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Spotlight on... NORTH WILTSHIRE AND SWINDON

We reveal where to wed

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BOWOOD HOTEL, SPA & GOLF RESORT, CALNE

This luxury countryside resort is surrounded by 2,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland home to local wildlife, an abundance of history (having been the residence of the Lansdowne family for more than 250 years) and offering far-flung views. Access to the resort is via the Golden Gates, designed by Sir Charles Barry, chief architect of the Houses of Parliament, that provide a splendid backdrop for big-day photographs.

The outdoor wedding pavilion located a few steps from the venue on the large open terrace also enjoys these views and makes a wonderful area for summer ceremonies. At the far end of the resort is The Kerry Suite situated next to the old farmhouse offering a stylish space for up to 160 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and can accommodate up to 250 people for the evening reception. It’s filled with light and furnished in a contemporary style, suiting many wedding themes. It’s made up of three internal rooms; the Kerry, Wycombe and Clanmaurice. Each one can be used individually or combined to create one larger suite. There’s a private bar and lounge and an outdoor courtyard ideal for a champagne drinks reception. Couples booking their wedding at the resort can expect to receive a complimentary food and wine tasting, a free upgrade to a Bridal Suite and discounted accommodation rates for friends and family. There are 43 luxurious bedrooms available and accommodation in the nearby Queenwood Lodge located just across the golf course.

There’s a selection of wedding packages on offer including special dates for last-minute rates and they also offer a bespoke option where couples can design their dream day.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01249 822 228 | www.bowood.org

♥ We love... that the estate has evolved over the years to include not just the stately house hotel, spa and championship golf course but also a children’s adventure playground and many other features. It’s an idyllic choice for a staycation honeymoon in the region or a pre-wedding pamper. Why not make a weekend of it and invite your guests to stay on for longer?

THE CASTLE INN, CASTLE COMBE

This 12th-century destination pub oozes charm and has just enjoyed some restoration. It’s home to 12 en suite rooms and foodie guests can expect traditional gastro dishes on the menu made with high-quality local produce cooked simply with the menu changing often to adapt to the seasons. Highlights from the main menu are the castle burger topped with cheese, bacon jam, house pickles and burger sauce served with fries and diners can relax at a table in the bar, the central dining room or the outdoor terrace.

Couples looking to host an intimate wedding dinner can book one of the inn’s wooden-clad private dining spaces, seating between six and 24 guests, with the option to hire the entire property. Located opposite is its sister property, The Manor House, a luxury hotel and golf club home to the Michelin-starred restaurant, Bybrook, overseen by Rob Potter that’s part of the Exclusive Collection, a family-owned independent collection of hotels and spas, a golf club, cookery school and a pub. Ceremony licence? No Contact: www.exclusive.co.uk/the-castle-inn

♥ We love... that the picturesque village of Castle Combe is often used as a filming location.

ANOTHER OPTION

Marlborough Golf Club is one of the finest courses in Wiltshire and hosts weddings in the recently refurbished dining room for up to 100 guests for a reception and up to 150 loved ones for the evening party. There is a selection of bespoke packages available that put couples in control of their budget with sensibly set prices. A simple buffet or gourmet dining can be enjoyed where only the finest local ingredients are used.

Contact: 01672 512 147 | www.marlboroughgolfclub.co.uk/weddings www.facebook.com/Marlborough-Golf-Club-587588174611552 ANOTHER OPTION

Stanton Manor Cotswolds near Chippenham is a country house hotel part of the Sleeping Bears Hotels chain. Offering wedding packages all year round, the stunning Woodlands Room can accommodate up to 90 guests for a ceremony while the pretty cherry orchard offers a summery al fresco option. The wedding breakfast for up to 120 guests is served in the heated marquee giving everyone access to the extensive grounds. The mouth-watering dishes are created using fresh local ingredients and up to 150 loved ones can enjoy an evening buffet and party in a choice of rooms inside the manor, accessed via a covered walkway that’s illuminated at twilight.

CHISELDON HOUSE, SWINDON

This wisteria-draped hotel and restaurant is a historic country manor house dating back to 1826 nestled within three acres of pretty landscaped gardens in the Wiltshire countryside. The stone façade provides a beautiful backdrop for photographs and the interior is home to many traditional features including fireplaces, statement chandeliers and a stunning staircase.

Outdoor ceremonies take place under the thatched summerhouse located within the private secluded courtyard leading directly into the function rooms where up to 100 guests can gather. The picturesque courtyard and grounds are also a photographer’s dream, with Instaworthy touches at every turn including secluded wooded areas and pretty manicured gardens.

Alternatively, the indoor Borelli Suite overlooking the gardens and flooded with natural daylight seats up to 60 guests for the ceremony or up to 40 loved ones for the wedding breakfast. The elegant restaurant offers another option for up to 100 people to be seated for the wedding breakfast and this area overlooks, and leads, directly on to the courtyard. The evening reception also takes place here and the hotel lends itself well to exclusive-use weddings and can be transformed to suit most themes.

The hotel is home to 21 stylish bedrooms, perfect for guests wishing to stay over. The talented chef is happy to meet with the couple to devise a menu to their liking and the team at this splendid venue work with preferred suppliers who know the property well. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01793 741 010 | www.chiseldonhouse.com www.facebook.com/ChiseldonHouse www.instagram.com/chiseldonhouse