SALISBURY AND SOUTH WILTSHIRE Spotlight on...

We reveal where to wed

HATCH HOUSE, TISBURY

Hatch House is a family home in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside accessed via a set of gates and a tree-lined avenue. The 17th-century manor house was transformed in 1908 by the architect Detmar Blow. The stone exterior blends into the setting while the theatrical façade that faces the two-tiered Dutch garden commands picturesque views for miles.

Ceremonies can be held in a choice of three areas. The dining room decorated in vibrant yellow with views of the garden on two sides is a small intimate space seating up to 45 guests. Guests can leave via the hallway, where couples sign the register and venture into the garden for a drinks reception. Alternatively, the porch situated at the back of the house that overlooks the gardens is another ceremony option and the pavilion that takes centre stage in the heart of the walled garden, known as ‘the best room in the house’ offers an al fresco option. The pavilion enjoys wisteria in bloom during late spring and the garden aisle leads from the house through the ornate garden gate to the pavilion.

Receptions take place in the gardens enjoying panoramic views stretching across to the Vale of Wardour. The central lawn of the walled garden provides ample space for a marquee and up to 200 guests can gather in a large reception here. There are smaller garden rooms that can also be used, either for extra space or for more intimate celebrations and one of them is large enough for a smaller marquee.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01747 870 622, www.hatch-house.co.uk

• We love... The vibrant, eclectic interior.

PYTHOUSE CLUB, TISBURY

This reception-only wedding venue sits in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside. The clubhouse faces open countryside and offers ample space for a marquee reception on the manicured grounds.

The design of Pythouse Club was inspired by a simple basilica. The Regency sash windows are framed by handmade green wooden shutters, the Clubhouse is clad with Douglas Fir and the roof is tiled with reclaimed Welsh slate. A wide veranda looks out over the stunning green landscape that offers plenty of shade and seating. The veranda can be turned into a fabulous entrance decorated with flowers, bunting and fairylights and it can also provide extra reception space before the wedding breakfast.

Inside, the Clubhouse features a fine wood floor and is filled with plenty of natural daylight. There’s a kitchen located in the main club room and the remaining space can be turned into a cosy dining room, ideal for a pre-wedding dinner, or used as the main reception room.

This venue is available for receptions only but the Club is fully licensed to serve alcohol. Receptions take place in a marquee erected on the grounds for up to 100 guests, or in The Clubhouse for up to 36 loved ones seated and up to 50 people standing.

Ceremony licence? No, reception only

Contact: 01747 445 092, www.pythouseclub.co.uk/weddings

• We love...the shepherd’s hut located just behind the Clubhouse which, combined with the idyllic rural view, can form a superb backdrop for photos.

GRAY MANOR HOTEL, CHOLDERTON

This quirky, family-run hotel and exclusive-use wedding venue sit on five acres of land with the exterior flanked by flowerbeds filled with roses, a bathtub of flowers and a planted piano. Inside, there are plenty of Instaworthy touches with the shabby chic styling. The comfortable bedrooms can accommodate wedding guests and there’s a fabulous designer-inspired bridal suite that’s complimentary on the wedding night.

Ceremonies take place in the Elisabeth Suite for up to 120 guests, in the Gray Suite for up to 60 loved ones and in the Manor Suite for 84 people. Receptions take place in the Gray Suite which looks across the grounds. The venue is known for it’s Secret Garden set behind a purple doorway. It’s home to floating umbrellas that light up as night falls and a sofa under the stars. There’s also a play area for the little ones and a pergola.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01980 629 542, https://graymanorhotel.co.uk

We love...the flexible wedding packages; free menu tasting sessions for couples who have booked a wedding at the venue and the discount available for returning couples who have married at the venue.

THE RED LION HOTEL, SALISBURY

This four-star hotel marries old with new. It’s tastefully decorated in keeping with the age and character of the original hotel with various artefacts while offering the mod cons of a modern day hotel. The beautiful vine-draped courtyard is home to quirky lion statues and fountains, offering a romantic backdrop for wedding photography. Virginia creeper covers it, with the leaves changing colour throughout the seasons. Ceremonies take place in The Vine Restaurant for up to 80 guests. A sympathetic extension in 1999 has added a beautiful conservatory. Another option is the Marlborough Suite, the largest of the function rooms and one of two that make up the Courtyard Suite. It benefits from direct access from the courtyard, ensuring privacy from the activites in the hotel and it’s a bright room flooded with natural daylight. Up to 60 guests can gather for the ceremony and be seated for the wedding breakfast plus there’s also a private bar and a dancefloor. Adjacent to it is the Wellington Suite, encompassed to create the Courtyard Suite which has its own entrance, toilets, dancefloor and private bar forming a large banqueting suite for up to 120 guests for an evening reception. This versatile space can also be used as a separate area for children to play in, or split for dancing and relaxed socialising - the options are endless! Newlyweds will receive a complimentary stay on their wedding night (the room will depend on the package chosen) and all wedding party guests are offered a discounted room rate. There’s also a free tasting for couples.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01722 323 334, https://the-redlion.co.uk