SPOTLIGHT ON

Spotlight on…Brilliant Bristol

Venue capacities may change amid the coronavirus pandemic.

THE ORANGERY AT GOLDNEY HOUSE

0117 428 4000 | http://www.bristol.ac.uk/venues/weddings

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Nestled within romantic walled gardens, the enchanting Orangery at Goldney House is a timelessly elegant venue overlooking the city, providing an oasis of calm away from the everyday buzz of Bristol. With a Georgian folly, a shell grotto and ornate water feature, guests can enjoy the serenity of this beautiful space.

The Orangery is a historic wisteria-clad building with original stone floors, high ceilings and wonderfully large windows that let in an abundance of light. It benefits from French-style doors that can be opened up on a warm day to let the outside in. There’s also an exclusive area for the newlyweds to take a breath and freshen up during the day.

LET’S CELEBRATE! Ceremonies are held in several spaces, from the intimate Rotunda (14 guests), to the elegant Georgian Drawing Room and Wills Reception Room (80 guests). Most receptions take place in The Orangery (110 day guests and 150 evening guests), but there’s also smaller settings for groups of between 12 and 50 people.

WE LOVE… The historical grotto, which is encrusted in shells and quartz, can be hired during your drinks reception as something different for guests to enjoy.

ARNOS VALE

0117 971 9117 | www.arnosvale.org.uk/weddings

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Found in 45 acres of green space, this idyllic retreat offers a one-of-a-kind setting in the heart of the city. The Victorian Garden Cemetery was designed in the style of an ancient Greek necropolis. Surrounded by abundant trees and plants, it offers a memorable backdrop for photos.

Guests can discover a magical woodland wedding spot, the Underwood Centre, which complements its surroundings perfectly. Parties will love getting back to nature surrounded by rustic wooden benches, birdsong and dappled sunshine – furry friends are welcome here too. There’s a collection of wonderful venues here each with its own character, with capacities for up to 90 ceremony guests and 140 reception guests.

LET’S CELEBRATE! Designed by Charles Underwood in 1839, The Spielman Centre is a fusion of elegant Victorian architecture mixed with the modern glass design of the attached Atrium Café. Benefitting from magnificent leaded windows, natural light and a fabulous pillared entrance, it provides a blank canvas for couples who wish to put their stamp on the venue.

The Grade II listed Victorian Anglican Chapel is the centrepiece of the venue and it’s where Church of England ceremonies take place. Loved ones can admire beautifully carved columns and the bell tower before stepping inside the grand hall. Ornate floor tiles, elegant curved windows and marble wall plaques give a classic yet stylish atmosphere.

WE LOVE… No two weddings here are the same, and the team prides itself on being as flexible as possible to create the day of couples’ dreams – from a relaxed celebration in the woods to the grandest formal wedding breakfast in a chapel.

ASHTON GATE STADIUM

0117 9630 680 | www.ashtongatestadium.co.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Nestled in the heart of South Bristol, Ashton Gate Stadium is a £45million state-of-the-art stadium with a whole host of exciting photo opportunities and memorable pitch-side views. Guests can be welcomed on the large screen by a choice of message or photo as they arrive at the home of Bristol City and Bristol Bears. The venue can even match the stadium lights to the wedding theme.

There are various function rooms to accommodate different capacities and styles, whether that’s an intimate ceremony or a lavish affair, there’s a room to match. Each space has its own bar, LED TV screens and some have views of the pitch. LET’S CELEBRATE! Couples can celebrate in a number of spaces including the Director’s Box (50 guests) or a choice of 18 executive boxes running along the length of the Lansdown Stand. Bigger celebrations are held in the Heineken Lounge (200 guests) or the Lansdown Suite (800 guests).

The Sports Bar is a modern space at the front of the stadium, with a large private bar and mezzanine level should couples want to spread their guests out. It boasts the largest TV screen in Europe, which shows live sports and gives a nod to the teams that play at Ashton Gate.

BERWICK LODGE

0117 958 1590 | www.berwicklodge.co.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Berwick Lodge offers a grand location for big-day celebrations, with its 18 acres of woodland and views across to Wales. The stunning gardens, managed by former royal gardener Robert Dunster, boast ornate fountains, a marble gazebo, an orchard and a summerhouse.

The imposing red-brick Victorian manor is first glimpsed at the end of a tree- and lantern-lined driveway. Guests step inside to find the interior has an east-meets-west feel, with sumptuous oversized sofas, crystal chandeliers and open fires bringing a luxurious touch to this homely venue. Visitors climb the sweeping staircase to find 14 individually designed bedrooms. LET’S CELEBRATE! There are two options for ceremonies within the Mews, which is a converted stable block. Summeria (50 guests) is a beautifully light room with countryside views, while Mesopotamia (90 guests) is located on the ground floor. Furnished with pillars and large windows, it has access to a patio adjacent to the woodland. Receptions are held in the intimate atmosphere of the Hattusa dining room (150 guests), with its stylish architecture and twinkling chandeliers.

WE LOVE… All wedding couples are treated to a complimentary menu and wine tasting evening.

BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN

0117 926 0680 | www.ssgreatbritain.org

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Set in the city’s historic dockyard, the SS Great Britain cuts a striking image in Bristol’s harbour. Located a short reach from the city centre, couples can arrive by boat for their special day and enjoy stunning views across the city.

The ship, which was launched in 1843, has been restored to its former glory, with gold trim and celebratory signal flags depicting the grandeur of her launch. As the world’s first great ocean liner, the interior reflects the luxury of first-class travel.

LET’S CELEBRATE! Ceremonies can be held on the Promenade Deck (120 guests), an airy space flooded with natural light, pillars and mirrors, with couples making their grand entrance down the impressive 30-metre aisle. Alternatively, Rigger’s Yard (50 guests) is a rusticstyle al fresco space for nuptials overlooking the water’s edge, with Bristol’s colourful skyline as the backdrop.

Following the vows, couples can choose from two spaces for their reception surrounded by up to 200 loved ones. The First Class Dining Saloon boasts the finest Victorian décor, with marble-effect pillars and banquet-style seating. The Hayward Saloon is a great party space, with a bar and dancing area ready to be decorated to the couple’s liking.

WE LOVE… Guests can explore the inner workings of the historic ship, including the engine room, living area and steerage. They can also treat their loved ones to a cruise around the harbour before returning for the evening celebrations.