Getting married in Purton – a wedding planning guide

Giving notice

Before choosing flowers and sampling wedding cakes from local bakers, we recommend starting with the legalities— including obtaining your marriage license.

All couples intending to marry must give formal notice at a registration office in their local area. This is a simple process but requires an in-person visit. It is a legal requirement that you have lived in this district for eight days at least before you are able to give notice. If you are not living with your partner or will be moving before the wedding, be sure to account for this. If you don’t live in Wiltshire, contact your closest Registration Office to give notice.

If you live in Wiltshire you can telephone 0300 003 4570 or email [email protected] to book your appointment. If you live close to Purton, the nearest Registration Office is:
Civic Offices
Euclid Street
Swindon
SN1 2JH

We recommend giving notice around six months before your wedding ceremony where possible. This is ideal, as you cannot give notice more than 12 months before the ceremony but must give notice no later than 28 days before. Six months should give you plenty of time.

Multi-day celebrations

More couples are now choosing to extend their wedding celebrations over several days to spend more time with loved ones and create cherished memories without feeling rushed. Why not make your wedding into a mini break with your loved ones?

At The Pear Tree, we know one day just isn’t enough to celebrate! That’s why, for all remaining 2025 dates, we’re offering you the chance to book the night before your big day without the extra venue hire fee! Learn more about our incredible “wedding eve” offer here.

If you are travelling to Purton to get married or have guests coming over from different areas, why not extend the festivities and spend some time exploring this enchanting area? By booking our luxurious on-site accommodation, you’ll have access to the honeymoon suite and seventeen sumptuous bedrooms to house you and your guests. Plus, you can begin your festivities the night before your wedding as you will have use of the venue from 4 pm!

We have plenty of amazing spaces here at The Pear Tree which you can really make the most of if you are celebrating over two nights. Perhaps you would like to spend this bonus evening truly relaxing? If so, you can head to our outdoor kitchen to unwind as you tuck into gourmet burgers and artisan pizzas. If you fancy a more formal feel, you can select from our three and four-course menus, which change with the seasons and enjoy an atmospheric meal in our Orangery. There are countless mouthwatering options for you to choose from, and you can even add on dainty canapes or create your own cocktail menu. After your meal, you can dance the night away in The Bartlett Bar and Lounge!

Things to do nearby

If you are staying with us before or after your wedding, why not take some time to explore the picturesque village of Purton and its surrounding areas? Whether you enjoy scenic country walks or discovering historic towns, there’s something for everyone in this gorgeous part of the country.

Although The Pear Tree is nestled in an idyllic rural setting, we are also easy to reach as we are located just three miles away from the M4 (junction 16). When staying with us, you can easily visit places like Bath, Bristol and Cheltenham, each offering plenty to see and do.

If you would prefer to stay local, there are countless sights and eateries nearby to keep you and your party happy.

Cotswold towns and villages

Malmesbury

Malmesbury is a bustling, medieval market town which is just 13 miles away from Purton. Here, you can visit the impressive 12th-century Abbey and potter around the farmer’s market.

Oaksey

Oaksey is a lovely place to while away a few hours. This pretty, historic village hails from the Bronze Age and is surrounded by walking routes. The village is located 10 miles away from us.

Cirencester

If you are seeking a wider selection of shops, eateries, museums and galleries, Cirencester is the place to go. Just 13 miles away from Purton, this vibrant Roman town is known as the “capital of the Cotswolds”.

Local parks and countryside

Coate Water Country Park

A mere seven miles away from The Pear Tree, you can discover the nature trails of Coate Water Country Park. This is a great place to visit with little ones as you can go bird watching, play crazy golf and have fun at the splash parks in warmer months.

Cotswold Water Park

Spanning over 40 square miles, with over 150 lakes, The Cotswold Water Park is the area’s star attraction. With beaches, nature reserves and a plethora of water sports on offer, this would be a wonderful place to explore with loved ones during your extended stay.

Coffee shops and eateries

The Barista Cricklade
Just over four miles from The Pear Tree, this café is a lovely nearby spot in a village on the River Thames. Here, you can stop off for a slice of cake while visiting the nearby shops.

The Bell Inn
This warm and welcoming village pub is close by and offers delicious, wholesome meals such as fish and chips and homemade pies.

Jennie’s Kitchen
When exploring the Cotswold Water Park, you should pop into Jennie’s Kitchen for a great coffee and a hearty meal after your walk. In warmer months, you can sit outdoors and bask in the sun.

Jacks
If visiting Cirencester, Jacks is a highly regarded local café where you can indulge in a lazy brunch, sampling fresh bakes and artisan sandwiches before you hit the shops.

The Maharajah
A short stroll away from The Pear Tree, you can tuck in to authentic Indian dishes at this much-loved local eatery.

When you are ready to start planning the finer details of your wedding, why not take a look at our list of trusted suppliers. Here you will find everything from photographers to suit hire!