SPOTLIGHT ON

Spotlight on... REGIONAL VENUES SOUTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE

To celebrate the return of weddings, we look back at some of our favourite venues in the area

CLEARWELL CASTLE, ROYAL FOREST OF DEAN

This award-winning castle is an exclusive-use venue set in 20 acres of picturesque grounds accessed via a sweeping driveway. It’s home to a historic Portcullis, the perfect photographic backdrop with the castle turrets in the background, a secluded lake, perfectly striped lawns and donkeys, Molly and Tigger, that greet guests on arrival.

When restrictions lift, ceremonies take place in the Ballroom, a grand, church-like setting featuring a 75foot long aisle and glittering chandeliers suspended from the tall ceilings. The wedding breakfast also takes place here while the reception is held in a choice of elegant rooms that include the Main Hall, an inviting space with a feature fireplace and comfortable sofas, and the Drawing Room with its baby grand piano and doors leading to the Cocktail Terrace. There’s also the option of the vaulted Cellars Bar which boasts an LED-lit dancefloor.

❤ We love… the Bandstand, an outdoor ceremony spot set against the stunning backdrop of the castle.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01594 832 320, www.clearwell-castle.co.uk www.facebook.com/clearwellcastleweddingvenue

Another option

Thornbury Castle located in South Gloucestershire has housed kings, queens and dukes over the centuries. Steeped in history, this Tudor setting suits weddings of all sizes and is about to unveil a refurbishment. Call 01454 281 182 or visit www.thornburycastle.co.uk to find out more. www.facebook.com/ThornburyCastle

DE VERE COTSWOLD WATER PARK, SOUTH CERNEY

This contemporary hotel is built on a nature reserve surrounded by 152 lakes that make up the Cotswold Water Park. It’s home to 328 stylish bedrooms and elegant suites that are equipped with a lounge area, king-size beds and lakeside terraces boasting picturesque views.

Spa 6 is a tranquil haven with treatment rooms, including a dual one for couples, a champagne bar, a hydrotherapy pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and experience showers.

Dining options are plentiful with The Muddy Duck cafe offering light bites and coffee, and The Brasserie, a contemporary restaurant located on the water’s edge, serving afternoon tea, dinner, and pizza from its outdoor oven (during the summer months). The Old Boathouse is another option for dinner, offering a delicious menu using locally sourced, seasonal produce served in relaxed, informal surroundings.

Ceremonies for up to 300 guests take place in The Kingfisher Suite, located downstairs, benefitting from its own entrance (perfect for a red carpet arrival), private bar and toilets (when restrictions lift). This versatile space can be split into three sections for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception, allowing the entire celebration to take place here. It opens on to an outdoor terrace, offering uninterrupted views – ideal for summer soirées.

The Mallard Suite upstairs is also licensed for ceremonies of up to 300 guests and enjoys a balcony facing the lake, with the opportunity for photographs to be taken down on the grass verge. Intimate gatherings and micro weddings are best suited to The Starling Suite, a smaller, stylish offering.

Couples can also book The Whimbrel Marquee that can be adjoined to the Kingfisher Suite, to take advantage of the 1 am finish that the venue offers. The hotel operates 24 hours, perfect for a nightcap in the bar, where a wide selection of wine, spirits, and craft drinks are served, or a midnight feast from The Pantry, an area in reception loaded with snacks and ice cream served from a pink and white-striped trike (that can be hired for weddings.)

❤ We love… the Starling Suite with lakeside views through the floor-to-ceiling windows that’s best suited to micro weddings.

Another option

Chipping Sodbury Town Hall has been maintained to a very high standard revealing a beautiful big-day backdrop. The resident caterer offers a varied selection of menus to suit all budgets and tastes and facilities include a fully equipped bar and dancefloor.

The exclusive-use Charter Suite located on the first floor (there’s a lift available) can accommodate up to 80 guests (when restrictions lift) and can be styled to suit many different wedding themes. The modern auditorium on the ground floor provides excellent facilities for parties of up to 250 loved ones.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01285 864 000, www.devere.co.uk/cotswold-water-park-hotel www.facebook.com/DeVereHotels Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01454 852 222, www.chippingsodburytownhall.co.uk

DE VERE TORTWORTH COURT, WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE

This Gothic-style, Grade 11 listed mansion house hotel sits on the edge of the Cotswolds blending original Victorian features with 21st-century 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 housing over 300 different plant and tree specimens.

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.

Ceremonies take place in a variety of areas, including The Orangery, a grand conservatory built in 1874 featuring an ornamental glass ceiling and an outdoor dining area for up to 100 loved ones (when restrictions lift). The Westminster Suite, with its floor-to-ceiling windows boasting panoramic views, is best suited to larger parties of up to 250 guests and there’s also the Victoria Suite, ideal for intimate celebrations and micro weddings.

❤ We love… the spa offers and wedding packages available.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01454 263 000, www.devere.co.uk/tortworth-court www.facebook.com/DeVereHotels

EASTWOOD PARK, WOTTON UNDER EDGE

This traditional English country house enjoys a secluded location nestled in 200 acres of woodland, meadows and fields. It’s home to a selection of stylish bedrooms, an outdoor terrace with views stretching across the Berkeley Vale and a pretty courtyard featuring an 18th-century clock tower.

Ceremonies take place in the Eastwood Drawing Room with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the formal gardens (when restrictions lift). Its neutral colour scheme provides a blank canvas for different themes and it’s situated on the ground floor with easy access. Micro weddings of up to 20 guests can also be catered for.

The wedding breakfast and reception is hosted in the Eastwood Terrace, a large elegant room with doors opening on to the large outdoor terrace that’s a great spot for a drinks reception or an evening barbecue.

❤ We love… the option of a fireworks display as the grand finale.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01454 260 207, www.eastwoodpark.co.uk www.facebook.com/eastwoodparkglos