SPOTLIGHT ON CAMBRIDGE

Where to wed in and around this historic university city

SHEENE MILL, MELBOURN

01763 261 393 | www.sheenemill.com

Perched on the banks of the River Mel, Sheene Mill has been a landmark of the Cambridgeshire countryside for more than 400 years. With immaculate landscaped gardens and a beautiful wedding pavilion set on the riverbed, it’s a fairytale setting that’s hard to beat.

Originally a flour mill, the traditional 16th-century building boasts a wealth of original features including open fireplaces and exposed beams. Licensed for ceremonies for up to 110 guests, you can tie the knot inside or out and take your pick from a choice of romantic backdrops. The heated outdoor pavilion can be fitted with a canopy so you can marry al fresco whatever the weather. The Banqueting Hall can cater for up to 120 people for the wedding breakfast or the Garden Conservatory, with views across the lake, provides a perfect setting for more intimate celebrations.

We love... the luxurious, two-floor suite for getting ready on the big day.

MURRAY EDWARDS COLLEGE, CB3 0AJ

01223 762 267 | www.murrayedwardsevents.co.uk

This stylish venue offers indoor and outdoor spaces and the flexibility to celebrate your day, your way. Dating from 1954, it’s one of the more modern Cambridge colleges. The gardens are ideal for chilled drinks receptions with informal seating areas and space to relax in private. Enjoy outdoor entertainment, a barbecue or afternoon tea on the lawn – they’ll even supply the picnic blankets!

Set in a tranquil location on the edge of the city centre, it’s just a fiveminute stroll from the Shire Hall register office, so you can tie the knot and celebrate afterwards in the stunning Dome Dining Hall. Sure to wow your guests, it can cater for up to 270 loved ones. Ideal for party animals, there’s also room for a dancefloor, bar, band or DJ, depending on numbers. For more intimate weddings, the Fellows’ Dining Room has its own private garden and can cater for up to 70 guests.

We love... the Dome’s Fountain Court Walkway, beautiful with the illuminated fountains at night.

JESUS COLLEGE, CB5 8BL

01223 760 524 | www.jesus.cam.ac.uk/conferences/weddings

Located on the site of a Benedictine Nunnery, Jesus College boasts some of the oldest buildings in Cambridge. Here history combines with modern award-winning architecture and beautiful grounds to provide an impressive big-day setting. The versatile venue caters for weddings large or small with a choice of traditional and historic rooms and spaces for ceremonies and wedding breakfasts for up to 130 family and friends. In contrast the modern Brewery Room is the ideal setting for the evening reception, complete with a party room, upstairs seating and a private bar, you can celebrate your new married status with up to 160 loved ones. The grounds, gardens and historic buildings provide the quintessential Cambridge backdrop for a chilled drinks reception and standout wedding photographs. Garden furniture is available so your guests can sit out on the lawns and soak up the atmosphere. If you’re looking for an outdoor setting, they’ve got that covered too. You can tie the knot at the thatched Cricket Pavilion with the college grounds in the background. What’s more, if it rains you don’t need to worry, as the Hall will be reserved for you.

HILTON CAMBRIDGE CITY CENTRE

01223 464 491 | www.cambridge.hilton.com

Located in the heart of historic Cambridge, this four-star hotel offers elegance and style suitable for all tastes and budgets. Having recently undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment, it provides the perfect setting for a city-chic wedding. The largest central hotel in Cambridge, just moments from the university, there’s plenty of great photo opportunities nearby. With historic buildings and landmarks, local attractions, restaurants and bars, all within walking distance, it’s the perfect base for guests wanting to stay over and enjoy all the fascinating city has to offer. You can say ‘I do’ in the contemporary yet elegant Isaac Newton Suite and host a wedding breakfast afterwards for up to 150 people and invite an extra 50 loved ones for the evening reception. There are also four smaller suites, perfect for large or intimate ceremonies.

We love... that discounted accommodation is available for all wedding guests.

ALSO CHECK OUT...

If you’re looking for a quintessential Cambridge experience, how about a romantic wedding punt tour for some magical alone-time, glass of fizz in hand? You could even include your guests in the experience for an unforgettable memory of your wedding day! Long-established Scudamores is synonymous with punting in the city and offers special wedding tours taking in the picturesque riverside gardens and College Backs with their pristine lawns. To find out about their wedding day tours call 01223 359 750 or visit www.scudamores.com