LET IT SNOW

’Tis the season for magical winter weddings

AVINGTON PARK, NR.WINCHESTER

01962 779 260 | www.avingtonpark.co.uk

If you’re looking for a historic backdrop for your big day, Avington Park is a must-see. Dating back to the 10th century, be prepared for plenty of stop-stare moments from the moment you arrive through the wrought iron gateway, down the long avenue of lime trees to catch your first glimpse of the house. With two conservatories flanking a pillared orangery, the family home has all the grace and elegance of a wonderful country mansion.

Set in peaceful secluded grounds, with lawns bordering the River Itchen, it provides a picturesque scene all year round. Magical in winter with a dusting of snow, there are a host of impressive rooms inside. The beautifully decorated main hall with its marbled pillars and grand fireplace leads into the library, a warm and inviting space with leatherbound books, a log fire, grand piano and views on to the south lawn. The opulent ballroom, on the first floor boasts a magnificently painted ceiling and gold plasterwork, huge mirrors and stunning views across the park. Full of grandeur it provides a romantic backdrop for ceremonies with up to 100 guests and during December there’s a magical Christmas tree decked with twinkling lights to add to the atmosphere. All three rooms are licensed for ceremonies, as well as the conservatory, a glass house full of exotic plants. Fully heated it’s ideal for intimate ‘I dos’ with up to 25 loved ones. The versatile space can be used in a number of ways, including providing extra room for the reception, the evening bar, for the top table or displaying the wedding cake. Combined with the adjoining library, you can host a reception for 100 seated guests and the room can be turned around later for the evening celebration with entertainment and a band. Larger wedding parties can be hosted in a marquee adjoining the Library.

We love… the magnificent staircase leading up to the ballroom; perfect for beautiful bridal photos.

THE ELVETHAM HOTEL, HOOK

01252 847 293 | www.elvethamhotel.co.uk

Set in 35 acres of Hampshire countryside, the grounds of this historic gem are magical in winter with a dusting of snow. The striking building oozes history and charm; a stunning example of Victorian architecture it boasts a wealth of inviting indoor wedding spaces and standout features. Think wood-panelled walls, a spectacular staircase, fireplaces and oak floors – the stuff that winter wedding dreams are made of!

Arrive at the tower over the main entrance, step inside and be prepared for plenty of stop-stare moments. The grandeur of the Oak Room provides an elegant setting for indoor ceremonies. The large windows allow the light to flood in and there’s a statement fireplace at the spot where you say ‘I do’. Celebrate afterwards with a reception for up to 100 guests in the magnificent Library. The largest room in the house there’s an ornate stone fireplace, original bookcases and plenty of natural light. What’s more, at the end of the night you can retreat to one of the venue’s elegant bedrooms and wake up feeling refreshed and revived, ready to relive the big day with your friends and family over breakfast.

We love… the signature gardens and avenue of Irish yew trees; perfect for those all-important wedding photos.

www.idealimaging.uk.com

RHINEFIELD HOUSE HOTEL, BROCKENHURST

01590 622 922 | www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/rhinefieldhouse

Set in the heart of the New Forest Rhinefield House ticks all the boxes for a romantic winter wedding. Surrounded by 40 acres of private grounds, the grand 19th-century house, is striking both inside and out with its long driveway, Tudor and Gothic architecture, steeply pitched roof, red brick chimneys and leaded windows

The magnificent Grand Hall, a replica of London’s Westminster Hall, provides an impressive big-day backdrop with its intricate carvings and oak panelling. You can tie the knot here and celebrate afterwards with a wedding breakfast for 130 seated guests and up to 200 for the evening reception. Alternatively Hurst Castle is an exclusive modern event suite with its own separate entrance and a terrace overlooking the topiary orchard. Fully self-contained and licensed for ceremonies, you can host your whole day here without fear of being disturbed. The hotel has 50 bedrooms including three feature suites so you won’t have far to go at the end of the night. What’s more there’s complimentary bridal suite for the happy couple on the wedding night.

www.stephnewtonphotography.com

LEWESTON, SHERBORNE

01963 211 011 | www.lewestonenterprises.co.uk/weddings

Steeped in history, Leweston Manor oozes character and style with Art Deco interiors and a wealth of wow-factor wedding spaces. A yearround winner, the versatile venue can cater for weddings large or small with a choice of stunning rooms, each with their own unique charm, which can be adapted to suit your big day. The elegant Georgian styled building is sure to impress and with 46 acres of sweeping grounds, including the Nuns walkway, Italian garden and the secret Belvedere, there’s no shortage of great photo opportunities. A treasure-trove of beautiful outdoor spaces for al fresco ceremonies, including the Belvedere, an idyllic setting flanked by woodlands, there’s also plenty of cosy and inviting indoor options too. The Lecture Room in the manor house is the largest; overlooking the Italian garden you can marry here and host a reception afterwards with 80 seated guests. For more intimate affairs the Eleanor Library is ideal. With a wooden floor and high ceiling, the walls are lined with books and the room has bags of atmosphere. For more lavish celebrations 200 or more family and friends, a wedding marquee can be put up in the grounds and dressed to suit your style.

We love… the Belvedere, the jewel in the venue’s crown it boasts an impressive walkway of more than 200 metres flanked by trees to get to it.

OSBORNE, ISLE OF WIGHT

01983 203 055 | www.english-heritage.org.uk/osborneweddings

Follow in the footsteps of a royal romance and marry at this romantic hotspot. Built as a family home by the sea for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the palatial venue was designed in the Italianate style to complement the island’s mild climate and panoramic views over the Solent which reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples. The venue echoes with the enduring love story of the royal couple and provides the perfect backdrop for a big-day with a difference. Catering for everything from intimate weddings to grand lavish celebrations, the possibilities are almost endless! Marry at Osborne and raise a toast surrounded by priceless exquisite artwork. You can tie the knot in one of the opulent and lavishly decorated rooms – the largest being the Indian-themed Durbar room which can host up to 100 guests. Truly fit for a queen, it was built for state functions and decorated in an elaborate intricate style. The grounds and setting are equally impressive with spectacular terraces, ornate Victorian fountains, a stunning walled garden and even its own secluded private beach; providing a wealth of opportunities for weddings of all sizes indoors and out.