Wedding Venue Review: Houchins
A popular, modern, rural venue to make your own
Houchins is a beautiful and thoughtfully designed wedding venue just outside Coggeshall, blending original farm buildings with modern updates in a way that feels both stylish and relaxed. It’s a venue that works effortlessly for the whole wedding day, from getting ready in the morning through to dancing in the evening, all within one self-contained setting.
The venue is made up of three main areas: the House, the Marquee and the Barn (Coach House), each playing a different role in the flow of the day. In this review, I’m sharing my experience of Houchins from a wedding photographer’s point of view, having photographed many weddings here over the years, and what couples might want to consider when planning their day.
Ceremony Spaces
The Marquee is a popular choice for ceremonies at Houchins, and it’s easy to see why. It’s light, airy and can comfortably host up to 150 guests without feeling cramped. The natural light makes it a really pleasant space to be in, and it works beautifully for photos throughout the ceremony.
For couples wanting an outdoor option, the woodland ceremony space is a real highlight. Tucked among the trees, it feels intimate and peaceful, with nature doing most of the work when it comes to atmosphere. Both ceremony options offer plenty of space for guests and allow your photographer to move around easily, capturing different angles and genuine reactions without being intrusive.
Drinks Reception
After the ceremony, drinks are usually served on the terrace and in the courtyard. It’s a great space for guests to mingle, and there’s plenty of room for garden games - something I always recommend if you’re after a relaxed, informal day.
Portraits
The grounds at Houchins offer lots of variety without needing to walk far. The large pond in the adjoining field is a more secluded option for portraits, while the farmhouse, gardens and open fields all provide different backdrops depending on the look you prefer.
One of my favourite areas for couple portraits is actually the driveway. It’s close by, easy to access, and offers a surprising amount of variety in one spot - perfect if you want beautiful photos without spending too long away from your guests. And of course, the swing is a must-use feature!
Wedding Breakfast and Evening Reception
The Coach House is a stunning setting for the wedding breakfast and evening celebrations. With exposed brickwork and beams, it has a lot of natural character, and it takes additional styling really well - whether that’s fairy lights for a soft, romantic feel or white draping for something more refined.
While the room doesn’t have a huge amount of natural light, the neutral décor helps keep it bright and clean visually. One practical tip is not to fill the room to its maximum capacity for the wedding breakfast, as it can feel tight and makes it harder to move around during speeches.
Once tables are moved back, there’s plenty of space for a lively dancefloor. Alternatively, a lot of couples choose to use the smaller adjoining room for the disco, leaving a quieter space away from the music if some guests prefer.
Final Thoughts
Houchins is an excellent choice for couples looking for a relaxed, countryside wedding. Having everything in one place, from getting ready to the final song, takes a lot of pressure out of the planning process and allows the day to flow naturally.
It’s a popular venue for good reason, but it still feels fresh and special, with plenty of flexibility to make the day your own. From a photography perspective, it offers variety, convenience and beautiful backdrops without needing to travel far or rush between locations.
If you’re considering Houchins for your wedding and would like to have a chat through how the day could work for you, feel free to get in touch - I’m always happy to help.
See a full wedding at Houchins here, from getting ready to the first dance.
Written by Eleth Mageehan
First Written: 3rd August 2017, Last Updated: 23rd January 2026
With historic charm, a beautiful backdrop and flexible options to create your unique celebration - could this be the perfect wedding venue for you?