9 minute read
AN EPIC ROMANCE
www.timparkephotography.co.uk An epic ROMANCE
Bristol and Somerset is full of venues that seem to jump from the pages of literature’s greatest love stories – now it’s time to write your own
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ST AUDRIES PARK
01984 633 633 | www.audries-park.co.uk
St Audries Park is a hidden gem nestled between the rolling Quantock Hills and the glorious Somerset coastline. This exclusive-use venue offers you your very own personal wedding manager to help you plan your big day. What’s more, the outstanding accommodation here is able to sleep more than 100 guests on the night of your wedding across the estate. You’re even offered the opportunity to extend your celebrations beyond the one day with a Party At Peregrine, which provides accommodation and a private meal and drinks facilities for you and your nearest and dearest the night before.
This exclusive-use wedding venue boasts a rich history, which is evident as you walk around, with a winding driveway that leads to the dramatic Gothic entrance. Inside, you’ll find an imposing feature fireplace, ornate solid-oak, hand-carved dining table, a gilded drawing room with baby grand piano and ornate ceiling.
An elegant retreat for those those wanting to tie the knot in Somerset, there’s a 100-acre deer park enveloping the grounds, breathtaking views and well-manicured gardens maintained all year round. The panoramic views stretch as far as the Bristol Channel.
The Orangery offers a picturesque setting for your nuptials. Flooded with natural light throughout the year, providing a bright, airy and neutral space that complements any colour palette. It can host 130 for the ceremony including the two of you. St Etheldreda’s Church sits atop the St Audries Park Estate. Owned and operated by the Church of England, it’s ideal for those wishing to be wed in a religious ceremony and is located just a short stroll away from the main house.
Receptions take place in The Great Hall for 250 evening guests, which boasts a vaulted ceiling with mezzanine level, offering guests a place to dance the night away as well as two bars. The venue can also accommodate 130 for a seated wedding breakfast.
Video courtesy of www.whitevillaweddings.co.uk
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HESTERCOMBE GARDENS
01823 413 923 | www.hestercombe.com/weddings
The historical buildings at Hestercombe have plenty of wow factor and offer unrivalled views across the glorious Edwardian gardens and beyond to the imposing Blackdown Hills. The venue features no less than 50 acres of lovingly restored gardens, representing three centuries of work and featuring lakes, cascades, temples, rills, shade-dappled pathways, and romantic corners. The beautiful scenery is tended by a team of skilled gardeners all year round providing a very special setting indeed for any big day.
Ceremonies can be held in The Orangery for up to 90 loved ones. A beautiful light-filled setting, this iconic ham-stone building was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and offers the ideal backdrop whatever your theme. Guests can spill out on the Orangery Lawn and enjoy a drinks reception post vows.
The Bampfylde Hall meanwhile, dates back to 1680 and with its high ceilings and dramatic timber beams it provides a memorable space for your vows. There’s room here for 150 nearest and dearest. It’s also home to wedding receptions at Hestercombe and can seat 112 guests for the wedding breakfast and can accommodate 150 for the evening do. With a lovely fairylight canopy it offers a charming and romantic atmosphere as you dine and dance the night away.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to exchange vows in the open air, truly making the most of the gorgeous gardens, the Temple Arbour, dating from the 1750s and perched high above the Pear Pond, can seat up to 112. Hestercombe House too can host intimate ceremonies and receptions in its period rooms.
COMBE HOUSE HOTEL
01278 741 382 | www.combehouse.co.uk
A privately-owned country-house hotel with 17 individually decorated ensuite bedrooms with dining areas and bar, Combe House Hotel also boasts a year-round function marquee with starlit ceiling, picture windows, bar, dancefloor, lighting and PA system. Set in the magnificent Quantock Hills in four-and-a-half acres of its own grounds and picturesque gardens, it also has access to the Hills and within a mere three-minute walk there’s a large open wooden area, ideal for your photos.
Indoor ceremonies are held in the hotel’s lounge where there’s space for 80 of your nearest and dearest. It’s an intimate ceremony area with wood-beamed ceilings, a large open fireplace dressed with foliage, and a wood burner. Al fresco “I dos” take place in the pan-tiled Corner House, a three-sided structure complete with rose arch entrance and cream aisle carpet on shingles. It can host 110 loved ones.
Celebrate in style in the Hotel dining room. A private dining area located inside the main hotel it boasts picture windows and can seat 45. Alternatively for larger numbers, there’s the permanent year-round marquee. Fully glazed and heated with a starlit ceiling it can host 110 guests. There’s also a full bar and dancefloor facilities to be enjoyed.
Our exquisite Orangery is beautifully decorated in the 18th century style and has huge windows with views of the gardens and doors that lead straight onto a private terrace. The lounge spaces can be used to relax or for dancing, and when the evening is over all 28 bedrooms are yours for your guests to stay overnight. Get in touch and discuss your wedding dreams in detail with our experienced Wedding Team.
CHARLTON HOUSE HOTEL
Situated in beautiful Somerset and surrounded by the Mendip Hills,
this stunning country retreat can be Exclusively yours for your special day. Our grade 2 listed building is full of wonderful delights, making it the perfect wedding setting and gives plenty of charm and character to every photo.
Charlton Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4PR
Contact us via email
events.charltonhousehotel @bannatyne.co.uk
or call 01749 342008 to organise a time to suit you
www.bradwakefield.com
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CLEVEDON HALL
01275 795 895 | www.clevedonhall.co.uk
Clevedon Hall is a lavish mansion house set in the heart of North Somerset just 15 minutes from Bristol. Its extensive grounds are filled with photo opportunities from the lake and bridge, to the beautiful meadow or wilderness walk, all overlooked by Hebe’s fountain. If you’re lucky you might even be able to get a deer to join you for a photo! The venue is also just a couple of minutes away from Clevedon Pier and the sea, offering a dramatic backdrop for some showstopping sunset pictures.
There are a number of different space options available here offering you the ultimate flexibility and choice for your big day. The Great Hall can host up to 120 loved ones for the “I dos.” This offers an amazing entrance with a balcony walk down to the aisle framed by stained glass windows. The Gazebo offers a further licensed ceremony option and can accommodate up to 150. This beautiful setting overlooking the lake and lawn is perfect for anyone looking to get married outside surrounded by wild flowers.
The Library can accommodate up to 100 guests for the ceremony and 124 for the reception with guests seated at round tables and 130 if seated banqueting style. It boasts a wealth of original architectural details, which have been lovingly restored. The Orangery can hold 150 nearest and dearest for the ceremony and 130 to 140 for your celebrations depending on table configuration. The interior is beautifully light thanks to its stunning windows overlooking the main building and gardens. If you want to bring the outside in, this is the space for you.
Ideal for intimate occasions, the Dame Rosa Burden can host up to 60 guests for your vows and 50 for the wedding breakfast. Its big bay windows overlook the grounds and directly onto the lake. With its stunning architecture it’s definitely the place to make a grand entrance.
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THORNBURY CASTLE
01454 281 182 | www.thornburycastle.co.uk
Thornbury Castle, the honeymoon destination of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, is steeped in history inside and out. From the original walls and mounting steps where the former King would have once stood, to the feature oriel windows and 500-year-old chimneys, there’s always something to revel in for the history fan. Every room allows you to step back in time and each bedchamber includes individual Tudor features such as four-poster beds and stone walls. The grounds too are beautifully historical and thanks to the hard-working gardening team are some of the best-preserved Tudor gardens in England.
There’s an impressive choice of locations when it comes to your ceremony. The most intimate of which is The Library suitable for 14 guests. It features wood-panelled walls and an oriel window. The Lounge is slightly larger and can host 24, and the biggest of the indoor spaces is The Tudor Hall, which can accommodate 75 loved ones. It features stone walls, original fireplace, an oriel window plus additional adjacent rooms.
If you prefer to tie the knot al fresco, The Summerhouse can hold 14 nearest and dearest and is a charming feature of the rose garden. The Goodly Gardens are suitable for guest lists of up to 75 people and features some of the oldest Tudor gardens in England all surrounded by stone walls.
The Barons Sitting Room is suitable for receptions for up to 20 loved ones, with original beams, an ornamental fireplace and one long feature table. The Chancellors Lounge is a private space for guests to enjoy throughout the day with views of the front lawn and inside courtyard. Adjacent rooms, The Tudor Hall and Boyling House can together host 75 day and 120 evening guests. The former acts as the wedding breakfast area, following which you’ll adjourn into the Boyling House with reception room and private bar.