GOING LOCAL

SOUTHHerts

Where to wed south of the county

MICKLEFIELD HALL

01923 778 898 | www.micklefieldhall.com

Micklefield Hall provides manicured outdoor spaces ideal for photographs; from cloistered walkways to natures very own aisle, lined with herbaceous borders and leading up to the romantic temple which is nestled under the giant oak tree overlooking the pond. Rolling lawns, bluebell filled woodland, rose gardens, fountains and the garden room with open fireplace offer clients a wide variety of outdoor spaces all year round.

The exterior of the barn is as sleek and well restored as the interior, with dark stained wooden cladding, manicured cherry trees and a French fountain courtyard, perfect for any drink’s reception. Sitting adjacent to the Georgian manor house, The Great Barn is an impressive structure approached by sandy coloured driveways and topiary Buxus plants. With a garden room complete with open fire, the outside spaces are as comfortable in the summer as they are in the winter.

For al fresco nuptials, the romantic temple provides a dreamy place for any couple to tie the knot with up to 200 guests.

The listed, award-winning The Great Barn can accommodate up to 200 people and boasts a large vaulted ceiling, chunky country beams, beautiful oak floor and tall glass windows. This space always looks elegant and luxurious, and is easily converted between ceremony space, dining space and party space!

The garden room located next to the French fountain area is also a popular space to get married with up to 80 guests. With a huge open fireplace, modern heaters and blankets to warm the guests, oak beams and pillars to frame your ceremony, this space is cosy, intimate and picturesque.

Post-vows, couples can opt for the The Great Barn – experienced event managers ensure that there is a quick turnaround between the ceremony and reception – which has a fully serviced bar, luxurious toiletries in the bathrooms and air-conditioning.

Drinks receptions can happen on the rolling lawns in front of the Georgian manor house with its Wisteria-covered façade, on the newly restored terrace outside the potting shed or in our heated and carpeted marquee with chandeliers and cream drapes.

When choosing this venue, each couple is offered a free tasting evening with the venue’s exclusive catering partners, and each wedding at Micklefield is totally exclusive.

PENDLEY MANOR HOTEL

01442 891 891 | www.pendley-manor.co.uk

Situated in the heart of idyllic Hertfordshire countryside, surrounded by 32 acres of natural beauty and home to a family of inquisitive Peacocks, Pendley Manor Hotel is unbelievably only 45 minutes from London.

The entire Grade II listed property has been refurbished to combine modern facilities with the tradition it emulates. There is also a spa, swimming pool and leisure facilities, 24 hour room service, the Shakespeare Bar and Peacock Lounge – all contribute to a relaxing experience while staying here!

The historic manor house now has 84 newly refurbished bedrooms and 10 exceptional meeting rooms all with plenty of natural daylight.

The traditional rooms in the manor house lend themselves style and character for vows which can be taken in the Verney, Oak Room, Simon Suite or Harcourt Ballroom; the latter has a capacity for 200 guests.

Receptions can take place in either the Harcourt Ballroom or Simon Suite, while the Peacock Lounge is the ideal space for a drinks reception.

When tying the knot here, couples should bare in mind the beautiful staircase for photos and that you can have a marquee on the lawns for up to 500. What’s more, couples can stay in a special room on the night of the wedding.

ROWLEY BARN

07914 674 649 | www.rowleybarn.com

Rowley Barn is an award-winning 17th-century Grade II listed building, which has been sympathetically restored and refurbished to create a modern conversion with plenty of natural light yet maintains many of the original oak beams.

Based in rural Hertfordshire with nearby transport links, Rowley Barn has adjoining landscaped gardens offering space for the addition of a marquee.

The barn itself is a large, open-plan space with a mezzanine level and adjoining link room, and offers the perfect blend of stunning location coupled with the highest standards of friendly professionalism and bespoke luxury. From an intimate gathering of close family and friends to a party of up to 180 guests, Rowley Barn is the perfect backdrop for both the ceremony and the reception afterwards.

www.nataliechivertonphotography.com www.nataliechivertonphotography.com

THE MANOR ELSTREE

0203 274 700 | www.themanorelstree.co.uk

The Manor Elstree is a Tudor-style mansion which dates back to 1540 set in 10 acres of countryside and woodlands. The hotel compromises of a long, winding, lit up driveway which leads to the beautiful black and white-beamed mansion. Surrounded by grounds, from woodlands to landscaped gardens, there’s panoramic views of the London Skyline.

The Manor Elstree is still equipped with many of the building’s original features, from the Italian carved mantel fireplace to the front door which was part of the dungeons in Lewes Castle; in contrast, the bedrooms have a modern, luxurious feel fully equipped with Laura Ashley furnishings.

When choosing this big-day venue, couples can choose to tie the knot in the Aldenham Suite for 90 guests, Cavendish Restaurant (70), Beaufort Room (50), Regency (20) and the Garden Terrace is licensed for 150 guests.

Post-vows, receptions take place in the Cavendish Restaurant, which is a beautifully decorated, simple but elegant suite. Seating up to 90 guests for a wedding breakfast and up to 120 guests for an evening reception; it comes complete with original beams and décor, it has bounds of natural daylight and it also has stunning views of the countryside and the London Skyline in the distance. The Cavendish also has direct access to the newly refurbished hotel bar and access to the outside terraced and gardens.

Alternatively, Arkley Suite is another option for an evening reception; it has a private bar, a built-in dancefloor and direct access to the outside gardens. A blank canvas for couples due to its very neutrally décor, it can seat up to 60 guests but can host up to 120 guests in a more informal, evening-style layout.

When booking this venue, all couples receive a free menu tasting, bridal suite for the night of the wedding and dedicated wedding planning from our wedding specialists.

www.rafeabrook.co.uk www.rafeabrook.co.uk

SOUTH FARM

01223 207 581 | www.south-farm.co.uk

Situated in 20 acres of glorious countryside, South Farm is a family-run company with a mix of ceremony and reception spaces both inside and out. The venue is captivating with a charming Grade II listed country farmhouse, rustic 16th century barns and stunning expansive gardens – perfect for memorable photos – and home to a diverse range of wildlife.

Nearlyweds can exchange vows in The Summer House (146), The Tudor Barn (180), The Old Dairy (100), The Drawing Room (35) or The Horse Barn (65). Indoor drinks take place in The Old Dairy with 150 loved ones while receptions can take place in the gardens depending on the weather with the capacity of 180 people.

The wedding breakfast takes place in the Tudor Barn which offers a stunning backdrop for 146 guests for a formal wedding breakfast and 122 for a buffet-style meal; continue the celebrations with 200 guests for the evening reception. Evening parties can also be held in The Horse Barn, which is adjacent to The Tudor Barn and offers an additional dancing option or can be used in the evening as a comfortable snug area.

Guest accommodation includes a luxurious bridal suite, four bespoke guest bedrooms, a collection of charming Romany Wagons or the adventurous can pitch a tent and camp in the paddocks. Additional accommodation reserved for guests is available at nearby sister property Fen Bridge Farm.

Couples are offered complimentary menue tasting evening and stunning bridal suite for all couples to use on their wedding night.