A TALE TO TELL

A tale TO TELL HISTORIC VENUES These magnificent wedding venues are steeped in history

DANESFIELD HOUSE HOTEL AND SPA, MARLOW, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE This quintessentially English country house hotel enjoys an enchanting setting in 65 acres of magnificent parkland with spectacular views of the River Thames and Chiltern Hills and beyond.

This fairytale venue is accessed via a tree-lined drive that winds beneath the Clock Tower. Pretty wisteria climbs the white-washed exterior and the flowerbeds brim with lavender while the fountains and waterfalls offer an Insta-worthy backdrop.

There are multiple options for ceremonies and receptions with the Versailles Suite hosting up to 120 loved ones for both the ceremony and reception and the Hambleden Room best suiting micro weddings. There’s also the Oak Room and the Henley Room, both accommodating up to 30 people, and the Chiltern Suite hosting 50 guests. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01628 891 010, www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk www.facebook.com/danesfieldhouse www.instagram.com/danesfieldhouse

WE LOVE... that couples who have booked a wedding package will receive a complimentary menu tasting session and overnight accommodation in a deluxe room on the night of their wedding.

CASTLE HOTEL – MGALLERY WINDSOR, BERKSHIRE This lovingly restored hotel is a grand Georgian building situated on the high street, opposite the Windsor Guildhall, marrying quintessential English décor with contemporary features. The iconic surroundings offer a scenic backdrop with views stretching across to Windsor Castle.

Ceremonies and receptions take place in the luxurious Windsor Suite, the oldest and largest ballroom in town furnished with the original restored chandeliers suspended from the high-vaulted ceiling. The Sandringham Suite, with its magnificent feature fireplace, is ideal for more intimate weddings.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01753 851 577, https://castlehotelwindsor.com www.facebook.com/CastleHotelWindsor www.instagram.com/mgallerywindsor

WE LOVE... the complimentary overnight accommodation for the newlyweds, a first anniversary stay, the menu tasting included in packages and champagne provided in the bridal suite.

CUMBERLAND LODGE, WINDSOR, BERKSHIRE This Grade II listed, 17th-century English country house is a former Royal residence, home to elegant reception rooms furnished in Edwardian splendour showcasing historic portraits and works of art. The impressive rooms offer flexible spaces to suit wedding parties large and small, and there are 56 individually styled, en-suite bedrooms perfect for guest accommodation.

The house, boasting a red-brick Georgian frontage, overlooks a manicured lawn. Next to the main lodge sits the seven-bedroom Groom’s House, also built in the Georgian style, and set in a private garden, along with the adjoining mews that’s home to a clocktower, which was once the Royal stables.

The house is nestled in the heart of Windsor Great Park, a short walk from the top of Long Walk that leads to Windsor Castle. The gardens feature vibrant floral borders, impressive old trees and sweeping views over historic parkland, fields and vineyards. Its woodland trails and tree-lined avenues make a perfect backdrop for wedding photos, as do its iconic Tapestry Hall doors.

Ceremonies take place in churches and other licensed wedding venues in and around Windsor. A popular choice is for couples to travel into Windsor Great Park and arrive at Cumberland Lodge by horse and carriage.

The historic reception rooms offer flexible spaces to cater for celebrations of any size. The two main dining rooms, with their large windows and impressive fireplaces, can open into one larger room to accommodate up to 90 guests for a wedding breakfast or after-dinner dance. Guests retire to the Tapestry Hall, used as one of the backdrops in The King’s Speech (2010), starring Colin Firth.

For smaller weddings, the venue can seat up to 16 guests in the elegant Princess Helena Drawing Room, which looks out on to landscaped gardens with expansive views of the Great Park beyond.

WHATLEY HALL, BANBURY, OXFORDSHIRE This characterful 17th-century hotel is located on the River Cherwell on the edge of the Cotswolds. Dating back to 1677, the historic inn boasts many original features including stone passages and a wooden staircase. To the rear of the property are manicured gardens and there’s ample complimentary parking.

Ceremonies take place in The Parkside Suite, an elegant long room with windows all along one side, which holds up to 120 guests. The wedding breakfast and reception is hosted in The Swift Restaurant for up to 110 loved ones and this area boasts a wonderful bay window showcasing views of the garden (with access to it).

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01295 253 261, www.whatelyhall.co.uk/weddings www.facebook.com/MercureBanburyWhatelyHall THE COACH HOUSE BARN AT DORNEY COURT, WINDSOR, BERKSHIRE The Coach House Barn is a stunning reinterpretation of Dorney Court’s Victorian brewery set in acres of mature parkland that surround the main house. Looking across a private landscaped courtyard, the barn is a wonderful addition to the estate and an ideal location for a wedding breakfast. Reception drinks and canapés can be served within the courtyard or on the manicured lawn framed by ancient yew hedges, herbaceous borders and ornamental trees.

Ceremony licence? No Contact: 01784 220 521, www.cumberlandlodge.ac.uk/venue-hire www.facebook.com/cumberlandlodge www.instagram.com/cumberlandlodge

WE LOVE... that wedding parties can choose to stay an extra night or two in Groom’s House. There’s ample free parking on-site, and the wedding coordinator can arrange a horse and carriage ride through the Great Park if couples require.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01628 603 505, https://dorneycourt.co.uk www.facebook.com/DorneyCourt

CHEQUERS HOTEL NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE Situated in the historic town of Newbury, this Grade 11 listed restored Georgian property, formerly a coaching inn, has recently enjoyed a £750,000 refurbishment to its restaurant and function room combining original features with a sleek boutique hotel design. There’s a courtyard garden to the rear with four terraces allowing for al fresco dining or post-ceremony drinks. The first tier of the garden is wheelchair accessible with a patio area, the second is a lawn layer with canopies decorated with atmospheric lighting, the third level is a patio terrace with recently restored water features and the top terrace is a lawn and casual seating area perfect for a live band or DJ to perform outside.

Ceremonies take place in The Carnarvon Room for up to 45 people, however, the area can be expanded to include The Garden Room for a total of 120 loved ones. The Garden Room is where up to 75 people can otherwise be hosted for the reception. There’s a dancefloor, lounge area, modern bar and restaurant, and comfortable overnight accommodation.

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KINGS CHAPEL OLD AMERSHAM, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Originally built as a baptist chapel and then used as a school building, the iconic cupola and domed roof are recognisable for miles. The private walled garden tucked behind the chapel boasts majestic views of the sprawling fields and the venue is set in the grounds of the Kings Arms Hotel, a 16th-century coaching inn with the original archway entrance.

The Main Hall is at the heart of the venue, where ceremonies take place, with tall arched windows flooding the room with natural daylight. The original wooden pulpit, which looks romantic adorned with lights, candles, foliage and flower arrangements, provides a beautiful ceremony backdrop and later, this room is transformed for the wedding breakfast.

The elegant reception room, home to a dancefloor under the glittering chandeliers and an exposed-brick bar is the perfect party space. A fun drinks reception can take place in the walled garden with the use of the converted horsebox bar.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01494 725 722, https://kingschapeloldamersham.co.uk www.instagram.com/kingschapeloldamersham

WE LOVE... that all couples receive a complimentary honeymoon suite (currently being redecorated to include a freestanding bath and four-poster, super-king bed). All bedrooms included within the booking receive a guaranteed low rate and include breakfast. MISSENDEN ABBEY, GREAT MISSENDEN, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE This exclusive-use, 12th-century period venue has been lovingly transformed with a contemporary feel. The main house boasts exquisite architectural detail with unique stained-glass windows and a decorative staircase.

The beautifully maintained gardens are home to a summerhouse, pond and a 500-year-old Cedar tree.

Ceremonies take place in the Garden Room that holds up to 100 guests. Larger parties can enjoy the Library with a drink’s reception held in the picturesque grounds and a seasonal marquee with a starlit canopy accommodating up to 150 people.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01494 866 811, https://missendenabbey.co.uk www.facebook.com/MissendenAbbey www.instagram.com/missendenabbey

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01635 38000, https://chequershotelnewbury.co.uk https://m.facebook.com/ChequersHotel www.instagram.com/chequers_hotelnewbury

WE LOVE... that this town-centre property offers free parking.