BABY ITS COLD OUTSIDE

WALKING IN Awinter wonderland

Tie the knot in these magical settings no matter the weather

MANOR OF GROVES HOTEL

01279 600 777 | www.manorofgroves.com

Situated within 150 acres of stunning grounds, Manor of Groves Hotel is a Georgian manor house with an 18-hole golf course.

The original neo-classical building features many traditional accents including pillars and tall-glass windows overlooking the stunning gardens.

The original house has been extended with an additional wing housing many of the bedrooms with the exteriors designed in keeping with the venue’s traditional style.

For grand weddings, The Manor Suite is the perfect setting and can cater for 400 loved ones, while The Colonnade Suite can host 100. For more intimate nuptials, The Library Suite or Drawing Room are the perfect options. Any of the suites can be used for wedding breakfasts or receptions.

The magnificent Oriental Garden is complete with a flowing waterfall, oriental-timber bridge, pergola and gazebo – it’s the perfect location for photographs!

We love…

The Manor of Groves Hotel offers a variety of wedding packages, and many include a menu tasting session before the day and a complimentary stay for couples on their wedding night.

DYRHAM PARK COUNTRY CLUB

02084 403 361 | www.dyrhampark.com

Set in 200 acres, Dyrham Park Country Club boasts outstanding views across the Hertfordshire countryside. The lawns, beautiful flowers, lakes and magnificent trees turn dream wedding photos into a reality. With a history dating back to the 14th-century, the premises offers a glimpse of a stately past and is ranked among some of the oldest and most breathtaking of venues.

Renowned for its timeless elegance and classic beauty, the venue’s Grade II listed Palladian Clubhouse is surrounded by spectacular parkland. The Grand Hall, with its sweeping staircase and Minstrel’s Gallery, is the heart of the mansion and boasts a picture-perfect staircase as well as an exquisite marble Robert Adam fireplace. Ceremonies and receptions take place in the Terrace Room with 140 guests. Natural sunlight floods into the space through the French windows, which overlook the lawn and glorious cedar trees. Drinks receptions occur in the Grand Hall or outside on the terrace.

We love…

Depending on weather and timing (early evening), the club can arrange for couples to have an intimate photo session on the estate by the seventh golf tee on a picturesque bridge that overlooks the beautiful lake.

BARLEY TOWN HOUSE

07734 748 286 | www.barley-village.co.uk/town-house

Barley Town House is one of the oldest townhouses in the country, which was built around 1530 and became the first village hall in the country to be licensed for civil marriages in 1996. The venue has undergone various refurbishments over the years to provide a wonderful setting for intimate weddings and events.

The 16th-century building is located in the quaint little village of Barley and is the perfect backdrop for memorable photo opportunities with a nostalgic and timeless feel.

Exchange vows within the Under-croft, which accommodates 70 seated guests for ceremonies and 60 for wedding breakfasts. Alternatively, the Upper Floor is a great option for wedding breakfasts with 100 people and evening receptions with 120. Tables and chairs are available for use free of charge and there’s a sound system enabling music or speeches to be heard by guests on either floor or both at the same time.

The venue provides many romantic settings and lovebirds receive complete freedom and creative control to make the space their own.

www.andrewwilkinsonphotography.com

We love…

MICKLEFIELD HALL

01923 778 898 | www.micklefieldhall.com

Located in 350-acres with an ancient 450-year-old oak tree, circular pond and a grand stone staircase, Micklefield Hall provides several Instagrammable spaces that are all maintained to a high standard to create luxurious and high-end weddings.

The property has many beautiful outdoor spaces, including the cloistered walkways to nature’s very own aisle lined with herbaceous borders that lead up to a romantic temple. The temple was a romantic birthday gift from the previous owner to his wife and now provides a dreamy space for couples to tie the knot surrounded by 200 guests when the British weather allows it.

Or lovebirds can exchange vows in the stunning Great Barn, which is lined with rows of chairs in front of the striking wall of flowers to create a stunning backdrop as brides or grooms walk down the aisle. The barn’s exterior is sleek with dark-wood cladding, grand glazed entrances, cherry trees and a newly restored patio area. For intimate weddings, The Garden Room located next to the French fountain can accommodate 80 guests.

Drinks receptions can occur in a few locations, including the rolling lawns in front of the Georgian manor house, the newly restored terrace outside the potting shed or in the heated marquee with chandeliers and cream drapes.

There are various reception spaces at the property. The Great Barn can comfortably fit up to 200 guests and features smart technology to illuminate the room. With a fully serviced bar, luxurious toiletries in the bathrooms and air-conditioning, lovebirds can relax knowing that friends and family will enjoy this space.

Couples are offered a free tasting evening with the venue’s exclusive catering partners, usually hosted in the Great Barn to allow couples to experience a sneak peek into what their wedding day may look like. A free annual open day also takes place to introduce couples to the fantastic suppliers and showcase every area of Micklefield Hall.

www.sarahleggephotography.co.uk

We love…

The venue guarantees that no other events will take place within the estate on the same day as any weddings.

www.rafeabrook.co.uk www.photosbyjessrose.com

THE BARN AT ALSWICK

01763 273 530 | www.alswick.co.uk

Nestled within the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, The Barn at Alswick is a delightful wedding setting offered exclusively to couples on their special day.

The late 16th-century barn offers a beautiful blank canvas to allow couples to transform the area to match any colour scheme or theme. Inside, guests will find vaulted ceilings adorned with rustic-wooden beams. Spilling out from the barn, guests will discover the enchanting gardens packed with endless hidden gems and secret corners – it’s the perfect backdrop for wedding photography.

Lovebirds can host their wedding day under one roof or use the venue for wedding breakfasts with 150 loved ones and receptions with 200.

End the wedding night under a peaceful starry sky and awake to the beautiful surroundings of The Barn and Alswick Hall in the amazing glamping village.