SPOTLIGHT ON

Spotlight on... BATH AND MENDIP

Tie the knot in a local hotspot

BATH RACECOURSE

01225 424 609 | www.bath-racecourse.co.uk

Bath Racecourse, set in the hills just outside Bath city centre, burst onto the scene as one of the area’s most impressive wedding venues following its 2016 multi-million-pound redevelopment. With a dedicated team and trusted suppliers, you’re assured that you’ll have everything you need to turn your big-day dreams into a reality. Standing proudly amongst beautiful grounds, the Racecourse offers a tranquil location with plenty of picturesque backdrops for those all-important photos.

CEREMONY TO CELEBRATIONS The Royal Crescent is an elegantly decorated space, the perfect complement to any colour palette you may choose. The newly refurbished suite boasts a glass façade as well as a balcony to offer you and your guests unrivalled views of the countryside. Located just above it the Roof Garden is an idyllic al fresco setting for photographs, drinks receptions and relaxation. The Royal Crescent has room for 300 ceremony guests and 150 for a seated wedding breakfast.

The Paddock Pavilion is a luxury glass-fronted marquee, boasting a neutral design and glorious view of the racecourse and surrounding countryside. It’s fully-lined, carpeted and lit, leading out on to a lush champagne lawn. It can accommodate 500 loved ones for the “I dos,” and 320 for seated dining.

The Mornington Suite is a stunning space overlooking the finishing straight. It’s light and airy with a private balcony and high ceilings. Based in its own private building it’s ideal for an intimate ceremony with 80 of your nearest and dearest. It can also host 50 for the wedding breakfast.

Finally, Bottega Terrazza is a fabulous al fresco spot whether you’re welcoming them with canapes or enjoying a glass of bubbly on a summer’s evening.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT The venue’s exquisite menus are created seasonally by the head chef and are bursting with fresh flavours and executed with precision to accommodate even the most discerning of palates. Join the team for a tasting session ahead of the big day where they’ll work with you to create your ideal wedding breakfast.

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ROMAN BATHS & PUMP ROOM

01225 477786 | www.bathvenues.co.uk

Situated at the heart of the World Heritage site, the Roman Baths & Pump Room is without doubt 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. A non-weather dependent venue, it’s open to the elements, yet suitable for weddings as shelter is provided by the soffits of the terrace above. There are further undercover areas such as the East Baths and plunge pool, which form part of the museum by day.

THE “I DOS” The hot baths, which yield around 1,200,000 litres of water daily at a constant 46˚C are surrounded by the original ancient paving. It’s here that ceremonies take place either in the morning or evening, overlooked by the beautiful Bath Abbey. What could be more magical than exchanging your vows before sipping champagne on 2,000-year-old paving with flaming torches reflected in the thermal waters? You can choose to have no guests at all for a special elopement experience, but there are airy rooms available in which to entertain loved ones.

Sunrise ceremonies take place at 8.30am, while sunset ceremonies are held at 7.30pm.

THE CELEBRATIONS Sunrise ceremonies are followed by a champagne breakfast in the grand Pump Room restaurant for 60 nearest and dearest. The Pump Room is Grade I listed and was a social hub for Georgian society, famously frequented by Jane Austen. It’s an elegant space boasting tall windows, Corinthian columns and a glittering chandelier.

After your sunset ceremony on the other hand, you’ll enjoy drinks beside the Great Bath with further celebrations on the Terrace (overlooking the Great Bath) and Reception Hall for 40 to 160 guests.

Alternatively, you may hire the whole venue including Pump Room, Reception Hall and Terrace with capacity of 290. Evening hire isn’t available from mid-June to the end of August.

THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL & SPA

01225 823 333 | www.royalcrescent.co.uk

The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa offers an iconic one-of-a-kind destination for a wedding ceremony and reception. Its location in the centre of the historic Royal Crescent in beautiful Bath ensures plenty of photo opportunities, and its acre of hidden gardens bring all the romance and green space of a countryside wedding. In the summer, lavender lines the flagstoned pathways and roses scent the air. The hotel is known for its five-star service, and with a variety of interior and exterior event spaces to choose from you have the opportunity to make your day your own. CEREMONY TO CELEBRATIONS All of spaces here are available for both ceremonies and receptions. The largest is The Dower House Restaurant, with capacity of 100. It’s an elegant space that opens out onto the gardens. The Walled Wedding Garden with licensed pergola is your very own special space. It’s ideal for a romantic outside ceremony or reception and features a standalone Garden Villa, which sleeps eight people, perfect for getting ready in the morning and staying over at the end of the day.

The most intimate of spots is the peaceful Library, which can host 20. There’s also the Sir Percy Blakeney Suite for 30 guests. Overlooking the Crescent lawns, its neutral pale pink décor will suit any wedding palette and it features an adjoining living area and bedroom.

DESIGN DECOR HIRE STYLING

SERVICING BATH & NORTH SOMERSET

www.ambiencevenuestyling.com

Create Your Perfect Day

• Licensed for weddings all year in the Great Hall or outside • Exclusive use of marquee and gardens from May to September • Ample adjacent level parking for guests • Freedom to arrange your food, drinks and entertainment • No corkage or VAT

Your Party, Done Your Way

• Ceremony room sits up to 75, unlimited numbers if outside • Marquee seats up to 200 people • Dance floor, tables and chairs lighting and heating included • Discreet equipped catering area and fully staffed bar provided • In between Yeovil and Taunton with easy access to the A303

THE BISHOP’S PALACE AND GARDENS, WELLS

01749 988 111 | www.bishopspalace.org.uk

Steeped in history, The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens sits at the heart of the Medieval city of Wells, Somerset. Whether your arrival is by car or a relaxed stroll across the drawbridge, as you make your way through the arch of the ancient gatehouse, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of this stunning 800-year-old building.

With the moat surrounding the Palace offering the tranquil sounds of flowing water, the backdrop of Wells Cathedral, picturesque willow bridge and seasonal flowers and plants all year round, this really is a beautiful space to gather.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE A friendly welcome awaits you and your loved ones as does a glass of champagne and, when you’ve made your way onto the garden terrace overlooking the South Lawn and ramparts, you’ll be able to relax and take in the stunning surroundings. With 14 acres of gardens to explore there’s no shortage of backdrops for your photographer to utilise.

Lit with candles, The Undercroft provides the ideal intimate atmosphere for your wedding breakfast. It can seat 105 loved ones along bespoke wooden banqueting tables. A further 50 guests can be welcomed for your evening reception. The venue works closely with its local catering partner to ensure quality, locally-sourced ingredients and a high level of service.

The Portrait Gallery offers space for 105 standing. Following the speeches and cake cutting, you can retire here for coffee and cake. Relax and take time to enjoy a more informal time with your guests, while the team transform the Undercroft for the evening bash.

Also check out...

ASSEMBLY ROOMS

01225 477 786 | www.bathvenues.co.uk

BECKFORD’S TOWER AND MUSEUM

01225 422 212 | https://beckfordstower.org.uk MACDONALD BATH SPA HOTEL

0344 879 9106 | www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/bath

PENNARD HILL FARM

07795 806 858 | www.pennardhillfarm.co.uk