Country House Wedding Venues That Were Made for the Harp
As a wedding harpist, there’s something magical about performing in country houses that have heard music for centuries. Music would once have been at the heart of celebrations held within these houses, so I love that, in a very small way, I am continuing that tradition.
I have been lucky enough to perform at some stunning country house wedding venues across the East Midlands and beyond. Playing the harp in rooms with beautiful acoustics, surrounded by history, art and incredible architecture, really is a privilege.
Pete Redhead Photography
Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa
Rushton Hall was on my bucket list for a long time before I finally played there, and I have been back several times since. I am now a Recommended Supplier and love how luxurious everything feels from the moment you arrive.
The Picture Gallery is a beautiful setting for a wedding ceremony, with its ornate interiors and long aisle. Afterwards, the harp works just as well during your drinks reception, where my favourite champagne is often served!
Whether you choose classical music, modern love songs or a mixture of both, live music fits beautifully with the surroundings and can accompany several parts of your day.
Holmewood Hall
Holmewood Hall is such a gem of a venue. It is exclusively yours for the day and retains so much of its original charm, while also feeling welcoming and relaxed.
I particularly love playing in the Gold Room for wedding ceremonies. The harp feels like the perfect fit here, both visually and musically. The acoustics in the Great Hall for a drinks reception are unrivalled too, allowing the music to travel through the space while guests enjoy champagne and photographs.
Irnham Hall
I am jealous of every couple who gets married at Irnham Hall because I wanted to have my own wedding celebration there, but they were booked!
I absolutely adore playing in the walled garden for drinks receptions. An English country wedding, champagne flowing and a harp playing in the background - you can’t get much more iconic than that.
It’s a venue that feels elegant without losing its warmth, and the gardens provide such a beautiful backdrop for live music on a summer wedding day.
Aswarby Rectory
Another venue that had been on my bucket list for a long time, playing at Aswarby Rectory in 2025 was a dream. The acoustics were incredible, and I loved how every tiny detail had been considered.
It is always the mark of a good venue when you are looked after as a supplier, and I felt exactly that - almost like a guest! The whole venue feels carefully curated but still very personal, making it a wonderful choice for an intimate country house wedding.
Burghley House
Iconic. Burghley House is iconic.
From visiting on school trips as a child to walking in the park and booking out Burghley Horse Trials weekend every year, it’s safe to say I’m a bit obsessed with this place. And that’s before we even get onto the interiors!
I remember singing in the Great Hall when I was at school and getting goosebumps from the acoustics, so playing the harp there really is a full-circle moment for me. The music fills the space beautifully, and there is something very special about performing in such a grand and historic setting.
Stubton Hall
The most local of all the venues on this list, Stubton Hall is another exclusive-use venue with stunning accommodation, making it ideal if you want to spend the whole weekend celebrating with your guests.
Every space has amazing acoustics that make the harp sing. From the ceremony and drinks reception to an intimate wedding breakfast, the harp is an ideal choice for live music at a Stubton Hall wedding.
Prestwold Hall
I’ve already written at length about why I love Prestwold Hall, but it really deserves its own place on this list.
A charming country house surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, Prestwold is a bit of a gem for Leicestershire wedding suppliers—we all want to work there! It has an air of grandeur without ever feeling stuffy, and for the team, no detail is too small.
The interiors provide a wonderful setting for the harp, while the gardens are perfect for live music during a summer drinks reception.
If you’re planning a country house wedding, consider booking a harpist. The acoustics of these beautiful venues are made for this most romantic of instruments, while the music adds to the atmosphere without interrupting the natural flow of the day.
Whether you choose the harp for your ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast or all three, live music is a wonderful addition to a country house wedding.
Photography Credits
Cover & Burghley House - Pete Redhead Photography
Rushton Hall - Oobaloos Photography
Holmewood Hall - Lee Daniels Photography
Irnham Hall - Amanda Forman Photography
Stubton Hall - Chloe Gels Photography
Prestwold Hall - MonkeyMole, Sophie May Photo, Megan Wilson Photography