GOING LOCAL

Where to say “I do” in south Hertfordshire

ESSENDON COUNTRY CLUB

01707 280 373 | www.essendonweddings.co.uk

Situated in more than 400 acres of stunning Hertfordshire countryside, Essendon Country Club is the perfect location for weddings. The venue’s dedicated wedding planner will support couples every step of the way to ensure they receive their dream day.

As guests enter the long driveway, they’ll travel through one of the two championship golf courses on-site, which offers a picturesque landscape for wedding photography. The large bridge across the lake is a firm favourite for those all-important couple shots.

The beautiful 16th-century Grand Barn contains oak framing, rustic features and large windows that provide plenty of natural daylight. There’s even a stunning terrace for the drinks reception where guests can relax outside while enjoying the views.

As no two weddings are the same, the venue offers flexibility and bespoke tailored packages to accommodate any ideas, requirements and wedding themes.

All areas at the property are licensed for ceremonies, including the glass conservatory that’s the perfect option for intimate nuptials with 15 to 30 people. Or why not opt for the Grand Barn’s upper level? This main space can accommodate 180 loved ones for the “I dos” and 80 for wedding breakfasts. Continue the celebrations in the main barn with 130 seated guests and 300 for the evening.

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When couples book the venue for their wedding, they receive a complimentary food and wine tasting session and a free pre-wedding shoot on the grounds.

ST MICHAELS MANOR HOTEL

01727 864 444 | www.stmichaelsmanor.com

St. Michael’s Manor Hotel is located close to the city centre of St Albans, formerly the ancient city of Verulamium. With picture-perfect gowns, including the magnificent gardens and a beautiful lake, the venue is the perfect setting for photographs.

Civil ceremonies can occur in multiple locations at the property, including the Cedar Suite that can accommodate 30 people. For more intimate nuptials, The summerhouse can host 24 loved ones while the Oak Lounge is ideal for 14. The Restaurant and Orangery can fit 140 guests for larger gatherings and features plenty of natural daylight and direct access to the outside terrace area – perfect for greeting guests or drinks receptions. Any of these locations can be used for wedding breakfasts.

Continue the celebrations into the evening with 150 loved ones in the Restaurant and Orangery, which has a dancefloor that allows guests to dance the night away.

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The country-style manor hotel is set in five acres of private English country gardens designed by the Newling Ward family and is surrounded by a cared for lawn and trees that are hundreds of years old.

HILL BROTHERS EVENT & VENUE

07968 017 589 | www.facebook.com/HIllbrothersevents

Set within the stunning Hertfordshire countryside between the rolling fields of Tewin, Hill Brothers Event & Venue is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Situated in a field, the traditional three-pole marquee is the only one in Hertfordshire to have a hand-laid wooden floor. Inside, the blank canvas space allows lovebirds to decorate the interior to match any colour scheme or theme, and there’s a handmade rustic bar to complement the exterior mobile bar.

Receptions occur within the marquee with relaxed areas in the garden for additional seating, games or street food vans. The venue’s package includes a luxury toilet block, power, bar staff and firepits for those chilly evenings. The team offers complete flexibility and allows couples to book any suppliers needed to create their dream day.

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WEST LODGE PARK HOTEL

02082 163 900 | www.westlodgepark.co.uk

Set in 35 acres of rolling countryside, West Lodge Park Hotel is a luxury venue with historic and beautifully decorated spaces. As guests drive up the glorious tree-lined driveway, they’ll find the National Collections of trees as well as an additional 800 species of trees from around the world.

The venue has many spaces that can be used for both ceremonies and receptions, including the Lancaster Suite, named after Queen Elizabeth II, which features paintings, chandeliers and statues.

Alternatively, The John Evelyn Suite, named after John Evelyn who visited the hotel in 1676, includes a high ceiling, chandeliers, two conservatories and direct access onto the glorious grounds.

Or why not opt for King Charles suite, which features a high ceiling and a private terrace overlooking the stunning grounds or the Edward Beale Room with a balcony and direct access to the 35 acres of the Beale Arboretum?

The John Evelyn Suite and King Charles Room can be combined to create the West Lodge Park Suite, the largest space in the hotel for grand receptions.

Set amongst the trees, the Garden Pavilion is the latest addition to the stunning grounds. The beautiful oak structure and adjacent lawn provide a magical setting for weddings if the weather permits. With 59 individually designed bedrooms available, guests can retreat to comfort after dancing the night away.

We love…

When couples book the property for their wedding, they’re offered a complimentary menu tasting session as well as a night’s accommodation in any of the bridal suites.

Also check out…

BROOK FARM CUFFLEY

01707 872 450 | www.brookfarmcuffley.co.uk

Located in the gorgeous Hertfordshire countryside, Brook Farm Cuffley is an idyllic farm wedding venue with tranquil views and spaces that will wow guests. The property’s perfect for relaxed couples who want to create their dream wedding day with ample space for games, external furniture and more.

THE MANOR ELSTREE

02083 274 700 | www.themanorelstree.co.uk

Set in 10 acres of countryside and woodlands, The Manor Elstree is a Tudor-style mansion that dates back to 1540. The hotel compromises of a long driveway, which leads to the beautiful black and white-beamed mansion. 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. Based in rural Hertfordshire with nearby transport links, the barn has adjoining landscaped gardens that offer the perfect space for the addition of a marquee.

TEWIN BURY FARM HOTEL

01438 717793 | www.tewinbury.co.uk

Tewin Bury Farm Hotel is set alongside the River Mimram and offers vast outdoor space along with stunning private gardens, including the wooden gazebos for ceremonies. The surrounding 700 acre working farmland includes a range of animals and allows for perfect wedding snaps.