SHOWSTOPPERS

Dream wedding venues

These picture-perfect venues are what dreams are made of

HOUCHINS WEDDING VENUE

01376 561 448 | www.houchins.co.uk

A truly unique venue, Houchins is a lovingly restored barn set within its own peaceful landscaped grounds boasting a gentle formality with romantic planting including: roses, lavender, verbena, tulips and much more. There is a myriad of beautiful spots and hidden corners in which photographs can be taken, and the main wedding garden is where the marquee is situated and where the majority of weddings take place.

Designed in a unique modern style, the zinc and cedar shingle barn nestles in the wedding garden with huge folding glass double doors opening onto an expansive west-facing terrace. It’s the perfect setting for reception drinks set in the landscaped gardens. There are three interconnecting barns which allow the wedding to flow from reception drinks to wedding breakfast, then dance the night away in the aptly named Dance Barn!

For the all important ‘I dos’, the Foundry seats up to 130, The Grainstore 150 and for more intimate weddings the wood-panelled drawing room in the house seats 30. Outside there is the marquee and loggia providing seating for up to 150 and the rustic, unlicensed Woodland Wedding area also seats 150 friends and family.

Post-vows, The Grainstore is the perfect setting for the wedding breakfast seating up to 150 and adjoins the bar area and the dance barn; it features a 35ft-high ceiling, open fireplace and mezzanine gallery. Psst! There is also a recently re-landscaped pond with fountain that provides a dramatic arrival at the bottom of the drive in front of the beautiful listed farm house accommodation.

BRAXTED PARK

01621 770 855 | https://braxtedparkweddings.co.uk

www.stevebridgwoodphotography.co.uk

Approaching via the tree-lined drive, the Georgian mansion standing proud, it’s pure Pride & Prejudice on the outside with immaculate décor and superb facilities inside. Braxted Park marries the romance of the old with the best of the new to create a perfect 21st-century big-day venue.

The Orangery at Braxted Park is no ordinary setting for your ceremony of up to 160 loved ones. In this bright and airy exquisitely decorated room, you have the luxury of a space large enough for family and friends and an aisle generous enough for the most gorgeous of gowns. The delightful Orangery surrounds you with beauty on all sides, hand-painted murals and wonderful views over the gardens. For al fresco nuptials, behind mellow brick walls, lies the Knott Garden perfect for romantic gatherings of up to 160. As beautiful as any bridal bouquet with secluded nooks and delightful surprises around every corner, it enfolds all who enter in an enchanted circle of love.

Nestled so naturally within the walled garden, the recently-created Pavilion was designed to delight. Windows and doorways link it seamlessly with outdoor terraces and the green spaces beyond, while inside guests are immersed in contemporary comfort and state-of-theart facilities. Yours for the whole day and into the night, the Pavilion can be whatever you want it to be with up to 350 loved ones.

Psst! When tying the knot here couples benefit from a complimentary menu tasting for the bride and groom.

https://samandlouise.co.uk

THAT AMAZING PLACE

01279 354 455 | www.thatamazingplace.co.uk

Nestled in the Essex countryside in a picturesque location with views of its grounds and lake, That Amazing Place offers a breathtaking big-day backdrop for all seasons. Arriving via a long driveway, visitors find a beautiful Grade II listed building with a gated secret garden, pretty orchard and other picture-perfect spots.

Originally built in the 15th century as a monastery, the exterior is warm and welcoming and in keeping with its age. Inside, the venue has a modern luxurious feel with elegant furnishings and contemporary interiors. Totally private, it’s a real home from home in which to entertain friends. There are four main areas for celebrations. The Lakeview Lounge (for 70 guests) is an elegant and bright space, thanks to the gorgeous bay sash windows. The Hall is the largest space (100) and features twinkling chandelier lighting, a large mirrored wall and original fireplace.

Making the most of the fabulous grounds, vows can be taken under the outdoor Gazebo. Couples can then opt for the newly built Marquee (200) for partying. With panoramic walls to showcase the glorious grounds, the setting is gorgeous all year round.

Psst! With its luxurious Wedding Cottage and 13 guest rooms, guests can relax and enjoy themselves without the hassle of worrying about getting home.

www.paul-hubbard.co.uk

HYLANDS ESTATE

01245 605 500 | www.hylandsestateweddings.co.uk

https://mattchungphoto.com

Hylands Estate has an incredible 574 acres of historic parkland, including ancient woodlands, grassland, ponds, lakes and formal gardens. Guests can enjoy anything from a short stroll to admire the ornate Victorian Pleasure Gardens to a four-mile walk around the estate, taking in the rolling parkland and Serpentine Lake.

Hylands House is a beautiful Grade II* listed mansion and one of the most iconic buildings in the East of England. The grandeur of the portico, with its elegant ionic pillars, provides a stunning backdrop for wedding photos and the Rose Garden on the East Terrace offers couples another truly romantic setting.

The interiors have been meticulously restored reflective of the period, each room has its own personality, packed with traditional features like gilded and hand-painted ceilings and French marble fireplaces. The wedding suites on the first floor have just been completely redecorated to create luxurious private spaces for couples to get ready in style.

For ceremonies, couples can opt for the Drawing Room, with 80 loved ones; fabulously ornate with gilded ceiling which is complemented by gorgeous hand-painted wall motifs and a stunning marble fireplace. With a dual aspect overlooking the beautiful parkland and views opening out onto the East Terrace, the Drawing Room provides a wonderful setting. Alternatively the Banqueting Room, for 100 guests, is lavishly decorated with 24-carat gold leaf swag and scroll decorations, silk-lined walls and hand-painted wall motifs. A French fireplace completes its luxurious look, and elegant windows let the light stream in, giving a stunning view of the back lawn and the sweeping parkland beyond.

To celebrate post-vows, couples and their wedding party of up to 300 can head in to the Grand Pavilion. The space offers a contemporary setting complete with sparking chandeliers and ivory drapes. The floor-toceiling windows allow natural light to wash over the room, and guests can also use the private outside decked area.

Psst! The opulent Banqueting Room has been used as a location for super-stylish BBC TV show Killing Eve; and the new wedding suite gives couples and their entourages a gorgeous space in which to prepare for their big day, with incredible views of the parkland below.

PONTLANDS PARK

01245 476 444 | www.pontlandsparkhotel.co.uk

Located on the outskirts of Chelmsford City Centre, Pontlands Park is an impressive Victorian house set in beautifully landscaped gardens with feature pond – an idealistic backdrop for photos.

Approaching via the driveway gives a great first impression, as does the view of the house which has been lovingly restored internally to a contemporary finish, yet couples will still feel immersed in history.

For al fresco nuptials, the new garden gazebo can seat up to 100 guests overlooking the Essex countryside, or inside, the intimate Lilli Suite overlooks the gardens and pond area. The latter accommodates up to 60 seated guests, while the light and fully air-conditioned Conservatory Suite allows up to 100 seated loved ones.

Post-vows, couples can celebrate with a reception in both the Conservatory (90) or the Marquee (180); the Marquee features a silklined ceiling and chandeliers, a great backdrop to your event be it a romantic setting or extravagant theme.

Also, being a 35-bedroom hotel means your guests won’t have far to go, all rates are inclusive of breakfast meaning you can celebrate the morning after all together.

LEEZ PRIORY

01245 362 555 | www.leez-priory.co.uk

Leez Priory lies in 40 acres of the county’s glorious landscape. A sweeping driveway lights the way to the front of the breathtaking Tudor manor house. Manicured lawns give way to lakes and secluded woodland, while the picture-perfect inner courtyard is set against the backdrop of the historic Great Tower.

The building’s red-brick façade is steeped in character with castlelike battlements, leaded windows and a central tower. Inside, this cosy house blends luxury and comfort with its oak-panelled walls, exposed beams and roaring log fire.

There are a number of stunning settings for ceremonies both indoors and outdoors. Post-vow celebrations can be held in the rustic Coach House, the Great Hall or receptions can be held throughout the whole house for up to 250 people. The venue’s all-inclusive packages are designed to take the stress out of wedding planning and offer fantastic value for money.

Psst! There’s a Fisherman’s Cottage available to stay in the night before the wedding, as well as 25 guest bedrooms for when the party’s over.

GOSFIELD HALL

01787 472 914 | www.gosfield-hall.co.uk

www.lavenhamphotographic.co.uk

Nestled on the edge of Gosfield village in scenic Constable Country, Gosfield Hall is surrounded by 10 acres of landscaped parkland and a natural mile-long lake. Flanked by enormous statues of stags and styled with ornate fountains, it creates a stunning big-day backdrop.

A former royal palace, the Grade I listed Georgian manor has four wings, each with differing façades. In the centre is a pretty gravelled courtyard and four impressive Roman statues built into the walls.

Visitors step inside to find luxuriously opulent interiors. There are two indoor spaces for vows. The Queens Gallery (116 guests) boasts a 120foot aisle, oak panelling and sparkling chandeliers for a spectacular entrance. The Grand Salon (90) exudes contemporary style with twostorey sash windows and a hand-painted ceiling. When the weather is fine, the inner and outer courtyards (116) offer picture-perfect al fresco options.

After the ceremony, guests can spill outside for a drinks reception in the courtyard. Alternatively, there’s the Grand Salon or Library if the weather is inclement. This can be followed by a superb wedding breakfast in the elaborately decorated Ballroom (116) before the ultimate evening reception for up to 250 friends and family. The modern bar, dancefloor and resident DJ are sure to get the party started.

Psst! Up to 67 loved ones can retire to the on-site accommodation, which is tastefully decorated to complement the Tudor building.

https://jasminejadephotography.co.uk