10 minute read
RUTLAND & STAMFORD VENUES
The Area’s Most Romantic WEDDING VENUES
The backdrop to a beautiful local wedding is a stunning wedding venue. Here, we’re profiling a few of the most beautiful and versatile ceremony or reception venues across the region which will allow you to create your perfect wedding...
Advertisement
Words: Rob Davis.
1. Stapleford Park
500 acres of country house luxury...
Located on 500 acres of country estate, Stapleford Park is a late 17th century former country house that is now a luxurious hotel ideal for accommodating weddings from 10 people to 180. Private function rooms, a Grand Hall and the grand main staircase all create a practical and beautiful backdrop for your day. There’s also a spa on the estate and stunning grounds. You’ll stay in beautifully designed individual bedrooms, whilst a brigade of chefs prepare wonderful cuisine which can be served in the historic Grinling Gibbons dining room.
n Stapleford, Melton Mowbray LE14 2EF. Call 01572 787000 or see staplefordpark.com.
2. Peterborough Cathedral
Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew is the ‘mother church’ of Rutland...
3. Barton Hall Hotel, Barton Seagrave, Kettering
Beautiful weddings are assured in Barton Hall’s Grade I listed orangery, near Kettering...
Barton Hall Hotel located in the picturesque county of Northamptonshire can be the ideal setting for up to 180 wedding guests. “This idyllic award-wedding venue in the Midlands is set in extensive, mature grounds with the fabulous Grade I listed Orangery at the centre point of your day, we ensure every detail of your wedding is handled with the utmost care and attention, and with only holding one wedding reception per day, you can be assured that it will definitely be your special day so that you can relax and enjoy.” “From the moment you arrive at the Grade II listed Hotel you will be greeted by attentive, warm and friendly staff who will guide you to the stunning Grade I listed Orangery for the Ceremony & Drinks Reception,” says Lee Williams. “After having wonderful photographs in the picturesque grounds, your Wedding Breakfast will be held in the beautiful Charles Suite which can seat up to 180 guests, with glorious views, a private patio and splendid chandeliers.” “Dimming the lights down low, the Charles Suite then turns into the perfect ambiance for dancing the night away. At the end of the night, rewind and relax opening your cards and presents in your complimentary Bridal Suite.” “At Barton Hall we pride ourselves on attention to detail. The dedicated events team is on hand to guide you through the planning and preparation to answer any questions that you may have so that you and your guests can sit back and enjoy your day.” “Our fabulous team of chefs are available for any query you may have and provide delicious menus. We work with many wonderful suppliers but if you have a particular contact... then no problem, because the day is yours!”
Although baptisms, weddings and funerals in the Church of England often take place at the local parish church, the Cathedral can offer ministry to those who are eligible, or exceptions, considered on a case-by-case basis. Weddings range from a simple small-scale service in the North Transept, to a big wedding in the Nave with organist, choir and bellringers. Peterborough Cathedral has a number of historic locations in the Cathedral itself and in the Precincts that offer a beautiful setting for wedding receptions of various sizes. Wedding Receptions Quick Tips Think outside the box when it comes to entertainment... Giant Jenga, bouncy castles and other activities will all ensure your guests have a great time! n Barton Hall, Barton Seagrave, Kettering, NN15 6RS. Call 01536 515505 or see www.bartonhall.com.
n Call 01733 355300 or email bookings@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk
4. Normanton Church
The quintessential Rutland wedding venue...
Normanton Church was deconsecrated in the 1970s, but it remains available to couples as a civil licensed wedding venue. Although ceremonies are conducted by a registrar, this magnificent building has all the charm and gravitas you would associate with a traditional church wedding. Most brides dream of the perfect white wedding with all the romantic trimmings and Normanton Church naturally lends itself to such an occasion. n South Shore, Rutland LE15 8RP
Call 01780 686800 or see normantonchurch.wedding
5. Mr. Molecey’s Marvellous Mill, Deeping
With 20 acres of spectacular grounds...
The Beautifully Restored Grade II listed Granary and Molecey Mill at Deeping are an adaptable and beautiful setting for weddings. Set in 20 acres of mature, established gardens and with rivers and streams everywhere, this is an idyllic setting for any event. Whether you’re looking for a riverside picnic and an outdoor ceremony, or a wedding in a marquee or tipi, The Granary team has the creative flair, expertise and contacts to help you plan your perfect day. When it’s all over, a one bedroomed self-contained riverside retreat, The Duck House, is a beautiful place to wake up as husband & wife! n West Deeping PE6 9JD. Call 07855 242356, or see www.moleceyestates.com.
6. ‘Fay ce que voudras’* at Hambleton Hall... Weddings and special events in the pretty setting of Tim & Stefa Hart’s country house hotel... There are few superlatives which do justice to Another of Hambleton Hall’s strengths is its Hambleton Hall. Beautiful, luxurious and beautiful grounds, tended by Tim and his team. picturesque each fall short as adjectives to with formal borders, and leads down towards describe the country house hotel created in the lake, the hotel presents great backdrops for 1979/1980 by Tim and Stefa Hart. wedding photography. The estate dates back to 1881 and was Hambleton Hall’s maximum capacity is 60, originally a hunting lodge which and exclusive use of the hotel is available too. Wedding Receptions was in the ownership of Eva Naturally couples can work with their dedicated
Quick Tips Astley Paston Cooper, who was close friends with Noël wedding planner to ensure they are able to plan their perfect day in a location which is peaceful, Coward, Malcolm Sargent beautiful and so incredibly special. Whatever you’re planning for your and Charles Scott-Moncrieff. n Hambleton Hall, Oakham LE15 8TH.main wedding breakfast, there are With Executive Chef Aaron Call 01572 756 991 or seea number of suppliers of ice cream vans mobile traditional Patterson having been in post www.hambletonhall.com. sweet shops and so on to since 1992, the brigade of give your guests an chefs has ensured Hambleton extra treat! Hall has retained its Michelin star since the 1980s and has justified the hotel’s reputation as the finest place to dine in the area. For couples planning a very special wedding, Hambleton Hall holds a license covering a variety of spaces for the ceremony: the Private Dining Room, the Study, the Restaurant and the Croquet Suite. In addition to first class dining, the hotel also makes available to wedding guests its 17 beautiful rooms and suites, all individually decorated by Stefa and her team. * Fay ce que voudras; ‘do as you please,’ the inscription in the lintel above the door of Hambleton Hall, pictured above.
7. Kilworth House
Kilworth’s stunning Victorian mansion
For a stunning wedding, Kilworth House is a great backdrop. Set in 38 acres of parkland, Kilworth House was built in 1888 for John Entwisle and it was restored around the millennium, becoming a hotel, with the addition of a 550 capacity theatre venue in 2007. Options for those planning a wedding include the beautiful and very light orangery, which can accommodate 130 guests, or one of the hotel’s six private rooms from the Wordsworth or Shakespeare suites to the Cellar Bar. Alternatively, The Staging Post is a traditional log cabin adjacent to Kilworth House’s open air theatre. Naturally Kilworth House has a civil license and has dedicated wedding coordinators and a team of chefs delivering bespoke menus. Exclusive use of the hotel is also available which provides all 44 bedrooms and the hotel also has a beauty treatment room for pre-wedding pampering. Courtyards, terraces and the parkland surrounding the country house hotel all create a stunning backdrop for photos.
n Lutterworth Road, North Kilworth LE17 6JE. Call 01858 880058 or see kilworthhouse.co.uk.
CREATING A WINNING WEDDING
1. Set the Date
Your entire wedding planning orbits around the date you set. Start with booking your reception, and you’ll be able to confirm the availability of all of your other wedding suppliers from there.
2. Decide Numbers
Next comes the numbers. The reception is the most expensive element of your day so determining numbers will enable you to set and monitor your wedding budget accordingly. Decide how many people will attend during the day and in the evening, then you can plan catering.
3. Create a Table Plan
Now you’ve a good idea of how many people will attend the wedding, you can also create the table layout for your wedding reception.
4. Venue Decoration
Next comes chair covers, flowers for the tables, and wedding favours. You can also use the opportunity to work out where you’ll put the table plan and ask your stationery suppliers to create something to reflect that, as well as commissioning place cards for each table.
5. The Children
To ensure that they’re occupied during the reception – especially the speeches –make plans to keep youngsters busy. You can create party bags with colouring books, quiet activities or other items that will be well received by children but will also keep them quiet and prevent them from getting restless too.
5. Helpful Extras
Depending on when you’ll be hosting your wedding, why not have a basket of disposable slippers for tired feet, personalised umbrellas or sparklers available for guests... the latter will look great in photos too! n
8. Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, Exton, Rutland
Making it easier to create a super wedding in Rutland either at Barnsdale Lodge or Fort Henry
It’s one of Rutland’s most established and well-respected country house hotels so it’s little wonder that Barnsdale Lodge is just as popular with those planning a wedding in the area too. The hotel can accommodate weddings from 20 people to 180 in a range of private dining rooms and function suites. In addition the hotel also manages bookings for the Exton Estate and Fort Henry, the Grade II listed gothic folly built in 1788 for the Earl of Gainsborough. “Our Personal Events Organiser will offer advice and a wealth of experience; discuss your ideas and dreams and work with you to create your perfect day,” says Liz Crombleholme the hotel’s Wedding & Events Manager. “The hotel’s team of chefs can provide catering to suit, from an informal finger buffet to a five-course dinner and provide outside catering if required. The team are friendly and efficient and will work hard to ensure your wedding day is memorable and truly unique.” “To keep things simple, we offer a choice of Wedding Packages: Classic, Winter and Elegant. However, we can just as easily tailor these should you wish for something different.” “The Classic Package provide an inclusive package for up to 60 guests, from £4,950. For out of season weddings, we have a Winter Wedding Offer from £4,345, and an Elegant Package is an enhanced package which also includes canapés, an evening finger buffet, disco, DJ and lighting from £7,645.” The hotel can also provide wedding breakfasts, marquees and drinks receptions at Fort Henry, with its lakeside location, and on the Exton Estate adjacent to the Noel family, the Earls of Gainsborough, for over 400 years. Creating a truly individual wedding in a stunning location has never been easier. n The Avenue, Exton, LE15 8AH. Call 01572 724678 or see www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk.
Rebekah Robert Luxury Fine Art Photography, 07736 931496, www.rebekahrobert.com.
