RURAL ROMANCE

www.shutterbliss.co.uk THEMED VENUES

The regions’ most idyllic country venues

Venue capacities may change amid the coronavirus pandemic.

BATCH COUNTRY HOUSE

01934 750 371 | www.batchcountryhouse.co.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

Found within award-winning landscaped gardens overlooking the Mendip Hills, this scenic setting offers endless photo opportunities alongside ponds, waterfalls and fountains.

Inside, visitors find a comfortable country house with a traditional farmhouse feel. Extended over many years, the venue features a handcrafted oak bar, cosy lounge areas and ample space for couples to celebrate with their nearest and dearest.

LET’S CELEBRATE!

Ceremonies can take place in the Somerset Suite (120 guests). Benefitting from wooden beams, a fireplace and oak doors, it’s full of rustic character. The Garden Gazebo (130 guests) is a pretty al fresco location.

Receptions normally take place in the Ivory Suite (250 guests). This permanent building boasts a private bar and is decorated in a marquee style with ivory drapes and chandeliers. The illuminated ceiling and dancefloor make for a truly magical atmosphere.

WE LOVE…

The team prides itself on the venue’s excellent cuisine and homely atmosphere.

www.morlove.co.uk

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 the stunning marble Aphrodite’s Dome, ornate fountains, 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. Elopement weddings for two are held in the pretty summerhouse.

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, while some packages include anniversary stays and wedding-night accommodation.

www.thurtlepower.com www.brightsightphotography.com

THE LONGHOUSE

01749 812 307 | www.longhouseweddings.co.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

The Longhouse is a beautiful, environmentally friendly venue with high ceilings, large windows and a broad balcony to make the most of the views across the Brue Valley. The blank-canvas space offers simple white interiors with accents of soft sage green and wooden floors. Although the space is large, it retains a warm and welcoming ambience, with a log burner available for use in winter. Softly clad in silver larch and set high in the landscape, it gives the feeling of floating among the trees, looking out across the picturesque Somerset countryside and abundant gardens. friends and family. The Gazebo is a handmade oak structure set in the gardens at the base of the venue’s vineyard. The Longhouse gives the feeling of bringing the outside in with its spectacular vistas. For a more intimate ceremony, The Wine Cellar is situated in the oldest part of the farmhouse and provides a deeply romantic feel with its stone walls and vaulted ceiling.

When it comes to post-vow partying, couples can invite up to 200 people. The Wine Cellar and The Longhouse are lovely spots, along with the Patio. A covered setting with stunning views, it’s ideal for a drinks reception.

WE LOVE…

There’s on-site accommodation for up to 61 guests with a full English breakfast in the morning, and each booking includes exclusive use of the bridal suite. This family-run business prides itself on caring for its couples and the environment.

OLD BRIDGE

01460 240 855 | www.old-bridge.co.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

Old Bridge, and its beautiful wedding marquee, is set in two acres of mature gardens and woods. Built in the local honey-coloured hamstone, the Elizabethan manor is a wonderful big-day backdrop. Inside, couples will find a traditional ambience throughout, with its portraits, shields and large inglenook fireplace.

LET’S CELEBRATE!

The Great Hall (75 guests) is the indoor ceremony option and is available year-round. For al fresco vows when the weather is fine, the pretty Front Porch is also licensed.

After the formalities, wedding parties can spill out on to the front lawn for drinks and canapés. The picturesque grounds are ideal for garden games, fire pits and bouncy castles etc. The 400-year-old sweet chestnut tree, with its three-seat swing, is a great photo opportunity.

Receptions take place in the marquee (200 seated guests). Available from May to September, it’s fully lined, carpeted and furnished with tables, chairs and a catering area.

WE LOVE…

The venue offers couples the freedom to bring their own caterer, alcohol and music. There’s the added bonus of exclusive use the day before and after the wedding for stress-free setting up and breaking down.

www.bensimmondsphotography.co.uk

ST AUDRIES PARK

01984 633 633 | www.audries-park.co.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

Spanning more than 100 acres in the rolling Quantock Hills, the St Audries Park estate boasts an elevated position with fabulous coastal views. The deer park and lake are serene settings, and the immaculate grounds feature neatly striped grass and a manicured croquet lawn.

The building provides an impressive backdrop for weddings, with towers, turrets, huge stained-glass windows and its Victorianstyle Orangery. Inside, there are endless period features to enjoy in splendid surroundings. LET’S CELEBRATE!

All couples have exclusive use of the house and grounds for their special day. Vows are taken in The Orangery (130 guests) before making use of the many grand and elegant reception rooms. The Great Hall’s vaulted ceiling, minstrels’ gallery and roaring log fire make for an impressive welcome. The Drawing Room, with its handpainted ceiling and wall of windows, is another favourite. For fine dining with a view, couples will love The Banqueting Hall, which overlooks the deer park and rose garden.

WE LOVE…

Nearlyweds can host an informal gathering the night before the wedding for up to 40 loved ones at Peregrine House. There’s also accommodation for up to 110 people for the wedding night.