SPOTLIGHT ON

Spotlight on... VENUES IN NORTH BUCKINGHAMSHIRE & NORTH OXFORDSHIRE

COGGES MANOR FARM, WITNEY, OXFORDSHIRE

This beautiful venue set in 17 acres boasts more than 1000 years of history and is an integral part of the local area, plus a popular filming location. It’s conveniently located close to Oxford in the heart of Witney and is less than a two-hour drive from London.

It’s home to two adjacent 18th-century barns providing a wonderful wedding setting and a blank canvas for couples to personalise their day. The pretty outdoor grounds reveal a manicured walled garden, perfect for a drinks reception, and the manor lawn can be used for croquet and garden games. This versatile venue suits an outdoor barbecue, hog roast and street food-style vans and there’s a firepit for toasting marshmallows. Music can be enjoyed outside and everything is set against a beautiful rural backdrop ideal for photographs that the resident farm animals love to be included in! There’s a covered canopy in case of rain and wedding parties can enjoy exclusive use after 5 pm.

Ceremonies take place in a choice of two Cotswold stone barns adjacent to one another. The Wheat Barn – the more spacious of the two – can seat up to 250 guests while Barley Barn, the smaller adjacent one, can seat up to 100 guests. There’s also St Mary’s Cogges Witney parish church located next door.

The wedding breakfast and reception can be held in one (or both) of the barns and spill outside on to the lawn. The Wheat Barn can seat up to 200 guests banqueting-style or host up to 130 loved ones at round tables. The Barley Barn is home to a dancefloor and bar and can also provide a quiet space for children.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01993 772 602, www.cogges.org.uk www.facebook.com/Cogges

♥ We love... the beautiful backdrop of wisteria and the orchard, both ideal for big-day photographs.

OTHER OPTIONS IN NORTH OXFORDSHIRE

♥ Macdonald Bear Hotel in Woodstock, 0344 879 9143, www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk ♥ Dovecote Events in Adderbury, 01295 816 566, www.dovecoteevents.uk/weddings ♥ Primrose Hill Farm in Banbury, 07956 328 359, www.primrose-hill-farm.com

DE VERE LATIMER ESTATE, CHESHAM, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Set in the heart of Buckinghamshire in the picturesque Chess Valley, home to the River Chess, is this stunning retreat offering 21st-century comfort and style which complements the original character of the property. The stylish restaurant creates locally sourced, seasonally inspired dishes and diners can indulge in the hotel’s delicious afternoon tea served in the Library Lounge.

Ceremonies and receptions take place in the elegant Cavendish Suite and for those preferring a traditional church service, the 18th-century St Mary Magdalene Church is located within the grounds of the estate. There’s also a pretty outdoor courtyard perfect for big-day photographs.

Wedding guests can explore the 30 acres of grounds located in an area rich in history, culture and natural beauty. The estate is surrounded by fascinating places to visit including the locations seen in the Harry Potter movies and Gipsy House in Great Missenden where Roald Dahl wrote his world-famous stories. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01494 412312, www.devere.co.uk/latimer-estate www.facebook.com/DeVereHotels

♥ We love... the fully equipped gym and indoor swimming pool available for guests to use.

WROXTON HOUSE HOTEL, BANBURY

Nestled in the beautiful thatched village of Wroxton is this awardwinning hotel, close to Oxford and popular attractions including open-air shopping experience Bicester Village.

The hotel boasts a beautiful thatched roof and far-flung views. The interior blends traditional features in the original part of the house with contemporary elements in the new wing which is home to the spacious thatched cottage rooms. There are family rooms available and those with disabled access.

Outside, the private garden looks beautifully manicured all year round and overlooking the entrance is the bridal suite balcony, perfect for big-day photographs.

Ceremonies take place in a choice of two function suites. The Broughton room is the largest of the two leading to a private garden and this delightful space also hosts the reception. The Wroxton room, which recently enjoyed a renovation, is ideal for a smaller ceremony or a micro wedding. There is a choice of wedding packages available with elements including a complimentary first-anniversary stay for the newlyweds and a meal tasting for all couples who have booked.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01295 730 777, www.wroxtonhousehotel.com www.facebook.com/bwwroxtonhousehotel OTHER OPTIONS IN NORTH BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

♥ Buckinghamshire Railway Centre in Aylesbury, 01296 655 720, www.bucksrailcentre.org ♥ Horwood House in Milton Keynes, 01296 722 100, www.horwoodhouse.co.uk ♥ Notley Tythe Barn in Aylesbury, 01844 201 226, www.notleyfarm.co.uk