ONCE UPON A TIME

Once upon a time Go behind the doors of these fairytale venues

BOWOOD HOTEL, SPA & GOLF RESORT, CALNE, WILTSHIRE

This luxury countryside resort is surrounded by 2,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland home to local wildlife, an abundance of history and boasting far-flung views. Access to the resort is via the impressive Golden Gates, designed by Sir Charles Barry, chief architect of the Houses of Parliament.

The outdoor wedding pavilion that hosts summer ceremonies is located on the large open terrace and enjoys panoramic views. At the far end of the resort is The Kerry Suite situated next to the old farmhouse also offering a ceremony option for up to 160 guests and an alternative for the wedding breakfast and can accommodate up to 250 guests for the evening reception. It’s filled with light and furnished in a contemporary style, suiting many wedding themes. It’s made up of three internal rooms; the Kerry, Wycombe and Clanmaurice. Each one can be used individually or combined to create one larger suite. There’s a private bar and lounge and an outdoor courtyard ideal for a champagne drinks reception.

Couples booking their wedding at Bowood can expect to receive complimentary food and wine tasting. There are 43 luxurious bedrooms available and discounted accommodation rates for friends and family.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01249 822 228, www.bowood.org

We love... The selection of wedding packages on offer includes special dates for last-minute rates and they also offer a bespoke option where couples can design their dream day.

THE WARDROBE WALLED GARDEN WEDDINGS, SALISBURY

This historic venue offers exclusivity within the walls of Cathedral Close in Salisbury. Fronting Choristers Square, the house dates back to the 13th century with many additions and alterations.

To the rear, there’s a mature walled garden, known as the secret garden, a hidden gem in the heart of this Cathedral city where exclusive marquee ceremonies and receptions can be held. It’s fully enclosed and covers more than half an acre leading down to the banks of the River Avon. The pretty flowerbeds and blooming rose garden make it an ideal photographic backdrop.

There are various wedding packages available allowing exclusive use of this secret garden with views of Salisbury Cathedral priced from £145 per person which includes marquee hire, a choice of wedding breakfast menu from a three-course dinner to an informal barbecue and an on-the-day wedding coordinator. For a full list of what’s included, and to take advantage of our exclusive offer, turn to page 11.

Small wedding receptions take place in the historic regimental room suitably placed to admire the views of the Cathedral spire, with larger celebrations enjoying the marquee outside in the secret garden. Access is granted the day before, and after, the wedding included in the cost. There’s also an experienced wedding and event planner on hand, plus a complimentary tasting of the wedding breakfast menu and a discounted lunch the day after the celebration included in the price.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01722 580 086, www.wardrobeweddings.co.uk

We love... the city-centre location making it within easy reach.

ANOTHER OPTION

Whatley Manor is a stunning country house hotel and spa set on 12 acres of grounds located in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. This luxurious Cotswold property boasts two dining options; Grey’s Brasserie for leisurely dining and Michelin-starred restaurant The Dining Room.

Guests can escape and unwind at Aquarias Spa, home to a thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool, heated stone recliners and salt scrub showers. Spa partners include Gaia and Natura Bissé and the spa menu includes a 60-minute session in the Floatation Pod.

The 23 luxurious bedrooms and sumptuous suites are perfect for weekend breaks, midweek escapes and spa stays. A number of the rooms are dog-friendly welcoming four-legged friends. The hotel provides an idyllic backdrop for a quintessentially English wedding. Ceremonies can be held in the garden loggia or gazebo or inside in one of the stunning rooms. It suits year-round celebrations, from magical midsummer weddings to cosy autumn and winter celebrations.

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Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01666 822 888, www.whatleymanor.com

THE WARDROBE

WALLED GARDEN WEDDINGS

A newly launched wedding and events venue in the heart of historic Salisbury.

The Wardrobe is a secret hideaway located to the rear of the Rifleman’s Museum. It is situated in the tranquil setting of the cathedral close and the wonderful garden leads down to the banks of the river Avon. With the rolling countryside beyond, it is difficult to imagine a better location within the Salisbury city limits for any outdoor event, be it a wedding reception, celebration or garden party.

The walled garden is totally enclosed and private covering over half an acre. It also has numerous specimen trees including one of the finest copper beach trees in Wiltshire.

The walled garden can be privately hired for your wedding, party or event. A marquee will be positioned in the beautiful garden (your choice of style) and we can accommodate up to 150 guests. For smaller numbers a reduced sized marquee is available.

The on-site caterer is the award-winning Vanilla Catering & Events.

Vanilla’s key ethics are attention to customer service and the use of top quality local ingredients. These result in bright, modern food styles presented with attention to detail in an unfussy yet friendly manner. A bespoke menu is created for each client and a complimentary wedding planner is provided to run your special day.

An interesting fact: did you know why we are we called The Wardrobe?

The original building on the site was constructed in 1254. It was rebuilt in the 15th century and was used to store the robes of the Bishop of Salisbury; hence it was known as the “Bishop’s Wardrobe” or “The Wardrobe”!

WORCESTER LODGE ON BADMINTON ESTATE

Designed by William Kent in 1746, Worcester Lodge is a Grade I listed building that faces south along the three-mile avenue that leads to Badminton House in South Gloucestershire. It boasts spectacular views of the surrounding fields, woodland and Badminton House itself. An idyllic wedding venue, it combines the grandeur of a historical building with the versatility of a modern outdoor wedding.

Inside Worcester Lodge is a grand room flooded with natural daylight through the large windows that are reflected by the mirror suspended above the working fireplace. There are stunning period features including an intricate ornate ceiling.

The venue is in the process of securing a ceremony licence for ceremonies to take place inside the lodge for an intimate 30 guests, under the archway or in a marquee in front of the lodge which is where receptions also take place for up to 40 loved ones.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01454 218 203, www.badmintonestate.com

We love... that the four balconies face towards Badminton House.