Knockerdown Cottages

Knockerdown Cottages is a self-catering wedding venue near Ashbourne, in the Derbyshire Dales, close to Carsington Reservoir. Couples hire the whole site for a weekend, with sixteen holiday cottages, an event space and open meadow land.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

Knockerdown is a strong fit for couples who want a wedding built entirely around their own plans. The whole site is exclusively yours from Friday afternoon to Monday morning, so your guests share the space with nobody else. The venue states that it hosts same-sex weddings, handfasting and celebrant ceremonies, and it has a page of its own about same-sex weddings. You also choose your own suppliers, so the day can be as formal or as relaxed as you like.

Ceremonies

The event space takes up to 100 people and works for both the ceremony and the reception. The team sets up the ceremony room to your plans. An outdoor gazebo is available for civil ceremonies and drinks receptions, and a bandstand and a champagne and canapes station sit in the grounds.

Receptions and food

This is a do it yourself venue. You choose private chefs, street food or bars, and the venue states that there are no corkage fees and no hidden extras. The events team sets up the wedding breakfast room and the evening reception to your decoration plans. There is space for a marquee if you want one.

Staying

Sixteen self-catering cottages sleep up to 93 wedding guests, and some bedrooms are on the ground floor. Nine cottages are dog friendly, with room for up to 18 dogs. There is an indoor heated swimming pool, a games room, a children play area and a meadow with a dog run.

Getting there and the area

Knockerdown is just outside Ashbourne, on the edge of the Peak District. Carsington Water, Dovedale and the market towns of Ashbourne and Wirksworth are close by. Free on-site parking is available for up to 100 guests, with two electric vehicle charging points.

Good to know

• Exclusive use from 4pm Friday to 10am Monday.
• Event space for up to 100 people.
• Nine dog friendly cottages.