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SPOTLIGHT ON... CHELTENHAM
A LITTLE Dreamdream THEMED VENUES
Fabulous fairytale-inspired venues
This award-winning exclusive-use venue is nestled in 20 acres of picturesque grounds accessed via a sweeping driveway. It’s home to a historic Portcullis, a secluded lake, perfectly striped lawns and donkeys, Molly and Tigger that greet guests on arrival.
Ceremonies take place in the Ballroom, a grand, church-like setting featuring a 75-foot long aisle and glittering chandeliers, and outside in the Bandstand with the castle as the backdrop. The wedding breakfast also takes place in the Ballroom for up to 150 guests with a mouth-watering choice of menus available and the opportunity for couples to create their own.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01594 832 320, www.clearwell-castle.co.uk www.facebook.com/clearwellcastleweddingvenue
♥ We love… that the team can work with couples on their very own bespoke cocktail.
ANOTHER OPTION
Ingleside is a dramatically different wedding venue based in historic Cirencester, lovingly known as the Capital of the Cotswolds. It’s a Grade II listed property that’s bold and theatrical in design boasting 11 individually designed bedrooms and suites.
The cellar is home to the award-winning Téatro Bar & Restaurant serving quality produce and carefully crafted drinks. There’s also The Firepit, for when the sun goes down, a spacious outdoor dining area serving freshly curated food using locally sourced ingredients.
Micro weddings for a small group of ten people can be held here, tailor-made for each couple, along with larger affairs of more than 150 guests in a choice of versatile reception spaces.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01285 648 230, www.inglesidehouse.co.uk www.facebook.com/InglesideHouse
DE VERE TORTWORTH COURT, WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Located in the stunning South Cotswolds in 30 acres of parkland, this Grade 11 listed mansion house hotel and Victorian arboretum marry original features with contemporary style. Surrounded by stunning views of the rolling Gloucestershire hills and landscaped formal gardens, guests are encouraged to borrow a pair of Hunter wellies and explore the estate, which includes one of Britain’s finest arboretums more than 300 different plant and tree specimens. There are also specially commissioned sculptures by the artist Emma Stothard, including hares positioned as the centrepiece of the formal garden and audio tours can be booked.
The Leaf Spa is a tranquil spot in which to unwind and guests can also make use of the swimming pool, sauna, and fully equipped gym. For dinner, the 1853 Restaurant & Bar serves a selection of seasonal dishes accompanied by an extensive wine list.
In 2018, the property underwent a £20 million restoration where the former stables became bedrooms and the Orangery, which was built in 1899 by the architect Ewan Christian who designed the National Portrait Gallery in London, is now a grand venue for weddings and events. The hotel grounds also feature a beautiful magnolia tree of such botanical importance that it was granted special protection. During the restoration, the original paths in the garden were cleared and a pet cemetery was revealed, which remains within the grounds today.
Ceremonies take place in a variety of areas including The Orangery featuring an ornamental glass ceiling and an outdoor dining area for up to 100 loved ones. The Westminster Suite, with its floor-to-ceiling windows boasting panoramic views, is best suited to larger parties of up to 280 guests and there’s also the Victoria Suite, ideal for intimate celebrations and micro weddings.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01454 263 000, www.devere.co.uk/tortworth-court www.facebook.com/DeVereHotels
♥ We love… that the hotel even has a resident cat, Lady Grey! She’s a British shorthair who is often spotted roaming the hotel or sunbathing in the grounds.
ELMORE COURT, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
This exclusive-use wedding venue can be seen in all its glory in this behind-the-scenes drone footage taking potential guests on a journey exploring the rural location, the Grade II listed country house and the Gillyflower ballroom, with the final shot taken in the grand ceremonial hall.
Recent developments have seen the walled garden that forms part of the estate having been restored to its original use as a working-produce garden and dishes prepared by head chef Matt Greene use ingredients sourced straight from it.
Ceremonies take place in a variety of areas in the main house including in the hall. Dinner and dancing are enjoyed in The Gillyflower, a romantic event space in a separate building located in the grounds draped in fairylights that’s home to a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01452 720 293, www.elmorecourt.com www.facebook.com/elmorecourt
Scam to view video
THE SPEECH HOUSE HOTEL, COLEFORD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
This former 17th-century hunting lodge is set in the heart of the idyllic Royal Forest of Dean combining period charm with modern hotel and purpose-built wedding venue facilities. The manicured garden area provides a much-photographed stag statue for photo opportunities. The hotel borders the 15-acre Speech House field that can be hired for wedding games adjacent to the ancient forest surrounding the hotel and there’s also the Speech House lake close by.
Verderers’ Court, the historic court room, provides a traditional setting for any celebration for between 50 and 70 guests. It’s steeped in history, from the hand-carved chairs to the open fireplace and beamed ceiling.
The Edwin Tauber Suite overlooking the Speech House field and the ancient woodland beyond is a picture-perfect setting for a party. The large bi-fold doors open out on to a covered terrace that leads to the hotel garden and beyond to the Speech House field. This spacious and light purpose-built function suite has a bar and reception area offering plenty of space for up to 150 guests seated at dinner and dancing for up to 200 people. The ceremony can take place outdoors under the sheltered terrace with guests looking on. The suite can be laid out traditionally with everyone seated at round tables or, for a more contemporary feel, long rustic banquet tables can be positioned in this flexible space.
The Carolean Room is named after the era of King Charles II and is ideal for smaller parties of up to 25 guests. This charming room is situated in the main part of the hotel and is decorated in a traditional country house style.
The Orangery is a light and airy garden room available to hire exclusively for post-wedding drinks and canapés or as an extra space for the wedding party. It opens out on to a pretty garden and can be hired alongside the Edwin Tauber Suite, Verderers’ Court or The Carolean Room.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01594 822 607, https://thespeechhouse.co.uk
♥ We love… the various wedding packages on offer.
ANOTHER OPTION
The Stones Hotel in Salisbury, Wiltshire is a versatile venue hosting intimate weddings for up to 50 guests or more lavish affairs for 250 loved ones. A selection of elegant suites, mouth-watering menus and luxury accommodation complete with rainfall showers and organic toiletries are ready to welcome wedding guests. An Executive Room is available for the night before the wedding, complete with room service and breakfast the following morning, as part of the Bridal Suite Package.
Ceremonies take place in The Equinox Suite, perfect for micro weddings and small receptions. Guests will love the gin bar serving a wide selection of spirits, plus the private outdoor terrace for al fresco celebrations. The Solstice Suite is a self-contained area equipped with a foyer, cloakroom, bar, kitchen, toilets and has access to the terrace. Ivory drapes divide the room into a ceremony space and after, a larger area for the wedding breakfast and reception.
Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01722 782 020, https://thestoneshotel.co.uk www.facebook.com/thestoneshotel
♥ We love… the talented team of chefs working with couples to tailor-make a menu best suited to them. The venue is family friendly and happy to provide smaller portions for children at a reduced cost.
