17 minute read
WEDDINGS A selection of the best local wedding 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 county which will allow you to create your perfect wedding...
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Words: Rob Davis.
1. Belvoir Castle
The ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland...
Grantham’s Belvoir Castle provides probably the most dramatic backdrop for your wedding the Vale of Belvoir has to offer. Its beauty and practicality go beyond its crenellated spires though, with a family chapel for up to 80 guests, and the Duke’s private Chaplain on hand to help you plan your ceremony. Your wedding reception can take place in the Guardroom – where 100 guests can admire the dazzling array of swords and muskets – or in the Ballroom with its floor to ceiling stained glass windows and gothic archways modelled on Lincoln Cathedral, whilst the State Dining Room is ideal for your wedding breakfast. n Belvoir NG32 1PE. Call 01476 871001 or see www.belvoircastle.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 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 & 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 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 Your wedding reception should be the first element of your wedding that you book, as doing so will give you the firm date you need to book all of your other elements. 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. Ask your wedding venue if they and Charles Scott-Moncrieff. n Hambleton Hall, Oakham LE15 8TH. have a dedicated wedding With Executive Chef Aaron Call 01572 756 991 or see planner who will act as your Patterson having been in post www.hambletonhall.com. single point of contact since 1992, the brigade of throughout your wedding planning, minimising chefs has ensured Hambleton hassle. 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 licence 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 dayso 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.
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SAY “I DO!” IN A DESIGNER WEDDING DRESS
The UK’s most well-regarded wedding dress designers have revealed their 2022 collections...
To view thousands more wedding dresses, see www.ukbride.co.uk.
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1. Alex Hannah Melba, full skirted ballgown in delicate floral damask with a lovely double bow at the back. www.alanhannah.co.uk. 2. Allure Bridal Cinderella dress in ice blue tulle with sequin and bead clusters. www.allurebridals.com. 3. Amanda Wyatt’s Honesty is an elegant lace gown with illusion neckline and back. www.ukbride.co.uk. 4. Charlotte Bridal Margot, with hand-stitched appliqués, pleated tulle bodice and full ballgown tulle skirt. www.charlotte-bridal.com. 5. Christiano Lucci Bette, strapless sweetheart dress with beaded waistband. www.cristianolucci.com. 6. Enzoani’s Rachel, fit-and-flare mermaid with leaf and vine appliqués. www.enzoani.com.
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7. Ivory & Co Prarie Blossom with cape, in luxury lace with Guipure lace appliques, shown here in ivory. www.ivoryandcobridal.co.uk. 8. Jenny Packham Ursula autumn winter 2121 asymmetric column dress with beading. www.jennypackham.com. 9. Justin Alexander Carlee sweetheart neckline wedding dress with detachable straps. www.justinalexander.com. 7 8
10. Carmelina by Mori Lee, with delicate embroidered appliqués on a chic, draped bodice and v-neckline. uk.morilee.com 11. Shayna by Romantica is a stunning lace mermaid style, with a plunge neckline, lace motifs and shoulder straps. www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk. 12. Veromia style number VRK61807, a-line wedding dress with lace overlay and embroidered bodice. www.veromia.co.uk. n
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Local Wedding Dress Stockists...
n Anna Couture, Stamford: 01780 762614, www.houseofannacouture.com.
n Belle & Bouquet, Wellingore: 01522 811122, www.belleandbouquet.co.uk n Blush Bridal, Bourne: 01778 218020, www.blushbridal.co.
n Courtyard Bridal, Market Harborough: 01858 288020. n Helen Kirkwood, Stamford: 01780 763443. n Lace & Pearl, Oakham: 07402 248276, www.laceandpearlbridal.com.
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Making Your Day Truly Special...
Escape ordinary and experience a wedding venue that’s beautiful, versatile and can be tailored to suit the style of your special day
You’ll know. You’ll know straight away. Drawing up to the Grade II listed Barton Hall there are few venues more picture perfect than the 16th century four-AA star country house hotel.
If you’re planning your wedding, then Barton Hall, with its picture perfect Grade I listed Orangery, manicured lawns, trees and foliage and idyllic chandeliers in the beautiful Charles Suite provide a unique backdrop for you to create memories.
The place was once the home of the legendary Charles Wicksteed, namesake of Wicksteed Park and now boasts 29 individually styled bespoke bedrooms including a stunning four poster Bridal Suite.
Meanwhile, The Vines Brasserie offers superb food and is open daily to the general public, as well as for exclusive Wedding Day hire. During weddings, the hotel and restaurant can also be closed to the public and will be exclusively yours for the whole day.
Depending on the size and style of your wedding, the hotel offers a variety of function spaces from the Beautiful Charles Suite with a capacity of 180.
This room boasts magnificent chandeliers and you can dazzle your guests underneath them for your first dance together. Meanwhile the Garden Room overlooks the lawns with a capacity of 50 for the smaller more intimate gathering.
You can enjoy the unique Orangery in the Grounds for your civil ceremony or a drinks reception if you are having a Church or Registry Office ceremony beforehand.
With spacious and bespoke luxurious bedrooms that offer period features whilst being very well appointed, Barton Hall gives any bridal party the ideal place to get ready before saying ‘I Do.’
Lee Williams of Barton Hall says: “We are proud and feel very lucky to host over 80 weddings each year. Our brides and grooms say how wonderful the venue is and we also understand here at Barton Hall what an important role your venue plays in your Wedding Day.”
“That’s why we’ve put together both high season and low season wedding packages for our couples, which make it easier to gain an idea of a starting budget for your wedding.”
“From there, you can tailor your wedding to create the day of your dreams. If you’re looking for something a little different we can also look at a bespoke package so we can try and meet your every need.”
“Our venue hire packages range from £1,500 to £5,000 for 60-80 guests, excluding exclusive use. It’s also easy to add guests’ room bookings and extras like our in-house DJ or canapés.”
“We think that planning a wedding should be stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish. That’s why our dedicated wedding coordinator is on hand, from your wedding planning, to the moment you leave Barton Hall as husband and wife to begin your happy ever after.” n
Find Out More: For a personal guided tour around Barton Hall and to discuss your wedding, call 01536 515505 or see www.bartonhall.com.
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8 Mum Knows Best
SUPER STYLISH OUTFITS FOR THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE OR GROOM
1. Ispirato, style ISF910 in mother of pearl also available in Amalfi sky or blossom. 2. Condici, style 71060 in cream and angelite. 3. Condici, style 70877 in pearl ice and almond. 4. John Charles, style 26847. 5. Veni Infantino by Ronald Joyce short fitted dress with matching coat. 6. Lewis Henry, style 245, in turquoise. 7. Linea Rafaelli, style 198 Château De Provence. 8. John Charles, style 26795 seen here in Wedgewood, also available in Blush or Fuchsia. Opposite: Ronald Joyce style 991464 in dusty rose.
Mother of the Bride or Groom Specialists:
Anne Wilkinson, Retford/Lincoln: 01522 526752, annewilkinson.co.uk. Cindy’s Sutton Bridge: 01406 350961, www.cindysfashions.co.uk. Dress Place, Nottingham: 0115 924 6368, www.dressplace.co.uk Jane Young, Lincoln/Newark: 01636 703511, www.jane-young.co.uk. Private Kollection, Market Deeping: 01778 346226, ispirato.co.uk.
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