GOING LOCAL

https://sophieannphotography.co.uk GOING local

Tie the knot in and around Northamptonshire

DODMOOR HOUSE

01327 341 736 | www.dodmoorhouse.co.uk

Dodmoor House is a rustic and charming wedding venue made up of three elegant but rustic-stone barns, one for ceremonies, one for wedding breakfasts and the other for overnight stays. The rustic and charming interior features fresh and earthy tones plus plenty of character with original brickwork and beams throughout the spaces. Light fills the rooms in the summer and in the winter, the space is cosy with plenty of fairylights and candles.

Say “I do” in the Courtyard Barn, an intimate space that can accommodate 96 guests and features views over the courtyard. With ceiling beams, a stone floor and a wooden-pallet backdrop, it’s a beautiful space that guests will love. Or opt for the Catesby Barn, which can accommodate 58 people for more intimate ceremonies. The barn boasts high ceilings, fairylights, hanging candelabras and a mezzanine balcony. For those looking to exchange vows outside, say “I do” in the courtyard, the garden, behind the Catesby Barn, outside the main house or on the lawn.

Depending on where ceremonies are held, wedding breakfasts take place in one of the barns – usually the Catesby Barn. Each one has various table layouts for different capacities, so it’s always worth talking to the team for more information. The Catesby Barn is the perfect location for evening receptions; here couples will find the main bar and while the tables are cleared after the meal, nearlyweds can enjoy the early evening in the courtyard and the other spaces.

An overnight stay on the wedding night in the Honeymoon Suite is included within the venue’s hire fee and a continental breakfast is served the following day. The property hosts regular open evenings to allow couples and loved ones to visit the venue and see it in all its glory. Lovebirds can also meet a selection of recommended suppliers and sample canapés, drinks and sweet treats.

The team also offers a hire range of décor items such as table plans and help from a personal wedding coordinator to make the planning experience less stressful for couples.

SHEARSBY BATH

01162 478 202 | www.shearsbybath.co.uk

Set idyllic countryside, Shearsby Bath is a stone’s throw away from the historical and well-loved village of Shearsby. With more than five acres of landscaped gardens, the dazzling grounds create the perfect backdrop to wedding photography with plenty of picture-perfect areas to discover. The family-run venue provides a beautiful wedding setting with exceptional cuisine, elegant décor, the finest hospitality and attention to detail. The Old Spa Room creates a stunning location for ceremonies with 141 people and features an elegant atmosphere, original oak beams and panelling. Or why not exchange vows in the stunning Veil Bandstand, which is situated in the heart of the Secret Garden and has no restrictions on guest numbers. Receptions can occur in The Orangery for 70-day guests and 120 in the evenings; this is the ideal location for drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts or intimate discos. Alternatively, the marquee can accommodate 350 for a sit-down meal and is an entirely self-contained space that’s available all year round. Over the years, the Houston family has witnessed many couples trying to coordinate all their essential wedding elements and have seen first-hand how stressful and difficult this can be for them. With their wealth of contacts and creative experience, the team has orchestrated an impressive range of inclusive wedding experiences to make the process far more enjoyable. When couples book the venue, they’ll receive a complimentary tasting session and help from the wedding coordinator.

HELLIDON LAKES HOTEL

01327 262550 | https://hellidonlakeshotel.co.uk

Nestled within 220 acres of Northamptonshire countryside, Hellidon Lakes Hotel offers a stunning backdrop for weddings.

The venue can be found within the most beautiful grounds with eight charming lakes and provides a picture-perfect location for weddings of all sizes. With four beautiful suites available for ceremonies and receptions, 110 on-site bedrooms, a relaxing spa, a bowling alley and a 27-hole golf course, couples can make the most of their wedding celebrations!

Ceremonies can take place in the Holywell Suite with 100 people, who will love the spacious and airy room that overlooks the terrace. For larger celebrations, the Stratford Suite can fit 240 guests.

Continue the celebrations in the Marston Suite with 180 loved ones. The space is the largest room with its own private lounge and bar area, toilets and links to the Courtyard. Or opt for the Warwick Suite, which can host 140 people and boosts views over the grounds. The suite has a private lounge, bar space, toilets, an entrance from the main car park and a terrace.

Included in the venue’s packages is a complimentary menu tasting session for the couple to sample dishes for their big day. Those who book the Enchanted Package will receive a night’s stay in the honeymoon suite and an anniversary stay.

WHITTLEBURY PARK

01327 857 857 | www.whittlebury.com

Nestled in 700 acres of tranquil-ancient parkland, Whittlebury Park is a luxurious four-star hotel that provides a peaceful and elegant setting for wedding celebrations. There are three stunning venues on-site for couples to pick from, including The Orangery, The Pavilion and The Atrium. Orangeries became fashionable in the Georgian period and some beautiful examples of these buildings still survive today. The one at this property is set in the heart of the grounds and can accommodate 100 people for ceremonies. The old-stone flagged floor, enchanting piano and sweeping wrought-iron staircase provide a dream setting for grand entrances. The two oak trees, adjacent waterfall and lawns outside the venue are the ideal backdrop to wedding photography. Or why not exchange vows in The Atrium, a versatile space that can cater for 40 to 400 loved ones? With large windows and two balconies, couples will have spectacular views across the parkland and beyond. A great option for receptions is The Pavilion, which opens out onto a large terrace and lawn with a woodland area. Inside, The Banqueting Room is perfect for wedding breakfasts with 120 guests and more in the evening. The space resembles a marquee with the addition of white lining in the summer and a starlight ceiling in the winter with crystal chandeliers. Here couples will find a fully-licensed bar, a private courtyard, sofas for those who want to relax, a dancefloor and endless photo opportunities. Whittlebury Park also offers outdoor-tipi weddings for up to 150 people. The canvas-tipi tents are made from Scandinavian slow grown spruce and a waterproof hand-stitched canvas. It provides warmth in the winter and remains cool in the summer.

The venue offers wedding guests preferential accommodation rates at the hotel. If guests wish to extend their stay to a weekend, they can benefit from a special dinner, bed and breakfast rates for any additional nights.

Also check out…

CROCKWELL FARM

Crockwell Farm enjoys a tranquil location in the south Northamptonshire countryside with stunning rural views, extensive gardens and grounds. The venue is comprised of the original stone vaulted barn, a recently refurbished rustic bar and dining room.

Check out: www.crockwellfarm.co.uk ABINGTON PARK MUSEUM

Abington Park Museum is located in a Grade I listed manor house that provides a beautiful backdrop for weddings. The venue dates back to the 1500s and has been a rural Medieval farm manor house, country house, asylum and was once home to Shakespeare’s granddaughter.

Check out: www.northamptonmuseums.com

BARTON HALL HOTEL

Located on the outskirts of Barton Seagrave village, Barton Hall stands amongst the extensive gardens, mature trees and wildlife. The historic Grade II listed house is built with local stone and offers boutique styling.

Check out: www.bartonhall.com WOOD FARM AT EVERDON

Located in 80 acres of land, Wood Farm at Everdon is a beautiful barn venue that has versatility to suit many individual needs. With facilities on two floors, couples can use the venue to their liking. They can have the ceremony upstairs in the Bluebell Loft, followed by a wedding breakfast and reception downstairs.

Check out: www.woodfarmeverdon.co.uk