In the heart of rolling countryside, on the stunning Apley Estate, is Stockton House Shropshire – a venue like no other, a magnificent 18th-century Grade II-listed wedding venue. Seamlessly blending history, elegance, and romance, it is perfectly situated just a stone’s throw from the 11th-century St. Chad’s Church. The location offers everything you need for an unforgettable wedding celebration in one beautiful setting.
Apley Estate was formed in the 16th century and was later passed down to the Hamilton family, who have owned it for several generations. Today, it is still owned by Hamilton descendants who are dedicated to sustainable preservation and protecting its heritage. It consists of a mix of over 300 properties and over 8500 acres of land and parklands. These 300 buildings are a mix of agricultural, commercial and residential dwellings, Stockton House itself and St Chad’s Church, which is under the ownership of the Church of England.
Stunning Shropshire Countryside
The 8,500 acres of picturesque Shropshire countryside offer the perfect backdrop for a quintessential English wedding, whatever the season. There is always plenty happening within the estate, with festivals, tractor runs and dog shows not an uncommon sight, and a popular farm shop, kitchen cafe and playbarn all within its boundary. Together with the farmlands, woodlands and rolling hills, including the famous Wrekin, it’s a magical place to be married, with lots of photo opportunities.
For moments of peace and relaxation, the beautiful woodland offers a tranquil spot to unwind, whether for a leisurely walk or simply to reflect. The lane leading from the woodland to Stockton House is often dappled in sunlight filtering through the trees, creating a magical atmosphere that will add to the charm of your special day.
The beautifully landscaped gardens also provide the ideal location for a civil ceremony or blessing, further enhancing the romantic setting of Stockton House.
A lovely, unique feature at the bottom of the garden is the Victorian turning house. The Victorians were known for ingenious engineering, and rotating summer houses became popular as they allow you to follow the path of the sun throughout the day or change the view of the garden according to the season. Couples having an outdoor ceremony can step inside to sign the register, the house can be turned 360 degrees, and upon coming back to face your guests, you will be an officially married couple!
A Journey of Restoration
Constructed in 1702 as a rectory for St. Chad’s, the Grade II-listed Stockton House was once a cherished family home in the heart of the estate. It has been lovingly transformed into one of the most breathtaking wedding venues in Shropshire. To preserve its Georgian design and unique original features, a meticulous restoration project was embarked upon in 2018 under the supervision of renowned architects Jonathan Holland Architects. Working closely with Shropshire Council and the English Heritage organisation, they ensured that every detail honoured the house’s rich history and heritage respectfully and sustainably.
As you wander through Stockton House, you can appreciate its distinctive character with its original doors, walkways, and passages, creating an atmosphere that just invites you to explore. Blending modern luxuries with the historic elements, the decor is carefully considered and well-designed feeling both luxurious and spacious, all a result of collaboration with interior and lifestyle boutique, Hatton and Harding. Bold colour palettes, unique patterned wallpapers, and fabrics from prestigious brands such as Mulberry, Zoffany, and GP & J Baker, create luxurious, high-end, and superbly comfortable rooms.
“Our wedding was truly perfect from start to finish, and we owe that to Amy, Ellie and the rest of the team. Everything was flawless – the venue, the food, the staff, and the management of the day. They made all our dreams come true and they are deserving of every award going. Utterly beautiful, wonderful, perfect.” – S & L, June 2023
Book Your Dream Wedding at Stockton House
As an Exclusive Use venue, Stockton House offers great flexibility for your nuptials and reception. Fully licensed for civil ceremonies, you have the run of the whole house including seven luxurious double ensuite bedrooms and a gorgeous wedding suite. Think roll top baths, and elegant dressing rooms. One bedroom is located on the ground floor and is fully accessible.
Further accommodation for guests can be found in the historic towns of Bridgnorth, Ironbridge and Shifnal, three miles away, each with a great selection of guest houses and hotels. Telford is just five miles away with large hotels. There is a local taxi service to take you there.
Your event will flow beautifully within the space with options such as the secret walled garden dining room, a private dining room, and a large terrace. There is a private bar, where you can personalise your drinks selection.
Every room in the house has glorious views of the aforementioned lush countryside.
The Secret Walled Garden Dining Room is a purpose-built space, licensed for civil ceremonies, and accommodates up to 100 guests. From the outside, it presents as a secluded garden, while inside, guests are welcomed into a spacious area featuring a curved ceiling, chandeliers, and expansive windows that frame views of the lush gardens.
Fabulous Food
Led by Executive Chef Thomas Ebbon, the culinary team at Stockton House takes great pride in sourcing the finest local produce from the fields and farms on Apley Estate, ensuring every ingredient is as fresh and exceptional as the surroundings. With the help of the talented chefs, you’ll create a personalised wedding breakfast menu, perfectly tailored to your tastes and to any particular dietary requirements for you or your guests. You will be invited to a complimentary menu tasting with the Head Chef to create your bespoke menu exactly as you want it. There is also an opportunity to pair your food with signature cocktails or hand-selected Champagnes, as well as ensuring the bar is stocked with your favourite tipple.
A huge advantage of being an exclusive-use venue is that you can really have a bespoke day. You can dictate arrival and departure times, when to get married, and when to eat, drink and be merry. You could have an intimate supper the night before in the Private Dining Room. You might want a cocktail and canapés reception on the terrace as the guests arrive, or a Champagne afternoon tea. There’s even scope to have a convivial sharing menu for your wedding meal. The evening nibbles are delectable and varied including street food style options. And, there’s scope for a day two recovery lunch. Naturally, theres a delicious breakfast served each morning for your staying guests.
“We find ourselves at a loss for adequate adjectives to describe just how extraordinary this wedding venue is. Unless you’ve had the privilege of getting married here, it’s hard to appreciate the magic that Stockton House holds. We can’t imagine our day without this extraordinary venue and the exceptional team behind it. Words alone cannot express our gratitude for everything they did to make our special day better than we could have ever imagined.” – E & L – September 2023
The Magic is in the Personal Touch
The journey towards your perfect wedding day begins with a personal meeting with the wedding team, including a private tour of the house and grounds. This allows you to truly experience the warmth, elegance, and character of Stockton House.
The team prides itself on its personal service for wedding couples. They’re dedicated to making every couple feel relaxed, informed, and at home. Amy, the experienced venue manager, ensures that no detail is overlooked and becomes an extension of your family as she helps bring your wedding vision to life. With years of experience in the wedding industry, Amy can also connect you with trusted suppliers for florists, wedding décor, and more, to help take the stress out of planning your big day. They will truly go the extra mile to fulfil your wishes. This personal touch has made Stockton House one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the UK.
Award-Winning Venue
Just 18 months after opening its doors, Stockton House won Best Venue (Other) at The Wedding Industry Awards 2024 and also received the prestigious National Highly Commended Venue (Other) award at the same ceremony in London, solidifying its place as one of the top wedding venues in the UK.
A key part of Stockton House’s appeal is its flexibility. Accommodating both small, intimate weddings (minimum 40) and larger celebrations (up to 100), each couple will enjoy a truly personalised and unforgettable experience. It’s worth mentioning that they have a dog-friendly policy, which is always a win.
Weddings at Stockton House are typically booked well in advance, but they have special offers for late availability weddings. With a team dedicated to excellence, it provides an idyllic setting for couples seeking a distinctive and memorable wedding experience in the heart of Shropshire. If you wish to have a wedding like no other, then go to Stockton House Shropshire – a venue like no other.
