SPOTLIGHT ON

Spotlight on... SALISBURY AND SOUTH WILTSHIRE

HATCH HOUSE, TISBURY

Hatch House is a family home located in a private setting accessed via a set of armorial gates and a tree-lined avenue. The house was transformed in the early 20th century by the architect Detmar Blow and the stone exterior blends into the setting while the theatrical façade commands views of the picturesque gardens and nods to the vibrant, eclectic interior that maintains the warmth and feel of a family home.

Ceremonies can be held in a choice of three areas. The dining room decorated in vibrant yellow with views of the garden on two sides is a small intimate space seating up to 45 guests. Alternatively, the porch situated at the back of the house that overlooks the gardens is another ceremony option and the pavilion that takes centre stage in the heart of the two-tiered, 17th-century walled Dutch garden is an al fresco space. The pavilion enjoys wisteria in bloom during late spring and the garden aisle leads from the house through the ornate garden gate to the pavilion.

Receptions take place in the gardens enjoying panoramic views stretching across to the Vale of Wardour. Well-tended borders provide plenty of colour throughout the spring and summer months and the central lawn of the walled garden provides ample space for a marquee. There are smaller garden rooms that can also be utilised, either for extra space or for more intimate celebrations and one of them is large enough for a smaller marquee. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01747 870 622, www.hatch-house.co.uk; www.facebook.com/hatchhousevenue; www.instagram.com/hatchhousewiltshire ♥ We love... that Ballet Under the Stars is returning to Hatch House on 22nd, 23rd and 24th July 2022.

PYTHOUSE CLUB, TISBURY

This reception-only wedding venue sits in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside. The clubhouse faces open countryside and offers ample space for a marquee reception on the manicured grounds.

The design of Pythouse Club was inspired by a simple basilica. The Regency sash windows are framed by handmade green wooden shutters, the Clubhouse is clad with Douglas Fir and the roof is tiled with reclaimed Welsh slate. A wide veranda looks out over the stunning green landscape that offers plenty of shade and seating. The veranda can be turned in to a fabulous entrance decorated with flowers, bunting and fairylights and it can also provide extra reception space before the wedding breakfast.

Inside, the Clubhouse features a fine wood floor and is filled with plenty of natural daylight. There’s a kitchen located in the main club room and the remaining space can be turned into a cosy dining room, ideal for a pre-wedding dinner, or used as the main reception room.

This venue is available for receptions only but the Club is fully licensed to serve alcohol. Receptions take place in a marquee erected on the grounds for up to 100 guests, or in The Clubhouse for up to 36 loved ones seated and up to 50 people standing.

Ceremony licence? No, receptions only Contact: 01747 445 092, www.pythouseclub.co.uk/weddings; www.facebook.com/PythouseClubEventsVenue; www.instagram.com/pythouseclub_hire ♥ We love... the shepherd’s hut located just behind the Clubhouse which, combined with the idyllic rural view, can form a superb backdrop to photos.

GRAY MANOR HOTEL, CHOLDERTON

This quirky, family-run hotel and exclusive-use wedding venue sits on five acres of land with the exterior flanked by jasmine and clematis trailing the walls during summer. Inside, there are plenty of Instaworthy touches with its shabby chic styling. The comfortable bedrooms accommodate up to 60 wedding guests and there’s a designer-inspired bridal suite decorated in black and gold.

Ceremonies take place in a choice of three spaces with a flexible seated banqueting area for the wedding breakfast. There’s a dancefloor and room for live musicians or a DJ, and couples can make use of the complimentary decorative touches offered such as chair sashes, centrepieces, flowers, table gems and napkins.

Outside is a photographer’s dream, with a magical secret garden propped with quirky pieces of furniture and atmospheric lighting, ideal for al fresco summer celebrations. There’s a Japanese pergola that acts as a wonderful backdrop for photos, as well as the pretty rose flower bed.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01980 629 542, www.graymanorhotel.co.uk; www.facebook. com/graymanorhotel; www.instagram.com/graymanorhotel ♥ We love... the flexible wedding packages, free menu tasting sessions for couples who have booked a wedding at the venue and the exceptional customer service with couples and family members invited back for anniversaries and other special dates.

THE WARDROBE WALLED GARDEN WEDDINGS, SALISBURY

This historic venue offers exclusivity within the walls of Cathedral Close in Salisbury. Fronting on to Choristers Square, the house dates back to the 13th century with many additions and alterations.

To the rear, there’s a mature walled garden, known as the secret garden, a hidden gem in the heart of this Cathedral city where exclusive marquee weddings can be held. It’s fully enclosed and covers more than half an acre leading down to the banks of the River Avon. The pretty flowerbeds and blooming rose garden make it an ideal photographic backdrop.

Small wedding receptions take place in the historic regimental room suitably placed to admire the views of the Cathedral spire, with larger celebrations enjoying the marquee outside in the secret garden. Access is granted the day before, and after, the wedding included in the cost. There’s also an experienced wedding and event planner on hand, plus a complimentary tasting of the wedding breakfast menu and a discounted lunch the day after the celebration included in the price.

Ceremony licence? No Contact: 01722 580 086, www.wardrobeweddings.co.uk; www.facebook.com/wardobeweddings; www.instagram.com/wardrobeweddings ♥ We love... the city-centre location making it easy to reach for guests. THE BISHOP’S PALACE, SALISBURY

The Bishop’s Palace is discreetly located within Salisbury’s historic Cathedral Close set on 27 acres of private grounds including a lake, a conservation area and a large lawn suitable for a marquee. The site is situated southeast of Salisbury Cathedral and its majestic Spire can be seen from almost everywhere in the grounds.

This venue boasts quintessential, ancient English architecture with historic stone walls, intricate oak staircases, secret passages and an original bell tower. Internal highlights include the Undercroft, a mediaeval dining room with a vaulted stone roof and the Chapel with its organ and ancient bell tower.

The Bishop’s Palace is available for wedding receptions only that take place inside The Bishop’s Drawing Room which has a capacity for up to 100 guests seated or standing. This stunning period space is adorned with paintings of former Bishops of Salisbury gathered together under an elaborate, stucco-decorated ceiling. Tall, arched windows flood the room with natural light and allow for views of the stunning grounds.

The Undercroft is an alternative option seating up to 80 loved ones or up to 120 people standing and marquees can be erected on the stunning grounds to the rear of the Bishop’s Palace.

Ceremony licence? No Contact: 01722 555 302, www.salisburycathedralschool.com/weddings ♥ We love... that the Bishop’s Palace was built more than 800 years ago and the view of the Cathedral from the grounds is not usually open to the public.

THE WARDROBE

WALLED GARDEN WEDDINGS

A newly launched wedding and events venue in the heart of historic Salisbury.

The Wardrobe is a secret hideaway located to the rear of the Rifleman’s Museum. It is situated in the tranquil setting of the cathedral close and the wonderful garden leads down to the banks of the river Avon. With the rolling countryside beyond, it is difficult to imagine a better location within the Salisbury city limits for any outdoor event, be it a wedding reception, celebration or garden party.

The walled garden is totally enclosed and private covering over half an acre. It also has numerous specimen trees including one of the finest copper beach trees in Wiltshire.

The walled garden can be privately hired for your wedding, party or event. A marquee will be positioned in the beautiful garden (your choice of style) and we can accommodate up to 150 guests. For smaller numbers a reduced sized marquee is available.

The on-site caterer is the award-winning Vanilla Catering & Events.

Vanilla’s key ethics are attention to customer service and the use of top quality local ingredients. These result in bright, modern food styles presented with attention to detail in an unfussy yet friendly manner. A bespoke menu is created for each client and a complimentary wedding planner is provided to run your special day.

An interesting fact: did you know why we are we called The Wardrobe?

The original building on the site was constructed in 1254. It was rebuilt in the 15th century and was used to store the robes of the Bishop of Salisbury; hence it was known as the “Bishop’s Wardrobe” or “The Wardrobe”!