9 minute read
A WINTER WONDERLAND
wonderland A WINTER
Here’s a selection of idyllic venues whatever the weather
HEDINGHAM CASTLE
01787 460 261 | www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
The history and heritage of the whole estate is unmistakable as soon as you arrive along the driveway to Hedingham Castle. It’s set within 120 acres of Essex countryside, boasting beautifully restored gardens in the immediate area below the castle. The perfect backdrop for wedding photography, the lake with the castle behind or in between the huge Wellingtonia trees at the bottom of the formal pond, are idyllic picture-perfect spots.
Hedingham Castle’s imposing exterior is a national landmark and instantly recognisable. The original brick Tudor bridge leads guests from the castle to the Georgian mansion house, with its stunning wisteria and attractive symmetry. The formal lawn and gardens of the house create the ideal area for reception drinks after the ceremony, with magnificent views over the lake.
The 900-year-old castle is one of the finest examples of Norman interiors in existence and the Banqueting Hall, where ceremonies take place, features a breathtaking double-height archway which gives the most incredible backdrop for exchanging vows seating up to 130 guests. This grand hall, once used for entertaining royalty, is candlelit for ceremonies and has an incredibly romantic atmosphere all year round.
Post-vows, receptions take place in the elegant Ballroom Marquee situated next to the house, 150 guests can join you for the wedding breakfast and up to 200 for the evening reception. It also boasts a dancefloor, bar and private lawn. Alternatively, for smaller weddings of up to 70, the Tapestry Room of the castle is romantic and has an intimate atmosphere. After dinner, enjoy drinks and dancing on the Garrison floor above, complete with the only ‘Norman nightclub’ in the country!
When tying the knot here, there are two charming cottages on the estate which are available for wedding accommodation for up to 20 people, including the use of the Garden Cottage both before the ceremony, for the bridal party to prepare, and for the newlyweds on their wedding night.
Free tastings are available with the castle’s fantastic catering partners, and couples can also make the use of a provided Mercedes wedding car to take the bride up to the castle from the Garden Cottage.
BADDOW PARK HOUSE
01245 473 969 | www.baddowparkhouse.co.uk
In the heart of Essex, a stone’s throw from Chelmsford in Great Baddow, Baddow Park House’s gardens are an integral part of the venue and have been designed to provide couples with an idyllic backdrop. The versatility of the venue’s spaces means it can accommodate any wedding from the most luxurious, intimate occasion to a full on 150-guest celebration and beyond!
Throughout the house you’ll find sumptuous textures, hidden spaces and stylish décor, all creating the perfect blend of luxury and tradition for you to embrace and embellish with your own style.
For smaller cosy weddings, the Oak Room is perfect for up to 50 guests with its open fireplace and wood panelling, or take advantage of the incredible light and sweeping views of the Drawing Room which can accommodate up to 80 guests.
Its recently renovated Orangery is without doubt an iconic and showstopping space that can be transformed to suit requirements. Seating up to 150 day guests (up to 250 for the evening), its stunning natural light can be enhanced further by opening the wall of bi-folding doors revealing the views across the terrace to the vineyards beyond. This seamless balance between indoors and outdoors means the Orangery is ideal for any season; gorgeous summer wedding days or crispy Autumnal evenings are both suited to it. It boasts a fully stocked bar mixing Art Deco styling with modern technology ‒ a meeting point, a focal point and real talking point at any wedding.
In better weather, couples can make the most of the pavilion for al fresco nuptials and can utilise the Log Shed Bar – perfect for a pre- or post-ceremony cocktail and it has its own pizza oven and barbecue!
For a memorable moment, head into the whimsical woodland to discover a firepit for toasting marshmallows, while sipping the finest hot chocolate and sharing stories and creating new memories under the stars.
When tying the knot here, couples benefit from a Bridal Suite and a further 10 luxury bedrooms, sleeping 30. Always being respectful to the house’s heritage and history, each room has been totally renovated and redecorated in keeping with the eclectic style. The finest linens, super stylish wallpapers and feature beds all combine to leave you safe in the knowledge that when it is finally time to call it a night your slumber is in a space of comfort and luxury.
MARKSHALL ESTATE
01376 565 420 | www.markshall.org.uk/weddings
Set in 2,350 acres of serene Essex countryside, less than an hour from London between the towns of Braintree and Colchester, Markshall Estate has three unique wedding locations to choose from. Couples can enjoy the al fresco settings of the romantic woodland or the Parterre Garden seating up to 100 day guest. Or in winter months, step into its grand yet intimate 18th-century Coach House which overlooks the arboretum and lakes. A historic red brick and timber-framed masterpiece for ceremonies and wedding breakfasts (of up to140) it boasts rustic beams, beautiful details and a private terrace. The Coach House and Brick House Farm Meadow can host up to 200 evening guests.
When tying the knot here, couples and their closest friends and family have access to a private preparation suite, just minutes from the Coach House, where they can take advantage of the hair and make-up bar and enjoy specially selected canapés!
Couples can choose between venue-only hire or choose a wedding package complete with catering; either way, couples get exclusive use of the venue for 48 hours.
Exclusively Yours...
South Essex Golf Club is the perfect location for a memorable occasion. We have created an impressive new boutique wedding venue in a stunning setting with its own grounds, providing a unique and romantic backdrop to host your wedding celebration and fulfil your dream day. The venue is licensed for ceremonies. The Garden Room with its spectacular interior will be exclusively yours. You can enjoy the benefit of a raised deck, private garden and oak gazebo offering the perfect and tranquil setting for you and your guests to enjoy canapes and a drinks reception overlooking the water feature and the golf course beyond. With seating for up to 76 guests plus an additional capacity for up to 40 evening guests, our venue and adjacent manicured lawn is the ultimate place to cherish your memorable day. The venue boasts a stunning wedding gazebo which has been exquisitely designed to create an elegant and stylish setting. For larger weddings we can accommodate your occasion in a traditional marquee overlooking the stunning grounds.
YOUR VENUE, YOUR VISION, YOUR VERY SPECIAL DAY
PONTLANDS PARK
01245 476 444 | www.pontlandsparkhotel.co.uk
The beautifully landscaped gardens and driveway give a great first impression of this imposing Victorian house – complete with picturesque bridge and pond!
Lovingly restored internally to a contemporary finish, in the main house wedding parties are surrounded by history.
The Marquee, with its silk-lined ceiling and chandeliers, is a great backdrop, while the staircase in the main house offers an amazing photographic opportunity for newlyweds.
For al fresco nuptials, the new garden gazebo can seat up to 100 guests overlooking the Essex countryside, or the intimate Lilli Suite ‒ with views of the gardens and pond area ‒ is ideal for up to 60 guests seated for the ceremony. Additionally, the light and fully air-conditioned Conservatory Suite allows up to 100 guests (higher numbers with standing space).
Receptions can take place in both the Conservatory (90) which is fully air-conditioned or the beautiful Marquee (180).
The venue has a dedicated wedding team and also offers exclusiveuse packages and a complimentary menu tasting for the couple. Being a 35-bedroom hotel, means your guests won’t have far to go after your wedding day, all rates are inclusive of breakfast, meaning you can celebrate the morning after all together.
www.dayandknightphotography.co.uk
HUTTON HALL
01277 402 992 | www.huttonhall.co.uk
Hutton Hall is a Georgian Manor house with a very interesting history. On arrival, a sweeping driveway will lead you through the beautiful gardens, past the duck pond to the front door of the hall. The Grade II* listed 300-year-old house boasts many historic features such as the large Jacobean fireplace and listed grand staircase in the hall.
Now a luxurious wedding venue that has been completely refurbished creating a fabulous blend of traditional elegance and modern styles. The panoramic marquee situated in eight acres of manicured gardens overlooks the fountain and the Rose Garden providing a stunning backdrop on your wedding day. The gardens are particularly beautiful in spring, summer and early autumn with flower beds filled with stunning flowers, perfect rolling lawns, trees and a partial historic moat with a bridge leading to the village church. The gazebo for outdoor weddings stands on the lawn in a beautiful position to the side of the Rose Garden.
Christmas weddings at Hutton Hall are very festive with a 12ft Christmas tree in the Grand Hall, lots of twinkling lights and decorations and crackling log fires.
Ceremonies take place in the panelled Blue Room for up to 100 people, al fresco under the rustic gazebo situated on the rear lawn for up to 120 people, or couples can choose the village church situated on Church Lane 150 yards from the hall to the side of the moat.
Post-vows, the Blue Room, the Grand Hall, the Library and the Piano Room are all stunning reception rooms; what’s more, afternoon drinks receptions can be hosted in the Rose Garden directly to the rear of the marquee. Wedding breakfast can be held for up to 120 people and the evening reception 150.
When tying the knot here, one feature that couples absolutely fall in love with is the stunning two-storey Bridal Preparation Room on the first floor. Included in packages is an overnight stay in the Bridal Suite for the couple on the night of their wedding.
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