Weddings and Celebrations at The Old Crown Coaching Inn
- Sebastiaan Evans
- Apr 4
- 7 min read
The Old Crown Coaching Inn is a 16th-century venue in the heart of Faringdon, Oxfordshire, offering intimate weddings for up to 80 seated guests and receptions for up to 120. With 14 boutique bedrooms, an award-winning kitchen, a dedicated Wedding Coordinator, and centuries of history in every room, it is a setting that no purpose-built venue can match.
We believe that the best weddings feel personal, not produced. At The Old Crown, we provide the stage, but you write the script. Every detail, from the menu to the flowers to the running order, is tailored to each couple. An initial meeting with the head chef and front-of-house manager ensures that your day is exactly what you want it to be.
The Venue
The Ballroom
The Ballroom at The Old Crown is a dazzling, airy space that seats up to 80 for dinner. It combines modern styling with the building's historic bones: sleek olive velvet chairs, contemporary Gabriella Anouk artwork, statement wrought-iron chandeliers, and candles flickering against centuries-old stone walls. It is elegant without being stuffy, atmospheric without being dark.
JJ's Wine and Cocktail Bar
Adjoining The Ballroom is our Wine and Cocktail Bar. This beautifully tiled bar with views onto the historic courtyard offers a more intimate space for drinks receptions, evening cocktails, or a quieter moment away from the main celebration. It is the perfect setting for pre-dinner drinks or a late-night gathering.
The Courtyard
The Old Crown's courtyard is a sheltered outdoor space at the heart of the building, ideal for summer receptions, drinks in the afternoon sun, or photographs against the backdrop of the historic inn.
The Courtroom Suite
Our signature suite, The Courtroom, sits at the heart of The Old Crown. It is steeped in history: flowing natural light and an eclectic blend of timeless features create a unique and romantic space. With a four-poster bed and an open fireplace, it is the perfect honeymoon suite. Complimentary for the bride and groom in our Silver, Gold, and Platinum packages.
Accommodation for Your Guests
The Old Crown has 14 boutique bedrooms, all renovated with warm, contemporary decor that blends with the building's historical character. Rooms range from standard doubles and twins to superior doubles and suites, each individually designed with its own story to tell. Sumptuous mattresses, carefully chosen furnishings, and the quiet of a market town at night ensure your guests sleep well.
All wedding packages include 10% off accommodation for your guests. Our Platinum package includes exclusive hire of all 14 rooms, so your entire party stays under one roof. There is something special about waking up the morning after your wedding in a 16th-century coaching inn, surrounded by the people who matter most.
Wedding Packages
We offer four wedding packages, each designed around a different level of service. All packages include a dedicated Wedding Coordinator, bespoke menu design with tasting sessions, personalised menus and table plans, and crisp folded linen napkins. Venue hire is additional.
Bronze Package £50 per head | |
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Sample menu: Chicken liver mousse with red wine onion chutney and brioche | Free-range chicken breast with basil pomme puree, courgette, and tomato | Bakewell with plum gel and buttermilk ice cream | |
Gold Package £90 per head | |
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Sample menu: Homemade breads and butter | Carrot with salt goat's cheese and chervil | Lobster with fennel and lemon | Fillet of beef with artichoke, onion, potato, and beef jus | Baileys and chocolate tart with salted caramel ice cream |
Platinum Package Price on application | |
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Drinks Packages
Each wedding package can be paired with one of our drinks packages:
Package | Price | Includes |
Bronze | £22 per person | Welcome drink, glass of Prosecco, bottle of beer, soft drinks, half bottle house wine with dinner, Prosecco toast |
Silver | £35 per person | Choice of welcome drink, glass of house Champagne, two bottles of beer, soft drinks, half bottle superior wine, house Champagne toast |
Gold | £60 per person | Choice of welcome drink, Taittinger NV or Gusbourne Vintage, three bottles of beer, unlimited soft drinks, sommelier-recommended wine, still and sparkling water, Taittinger or Gusbourne toast |
Platinum | Price on application | Fully bespoke wine and drinks pairings designed with our sommelier and head chef. All styles of wine and Champagne offered. |
More Than Just Weddings
The Old Crown is not only a wedding venue. The Ballroom, Wine Bar, and courtyard are available for a range of celebrations and private events:
Engagement parties: Celebrate your news with drinks and canapes in the Wine and Cocktail Bar, or a seated dinner in The Ballroom
Rehearsal dinners: The evening before the wedding, gather your closest family and friends for a relaxed dinner at The Old Crown. Many couples book a private area for 20 to 30 guests
Anniversary dinners: Mark a milestone with a private dining experience. Bespoke menus available for groups of any size
Birthday celebrations: From intimate dinners to larger parties, The Ballroom and Wine Bar can be configured for celebrations of all sizes
Vow renewals: Reaffirm your commitment in a setting with 500 years of history. Intimate ceremonies followed by dinner are our speciality
Corporate dinners and events: The Ballroom seats up to 80 for formal dinners. See our Corporate Events page for more details.
Why Choose The Old Crown for Your Wedding
History you cannot build: A 16th-century coaching inn with original features, beams, stonework, and centuries of atmosphere. No new-build venue can replicate this
Intimate scale: Up to 80 for dinner, 120 for receptions. Large enough to celebrate properly, small enough that every guest feels part of the day
All under one roof: 14 boutique bedrooms mean your guests stay where they celebrate. No taxis, no logistics, no separation between the party and the accommodation
Bespoke menus with tasting sessions: Work directly with the head chef to design a menu that reflects your taste. Tasting sessions are included so you can be confident in your choices
A dedicated Wedding Coordinator: One person manages every detail, from initial planning through to the day itself, communicating with all your suppliers so you do not have to
Location: Faringdon is 25 minutes from Oxford, 90 minutes from London, and on the edge of the Cotswolds. Easy for guests to reach, beautiful when they arrive
Gallery
What Couples Say
"We held our wedding at The Old Crown in summer 2024 and it was everything we dreamed of. The Ballroom looked stunning, the food was incredible, and our guests are still talking about it." - David & Caroline
"From the first meeting with the Wedding Coordinator to the brunch the morning after, everything was handled beautifully. The Old Crown felt like our home for the weekend" - Kyle & Isabelle
"The food, the music, the service, the memories. We're so glad we chose The Crown for our big day. Loved every minute. Thank you so much Seb & Team!" - Elisha & Nathaniel
Plan Your Wedding at The Old Crown
Every wedding at The Old Crown begins with a conversation. We invite you to visit the venue, meet the team, walk through the spaces, and start imagining your day. There is no obligation and no hard sell. We want you to feel the building and decide if it is right for you.
To arrange a viewing or to discuss your plans: Email info@theoldcrowncoachinginn.com or call us 01367 242744
What to expect at a first meeting: A tour of The Ballroom, Wine Bar, courtyard, and bedrooms. An initial conversation about your vision, guest numbers, and preferred dates. A discussion of packages and bespoke options. No commitment required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can The Old Crown accommodate for a wedding?
The Ballroom seats up to 80 guests for a sit-down dinner. For evening receptions, we can accommodate up to 120. Our Platinum package includes exclusive use of the entire hotel.
Is The Old Crown licensed for wedding ceremonies?
We are not currently licensed for civil ceremonies, but we are the perfect reception venue after a ceremony at a nearby church or registry office. Faringdon Registry Office is 10 minutes away.
How many bedrooms are available for wedding guests?
We have 14 boutique bedrooms, ranging from standard doubles and twins to superior doubles and suites. Our signature Courtroom Suite, with its four-poster bed and open fireplace, is complimentary for the couple in Silver, Gold, and Platinum packages. All packages include 10% off accommodation for guests.
Can we design our own menu?
Absolutely. We design bespoke menus for every wedding, working alongside couples to create dishes that reflect their personal style and preferences. Once we understand your vision, we invite you for tasting sessions so you can be assured of your choices before the day.
What is included in the Platinum package?
The Platinum package is our all-inclusive option. It includes exclusive use of the entire hotel for two days, all 14 bedrooms with early check-in and late check-out, a bespoke 5 or 7-course menu for up to 60 guests, an evening buffet for 100, a wedding cake, florist, photographer, DJ, champagne toast, turndown service, and brunch the following morning. Price is on application.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking at least 12 months in advance for peak season dates (May to September). Off-peak and midweek dates may be available at shorter notice. Contact our Wedding Coordinator to check availability.
Can we have exclusive use of the venue?
Yes. Our Platinum package includes exclusive use of the entire hotel for the day of the wedding and the following day. This means the building, the grounds, and all 14 bedrooms are entirely yours. Exclusive use can also be arranged as an add-on to other packages.
