Weddings At St Cross
Choosing your wedding venue is the first step towards creating your perfect day. We understand how important this is, and we would be delighted to welcome you to the most magical location – St Cross, by the water meadows of the river Itchen, Winchester.
St Cross is one of the oldest Almshouse in the country in continuous use – founded by Henri du Blois, the grandson of William the Conqueror in 1132. It has simply stunning architecture and beautiful grounds both of which make for excellent photography.
Add the beautiful Norman Chapel, unique traditions and sweeping gravel drives and you have a picture postcard perfect venue. Of course the best way to know for sure is to come and see it for yourself. We will be delighted to show you to help you select the best option for you.
Need to take the details with you? Please help yourself to a copy of our Wedding Brochure
LOCATION
CAPACITY
A CHAPEL To Cherish
Step into almost nine centuries of history as you marry in our stunning Norman Chapel — a magnificent space recently restored to its full beauty. Its soaring arches, mellow stone, and serene atmosphere create a sense of peace and significance that couples and guests never forget.
Licensed for Church of England ceremonies, the Chapel sits at the heart of St Cross, in the main courtyard surrounded by historic buildings. Your service will be conducted by the Master or one of the Priests licensed to the Parish of St Faith, ensuring a ceremony that is both personal and steeped in tradition.
Perfect pics in our GORGEOUS GARDENS
After your ceremony at St Cross, the celebration continues in one of our beautiful reception spaces. Continue your celebrations in The Master’s Garden, an exquisite, private walled garden that feels like a secret oasis. Perfect for drinks and canapés after your ceremony, it offers sweeping lawns, fragrant blooms, and timeless views of the historic Hospital buildings. In fine weather, it’s the ideal backdrop for relaxed mingling, group photographs, and those first quiet moments together as newlyweds.
Whether you’re dreaming of champagne on a manicured lawn, a candlelit meal in historic surroundings, or a relaxed gathering with friends and family, we have settings to suit every style. Each venue offers its own unique charm — and all are just steps from the Church, making your day seamless from “I do” to the last dance.
RECEPTION VENUES Fit For Royalty
After your vows in the stunning Norman Chapel, your celebrations can continue just steps away in one of our historic and versatile reception spaces. From intimate gatherings to lively parties, St Cross offers a choice of beautiful settings that combine centuries of character with the flexibility to create your perfect day.
Whether you imagine a cosy hall filled with candlelight, a grand oak-roofed room steeped in tradition, or a marquee on the lawn for dining and dancing under the stars, each space offers its own unique charm — all within the timeless surroundings of the Hospital of St Cross.
The Bowling Green
The Bowling Green offers a perfect spot for an elegant marquee reception for up to 200 guests. Many couples enjoy beginning with drinks in the Master’s Garden before moving next door to the marquee for dining and dancing — creating a seamless flow from ceremony to celebration.
The Brethren’s Hall
A stunning oak-roofed dining room that radiates atmosphere and heritage. The Brethren’s Hall is a versatile choice for middle-sized weddings at any time of year, offering a beautiful setting for a drinks reception, a seated wedding breakfast, or both. The space works for up to 100 guests standing or 60-80 seated.
The Hundred Men’s Hall
Currently home to our tearoom, this historic space can be transformed into an intimate wedding reception venue outside the summer season. With its cosy charm and character, it’s ideal for smaller gatherings of up 60 standing or 40 seated where every guest feels part of the celebration.
FAQs
Who can get married at St Cross?
Celebrate your love in the enchanting setting of our historic chapel, shared with warmth by the Brothers of St Cross—who have worshipped here for centuries. The Chapel serves both as their sacred space and, since the loss of St Faith’s church over 500 years ago, as a welcoming hub for local worship and celebration. It’s our privilege to open these beautiful surroundings to couples like you interested in tying the knot in a place full of meaning and grace.
While we welcome all with open hearts, we do ask that couples reach out with their “wishlist” first—perhaps you’d like drinks in the garden, a full reception afterward, or music from our in-house organist. From there, we’ll guide you through the few practical steps needed, such as whether you’d need an Archbishop’s Special Licence or how to join our Electoral Roll if you’re newer to the Parish. This ensures everything flows smoothly—and that your celebration fits harmoniously with life here (something the Brothers always greatly appreciate).
To check if you live within the parish: Enter your postcode here: Find Your Parish
What about availability and viewing?
We know how tricky it can be to work out when to get married. Summer months and Saturdays are always popular but we have found winter months and weekdays are increasingly chosen. Please contact us to discuss availability, or discuss it with us when you come to view.
It is important to view St Cross to see just how special it is and to decide which of the reception venues would suit you best. We are happy to give you a private viewing when you can discuss your own specific ideas. You may also discuss dates for the occasion and reserve it provisionally then.
Once you have viewed St Cross with our wedding specialist we will be delighted to place a date on provisional hold for you. We can hold a date for 14 days with no obligation. Then, if you would like to go ahead with your special day here, we will ask for a deposit to secure your booking
How much does it cost to get married at St Cross?
The best place to start is by contacting the Deputy Clerk to the Trustees on 01962 878218 or office@hospitalofstcross.co.uk with your wishlist: whether you’d like a simple ceremony, music from our organist, a drinks reception in the Master’s Garden, or even a full celebration using our indoor or outdoor spaces. This helps us guide you through the details from the outset.
Ceremony Fees
Couples from outside the parish contribute a Heritage Fee to the Hospital of St Cross, helping preserve the Church and historic buildings. This includes car parking.
Parishioners are not asked to pay the Heritage Fee, but do pay for parking and the Church of England marriage fees. For details of the church wedding fees and charges, please contact the Parish Office at office@parishofstfaith.org.
Other Costs
The Church of England wedding fees and Heritage Fee covers use of the Church for your ceremony, but some elements are costed separately:
- Church flowers (provided by our own florist)
- Organist
- Heating (if needed)
- Use of the Bowling Green or Master’s Garden (prices on application)
Even with these extras, St Cross offers remarkable value compared to hotels or country houses — with the added beauty of a unique and historic setting.
Where do my guests park?
In the summer months, between 1st April and 31st October we may arrange parking for you in the Meadows beside St Cross for up to 50 vehicles. Some couples in the past have arranged a vintage coach to transport guests in style from the car parks nearby to St Cross when you anticipate more, or in the winter months when the ground is too wet to permit parking.
What about catering?
We are delighted to recommend caterers for the occasion. They will be responsible for serving drinks throughout the wedding day and for the tidy packing of rubbish and bottles for disposal. You are free to provide your own selection of drinks which may be delivered in advance and chilled by the caterers ready for you when you would like them. We ask to meet your caterer in advance so that we may discuss your needs for the day and how this is arranged.
How does the marquee work?
If you select a marquee on the Bowling Green we ask you to arrange what you would like with Marlin Marquees who for archaeological reasons are the sole agreed providers of tents for this location. Do contact them directly or ask for their brochure when you visit us to view the different tent options available. Marlin Marquees may also provide tables and chairs, cooling equipment for your food and drink, generators, heaters and even toilet arrangements too. Please contact them on 01725 55 11 17 or info@marlinmarquees.co.uk
Who does the flowers?
Church flowers are organised and arranged by our talented, experienced in-house flower Guild team due to the delicate fabric of the church. Reception flowers for your marquee can be done by your chosen florist or by the flower Guild with prior private arrangement.
Can you hold the venue for me? When do I pay?
We are happy to hold a date provisionally for you for 14 days. After that we ask for a non-returnable deposit of 50%. You will be invited to a wedding briefing at St Cross early in the year that you plan to be married and full payment will be required one month prior to the wedding date.
Is the venue accessible?
Both the Church and the grounds have wheelchair access, but the Brethren’s Hall has steps leading to it. For more guidance do feel free to ask. Whilst no dogs are allowed onto the site (beyond the outer quad), formally registered assistance dogs are welcome throughout.
