About the Venue
Donnington Grove is a striking Strawberry Hill Gothic manor nestled in 500 acres of rolling Berkshire countryside near Newbury. With sweeping views of the River Lambourn and the romantic ruins of Donnington Castle, it's a setting steeped in character, charm, and centuries of style.
Venue Type
Historic country house & estate
Location
Donnington, near Newbury, Berkshire
Capacity
Up to 200 guests for evening celebrations
Spaces Available
Indoor & outdoor ceremony locations, marquee, riverside lawns
Onsite Accommodation
Yes – 39 rooms for up to 98 guests
Why Couples Love This Venue
From the dramatic arrival through a tree-lined drive to sunset photos by the lakeside bridge, Donnington Grove offers the perfect blend of heritage and celebration. Highlights include:
- Licensed for civil ceremonies in several elegant rooms and a Japanese Pagoda
- Iconic photo spots: the riverside, the Gothic manor façade, and castle views
- A spacious marquee with dancefloor and heating for year-round receptions
- Professional, friendly coordination with optional exclusive hire
- Onsite hotel rooms with discounted wedding party rates
I Know This Venue Well
I've performed at Donnington Grove multiple times and love how versatile and personal it can be. Whether it's an intimate gathering in the Avon Room or a packed marquee party, I tailor the energy and flow to suit the day perfectly.
"Donnington Grove has that rare quality — elegance without stiffness. I love working with the layout to keep things seamless and energetic, from a tranquil ceremony under the Pagoda to a high-energy party in the marquee."
Entertainment Tailored to Donnington Grove
Every couple's vision is unique, and every venue has its rhythm. At Donnington Grove, I offer bespoke DJ & MC services that harmonise with the setting and schedule:
- Elegant ceremony music under the Pagoda or in the Cloudy Room
- Smooth hosting throughout your drinks reception and wedding breakfast
- Custom introductions and fun games that break the ice across generations
- A romantic, custom "Love Story" to share how you met and what you mean to each other
- Expert DJing for the evening with crowd-pleasing tunes and seamless transitions
- Interactive games like The Mr & Mrs Game or a DJ Battle — tailored to your style
Frequently Asked Questions
Have you worked at Donnington Grove before?
Yes — I've performed here several times and know the layout, acoustics, and flow of the day well.
Can you DJ for outdoor ceremonies here?
Absolutely. I provide battery-powered sound systems that work beautifully for garden ceremonies, including the Japanese Pagoda.
What happens if there's a sound limiter?
Donnington Grove doesn't advertise a strict limiter, but I'm always prepared to work within any venue's acoustic guidelines while keeping the vibe alive.
Do you help coordinate with the venue team?
Yes, I liaise with the coordinator, photographer, and catering team to ensure everything flows — from the speeches to the first dance.
Can we request songs or provide a playlist?
Of course. I love working with couples to shape the soundtrack of their day. You can share your must-plays, and I'll build around them.
Ready to Plan Your Wedding at Donnington Grove?
Let's chat about how to bring the perfect vibe to your celebration with music, hosting, and seamless coordination.