WALKING IN A

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND Tie the knot in stunning settings no matter the weather

LUTON HOO HOTEL, GOLF & SPA

01582 734 437 | www.lutonhoo.co.uk

Stretching over 1,000 acres the Luton Hoo estate boasts formal gardens, designed by Capability Brown, glorious parkland, meadows, woodlands, lakes, rivers and nature trails – truly picture perfect!

Beyond the magnificent facade of the 18th-century mansion house, the historic influences continue in the Grade II listed Country Club. Also situated on the Luton Hoo estate, by the banks of the river Lea, is the exclusive-use venue Warren Weir, which is a hidden oasis that is perfect for exclusive weddings who want a little privacy.

With ornate ceilings, winding staircases, marble fireplaces, individual period rooms, beautiful chandeliers and the stunning interiors are perfect for couples looking for a grand and romantic setting. For ceremonies, couples can choose from popular options like The Library or the Sitting Room with views over the formal gardens and lake, or perhaps the beautifully decorated Churchill room or Pushkin room would be more fitting? For larger gatherings, all of the suites Lea & Roding,

Ravensbourne, Bayford and Cobbins all accommodate larger numbers and have feature fireplaces or stunning views to name but a few of the standout features.

Post-vows, couples can celebrate in multiple spaces offering a multitude of benefits, including the Romanov Suite; undoubtedly the most impressive room that was once the Chapel of the house. It boasts original stained glass windows and ornate ceilings, and the suite can be used for a variety of different events, with capacity for 120 diners across both the upper and lower levels.

When tying the knot here, couples will benefit from a dedicated wedding team to assist in the smooth running of your day, as well as enjoy a complimentary menu tasting and suite for the newlyweds on the wedding night.

LUTON HOO HOTEL, GOLF & SPA

YOUR DREAM WEDDING…

Set within 1,065 acres of English countryside, the picturesque setting of Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa is the perfect venue for weddings and receptions. The stunning location and impressive architecture offers a wealth of inspirational backdrops for photographs. With award-winning service and a dedicated team, Luton Hoo provides a relaxing and memorable experience whether it is an intimate gathering, or a sumptuous banquet for up to 290 guests.

WARE PRIORY

01920 460 316 | www.warepriory.co.uk Ware Priory is a beautiful, traditional Grade I listed building steeped in history with some of the architecture dating back to Medieval times. Beautifully complemented by modern décor too, there are lots of different spaces on offer to couples looking for a big-day venue.

The main Ware Priory Building has a stunning white-washed frontage and stonewalled exterior surrounded by seven acres of beautiful picturesque grounds – overlooking the river, there are secluded areas which afford some wonderful wedding photos. Adjacent to this is Fletcher’s Lea which is a modern addition to the estate; boasting it’s own decking area at the back which overlooks the beautiful River Lea.

For the all-important ‘I dos’, The Priory Hall holds 100 guests and is situated in what were the cloisters of the original Friary. The open arches were filled in during the mid-1800s with stained glass and mortar, the room also boasts mid-Victorian murals which have been preserved and restored and French windows open on to the riverside garden. Holding up to 100 guests, The Conservatory offers a bright and spacious interior with easy access to our riverside gardens. It’s also ideal for wedding breakfasts and receptions for up to 120 guests. For intimate dos, the Hadsley Room (40) is part of the Lady Suite and is situated on the first floor of the Priory in what was originally believed to be the Abbots Lodgings. Finally, The Riverside Suite (200) within Fletcher’s Lea, is also ideal as a larger venue for wedding receptions and celebration parties and can accommodate up to 160 guests for dining and 220 for a buffet setting. Fletcher’s Lea is a standalone building which affords exclusivity, additionally there is a private terrace offering views over the River Lea as well as access to all the gardens within the Priory Estate. When choosing to wed here, couples and guests can arrive or leave by narrow boat as there is a river docking area, and there are multiple offers and packages couples can make the most of!

WOBURN ORANGERY

01525 290 000 | www.woburnorangeryweddings.co.uk

Woburn Orangery is nestled in the heart of the Georgian historic village of Woburn in Bedfordshire. The little blue building is known for being the beloved Woburn Coffee House, but is also home to a whole array of celebrations including Woburn Orangery Weddings. The pale blue building is hard to miss, and the private walled gardens are stunning and really give the venue that quintessentially English vibe – also providing a spot for photographs, reception drinks and canapés!

The wonderful combination of elegant décor and friendly atmosphere offers a truly special location for couples to enjoy there ceremony and reception – all under one roof.

The White Room, a secluded and characterful setting on the upper floor, is perfect for the bridal party before tying the knot in The Woburn Orangery. Post-vows The Orangery Walled Garden is enchanting and private for photographs, reception drinks and canapés.

All receptions take place in the Woburn Orangery which is a stunning backdrop, and looks on to the beautiful walled garden with climbing flowers.

For the on-the-day cuisine, the Wedding Celebration Afternoon Tea menu has been created by head chef Drew. It has been designed so couples can personalise each delicious layer of the impressive five tiered stands; from sweet and savoury delights, to freshly baked scones with an accompanying conserve clotted cream.

PUTTERIDGE BURY

01582 489 069 | www.putteridgebury.co.uk

This Grade II listed Elizabethan manor house was built as a near replica of Chequers, the country house of every Prime Minister since 1921.

Putteridge Bury is well known for having beautiful chandeliers with moulded ceilings, its renowned grand staircase is a pictureperfect spot, and the venue has stunning views of the gardens from anywhere in the house. The grounds were redesigned by Edwin L Lutyens, soon to be recognised as the foremost architect of the era, and planted by Gertrude Jekyll, one of the finest lady Victorian gardeners. The beautiful gardens also feature a reflecting pool and massive yew hedges, a stunning setting for the perfect photos.

Ceremonies take place in the Mountbatten room for 100 guests, while Room 7 and 6 can both hold 60 guests. These rooms have a beautiful piano, moulded ceilings, a stunning fireplace or beautiful views of the pond.

To celebrate post-vows, the dining room holds up to 160 guests and is a spacious suite with its own bar situated in the room with a beautiful patio leading out onto the gardens.

Couples picking this big-day venue can enjoy a complimentary menu tasting and will have a dedicated wedding planner.

www.blackkiteproductions.co.uk

HERTFORD CASTLE

01992 552 885 | www.hertfordcastle.co.uk

Hertford Castle is a Grade I listed Gatehouse originally built on the site of a Norman Castle and nestled in the heart of Hertfordshire. Standing proud in beautiful gardens alongside the river Lea, it is enclosed by its original stone and flint turreted walls, echoing the historic architecture.

With the historic castle as a dramatic backdrop, couples and their guests can discover the enchanting moat and rose gardens, reflective waters of the river and the ancient trees – there’s no end of photography spots.

For ceremonies, couples can choose from the following: The Salisbury Room, with beautiful chandeliers and grand sash windows overlook the manicured gardens, which can host up to 60 guests.

The Mayors Parlour, with sparkling chandeliers, a huge ornate fireplace and a vista overlooking the formal lawn, can host up to 24. Optimising the light, the beautiful Victorian Conservatory brings the outside in allowing you to enjoy the view of the Castle Gardens with up to 20 guests and as it is heated, the space can be enjoyed all year round.

Private dining after the nuptials can be taken within multiple impressive rooms for receptions that epitomise the castle’s rich history and with magnificent views over the gardens. Combining flexibility and affordability there’s the choice of The Mayors Parlour (20), the Robing Room (16) and a maximum of 50 guests can be seated within the relaxed Salisbury Room.

Exclusively yours, the venue only commits to hosting one wedding a day, and has a low corkage fee and couples have the choice and freedom to choose their own caterers and suppliers.

lilac THE LOOK OF

Harriet and Lee’s wedding had a bright colour palette to set the scene

Images courtesy of Red Peacock Photography

Harriet and Lee met in a bar in Ampthill when they’d gone out with friends who happened to know each other. “We started chatting and over nine months became such good friends, which later blossomed into a relationship and we became inseparable,” recalls Harriet. On Lee’s 21st birthday, the couple realised how much they felt for one another, “We went to Bournemouth to celebrate with friends. The next day we all went to the beach as it was roasting hot. We went off on our own for a walk, and stood at the end for the pier just talking. Here we both realised we loved each other.”

Fast-forward to the proposal, which was unexpected for Harriet especially when and where it happened. “We were sat watching Love Island in our PJs and Lee was being really nervous. We went up to bed and when I sat on the end Lee got down on one knee! I had always wanted a personal proposal at home, so this was perfect!” she adds.

The big date was set 14th September 2019, with the Church of All Saints, Houghton Conquest and Wrest Park, Silsoe setting the scene. Here, Harriet tells us more about their day...

The venues encompassed everything we wanted in our wedding venues.

Our favours were charity pins for MS Society, which we hold close to our hearts. I made the table plan on a mirror which matched the table settings – these were frames including a picture of our favourite holidays.

Our centrepieces were floral arrangements, a mixture of halo stands and vases displaying white flowers with lilac touches. The cake was a simple white design boasting a fruit cake layer, vanilla, elderflower and lemon and the top tier was red velvet.

I wanted a simple dress without any lace or bling but with pockets! I tried it on and fell in love with it, the buttons went all the way to the end of the train. I accessorised with a long veil, necklace and earrings. My bridesmaids wore long lilac dresses, while the younger bridesmaid had a midi-dress in lilac and flowergirl was in ivory with a lilac ribbon band.

Lee wanted a modern suit without tails and a top hat. Originally he went for a black suit but preferred the navy blue, which he then styled with an ivory tie – his groom’s party had lilac ties.

We had a magician who was brilliant at entertaining the guests. We also had a live acoustic guitarist who sang well-known songs and we heard the guest speak highly of his set – to finish the night we also had fireworks display which was amazing!

On the day we were nervous, but so happy. We had been together such a long time but are still awe with each other.

Harriet’s top tip: “Do what you want to do! Don’t go for the cheapest option for the photographer and videographer. Go for the one you love their style, and get to know them. You’re with them pretty much your whole day and I was so in love with our photos and videos we are so happy with our choices.”

We wanted to let our hair down and enjoy the day. We took ourselves off around 9pm and sat to look into the wedding from a distance and just embraced how amazing it was and had a chat the two of us.

HARRIET AND LEE’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venue, Wrest Park, www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wrest-park Photography, Red Peacock Photography, www.redpeacockphotography.co.uk | Bride’s dress, Berketex Bride’s accessories, Debenhams, www.debenhams.com | Hair, Bridal Hair Design, www.bridalhairdesign.co.uk Make-up, Chloe-Eleanor MUA, www.chloe-eleanor.com Bridesmaids’ dresses, JJS House, www.jjshouse.co.uk | Groom’s suit, Fogarty Formal Hire, www.fogarty-formalhire.co.uk Flowers, Creations Flowers, www.creationsflowers.co.uk | Transport, Vintage Limousine Hire, www.vintagelimousinehire.co.uk Entertainment, Herts Events Wedding DJ Specialists, www.herts-events.co.uk | Catering, Seasoned Events, www.seasonedevents.co.uk Videographer, White in Motion Wedding Films, www.whiteinmotion.com | Photo Booth & LOVE light up letters, Picture Blast Events, www.pictureblast.co.uk | Acoustic music, Harrison Coleman Musician, 07803 834 000 Bridal & Bridesmaid Alterations, The Alterations Studio, 07812 098 389 | Magician, Paul Quarman, 07850 580493