GOING LOCAL

Going local Where to say “I do” in and around Northamptonshire

WHITTLEBURY PARK

01327 857 857 | www.whittlebury.com

Nestled in 700 acres of tranquil-ancient parkland, Whittlebury Park is a luxurious 4-star hotel that provides a peaceful and elegant setting for wedding celebrations.

There are three stunning venues on-site for couples to pick from, including The Orangery, The Pavilion and The Atrium. Orangeries became fashionable in the Georgian period and some beautiful examples of these buildings still survive today just like the one at Whittlebury Park. The Orangery is set in the heart of the grounds and can accommodate 100 people for ceremonies. The old-stone flagged floor, enchanting piano and sweeping wrought-iron staircase provide a setting for grand entrances. The two oak trees, adjacent waterfall and lawns outside the venue are the ideal backdrop to wedding photography.

Or why not exchange vows in The Atrium, a versatile space that can cater for 40 to 400 loved ones? With large windows and two large balconies, couples will see spectacular views across the parkland and beyond.

A great option for receptions is The Pavilion, which opens out onto a large terrace and lawn with a woodland area. Inside, The Banqueting Room is perfect for wedding breakfasts with 120 guests and more in the evening. The space resembles a marquee with the addition of white lining in the summer and a starlight ceiling in the winter with crystal chandeliers. Here couples will find a fully-licensed bar, a private courtyard, sofas for those who want to relax and chat, a dancefloor and plenty of endless photo opportunities.

Whittlebury Park also offers outdoor-tipi weddings for up to 150 people. The canvas-tipi tents are made from Scandinavian slow grown spruce and a waterproof hand-stitched canvas. It provides warmth in the winter and remains cool in the summer.

The venue offers wedding guests preferential accommodation rates at the hotel and if guests wish to extend their stay to a weekend, they can benefit from a special dinner, bed and breakfast rates for any additional nights.

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DELAPRÉ ABBEY

01604 760 817 | www.delapreabbey.org

Surrounded by 550 acres of parkland and just one mile south from the Northampton town centre, Delapré Abbey is a beautiful Grade II listed property with many historical features. In one form or another, the venue is 900-years-old and features a large lawn, tree avenues and beautiful glasshouses. One of Northampton’s most romantic settings, the Walled Garden, provides a spectacular backdrop for vows or photos and here the team grow seasonal fruit and flowers.

Ceremonies can take place in any of the historic rooms including the charming Library, which offers stunning views of the grounds. Then mingle with guests in the Salon, Drawing Room or Walled Garden before couples make their way to the Grand Dining Room for their wedding breakfast. The venue can accommodate 80 guests in any of the beautiful Bouverie rooms.

The captivating Walled Garden is an elegant space that can host ceremonies and receptions for 200 people. For more intimate nuptials, the Thatched Larder is licensed for small ceremonies. Not forgetting the rest of the parkland, which can accommodate up to 499 guests in a marquee on the south lawn.

The historic Bouverie Suite is perfect for receptions with open fields for evening barbecues as well a private enclosed courtyard, which is ideal for strawberry and drinks! Complete with a dancefloor and a bar area, the space can accommodate wedding parties of up to 150 loved ones.

Delapré Abbey offers complimentary services for all weddings regardless of the package or party size. Included in the venue hire is help from a dedicated wedding coordinator and a toastmaster, a dancefloor, menu-tasting sessions and more.

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WICKSTEED PARK

01536 512 475 | www.wicksteedpark.org

Situated in Kettering, Wicksteed Park is a beautiful wedding venue that features ornate architecture, Edwardian pillars, chandeliers and windows that overlook views of the parkland and beyond.

The venue’s rich mix of heritage and modern-day amenities make it an exceptional setting: from the grand ballroom, the lakes and Grade II listed parkland to the vintage fairground rides, playgrounds and attractions – it’s got something for everyone.

Ceremonies can occur in the intimate Terrace Suite with a glass-fronted terrace overlooking the park or the main ballroom, which can be divided into a smaller space if needed. The suite can comfortably seat 150 loved ones and features floor-to-ceiling windows and a beautiful terrace overlooking the park, which is a perfect space for receptions.

The new Garden Room has breathtaking views from its veranda on top of the Edwardian Pavilion and can be used for ceremonies and receptions. Set in the stunning grounds, the space offers elegant surroundings with a windows that provid plenty of natual lighting. The Pavilion is the largest reception space that can accommodate up to 800 guests, but is just as fitting for parties of 200 due to the flexible partitioning and staging.

In the evening, guests will revel on the full-sized ballroom dancefloor and the atmosphere will be kept comfortable by the climate-control system.

https://sophieannphotography.co.uk

DODMOOR HOUSE

01327 341 736 | www.dodmoorhouse.co.uk

Dodmoor House is a rustic and charming wedding venue made up of three elegant but rustic-stone barns, one for ceremonies, one for wedding breakfasts and the other for overnight stays.

The rustic and charming interiors feature fresh and earthy tones plus plenty of character with original brickwork and beams throughout the spaces. Light fills the rooms in the summer and in the winter, the space is cosy and warm with plenty of fairylights and candles filling the rooms to add a romantic atmosphere.

The courtyard is the heart of the property, intimately enclosed by the barns and the lawn is the perfect space for drinks receptions in the summer with a beautiful-stone wall and canal.

The team offers a hire range of décor items such as table plans and help from a personal wedding coordinator to make the planning experience less stressful.

Say “I do” in the Courtyard Barn, an intimate space that can accommodate 96 guests, which features views over the courtyard, ceiling beams, a stone floor and a wooden-pallet backdrop. The Catesby Barn can accommodate 58 people for more intimate ceremonies and boasts high ceilings, fairylights, hanging candelabras and a mezzanine balcony. Both barns are filled with tea lights for a romantic atmosphere whatever the season.

There are many options for outdoor ceremonies, including the courtyard, the garden, behind the Catesby Barn, outside the main house or on the lawn. Couples can exchange vows outside until the 5th April 2022, when the government reviews outdoor ceremony rules.

Depending on where ceremonies are held, wedding breakfasts take place in the other barn. This would usually be the Catesby Barn, which can seat 72 guests on round tables with a straight top table, 74 guests on round tables including a round top table, or up to 96 guests on straight banqueting tables (90 if you want to include a top table). These capacities are based on those using the mezzanine and the ground floor.

In the Courtyard Barn, 58 guests can fit on round tables or 44 on one large banquet table. Each barn has various table layouts and it’s always worth discussing different options with the team.

Catesby Barn is the perfect location for receptions; here couples will find the main bar and while the tables are cleared after the meal, nearlyweds can enjoy the early evening in the Courtyard Barn or outside in the courtyard.

An overnight stay (on the wedding night) in the Honeymoon Suite is included within the venue’s hire fee and a continental breakfast is served the following day.

The property hosts regular open evenings to allow couples and loved ones to visit the venue and see it set up in all its glory. Here, they can also meet a selection of recommended suppliers and sample canapés, drinks and sweet treats.

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CROCKWELL FARM

01327 361 358 | www.crockwellfarm.co.uk

Crockwell Farm enjoys a tranquil location in the south Northamptonshire countryside with stunning rural views, extensive gardens and grounds. The venue is comprised of the original stone vaulted barn, a recently refurbished rustic bar and a dining room.

BARTON HALL HOTEL

01536 515 505 | www.bartonhall.com

Located on the outskirts of Barton Seagrave village, Barton Hall stands amongst the extensive gardens, mature trees and wildlife. The historic Grade II listed house is built with local stone and offers boutique styling. ABINGTON PARK MUSEUM

01604 838 111 | www.northamptonmuseums.com

Set in the heart of Abington Park, Abington Park Museum is housed in a Grade I listed manor house that provides a beautiful backdrop for weddings. The venue dates back to the 1500s and has been a rural Medieval farm manor house, country house, asylum and was once home to Shakespeare’s granddaughter.

WOOD FARM AT EVERDON

07907 293 865 | www.woodfarmeverdon.co.uk

Located in 80 acres of land, Wood Farm at Everdon is a beautiful barn venue that has versatility to suit many individual needs. With facilities on two floors, couples can use the venue to their liking. They can have the ceremony upstairs in the Bluebell Loft, followed by a wedding breakfast and reception downstairs – the space is theirs to use as desired.