SAY ‘YES’ IN COLCHESTER

From romantic barns to manor houses and woodland retreats, Colchester has a whole host of incredible venues to say ‘I do’ to

CHALKNEY WATER MEADOWS

www.browningbros.co.uk

Chalkney Water Meadows is hidden away amongst ancient woodland next to a picturesque river and tree-lined lake. A stunning location for an outdoor celebration, the venue is popular with larger wedding parties who require a little more space, thanks to three linked giant tipis that seat up to 150 guests comfortably for your breakfast – or 180 at a squeeze. At Chalkney you don’t even have to worry about being booted out by midnight – here you can enjoy exclusive use of the venue for the whole weekend. Just imagine a celebration created entirely by yourselves; from delicious three course meals to succulent hog roasts with an endless choice of salad. Plus, no eye-watering drinks’ prices but a bespoke menu tailored just for you.

Blessings take place on the lakeside willow pontoon, and after your reception you’ll find glamping accommodation available in luxurious bell tents. The venue also has two lakeside cabins conveniently situated a short walk away. If neither of these options are for you, the venue also works with local hotel partners to offer preferred and discounted rates.

COLCHESTER TOWN HALL

01206 506905 | https://colchester-weddings.co.uk

The Town Hall is a jewel in Colchester’s crown. From its prominent city centre location, this magnificent Baroque structure, with its Victorian tower and statue of St Helena – Colchester’s patron saint – dominates the surrounding area. Bursting with Edwardian glamour, the Hall represents the most romantic and historic of venues. The building boasts a rich heritage, and couples are guaranteed to make a grand red carpet entrance from the moment they step inside.

Couples can choose from a variety of function rooms to wed in, all of which are fully licenced for ceremonies and receptions. Moot Hall is the largest and most popular of spaces – its high-arched ceiling and tall stained glass windows create the perfect setting for up to 250 guests. There’s also the Council Chamber – ideal for an intimate wedding ceremony of up to 80; the Mayoral Suite, which comprises the Grand Jury and West Committee Rooms for up to 110; and the Old Library, a fully self-contained suite with reception, kitchen and cloakroom, again for up to 80. Receptions are then held in Moot Hall or the Old Library, during which the newlyweds can take a stroll to Castle Park for some unique photo opportunities.

https://bigfishphotography.com https://dominikamiechowska.co.uk

HOUCHINS

01376 561448 | www.houchins.co.uk

Located in the picturesque village of Coggeshall, Houchins has been designed to offer stylish entertaining for up to 180 guests in a sympathetically converted farm building. With double height ceiling, mezzanine gallery, open fireplace and French windows opening on to a landscaped wedding garden, it’s a glorious setting to marry in. The cedar clad barn sympathetically marries concrete, wood and steel to offer a truly unique venue with an elegant marquee for the ceremony. Alongside is the venue’s evening food terrace, with festoon lighting creating the perfect setting for a more relaxed evening vibe.

Divided into three distinct areas for ceremonies, dining and dancing, choose to marry in the oak panelled Drawing Room (20 guests); the traditional canvas Marquee (150 guests); the Foundry – set within the beautiful converted barn (120 guests); or have a blessing in the Woodland Wedding Glade next to the moat (100 guests). The Chitting Shed is then the perfect area for drinks, with huge glass double doors opening onto a west facing terrace, while the Grainstore has been artfully reclaimed as a dining area with capacity to seat up to 150.

OLD ESSEX BARN

01376 386166 | www.oldessexbarn.co.uk

If character and charm are what you’re searching for, look no further than Old Essex Barn. Rustic meets luxury inside this lovinglyrestored 15th century space, packed with original features and high vaulted ceilings. Boasting a beautiful rural setting and wide-reaching countryside views, the classic black wood exterior contrasts beautifully against the sculpted gardens. Large windows offer romantic glimpses of the barn’s interior, while the rest of the grounds feature an intimate courtyard that leads down to a picturesque pond and fountain.

When it comes to your happily ever after, Old Essex Barn provides a choice of two ceremony spaces. Couples can say their vows in the historic main barn, with a capacity of 76, or amid the romantic garden gazebo, again for up to 76. Wedding receptions then take place back in the main barn for up to 76 seated and 140 in the evening.

Psst! If you’re looking to wed at the venue from 2023 you’ll be pleased to hear that luxury accommodation is due to be completed next year, along with a purpose-built bridal dressing suite.

www.eps-photography.co.uk www.eps-photography.co.uk

PRESTED HALL

01376 573300 | https://prested.co.uk

Prested Hall is a privately-owned country manor house, located at the end of an impressive tree-lined drive in 75 acres of Essex countryside. At Prested, you’ll find modern comfort and quality, plus good oldfashioned service. A grade II listed building – parts of which date back to the 1400s – the Hall has been lovingly restored ensuring that many original features remain, including a large open fireplace, stained glass windows, exposed beams and oak panelling. Outside, seasonal hanging baskets adorn the venue year-round, with wedding parties able to enjoy drinks and canapés on the lawns beside the moat – or while strolling through the parkland. Prested Hall offers four areas licenced for civil ceremonies. The waterside Gazebo can accommodate a maximum of 140 guests seated on the lawn; the Oak Room is a beautiful panelled space with feature fireplace for up to 60; the Garden Room looks out over the moat and gardens and seats up to 85; or there’s The Orangery, the venue’s largest space for up to 140. Couples can then host their wedding breakfast from May to September in the waterside marquee – draped in ivory fabric and featuring handmade copper effect lighting. Alternatively, choose the Orangery, available year-round and able to seat up to 100 guests for your wedding breakfast.

Set in the Essex Countryside resides Pontlands Park, a Victorian house sympathetically extended into a beautiful wedding venue with 35 bedrooms.

With a choice of indoor and outdoor ceremony facilities and various function rooms, along with a marquee with its own internal private bar, Pontlands is the perfect venue for intimate or larger weddings. The Dream Wedding packages start from as little as £59.50pp, which includes a 3-course wedding breakfast, reception drink and canapes*, half a bottle of wine and a glass of fizz for the toast plus an evening buffet.

Contact the team for further information on 01245 476444 or email sales@pontlandsparkhotel.co.uk

www.pontlandsparkhotel.co.uk T: 01245 476444

WEST HANNINGFIELD ROAD, GREAT BADDOW, CHELMSFORD, ESSEX CM2 8HR

Set in three acres of beautifully Set in three acres of beautifully manicured gardens, The Lawn is a manicured gardens, The Lawn is a truly enchanting, award-winning truly enchanting, award-winning Manor House wedding venue with a Manor House wedding venue with a stunning Orangery, galleried Grand stunning Orangery, galleried Grand Hall and delightful gazebo. Perfect Hall and delightful gazebo. Perfect for any size wedding, for any season. for any size wedding, for any season.

The Lawn Wedding Fair Sunday 20th March 2022 10.30am - 3.30pm Free entry and ample free parking The Lawn Wedding Fair Sunday 18th September 2022, 11am - 3pm. Free entry and ample free parking. Refreshments available to purchase on the day Refreshments available to purchase on the day. Register now! To find out why we remain one www.mainweddingsandevents.co.uk of the most sought after and best To find out why we remain one reviewed venues in Essex, contact of the most sought after and best us to arrange a viewing or visit reviewed venues in Essex, contact www.thelawn.co.uk and let us put us to arrange a viewing or visit together a tailored online quotation www.thelawn.co.uk and let us put based on your precise requirements. together a tailored online quotation based on your precise requirements. Hall Road, Rochford, Essex SS4 1PL 01702 203669 | www.thelawn.co.uk Hall Road, Rochford, Essex SS4 1PL 01702 203669 | www.thelawn.co.uk