019) shared the following:

Venue Pros for DJs:

• Excellent access: Short distance from drop-off to setup area makes unloading and setting up a breeze.

• Designated setup space: DJs are set up at the end of the tipi, facing the whole tent—great for crowd interaction.

• Power availability: Power is accessible, though DJs may need short extension leads (up to 5m).

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Sound restrictions: Volume, especially bass, may need to be reduced later in the evening due to residential proximity. This is actively monitored with handheld meters.

• No smoke/haze allowed: This limits atmospheric lighting effects.

• Dancefloor: Temporary wooden dancefloor was mentioned as serviceable but not ideal.

• No stage area: DJs will be at ground level, so a small riser might help if bringing your own.

• Temperature: The tipi has no air conditioning, so it may get warm in summer evenings.

Staff Review: DJs praise the venue staff highly, calling them “absolutely lovely” and easy to work with—a rare and welcome find in the wedding industry.

DJ Verdict: While some tech and noise restrictions apply, the beauty of the space, helpful staff, and positive crowd atmosphere more than make up for it. A professional DJ with suitable low-noise kit will still deliver an unforgettable party.

Final Thoughts

The Old Vicarage at Elkesley isn't just a venue—it's a vibe. A venue for lovers of the outdoors, of authenticity, and of doing things their way. It’s ideal for couples who want to break free from cookie-cutter banqueting halls and host a celebration that's every bit as individual as they are.

With its enchanting setting, warm and hands-on coordination, and the flexibility to bring your vision to life, this venue truly earns its place among Nottinghamshire’s most unique and heartfelt wedding spaces.