SPOTLIGHT ON

https://albertpalmerphotography.com Spotlight on... BATH AND MENDIP

ROMAN BATHS & PUMP ROOM

01225 477 786 | www.bathvenues.co.uk

What can you expect? Situated in the heart of Bath’s World Heritage Site, the Roman Baths & Pump Room is one of the most distinctive buildings in the country. The award-winning complex is steeped in history, with its origins dating back 2,000 years.

Forming part of the museum by day, the Great Bath has been meticulously renovated while retaining the character of this ancient monument. It’s here at sunrise and sunset that vows can be exchanged, overlooked by the beautiful Bath Abbey. Ceremonies can still take place in wet weather, as shelter is provided by the terrace above.

Let’s celebrate! Perfect for smaller celebrations and elopements, sunrise ceremonies can be followed by a champagne breakfast for up to 60 guests or 40 guests on a Saturday. Sunset vows (160 guests) are followed by a glass of champagne on the 2,000-year-old paving. In colder weather, the steam from the baths, coupled with flickering torchlight, creates a magical atmosphere. From mid-June to the end of August, evening ceremonies are not available.

The adjoining Grade I listed Pump Room (160 guests) is the ideal party space. Famously frequented by Jane Austen, the elegant room has tall windows, Corinthian columns and a glittering chandelier. Also part of the complex, the Terrace (80 guests) overlooking the Great Bath is an intimate area for events, along with the Reception Hall.

Exclusive-use packages are available for up to 290 friends and family. Nearlyweds will be treated to a free menu tasting with the venue’s caterer, Searcys (www.searcys.co.uk).

We love… The venue has put in place additional measures to ensure the safety of both guests and staff, and it has successfully hosted a number of COVIDsecure weddings.

THE BISHOP’S PALACE & GARDENS, WELLS

01749 988 111 | www.bishopspalace.org.uk

What can you expect? Hidden within ancient ramparts and protected by a moat, 14 acres of tranquil, Grade II listed gardens await visitors. With herbaceous borders, pretty pools and the scent of roses in the air, there are endless photo opportunities against the backdrop of the cathedral. In 2016, the gardens were awarded RHS Partner Garden status.

The palace dates back to the 13th-century, and the romantic ruins of The Great Hall complement the majesty of the Medieval façade and aweinspiring setting of the gatehouse and moat. The Bishop’s Private Chapel is renowned for its impressive stone tracery and high stainedglass windows. Let’s celebrate! The adjacent town hall is available for the official I dos. Parties then head to the venue to celebrate in a choice of spaces, including the Medieval Entrance Hall, the vaulted stone Undercroft, the Terrace and the Long Gallery. Guests can also explore the grounds, which are home to the well pools that give the city its name. On the moat are the famous swans, who ring a bell when they want food!

We love… Couples tying the knot here receive a free food tasting and complimentary membership for a year.

WOOKEY HOLE CAVES

01749 672 243 | www.wookey.co.uk

What can you expect? Featuring spectacular caves in the stunning surroundings of the Mendip Hills, this is a venue with a difference. The Paper Mill boasts a rich heritage, being at the heart of English paper-making for more than 400 years, while the magical caves hold awe-inspiring rock formations for a big day to remember. Surrounded by clear pools and soft candlelight, vows are taken in caves that have been carved out by the River Axe over millions of years.

Outside, guests can enjoy rural views, woodland walks and a range of on-site activities, from the fairy garden to pirate-themed mini golf. The largest will hold up to 110 people, but they’re also intimate enough to offer a ceremony for just a few loved ones. The Water Wheel Suite (140 guests) inside the Grade II listed Paper Mill is perfect for those looking for an elegant blank-canvas space.

For an unforgettable reception, couples can hold a party in Captain Jacks (200 guests). With its circus-inspired decor, hanging chandeliers and twinkling fairylights, it’s sure to leave guests speechless.

We love… From the venue’s Vintage Penny Arcade to Dinosaur Valley and a 30ft King Kong statue, this really is a wedding location like no other. Couples will also receive a complimentary menu tasting and weddingnight accommodation in the on-site hotel.

WICK FARM BATH

01225 722 238 | https://wickfarmbath.co.uk

What can you expect? Set on a Medieval farm, this venue has the sweet smell of roses and lavender hanging in the air. Hazel arches decked in twinkling lights overlook the pretty duck pond and fields beyond. There are endless picture-perfect spots from the ancient haybarn and the enclosed garden to the lovely dry stone walls. There’s also 37 acres of stunning farmland with the Westbury White Horse in the background.

The Threshing Barn is a 14th-century structure built from Cotswold stone by the monks at Hinton Priory. Inside, guests find original beams and oak flooring throughout.

Let’s celebrate! Ceremonies and wedding breakfasts can be held in the Upper Barn (150 guests), before moving to the Lower Barn for a drinks reception and then on to the Marquee or into the grounds if the weather is fine. Alternatively there’s the ancient Hay Barn (90 guests) or al fresco vows are held on the Terrace (130 guests).

The barn’s mezzanine level and the enclosed garden are ideal places for games and entertainment. There’s also a peaceful bridal room for the couple to retreat to.

We love… The newlyweds will love spending their first night as a married couple in the newly converted accommodation. They’ll also receive a free food tasting from caterers Strawberry Field.

Also check out…

The Assembly Rooms | www.bathvenues.co.uk The Guildhall | www.bathvenues.co.uk Victoria Art Gallery | www.bathvenues.co.uk Hamswell House | www.hamswellhouse.co.uk Orchardleigh Estate | https://orchardleigh.net

educated choice THE

FOR WEDDINGS

Taunton School offers a range of beautiful wedding suites, a stunning on-site chapel and top quality banqueting cuisine. The team prides itself on offering everything you need for a unique and unforgettable wedding day.

The venue boasts a fine range of 19th-century Gothic-style buildings, complemented by 20th- and 21st-century additions, including the new state-of-the-art Densham Suite; an impressive contemporary piece of architecture, perfect for larger weddings. Plus, there’s a team of dedicated and passionate planners, with you every step of the way to support you in creating the wedding of your dreams. THE VOWS

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to ceremony options: choose from the charming Old Library, stylish and contemporary Densham Suite, or the pretty chapel garden if you’d prefer a outdoor “I dos.”

The enchanting chapel was built in 1907 and comfortably seats 300 in collegiate-style pews. Featuring a large, charming chancel and apse, this remarkable space offers a special setting for a memorable wedding ceremony.

The Old Library can accommodate up to 135 loved ones for the vows while the newest addition, the Densham Suite, can comfortably host 400.

There are also several additional intimate spaces providing you with a variety of options regardless of guest numbers.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE

In September 2020, Taunton School opened one of the largest hospitality event spaces in Taunton. With a £3.6million investment this impressive purpose-built facility is both architecturally beautiful and energy efficient, featuring state-of-the-art sound, vision and lighting. The venue beautifully combines old and new in the shape of the traditional Gothic stone wall, which is fused with a contemporary glass front and modern pine, offering a sensational space, perfect for the large stylish wedding.

The Densham Suite can cater for 300 seated at round tables, or up to 500 guests for an informal reception or evening party. With the added flexibility, this room can be equally subdivided to provide separate areas for the day and evening celebrations.

The Old Library is a classic and romantic wood-panelled room with beautiful Gothic windows and attractive golden chandeliers, offering an essence of timeless elegance and a stylish backdrop for your formal wedding breakfast accompanied by 135 guests. As proceedings move into the latter part of the day the library’s adjoining rooms can be opened up to reveal a buffet suite and fully-stocked foyer bar, meaning you can invite up to 190 guests to dance the night away. PLANNED TO PERFECTION

The venue offers a range of exciting evening menus, from the classic buffet to hog roasts and street food, catering for all your needs and wishes. What’s more, its wedding planners have relationships with a range of quality local recommended suppliers to support smooth planning and can help you with ideas for styling. They’ll be delighted to meet you to discuss your wedding and would love to take you on a personal tour of the beautiful facilities, before developing a bespoke proposal based on your requirements.

Please contact Taunton School’s wedding planner to arrange a viewing appointment. enterprises@tauntonschool.co.uk | 01823 703 116 | www.tauntonschoolenterprises.co.uk/weddings