A step back in time

Tie the knot in one of these striking venues full of history

WARE PRIORY

01920 460 316 | www.warepriory.co.uk

Situated on seven acres of picturesque gardens, Ware Priory is a traditional Grade I listed building with contemporary touches and architecture dating back to Medieval times.

The main Ware Priory building has lots of character and historical features, whereas Fletcher’s Lea offers a more contemporary feel. The riverside grounds provide the perfect backdrop to weddings and many photographic backdrops. Here couples will find river life of narrowboats, swans, geese and ducks.

The back lawns are well kept and are a great location for drinks receptions and team-building games, while the wisteria archway offers a beautiful space for those iconic confetti pictures.

Situated in what were the cloisters of the original Friary, the Priory Hall can accommodate ceremonies with 100 loved ones. With stained glass windows and a series of French windows that open onto the riverside gardens, the hall is the perfect destination for the “I dos” and receptions with 80 people.

Alternatively, The Conservatory offers a bright and spacious interior with space to accommodate 100 people for the vows. The area was completely rebuilt during extensive renovations in the mid-1990s and is ideal for wedding breakfasts with 120 people or receptions with 140.

The Hadsley Room, part of the Lady Suite, dates from the 15th-century and boasts a superb example of a crown post roof. The large refectory table used by the registrar to conduct ceremonies dates back to the 14thcentury and is believed to be from the original Friary. The room is named after Robert Hadsley, who purchased the Priory in 1685 and his family owned the estate for the best part of 200 years. The location is now a popular space for intimate weddings with 40 guests for ceremonies and receptions.

Or why not exchange vows in the Riverside Suite with 200 nearest and dearest? Situated within Fletcher’s Lea, the suite is a larger space that can host wedding receptions with up to 160 guests for dining and 220 for a buffet setting. The standalone building has all catering and bar facilities needed.

ALLUM MANOR HOUSE & HALL

02089 533 415 | www.allummanor.co.uk

Situated in the heart of Elstree and Borehamwood, Allum Manor House and Hall offers the perfect backdrop to nuptials. Close to the M25, M1 and the A1, plus a short walk from the train stations, the venue is the ideal space for guests travelling in.

The attractive grounds and gardens offer the ideal backdrop for photographs and outdoor ceremonies thanks to the groundsman who works hard to keep these spaces well-stocked and tidy. The Grade II listed manor offers a choice of six smaller wedding spaces and can accommodate up to 470 people with theatre-style seating or 350 to 375 sat-around tables. The blank canvas space allows couples to get creative to bring their colour scheme and theme to life.

The property has everything needed to create memorable receptions, including a state-of-the-art sound system, fully adjustable LED lighting, a large stage, a sprung dancefloor, a commercial kitchen and a dry hire option.

The team prides itself on customer care; they liaise with couples and suppliers to help ensure events run smoothly.

St Ippolyts Church

01462 434 254 | www.stippolytschurch.org.uk

Nestled in a picturesque village near the town of Hitchin in North Hertfordshire, St Ippolyts Church is a well-maintained venue full of history.

Set within a churchyard, the 11th-century church offers plenty of spaces for showstopping wedding photography. Inside, couples will find a quaint location for ceremonies with 140 loved ones.

The team will be on hand to help couples plan dream weddings and can even provide flower arrangements in the church, an organist and arrange church bells to be rung after the “I dos” for an additional fee. Weddings are always happy occasions for not only the newlyweds, but the local community too!

FANHAMS HALL

01920 460511 | https://bedfordswanhotel.co.uk

There’s a surprise around every corner at Fanhams Hall, which is the perfect venue for weddings.

The house never stops being a feast for the senses with a Medieval hall, Jacobean mansion, stunning surroundings and 21st-century mod cons all rolled into one. The grounds are a magical outdoor oasis featuring Japanese gardens complete with a tea house, regal water fountains, a wisteria walkway, woodlands and manicured formal gardens.

The venue has many showstopping wedding spaces to pick from. The Long Gallery is located up a grand wooden staircase and can host 120 people for the vows. Wood-panelled walls, high ceilings, original chandeliers and large bridge windows overlook the stunning gardens.

Alternatively, The Hertford & Ware can accommodate 130 and is a blank canvas space that matches any wedding theme. The mid-century Japanese-inspired space provides a slightly more modern touch with panoramic views, natural lighting and wooden windows.

Guests can transform their wedding day into a fairytale by saying “I do” amidst the trees, bridges, and blossoms with 120 loved ones. Exchange vows on the gazebo lawn and formal gardens surrounded by clipped hedges and a trickling water fountain. For something a little different, jump into an ethereal wonderland in the Japanese gardens and marry under the veranda of the Japanese tea house before crossing the bridge to discover secret spaces for those all-important photos.

Continue the celebrations in The Great Hall with 120 seated guests and 200 in the evenings. The space provides a big fanfare with a beamed ceiling, stone-framed windows, a feature fire place, intricate wood carvings and a harlequin-tiled room at the back that opens out onto the gardens. Or opt for the Lakeside Pavilion with 130 guests for wedding breakfasts or 200 for evening celebrations. Its Japanese-style theme is tranquil, bright and breezy – it feels almost like a zen gateway with nothing but the sound of the fountain on the lake. There’s even a private veranda outside so guests can make the most of the sun when it shines.

After celebrating all day, guests can retreat to the on-site rooms for a peaceful sleep.

The Bedford Swan Hotel

01234 346565

| https://bedfordswanhotel.co.uk

Located in Bedfordshire, The Bedford Swan Hotel is the ideal venue for weddings of all sizes. The stunning red brick exterior and arches are the perfect backdrops to photographs.

Couples are sure to create their dream wedding with multiple function rooms to pick from. The Coach Room is well-suited to ceremonies but can be rearranged for wedding breakfasts with 120 people and receptions with 150. The magnificent room has all the benefits of a separate entrance, a private bar space, a reception area for arrival drinks and a large dancefloor.

Meanwhile, The State Room is filled with natural lighting and striking chandeliers. A large fire place adds a hint of cosiness to the sophisticated décor, and guests will love the picturesque views overlooking the river. The room can accommodate 80 for the vows and 100 in the evenings. Alternatively, the modern and bright Library is the perfect ceremony space for intimate weddings with 20 people.

Once the festivities have drawn to a close, the newlyweds and guests can retire in some of the hotel’s 113 rooms for a restful night.

Complimentary menu tasting sessions are offered to nearlyweds as well as a first-anniversary stay and suite for the wedding night when they book one of the venue’s wedding packages.

Brickendon Grange Golf Club

01992

511 258 | www.bggc.org.uk

Located within 160 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, Brickendon Grange Golf Club is the perfect venue for wedding receptions. As couples enter the picturesque tree-lined driveway, they’ll be blown away by the scenery and the magnificent 19th-century clubhouse, which boasts stunning views of the countryside and golf course. Couples can use the decorated golf buggy to go onto the course to get stunning pictures and also enjoy a red-carpet arrival.

Dreamworthy receptions occur in The Grange Suite, which offers an exclusive bar, a wrap-around terrace, toilets and a dancefloor. The space can host 132 seated guests and up to 200 evening attendees. Alternatively, The Oak Room is a striking space that can host 24 seated loved ones and 40 evening guests for more intimate gatherings. Watch this space as the venue will be able to host civil ceremonies from April!