BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE

These venues would be perfect for nuptials over the festive season

KIMBERLEY HALL, WYMONDHAM, NORFOLK

01603 759 447 | www.kimberleyhall.co.uk

A romantic Queen Anne house built in 1712 affording breathtaking views of a vast lake and private park designed by Capability Brown. The house is distinguished by a classical redbrick façade and projecting central pediment, curved colonnades, wings, turrets, and architectural features that provide it with its unique character and a symphony of colour when illuminated at night.

Ceremonies inside the house take place in the Music Room which seats more than130 with its grand piano, marble fireplace and huge arched window looking on to the garden. Guests are seated beneath historic plasterwork and a magnificent chandelier. This room connects to the garden via the spiral staircase with its coffered dome, or to the West Wing entertainment area via the octagonal China Room with intricate plasterwork. These areas can accommodate extra guests seated or standing. There is unlimited capacity for any sized gathering with or without a marquee.

Post-vows, guests are initially received in the Hall and the Music Room where they can be welcomed with a blazing fire and huge Christmas tree for weddings during the winter. Then they can be ushered through the curved colonnade into the vernacular-chic West Wing entertainment area with its state-of-the-art illuminated bar to dine and dance in the double-height Talman Room. This has the capacity for 150 or more guests (with extra space upstairs for extra dinner and after dinner guests in the sumptuous lounge with its comfy sofas). This area has a balcony from which to view the party beneath, enjoy the sophisticated lighting and laser system and giant rotating mirror ball in action or converse in comfort whilst the music and dancing are in full swing.

New to 2023 is a unique underground nightclub with vaulted rooms in the cellars with a late licence to go beyond midnight (currently being refurbished).

When choosing this big-day venue, couples benefit from a wine and food tasting; tailormade day with flexibility and choice of caterers; inhouse advice and a professional wedding planner. What’s more, there’s ample accommodation for 40 guests in the main house or cottages on the estate, including four-poster beds and a Drummonds double shower in the bridal suite which has a raised bath to enjoy spectacular views of the romantic lake and beautiful landscape.

www.anthonycullen.com www.anthonycullen.com

WOOLVERSTONE HALL, IPSWICH, SUFFOLK

07453 571 541 | www.woolverstonehall.co.uk

With fields full of sheep on the approach and an abundance of trees the scene is set for Woolverstone Hall, a stunning Grade I listed curved Georgian mansion with all rooms overlooking the River Orwell.

For ceremonies, The Leggett Room has classic panelling, an ornate ceiling rose and beautiful sash windows offering picturesque views. Steeped in history, it’s the most delightful of all the property’s Drawing Rooms and can host ceremonies of up to 75 guests. The breathtaking Orangery, bathed in an abundance of light and boasting panoramic views, has a classic lantern roof and walls of windows. The curved room is a brilliantly flexible space for your ceremony of up to 120 guests. St Michael’s Church is nestled amongst the trees on the Woolverstone Hall estate. With room for up to 200 guests, it’s a beautiful option for a church wedding. One of Suffolk’s few venues that can accommodate ceremonies for more than 200 guests, the Sports Hall can be transformed into an amazing ceremony location hosting up to 400 loved ones.

Post-vows, all rooms are available for the wedding breakfast and reception; and when tying the knot here, a dedicated wedding planner is on hand to help every step of the way.

WOOD FARM BARN, BECCLES, SUFFOLK

01502 675 029 | www.woodfarmbarn.com

Wood Farm Barn is situated in its own beautiful grounds, surrounded by a stunning rural landscape in an Area of Outstanding Beauty.

The main barn and annex barn are surrounded by thatched outbuildings, a walled garden, a natural pond, a copse and a beautiful tree-lined avenue offering lots of opportunities for memorable photographs. At night the area can be lit with strategically placed lights giving enough illumination but without destroying the magical atmosphere of this rural venue.

This attractive early 19th-century barn is spacious and bright with fullwidth stops leading up to the large picture window, allowing views of the stunning rural landscape in which the barn is situated. Many of the original features have been kept and the open beamed ceiling exposes the beautiful thatch.

The couple have the choice of the ceremony being conducted in either of the two licensed buildings, main barn or annex barn, and after the ‘I dos’, as this venue is a DIY venue, it’s up to the couple to decide where they would like the reception to be.

HAUGHLEY PARK BARN, STOWMARKET, SUFFOLK

01359 240 701 | www.haughleypark.co.uk

Located in the grounds of a picturesque country estate, Haughley Park Barn is approached via a long, sweeping driveway and provides instant, relaxed charm in an impressive, private setting. More than 400 years old, the barn has been sympathetically restored to retain a mix of brickwork and render, while wooden windows and wrought iron highlights finish the traditional Suffolk scene.

Grade II listed, it has been lovingly renovated to provide a flexible, well-equipped space while retaining its traditional character through a wealth of original oak beams and exposed brickwork.

Boasting a romantic backdrop of elegant voile drapes, oak beams, exposed roof timbers, delicate fairylights and hand-crafted ceremony tables, the Ceremony Room can seat up to 100 guests and is a beautiful place to say ‘I do’.

The wedding reception will take place in the Main Barn, which features a stage for discos or live music, a built-in bar area, access to outside seating areas and full sound system with microphones. You can choose from a variety of table options seating up to 120 for a formal wedding breakfast, while the evening reception can increase to 240 guests.

A large Victorian farmhouse sits just behind the venue and is available for use alongside Haughley Park Barn. Hired on a self-catering basis for a two-night minimum stay, the property has five large bedrooms and can sleep around 10 people, with plenty of room outside and in for guests to unwind and relax. It’s the perfect place for family, friends, or the bridal party to stay and get ready before the wedding.

Haughley Park Barn is offered on a long-hire basis with weddings taking place on a Saturday or Wednesday. The exclusive three-day hire period – and freedom to choose suppliers – allows couples plenty of time to set up and style the venue, celebrate with friends and truly savour this special occasion.

ANTEROS ARTS FOUNDATION, NORWICH, NORFOLK

01603 766 129 | www.anterosfoundation.com/venue-hire

Anteros is a 16th-century Grade II listed street fronted building situated in central Norwich right by the river. Not only does the building lend character and intimacy to your wedding, but it’s ideal for easy access to local hotels and restaurants and allows for beautiful wedding photos taken in the nearby Cathedral, Quay and Tombland area.

Historical, quirky, intimate and warm, once through to the inner courtyard you meet timber frames, mullioned windows and carved wooden doors – its original features making it a unique wedding venue.

For vows, head to the Music Room with 60 guests. Full of character with original 16th-century windows and fireplace, a painted Tudor ceiling and a stunning wooden floor, it’s perfect for a relaxed intimate feel. There’s also a Steinway Grand Piano which couples can use. Or, have your ceremony in the Main Gallery which features the original Tudor wooden carved ceiling, historic stone floor and beautiful mullioned glass window. Underfloor heating keeps you toasty in this historic room, and the gallery’s hanging system allows for easy decoration and hanging of artwork and pictures to add that personal touch to your ceremony and wedding breakfast with up to 60 guests.

SECKFORD HALL, WOODBRIDGE, SUFFOLK

01394 385 678 | www.seckford.co.uk

Steeped in history dating back to the 1530s, Seckford Hall is nestled amongst 34 acres of private grounds within the Suffolk countryside. Boasting stunning gardens, mature woodlands and an idyllic lake, the beautiful red brick Tudor Hall offers luxurious accommodation and the perfect setting for weddings. The woodlands glow with russet and gold leaves in the autumn so you’ll be sure to have a picture-perfect wedding day whatever the season.

Effortlessly capturing the majestic elegance of the Tudor age, from its cosy lounge to Great Hall, couples and their guests will be enchanted by the charm of this beautiful country house.

Nuptials take place in the Great Hall, licensed for up to 160 guests, combining the warmth and intimacy of Tudor oak panelling with a huge open fireplace, magnificent high ceilings and large windows that overlook the lake and gardens, it’s the perfect setting for an impressive yet elegant wedding. For smaller dos, the cosy Lounge is perfect for the more intimate ceremonies especially within the colder months, full of character and charm and licensed for up to 50 guests.

Post-vows, the Great Hall can seat 100 loved ones (160 theatre style, or the Pavilion can seat 160 (250 standing). Adjacent to the Great Hall, is a stunning all year round marquee; with breathtaking views it’s an idyllic space for the wedding breakfast and reception.

When tying the knot here, couples benefit from a complimentary stay on the night of the wedding in the Luxury Bridal Suite, and a ‘wedding tasting’ at £25 per person which includes wine tasting.

RAVENWOOD HALL, BURY ST EDMONDS, SUFFOLK

01359 270 345 | www.ravenwoodhall.co.uk

Ravenwood Hall has seven acres of luscious countryside to be enjoyed by guests and couples alike. Its extensive grounds with well-kept lawns, woodland and other clearings, provide those picture-perfect moments. A country house hotel, its Tudor façade is an impressive sight, while its interiors showcase its historic origins complementing the exquisite frontage. Weddings primarily take place in the main hall or in the Edwardian Pavilion; the pavilion is a popular choice for couples as its selfcontained with private gardens, restrooms, bar and marquee attached. Couples also have the option of the Summer House for nuptials, The Tudor Rose Room, and the Marquee, the latter can host more than 200 guests if looking for a large wedding venue.

HAYCOCK MANOR, PETERBOROUGH, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

01780 782 223 |www.haycock.co.uk

Set in the idyllic surroundings of Wansford, within the glorious Cambridgeshire countryside, the Haycock Manor Hotel is the perfect location for relaxation and exploration. The city of Peterborough and the town of Stamford, both within eight miles of the hotel, are brimming with activities for friends, family and couples to enjoy.

One of the finest hotels in Cambridgeshire, positioned on the River Nene, this 16th-century coaching inn offers breathtaking scenery and the finest of facilities.

For vows, the Manor Suite is abundant in light with its own courtyard and comfortably seats up to 80 guests; while the iconic Haycock Ballroom, with its soaring oak beams, ornate fireplace, private entrance, bar and can accommodate up to 250 seated guests and is perfect for the wedding breakfast and evening reception.

A perfect venue for weddings, it offers superb hotel accommodation, 45 refurbished luxury bedrooms including four bridal suites, stylish meeting and event spaces and picture-perfect backdrops. Boasting award-winning restaurant, Prévost and a new brasserie, the Haycock Kitchen, couples can rest assured that when tying the knot here the bigday menu will satisfy even the most discerning foodies.

As well as complimentary wedding night accommodation for the happy couple, the venue also offers a variety of packages to suit all budgets and requirements – there’s also an intimate elopement package if you want a special day just for two.

BUTLEY PRIORY, WOODBRIDGE, SUFFOLK

01394 450 046 | www.butleypriory.co.uk

Butley Priory, the former gatehouse to an Augustinian Priory, is situated in wonderful grounds surrounded by fields and woodland, with a southfacing garden for wedding guests to enjoy. Built in the 13th century, it has an impressive exterior and an equally enchanting interior. Set within the former gatehouse, the Great Hall has a high, stone vaulted ceiling and an open fireplace. Doors lead off into the drawing room, boasting the Pilgrims bar renowned for its gin selection. The Great Hall can accommodate 100 guests for the ceremony, and 80 guests for dinner with coffee in the drawing room or south garden, weather dependant. For larger weddings, couples can place a tipi or marquee on the front lawn to accommodate up to 200 guests for the wedding breakfast and evening entertainment.

The recently refurbished bedrooms offer luxury accommodation for 11 guests. Upstairs, in the hallway and wedding suite, the ornate stonework windows offer a striking backdrop for wedding images.

Set on the edge of the stunning Ormesby Broad, The Boathouse offers a unique setting for your Wedding Ceremony or Celebration. The beautiful Wedding arbour overlooking the water provides one of the most romantic venues you and your guests will ever experience.