St Osyth Priory scoops prestigious wedding venue double award

An historic venue with royal connections has been crowned Best Wedding Venue in the United Kingdom at the prestigious International Hotel Awards within days of also scooping the Wedding Venue of the Year 2026 at the Essex Wedding Awards.
The International Hotel Awards represent the international 5-star standard of hotel ratings and are the only organisation to present 5-star accolades at an international level. Judged by a panel of highly experienced hospitality experts, the awards highlight outstanding achievements across categories including hotel architecture, interior design, marketing, construction and overall guest experience.
St Osyth Priory secured the national title after competing alongside leading British venues before progressing to the regional stage of the global awards. Entrants are evaluated by professionals covering the full spectrum of hospitality disciplines, ensuring that only the highest-performing destinations are recognised.
This global honour follows the priory’s success closer to home, claiming the title of Wedding Venue of the Year 2026 at the Essex Wedding Awards while also being named a finalist in the Historic Wedding Venue of the Year category.
Commenting on the award, William Grinsted, Managing Director of the St Osyth Priory Estate, said: “To be recognised as Essex’s Wedding Venue of the Year and the Best Wedding Venue in the United Kingdom is an extraordinary honour. The awards reflect the dedication of our team, who work tirelessly to ensure every couple experiences something truly exceptional.
“We are immensely proud of the history and beauty of St Osyth Priory. To see it celebrated in Essex and on an international stage, amongst the most distinguished venues in the world, is deeply gratifying.”

St Osyth Priory has become an iconic destination for weddings after decades of careful, sensitive restoration across its 16 listed buildings.
Founded in the 12th century as a house for Augustinian canons, the priory was later transformed into a grand country residence by the 1st Lord Darcy of Chich in the 1550s. Queen Elizabeth I visited the estate twice during her Royal Progress, with its remarkable heritage preserved thanks to extensive investment and conservation work.
Over recent years a multi-million pound schedule of works on the priory has secured the future of one of the largest collections of ecclesiastical buildings in the country while also giving the estate a viable economic future as a luxury venue for weddings, corporate events and holiday accommodation.