STEP INTO SPRING

www.barnutopia.com Spring STEP INTO Tie the knot in a glorious garden

BARNUTOPIA, SY10 9BS

01691 791 624 | www.barnutopia.com

Barnutopia, in the Shropshire countryside, opened as a glamping site with three Mongolian yurts in 2015. Two years later, the owners expanded as a wedding and events venue and have continued to add to the space to create a charming setting to say ‘I do’.

Approaching through the main gates, guests will be greeted by a long red brick stable block that dates back to 1892. The event barn opens directly onto the yurt field with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. All parts of the site are easily accessible, including the nine luxury glamping units, two fully-equipped kitchens and bathroom blocks with unlimited hot water. All units are fully furnished with beds, power, heating and free Wi-Fi. CELEBRATE IN STYLE The happy couple can tie the knot on the Yurt Field with the impressive Gyrn Moelfre as the backdrop for their outdoor ceremony. The Dell offers an alternative outside setting next to a stream, which is on the England and Wales border.

Alternatively, the Events Barn, which was unused for 10 years, is now licensed for ceremonies. Lovebirds can decorate the space as they wish and celebrate with up to 120 guests.

Intimate celebrations are held in the Farmhouse Dining Room, a licensed space that can hold eight guests.

Receptions usually take place in the Events Barn, but informal catering can be held under the Dutch Barn or in the Yurt Field.

WE LOVE... The horse, donkeys, pigs, dogs and cats complete the farmyard experience and provide great photograph opportunities.

www.boyntonweddingphotography.co.uk www.emilylittle.co.uk

ELMBRIDGE FARM, WR9 0ND

07402 818 182 | www.elmbridgefarmweddings.com

At the entrance to Elmbridge Farm is a footpath that leads through a fairy-lit woodland, with a 700-year-old oak tree and wildflowers, which change with the seasons. The footpath leads to an open clearance, where the tipis stand, on a pristine grass terrace, above a lake. The lake spans over four times the length of the tipi itself, making it the focal point of the setting. This is the perfect space for a relaxed drinks reception, canapés, hay bale seating and lawn games.

Available for separate hire, Elmbridge Holiday Cottages are an ideal base and just a stone’s throw from the tipi. There are four barn-converted lodges (sleeping 18 in total) that are situated beside the stables, overlooking the water. The penthouse bridal suite provides the perfect open-plan living space for bridal preparations and a stunning view from the balcony over the lakes. The cottages are self-catered and fully equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE There are several areas available to hold a civil ceremony at the farm. The lakeside space sits across a pretty footbridge, with the lake and natural greenery creating an amazing backdrop for vows. The woodland spot is hidden away in a clearance and is a more intimate and rustic option with fairytale enchantment. There’s also space inside the tipi to have an indoor ceremony looking out over the water.

For those looking for a church ceremony, there are several lovely characterful churches close by.

WE LOVE... The venue will be offering glamping for 2023 onwards, which will include bell tents and luxury safari tents suitable as a bridal suite and prep space.

www.charlotteashley-photography.co.uk www.victoriaamrose.co.uk

WESTON HALL, ST18 0HS

01889 271 082 | www.weston-hall.co.uk

Surrounded by 20 acres of breathtaking Staffordshire countryside, Weston Hall is a beautiful wedding venue positioned high on a hill. The Grade II listed property has four large pitched roofs and a grand exterior that will wow guests. The main hall retains many of its Elizabethan features, including open stone fireplaces and oak beams. The space is ideal for private, corporate or wedding events with charming original features combined with a custom design and elegant décor. CELEBRATE IN STYLE Al fresco celebrations are held in the grounds with Weston Hall making a gorgeous backdrop.

The Shrewsbury and The Westminster can hold up to 110 friends and family. The Shrewsbury is used for ceremonies and has mullioned windows and an original stone fireplace, while The Westminster encompasses two stone fireplaces and has oak beams throughout.

PARK HALL HOTEL AND SPA, WV4 5AJ

01902 349 510 | www.parkhallhotelandspa.co.uk

Boasting impressive views of the Staffordshire countryside, Park Hall Hotel and Spa is a contemporary and stylish Grade II listed hotel. This former manor house still has many of its original features and boasts a Rococostyle fountain in the forefront and a split-level Orangery with a glassvaulted ceiling. The landscaped gardens are the perfect area to relax in with plenty of outdoor seating, interlinked pathways, mature planting and an array of pavilions along with a small children’s play area. The 74 bedrooms are split over three levels, and there’s also a self-contained health club and spa.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE The Ballroom is the largest space available with room for up to 250 loved ones during the day and 550 seated in the evening. This self-contained wing has a grand entrance, marbled floors, statement chandeliers, high ceilings, mirrored columns and floor-to-ceiling Georgian-style windows.

Alternatively, The Orangery, a split-level room with floor-to-ceiling doors and direct access to the gardens, is available with space for 150 friends and family for the service and 180 for the reception.

The Wedding Pavilion is licensed for up to 200 friends and family. Situated in the mature gardens with views of the surrounding countryside, it’s the perfect location to get married in the great outdoors.

Large celebrations can take place in the Marquee, located within the grounds, it’s a self-contained heated venue with private toilets, a bar area and a maximum capacity for 450 people.

WE LOVE... Park Hall Hotel and Spa offers couples a bedroom on the night of the wedding, a menu tasting, reduced accommodation rates for guests and free car parking.

MODDERSHALL OAKS, ST15 8TG

01782 399 000 | www.moddershalloaks.com

Moddershall Oaks sits on the water’s edge and is surrounded by acres of Staffordshire countryside. This warm and inviting property has a fresh and neutral décor throughout and was designed with a contemporary feel in mind. The venue boasts a state-of-the-art sound system, Swarovski crystal lighting, hand-made Italian glass chandeliers, a glass bar and moveable walls.

www.thorneweddingphotography.co.uk

handmade gazebo or indoors. The courtyard, adjacent to the venue, is often used in the evening as a lovely break-out space for guests to retreat to should they need to rest their dancing feet. It features a wishing well, a fish pond with a waterfall, seating, umbrellas and heaters.

WE LOVE... A luxurious spa retreat is included in all packages. The happy couple will enjoy a bottle of champagne after a delicious cooked breakfast while relaxing in the heated outdoor vitality pool or the shared private hot tub (available exclusively to overnight guests only).

www.dearestlove.co.uk www.hayleymorrisphotography.co.uk THEMED VENUES

BENNETTS WILLOW BARN, WR2 4BS

01905 590 016 | www.bennettswillowbarn.co.uk

Situated on a working dairy farm and surrounded by grazing fields, Bennetts Willow Barn has been built within a woodland next to a charming lake. The exterior boasts beautiful flowers throughout the year, picturesque log walls, fairylights, willow trees and a firepit.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE Outdoor ceremonies are very popular, but couples can choose to run the day how they want, holding ceremonies outside in the gardens, in the yurt marquee or the barn.

The 20m long yurt marquee is full of rustic charm. If couples hire the yurt marquee, they will have private, exclusive use of the adjacent gardens, including the firepit and outdoor space for garden games or even a bouncy castle. It can seat up to 140 people or 150 guests without a seat each.

The barn is slightly smaller and can seat up to 100 guests at any one time, with a maximum capacity of 150 people for the evening party.

WE LOVE... There is a glamping site on the farm, so accommodation can easily become part of the wedding celebration. Bennetts Willow Barn offers a discount for hiring the barn or yurt marquee for a first-anniversary wedding celebration or engagement party. The property isn’t currently licensed for ceremonies but is perfect for a celebrant-led celebration.

SAFARI VENUES, DY12 1LF

01299 406 460 | www.safarivenues.co.uk

Safari Venues is situated within the grounds of the West Midland Safari Park and is home to three gorgeous wedding locations. Couples will experience animal encounters, special safari-inspired gifts and a four-mile safari drive-through, which can be incorporated into wedding celebrations.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE Set within the scenic grounds of the Safari Park, Spring Grove House is a Georgian manor that has built its well-deserved reputation on impeccable service, luxury menu selections and attention to detail.

There are a variety of rooms to cater for all numbers, including the use of a private bar and lounge facilities. Equally impressive are the grounds, comprising of beautifully landscaped gardens and a spacious private terrace. For large wedding celebrations, Treetops Pavilion is big, bold and beautiful. Its vast proportions and capacity make it one of the largest entertainment facilities in the county, perfect for civil ceremonies, wedding breakfasts and evening receptions.

Nestled beneath the grandness of Spring Grove House is Cellarz, an intimate, brick-vaulted venue with an impressive atmosphere. Rich in character with a current and contemporary style, Cellarz has its own chic bar area, dancefloor and cosy alcoves, which can be hired as part of Spring Grove House or separately.

WE LOVE... The wedding team offers bespoke wedding packages and the opportunity to work directly with the on-site chefs to create the perfect menu.

www.scottgladwishphotography.com

Creating Magic

& Making Memories