A 5 time award winning premesis that has both affordability and quality!
If you are searching for a wedding venue near Cambridge that combines character, flexibility, and genuine care for its couples, Compasses Weddings offers something truly special. Having proudly hosted hundreds of weddings, we are known for tailoring every celebration to reflect each couple’s vision. No matter your budget, circumstances, or ideas, our approach is simple: we listen, we adapt, and wherever possible, we say yes.
Every wedding at Compasses is built around the people at the heart of it. We take the time to understand how you want your day to unfold, whether that means something traditional, informal, or completely unique. No detail is too small and no request is too ambitious — our role is to help bring your plans to life in a way that feels effortless and personal.
Couples looking for a wedding venue near Cambridge often want beautiful surroundings that feel special without being impractical. Compasses Weddings is set within stunning countryside, offering wide-open views and an unforgettable natural backdrop for photography and quiet moments alike. Imagine standing in the fields opposite the venue on a warm summer evening as the sun sets across the horizon, painting the sky in deep oranges, reds, and soft purples — it’s a setting that consistently creates those once-in-a-lifetime images.
Despite its peaceful rural feel, the venue is easily accessible. Compasses Weddings is conveniently located with excellent transport links, including journeys of approximately 30 minutes from Stansted Airport and Chelmsford, and straightforward rail access for guests travelling from Cambridge and further afield.
One of the best things about a cheap wedding venue in Ely is how effortlessly beautiful your day can look. The leafy gardens and cobbled streets are just one side, and with us, you can also see unique buildings and the countryside just outside the city, it’s a dream for photographers. These natural backdrops are a must for those interested in creating the ultimate wedding scrapbook.
Our reputation is built on consistency, quality, and care. Compasses Weddings has earned multiple industry awards, largely thanks to our exceptional food and relaxed yet professional service. While we are proud of this recognition, our focus remains firmly on delivering a memorable wedding day for every couple.From the first course to the last, food is prepared and served to a consistently high standard, with attention to both flavour and presentation. Couples choosing a wedding venue near Cambridge regularly highlight our catering as one of the standout elements of their day. We ensure we are reliable, deliver a special service, and provide service with warmth every single time.
One of the most common concerns couples raise when searching for a wedding venue is the cost of the venue itself and the cost of drinks. We all know the feeling of an overpriced bar quickly draining the joy from a celebration. At Compasses Weddings, we make a conscious effort to keep our prices competitive and fair.Our venue prices ARE NOT seasonal and our drinks prices are reasonable. By ensuring we charge appropriatley it means more of your budget can go into the other items on your agenda that truly matter!
Our support doesn’t stop at the venue itself. Jane, a member of our team, is a former florist with award-winning experience, including a Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show. Whether you’re arranging flowers yourself or simply want expert advice, Jane is always happy to help guide you through the process.In addition, we offer a collection of props accumulated through years of event management. These can be hired to help style your day, simplify logistics, and reduce overall costs — all part of our commitment to making your wedding as stress-free as possible.
If you are looking for a cheap wedding venue that still delivers elegance, flexibility, and support, Compass Weddings is here to welcome you. We would love to show you around, talk through your budget, and share how we can make your ideas come to life.
Call us today on 01376 561322 or complete our online enquiry form to arrange a visit. Affordable weddings do not have to feel limited. At Compass Weddings, they feel joyful, stylish, and completely yours.
For couples seeking a wedding venue near Cambridge that allows them to truly relax, our on-site accommodation offers a unique advantage. Brides, bridesmaids, and close guests are welcome to arrive early and make the most of the experience, transforming the wedding into more than just a single day.
With two newly built, beautifully appointed rooms and a private hot tub, you can settle in the night before, or even days in advance. Enjoy relaxed evenings with your closest people, unwind under the stars, and begin the celebrations in a calm, unhurried way.
Our on-site bridal suite has been designed with privacy and comfort in mind. Tucked away from the main event space, it provides a calm, exclusive environment where you can get ready at your own pace.
With ample room for hair and makeup, comfortable seating, and natural light, the suite is ideal for both practical preparations and meaningful moments shared with loved ones. Being on-site removes the stress of travel and timing, allowing you to step straight into your celebration feeling calm, confident, and fully present.
For couples searching for a wedding venue near Cambridge that offers both practicality and a sense of sanctuary, the bridal suite is a truly valued feature.
What truly sets Compasses Weddings apart is the team behind the venue. From the very first enquiry through to the final moments of your wedding day, you are supported by an experienced, dedicated team who genuinely care about delivering an exceptional experience. Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but our team is known for guiding couples with calm expertise, honest advice, and a level of personal attention that goes far beyond what is typically expected.
We pride ourselves on being hands-on and proactive, helping couples plan every detail with confidence. Whether it’s refining timelines, offering practical suggestions, coordinating logistics, or stepping in to solve unexpected challenges, our team is always willing to go the extra mile. Nothing is treated as “not our job” — if it matters to you, it matters to us.
On the wedding day itself, our focus is absolute. The team works quietly and seamlessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly, allowing you and your guests to be fully present and enjoy the celebration. This level of care, attentiveness, and professionalism consistently exceeds standard venue expectations and is one of the reasons so many couples describe their experience at Compasses Weddings as genuinely stress-free.
For couples searching for wedding venues near Cambridge and beyond, the reassurance of having a committed, experienced team can make all the difference. At Compasses Weddings, you are not simply booking a space — you are gaining a team who is invested in your day, your vision, and making sure your wedding is delivered to the highest possible standard.
Because our location is in another county to Ely, we have the advantage of being far away enough to offer completely new surroundings, whilst maintaining great transport links. Below are some commonly asked questions from our previous couples from Cambridgeshire.
Our venue is located approximately 90 minutes from Ely and is easily reached via major roads. We often host Ely couples and can help plan guest travel or coach hire if needed.
Essex is known for its diverse landscapes, from countryside barns and rustic estates to elegant manor houses and rural backdrops. Its accessibility from Ely and excellent transport links make it ideal for couples expecting travelling guests. At Compasses Weddings we can help you organise your wedding AND get you booked in with our local B&B’s so that everyone can either travel down on the day or get settled prior.
We regularly work with couples from London and Ely and provide options that make distance planning easier, including virtual tours, online consultations, and flexible weekday meeting times for venue walk-throughs. We love working with clients and tailoring an affordable wedding day for you both.
Yes. Couples may use either Essex registrars (required for civil ceremonies held here) or any independent celebrant from Ely or beyond for symbolic or personalised ceremonies. We guide couples through the legal requirements to ensure everything is properly arranged.
Generally speaking, it’s cheaper to have your wedding in Essex. Many city couples discover that Essex venues offer significantly more space, flexibility, and exclusive-use options at a more accessible price point. This allows budget to stretch further for catering, décor, entertainment, or guest experience.
Of course! We are fully licensed for ceremonies and equipped for receptions, allowing Ely couples to enjoy a seamless countryside wedding without city-centre logistics. Many guests appreciate escaping their daily surroundings for a unique wedding day.
Yes! We offer on-site accommodation in our 2 available rooms complete with a hot tub but if you want to house very large parties then there are numerous boutique hotels, B&Bs, and countryside inns within a short distance of the venue. We provide Ely couples with a curated list of trusted local accommodation options to ensure guests enjoy a comfortable stay if they choose not to stay with us.
We regularly work with couples from Cambridgeshire and offer virtual venue tours, Zoom planning meetings, digital floorplans, and remote supplier coordination. This makes planning your wedding at The Compasses at Pattiswick seamless, even if you can’t attend every meeting in person. Please use the contact forms to send us a list of your requirements.
Yes. We maintain a vetted list of trusted Essex-based suppliers, including photographers, florists, caterers, BnB’s and DJs. These suppliers know our venue and local requirements, ensuring a smooth, well-coordinated wedding day. On the other hand, if you have Ely based vendors and suppliers that you would prefer, we will accommodate them as best we can.
We actually DO NOT charge based on seasonality! We understand that times are tough and charging extra for the summer is the standard practice; however, we try to be reasonable and base our prices mainly on which day of the week you want to be accommodated.
For full details see our pricing page: Pricing Page
Yes. There is plenty of on-site parking, our venue can accommodate up to 120 guests and the travelling that is brought on by such a large capacity.
