SPOTLIGHT ON

WEDDING VENUES IN WEST WILTSHIRE

FONTHILL ESTATE, FONTHILL BISHOP

Bake Barn is a restored shooting lodge perched in a private, remote spot in the Wiltshire Downs on the 9,000-acre Fonthill Estate. It’s one of three venues for hire on-site that also includes Quarry Wood, a stunning woodland spot where a wedding under a stretch tent can be held (turn to page 45 to see ideas in our exclusive shoot). Deer Park Barn is the third venue on the estate that’s best suited to micro weddings.

The modest stone and tiled exterior of Bake Barn, along with the pitched central glass doors, gives it an old-fashioned village school feel and it’s sheltered by a stone perimeter wall creating a courtyard effect. Partly grass and partly gravel with a covered loggia area, it’s a self-contained blank canvas ideal for a rural and rustic-inspired real wedding.

The interior boasts exposed beams and rafters, repointed stone walls and a wooden floor. A large fireplace at one end provides a focal point and a photo backdrop when decorated for a wedding. Natural light streams through the middle of the building which features glass doors on both sides and upstairs above the main hall, the Beater’s Loft is a light and airy industrial-style space for those seeking something a little more contemporary. Ceremonies take place here for up to 80 loved ones and there’s a separate entrance and private staircase for the bride or groom to enter.

The Main Hall can set up to 120 guests for the ceremony and the covered Loggia situated outside in the pretty courtyard is open on one side allowing guests to gather and watch. Up to 50 people can be seated undercover on hay bales or benches with the remainder standing or sitting outside in the courtyard. Drinks and canapés can also be enjoyed in the courtyard while the wedding breakfast is served inside the main hall. Those wishing to dine al fresco against the uninterrupted views can do this by hiring a marquee to erect on the lawn and these vistas make fantastic backdrops for photographs with the lake and Beckford Arch both being recognised beauty spots.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01747 820 246, www.fonthill.co.uk www.facebook.com/fonthillestate www.instagram.com/fonthillestate

♥ We love... that with no neighbours nearby, there are no curfew and noise restrictions.

https://angelawardbrown.com

WELLINGTON BARN, CALNE

Nestled in a private spot in the Wiltshire Downs sits Wellington Barn, a romantic exclusive-use venue marrying contemporary and rustic features. The exclusive-use historic red-brick and wooden-clad structure features a tall oak-beam vaulted ceiling. It also benefits from a large south-facing terrace, an oak gazebo and far-reaching views stretching across the wildflower meadow.

Ceremonies take place in the Old Barn for up to 100 guests which are adjoined to the New Barn that can host up to 200 loved ones. The pretty outdoor gazebo is also licensed for up to 200 people.

The New Barn offers versatility for the wedding breakfast seating up to 160 guests at round tables and also for the reception holding up to 300 party-goers for an evening cocktail party.

Three luxury en-suite shepherd’s huts located in the grounds provide first-night accommodation (included in the venue fee) and glamping in bell tents is available for guests from April until September. There’s also a new modern luxury eco-house situated half a mile from the venue in a private setting overlooking a lake that sleeps between eight to 10 wedding guests.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01249 400 014, www.wellingtonbarn.co.uk www.facebook.com/wellingtonbarn www.instagram.com/wellington_barn

♥ We love... the pretty three-acre wildflower meadow in bloom from May to August, an Insta-worthy backdrop for photos.

THE MANOR HOUSE, CHIPPENHAM

The Manor House is a 14th-century luxury hotel and golf club located in the historic village of Castle Combe offering a spectacular setting on 365 acres for weddings, first-night stays and staycation honeymoons. There are 21 opulent, individually styled rooms and suites and 29 picturesque on-site cottages including a new private cottage located in Castle Combe. Baker’s Cottage has added a self-catering option to the hotel’s already impressive line-up of accommodation. It’s a two-bedroom, dog-friendly property with a garden terrace, kitchen and lounge. The double bedroom, twin bedroom and sofa bed available in the lounge sleep up to four adults, ideal for wedding guests.

The championship-standard, 18-hole golf course is one of the best in the South West. The hotel is also home to the Michelin-starred Bybrook restaurant that has retained its Michelin star for the fifth consecutive year. While this is an adult-only environment, there are informal areas that welcome children throughout the property. There’s also al fresco dining to be enjoyed on the outdoor terraces and a dedicated gin bar.

The village is also home to a sister venue, The Castle Inn, a 12th-century pub offering a relaxed dining experience for couples and families.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01249 782 982 www.exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house www.facebook.com/ExclusiveTheManorHouseGolf