BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE

Check out these snowstopping winter venues

TODDINGTON PARK

07751 779 641 | www.toddington-park.co.uk

Toddington Park is a Georgian manor house set in 30 acres of private parkland just south of Woburn.

This beautiful property offers magnificent and breathtaking views at every turn. Available only for exclusive use, couples will find formal lawns, as well as delightful meadows, a one-acre lake, an impressive driveway and an expansive arboretum. There’s quite a lot of wildlife to admire too as the property is home to busy moorhens, ducks, Canadian geese, majestic herons and aquatic cormorants.

The house is Grade II listed with a grand entranceway and high ceilings to create an impressive and welcoming home-away-from-home. With only a handful of weddings per year, couples can expect all the care and attention needed to enjoy a memorable, one-of-a-kind experience.

Toddington Park doesn’t have a ceremony licence but can host celebrant-led ceremonies in a number of stunning locations. The Drawing room can accommodate up to 60 guests, who will love the light and airy space that has access from the main entrance hall and front terrace. The room can be dressed to the couples’ tastes by the venue’s wonderful suppliers and stylists.

For those wanting an outdoor celebration, exchange vows on the front lawn beside the charming pond with far-reaching views surrounded by 100 loved ones.

The Drawing Room, Entrance Hall and Dining Room can host receptions with 60 people sitting and 100 in the evenings. The principle reception rooms run along the front of the house, giving guests flexibility with the space. All rooms open up onto the front terrace, perfect for drinks receptions in the summer, and leads down onto the front lawn. The rooms are all very bright and airy thanks to the Georgian construction.

For larger weddings with up to 150 people, a marquee or tipi can be set up in the meadow, with the house providing a beautiful backdrop to special events.

The venue’s charming newly renovated three bed coach house is included as complimentary in all the wedding packages, giving couples comfortable and stylish accommodation the night before and the night of their wedding.

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MICKLEFIELD HALL

01923 778 898 | www.micklefieldhall.com

Nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside, just 25 miles from London, Micklefield Hall is a stunning country venue steeped in history.

The dedicated team of groundsmen ensure the gardens are maintained to a high standard as the estate has a variety of private outdoor areas for celebrations, including the herbaceous garden, a secret rose garden, rolling lawns and a French terrace complete with trickling fountains and an open fire. All the flowers, bushes and trees ensure that the grounds are stunning no matter the time of year.

Tie the knot in the Temple nestled under the great oak tree, which overlooks the glimmering pond with 200 guests that are shaded from the sun by the 450-year-old oak tree. Lovebirds can make their grand entrance along nature’s herbaceous aisle and down the stone steps before entering the sculptured Temple. Or why not opt for the marquee that’s carpeted, heated and adorned with grand drapes and chandeliers for 200 people to enjoy?

The main lawn is perfect for 200 loved ones in summer, with plenty of space on the manicured lawn. Chuppahs and mandaps look stunning in front of the stunning views extending to north London. The upper lawn is also licensed for civil ceremonies.

Having an indoor wedding? Lovebirds can tie the knot in the Garden Room with 80 people in front of the grand fire place, which can later be used as a chilled-out space or for drinks receptions in the colder months.

Perfect for winter, the traditionally restored Tithe Barn is ideal for both ceremonies and receptions with 200 people thanks to its heated solid oak floor, sophisticated lighting, air conditioning, dancefloor, stage and adjoining bar area.

Couples who book the venue will receive a complimentary tasting evening at Micklefield Hall through Kalm Kitchen Catering and help from an event manager, who will guide pairs through the planning process.

MANOR OF GROVES HOTEL

01279 600777 | www.manorofgroves.com

Located on 150 acres of stunning grounds, the Manor of Groves Hotel is a stunning venue where Georgian splendour meets a modern twist. The neo-classical property features traditional white pillars and tall glass windows that provide showstopping views of the 18-hole golf course and beautifully kept gardens that are the ideal settings for wedding photography. The original manor house has been extended into an additional wing housing many of the bedrooms, and the exterior has been designed in keeping with the traditional property.

Ceremonies and receptions can take place in several spaces. The Library Suite and Drawing Room are perfect for intimate weddings, while the Colonnade Suite can hold up to 100 guests for the vows and wedding breakfasts, plus 150 for evening receptions. The Manor Suite is perfect for grand events and can host 400 people for ceremonies and 100 after the vows – it’s home to a private Japanese-style garden that’s perfect for photographs.

The property also offers two charming gazebos within the grounds for outside ceremonies. The venue offers a variety of packages, many including menu tastings ahead of weddings and a complimentary night’s stay for newlyweds on their wedding night.

WOBURN SAFARI PARK

01525 292 106 | www.woburnsafari.co.uk/weddings

Nestled deep in the heart of Woburn Safari Park, The Safari Lodge is the Woburn Estate’s most unique wedding venue that’s home to magnificent wild animals including lions, giraffes, tigers, elephants and more.

The park is the perfect venue for animal lovers and couples wanting an exceptional experience to share with guests. Lovebirds could even arrange for some wild residents to appear on their special day!

With a large south-facing veranda to the rear and panoramic views, the Safari Lodge provides a bright and spacious room that can be used in a variety of ways. With neutral and wooden décor throughout, the lodge offers a welcoming and informal atmosphere guaranteed to make weddings extra special.

The accessible and versatile venue that offers both indoor ceremonies with 100 people and outdoor nuptials with 90 on a private veranda overlooking the Desert Springs animal enclosure.

The lodge can accommodate 220 people for receptions, its adaptive space allows pairs to personalise their day by choosing from a range of alternative layouts with the option to have reception drinks served on the private veranda upon arrival. It also allows for various alternative dining options, from barbeques on the terrace to three-course banquets.

Overlooking both the Park’s Swan Lake and the Desert Springs enclosures, the space provides an out-of-the-ordinary backdrop for weddings and guests may even be able to spot some of the nearby animals like meerkats and otters. For a truly adventurous addition to a day that will no doubt already be unforgettable, book a Safari Drive, an exclusive VIP safari experience, an elephant encounter or a leisurely boat ride on Swan Lake for loved ones.

When nearlyweds book the venue, they’ll be offered a tasting session to help them pick their three-course menu. For those that would like opinions from loved ones, the venue can accommodate a maximum of four people for a small additional cost.

WOODLAND MANOR HOTEL

01234 363 281 | www.woodlandmanorhotel.co.uk

Situated on the outskirts of Bedford in four aces, The Woodland Manor Hotel is a historic property that dates back to the 1800s.

The classic house boasts a secret garden fountain area, an original grand staircase, oak panelling and climbing shrubbery that creates a perfect backdrop for photos.

With three function rooms that feature traditional high ceilings, original fire places and elegance touches, the property is the perfect setting for ceremonies and receptions with the option to hire the venue exclusively. The Autograph Suite is the largest space with lovely bay windows, a large chandelier and a marble fire place. The room can host 112 people for the vows, 90 for wedding breakfasts and more than 100 for evening celebrations. For extra space, the suite can be used which connects to the Library.

Lovebirds can opt for the Library alone with 30 guests for smaller nuptials. The function room leads out directly to the garden terrace and makes a beautiful backdrop to the day. Or why not pick the Conservatory, which offers gorgeous views of the stunning surroundings and can host 30 people?

The original house has been extended, adding extra on-site accommodation for guests who can rest their heads after dancing the night away.