TOP 100 VENUES - Dewsall Court

TOP 100
VENUES
HOT NEW
openings to
historic gems,
beachy to
boho,
quirky to classic,
we’ve found your
happy place
Compiled by Emma VincE
fawsley hall (www.fawsleyhall.com)
and laurEn godfrEy
HOT
PROPERTIES
Hedsor House, Buckinghamshire, is a
magnificent former royal residence, easily
accessible from London. Capacity:140 for
seated receptions; 1,500 for marquees. Prices:
From £3,200. (hedsor.com) B The Priest
House Hotel in Derbyshire is the venue for
couples wanting rustic charm, surrounded
by meadows, woodlands and gardens.
Capacity: 100 for seated receptions; 150
for evenings. Prices: From £95 per person.
(handpickedhotels.co.uk/thepriesthouse)
C From October, the secluded Micklefield
Hall in Hertfordshire will open its renovated
barn for weddings. Capacity: 200. Prices: Hire
from £7,750. (micklefieldhall.com) D The
Four Seasons, Hampshire, is a manor house
combining country grandeur with modern
luxuries. Capacity: 200. Prices: From £160
per person; hire from £11,500. (fourseasons.
com/hampshire) E Parklands Quendon
Hall, Essex, is a 17th century mansion
surrounded by acres of deer park. Capacity:
410 for seated receptions; 450 for marquees.
Prices: Available on request. (quendonpark.
co.uk) F Rivington Hall Barn, Lancashire,
dates back to the 12th century and features
original Saxon beams. Capacity: 200. Prices:
Hire from £8,000. (rivingtonhallbarn.co.uk)
G Foodie brides will be in their element
at the two Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux
Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. Capacity: 50.
Prices: Room hire from £2,750. (manoir.com)
H Beaumont Estate in Berkshire is home to
the impressive Hanover suite, ideal for large
celebrations. Capacity: 450. Prices: From
£139 per person. (beaumont-estate-windsor.
co.uk) I Gaynes Park, Essex. This chic barn
is accessible from London, situated at the
end of the central line. Capacity: 150. Prices:
From £2,700. (gaynespark.co.uk) J Coworth
Park, Berkshire, has a breathtaking garden
backdrop. Capacity: 90 seated; 250 standing.
Prices: Packages from £175 per person.
(coworthpark.com)
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K Weston Park, shropshire, is a stately
home packed with character. Capacity: 120
for ceremonies; 180 for receptions. Prices:
exclusive hire from £2,600. (weston-park.com)
L Babington House is a luxe country house
in the heart of somerset and a hit with celebs
wanting a quiet retreat. Capacity: 120. Prices:
hire from £29,000. (babingtonhouse.co.uk)
M Hintlesham Hall, suffolk, has a tree-lined
drive which leads to the impressive grade
i listed facade. Capacity: 137. Prices: room
hire from £350; exclusive hire from £9,950.
(hintleshamhall.co.uk) N the prestigious
Wentworth Club in surrey is surrounded by
700 acres of lush lawns, lakes and golf courses.
Capacity: 250. Prices: Packages from £130
per person. (wentworthclub.com) O Buxted
Park, east sussex, is a Palladian mansion
of fairytale proportions. Capacity: 120 for
seated receptions; 180 standing. Prices: From
£105 per person. (handpickedhotels.co.uk/
buxtedpark) P Cain Manor, hampshire,
has a light barn-style banqueting hall and
extensive grounds. Capacity: 123. Prices: hire
from £1,325. (bijouweddingvenues.co.uk) Q
Fall head over heels for Ettington Park in
Warwickshire, a neo-gothic mansion with
dreamy spires and impressive vaulted ceilings.
Capacity: 96 seated, 150 standing. Prices: hire
from £3,000. (handpicked.co.uk/ettingtonpark)
R Rhinefield House, hampshire, is a
stunning 19th century tudor and gothic
mansion. Capacity: 130 seated; 200 standing.
Prices: From £6,000. (handpickedhotels.
co.uk/rhinefield-house) S Le Talbooth,
essex, is a welcoming riverside venue in
the heart of the picturesque constable
country. Capacity: 50 for ceremonies; 160
for receptions. Prices: available on request.
(milsomweddings.com) T Denham Court
Mansion, buckinghamshire, is grade ii listed,
and set in 226 acres of parkland. Capacity:
94 for seated receptions; 300 for marquees.
Prices: Packages from £117 per person.
(buckinghamshiregc.com/weddings) U For a
scenic setting all year round, Hengrave Hall,
suffolk, has grand halls and a monochrome
dancefloor. Capacity:140 for ceremonies; 250
for receptions. Prices: available on request.
(hengravehall.co.uk) V Botleys Mansion in
surrey, has an impressive staircase leading
down into the large banqueting atrium.
Capacity: 400. Prices: exclusive hire from
£1,975. (bijouweddingvenues.co.uk)
PhotograPhy: jon kemPner (johnkemPner.com); justin bailey (justin-bailey.co.uk); eddie judd
PhotograPhy (eddiejuddPhotograPhy.com)
From country manors to
stately homes, the prettiest
places for your nuptials
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A Farnham Castle, Surrey, may be newly
refurbished but it’s still packed with historic
charm. Capacity: 150. Prices: Hire from
£2,600. (farnhamcastle-weddings.co.uk) B
Mill Farm Glamping, Wiltshire, can now
be hired for weddings, with a choice of
luxury tents and a farmhouse. Capacity: 300.
Prices: Hire from £5,000. (millfarmglamping.
co.uk) C Eynsham Hall, Oxfordshire, has
refurbished interiors and a 3,000-acre estate
to take advantage of. Capacity: 100. Prices:
From £95 per person. (eynshamhall.com)
D Open for weddings from June, Bassmead
Manor Barns in Cambridgeshire is situated
on a medieval moat. Capacity: 150. Prices:
Hire from £1,850. (wedding-venues.co.uk/
BassmeadManor) E The quaint Box Tree
Restaurant, West Yorkshire, has launched
bespoke packages that are ideal for foodie
couples. Capacity: 50 for ceremonies; 70
for receptions. Prices: Hire from £1,000.
(boxtreeevents.co.uk) F Fetcham Park,
Surrey, doubled as the Parisian Ritz in the
Diana movie. Capacity: 100 for ceremonies;
150 for receptions. Prices: Hire from £5,000.
(fetchampark.co.uk) G if you love the idea
of a vintage-themed day, Laura Ashley The
Manor, Hertfordshire, has a number of elegant
spaces. Capacity: 124. Prices: Available on
request. (lauraashleyhotels.com) H Pickwell
Manor, devon, has sea views and space for
up to 50 guests to stay. Capacity: 100 for
ceremonies; 150 for receptions. Prices: Hire
from £6,500. (pickwellmanor.co.uk) I Easton
Grange, Suffolk, is a spacious barn surrounded
by tranquil countryside. Capacity: 150. Prices:
From £2,250. (eastongrange-weddings.
co.uk) J Elmore Court, gloucestershire,
has launched eco ballroom The Gillyflower.
Capacity: 200 seated; 500 standing. Prices:
Hire from £2,650. (elmorecourt.com)
K The Tudor Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa,
northhamptonshire, has been newly acquired
by Handpicked Hotels. Capacity: 150. Prices:
Hire from £6,000. (fawsleyhall.com)
PHOTOgRAPHY: lJ PHOTOgRAPHiCS (lJPHOTOgRAPHiCS.CO.uk); vAneSSA AdAMS (vAneSSAAdAMS.COM); BRuCe ROllinSOn
(BRuCeROllinSOn.CO.uk); eddie Judd (eddieJuddPHOTOgRAPHY.COM); SARA THOMAS (SARATHOMAS.CO.uk)
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Out-of-the-ordinary venues
for couples who want
something a little different
A Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire. Wed in
an elizabethan stately home then take a
walk on the wild side with the residents.
Capacity: 150. Prices: Packages from £9,320.
(longleat.co.uk/weddings) B Cornish Tipi
Weddings offers a great outdoors setting
under canvas. Capacity: 200. Prices: Packages
from £550. (cornishtipiweddings.co.uk) C
Sea Life London Aquarium is the perfect
venue for an underwater reception. Just
think of the theme! Capacity: 500. Prices:
From £100 per person. (merlineventslondon.
com) D Hold your reception in a beautifully
restored barn with food your guests will love
at River Cottage in devon. Capacity: 200.
Prices: Hire from £1,000. (rivercottage.net/
events/weddings) E The cute Nash Point
Lighthouse, South Wales, will shine a light
on your ceremony. Capacity: 25. Prices: Hire
from £900. (trinityhouse.co.uk/lighthouses)
F The Arabian Tent Co brings a touch of
exotic flair to nuptials, with authentic tents
sourced from dubai, india and Thailand.
Available nationwide. Capacity: 500. Prices:
Available on request. (arabiantents.com) G
Calling all nature lovers! Say your vows up
high at The Treehouse at The Lodge, Scotland.
Capacity: 70. Prices: Packages from £9,000.
(thelodge-scotland.com) H Eversholt Hall,
Bedfordshire, is a beautiful red-bricked village
hall for those who want something relaxed.
Capacity: 150. Prices: Hire from £6,800.
(eversholt-hall.co.uk) I Chewton Glen,
Hampshire caters for all parties, whether
you want an intimate treetop ceremony for
two or a grand party. Capacity: 150. Prices:
From £175 per person. (chewtonglen.com)
J Cley Windmill in norfolk is an intimate
setting, with accommodation. Capacity: 22.
Prices: Hire from £840. (cleywindmill.co.uk)
K Say your vows on board a private sea
plane overlooking Loch Lomond, at Cameron
House, Scotland. Capacity: 220. Prices:
Packages from £1,700. (devere-hotels.co.uk)
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CITY
CHIC
A The Pavilion, East Sussex, has breathtaking
architecture, making it one of Brighton’s most
iconic landmarks. Capacity: 90. Prices: Room
hire from £600. (brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk/
RoyalPavilion/weddings) B The Old Palace
in Lincoln combines sumptuous 21st century
elegance with the splendour of Victorian and
georgian eras. Capacity: 64. Prices: Packages
from £61 per person. (theoldpalace.org)
C Legendary Mayfair property, Claridges
has previously hosted state banquets and
royal receptions. Capacity: 240. Prices: Room
hire from £1,100. (claridges.co.uk/luxurywedding) D Marry in leafy surrounds high
above Kensington High Street at the Roof
Gardens, London. don’t forget to spot the
pink flamingos! Capacity: 150 for seated
receptions; 500 standing. Prices: From £75
per person. (roofgardens.virgin.com) E
The Caves, edinburgh, is a 100-year-old,
beautifully restored venue, where each room
is steeped in history. Capacity: 420. Prices:
Hire from £850. (thecavesedinburgh.com) F
Hold your nuptials in the restored Unitarian
chapel of Fazeley Studios, Birmingham, a
chic spot rich in history and art, in the heart
of the city. Capacity: 150. Prices: Available
on request. (fazeleyevents.com) G Sketch,
London, is a Michelin-starred restaurant and
quirky choice for couples wanting to make
a statement. Capacity: 75 for ceremonies.
Prices: exclusive hire from £6,000. (sketch.
uk.com). H The Crooked Well, London, is
the perfect spot for an intimate reception
with hearty food. Capacity: 55 for seated
receptions; 100 standing. Prices: exclusive
hire from £2,500. (thecrookedwell.com) I
Fall in love with the elegant yet flexible space
of One Marylebone, London. The grade i
listed building is rich in culture. Capacity: 350.
Prices: Hire from £5,500. (one-events.co.uk)
J The Caledonian, edinburgh is one of the
city’s most significant landmarks and makes a
grand venue. Capacity: 192. Prices: Available
on request. (thecaledonianedinburgh.com)
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available for civil ceremonies from march,
the modern Malmaison Newcastle offers
great views of the tyne. Capacity: 70. Prices:
From £75 per person. (malmaison.com) L
The Deck, london. this arty venue at the
national theatre has amazing views of the
south bank. Capacity: 100 for ceremonies; 250
for receptions. Prices: Packages from £3,500.
(nationaltheatre.org.uk/thedeck) M Corinthia
London has imposing style in the heart of the
capital. Capacity: 150 for seated receptions.
Prices: From £165 per person. (corinthia.
com/hotels/london) N the boutique Andaz
London, located near liverpool street, is
perfectly suited to modern couples wanting
sophistication. Capacity: 160 seated; 400
standing. Prices: From £79 per person.
(london.liverpoolstreet.andaz.hyatt.com)
O The Ritz London is the iconic hotel to
marry in the capital. the opulent interiors
are the ideal backdrop for a city celebration.
Capacity: 72 for ceremonies; 300 for
receptions. Prices: available on request.
(theritzlondon.com) P set around impressive
theatres and galleries, The Lowry, manchester,
has a vibrant interior for endless photo
opportunities. Capacity: 200. Prices: available
on request. (thelowry.com) Q The Langham,
london. this five-star hotel has a rich heritage
and luxurious interiors, and is a well-known hit
with celebs. Capacity: 200. Prices: hire from
£12,000. (london.langhamhotels.co.uk) R
The Dorchester in london has various rooms
and suites for weddings, including the iconic
ballroom. Capacity: 500. Prices: From £175
per person. (thedorchestercollection.com)
S House For An Art Lover, glasgow, was
built 95 years after charles rennie mackintosh
designed the building for a german interiors
magazine. Capacity: 130. Prices: From £49.50
per person. (houseforanartlover.co.uk) T the
old-fashioned glamour of the famous Savoy
London makes it a venue with wow factor.
Capacity: 380. Prices: available on request.
(fairmont.com/savoy-london) U The Varsity
Hotel in cambridge offers a spectacular
rooftop garden and converted warehouse
complete with exposed brickwork and original
beams. Capacity: 100. Prices: available on
request. (thevarsityhotel.co.uk) V Tower
Bridge is one of london’s most iconic sights,
offering spectacular city views. Capacity: 120
for receptions. Prices: Packages available from
£2,400. (towerbridge.org.uk)
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PhotograPhy: james Pike (jimPix.com); louise holgate PhotograPhy (louiseholgate.com); marianne taylor (mariannetaylorPhotograPhy.co.uk); catherine mead (PhotograPhybycatherine.co.uk); elise mcgale
go cosmopolitan with grand
hotels and cool spaces
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From festival grounds to
forests, fall in love with
these green picks
A South Farm, Cambridgeshire, is a family
business, with a barn, farmhouse and dairy
to hire. Capacity: 145 for seated receptions.
Prices: From £87.50 per person. (south-farm.
co.uk) B The Green House Hotel, dorset,
is a chic boutique hotel with sustainable
values at its core. Capacity: 75. Prices: From
£80 per person. (thegreenhousehotel.com)
C Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, is home to
the Wilderness Festival and has an expanse
of grounds and ancient forests. Capacity:
200. Prices: Hire from £3,000. (festivalbrides.
co.uk) D The organic Pen-y-banc Farm in
Wales has a lot to offer, including a giant
tipi. Capacity: 76 for ceremonies; 120 for
receptions. Prices: Available on request.
(welshgreenweddings.co.uk) E Wedding
Yurts are a great alternative to marquees
and available nationwide. Capacity: 140 for a
single yurt, multiples can be combined. Prices:
From £550. (weddingyurts.co.uk) F For a
spot on your own tidal island, check out the
Burgh Island Hotel, devon. Capacity: 50.
Prices: Hire £15,315. (burghisland.com) G
Dewsall Court in Herefordshire has a canopy
for outdoor ceremonies, and a church just a
short walk away. Capacity: 140. Prices: Hire
from £6,450. (dewsall.com) H Fforest, Wales,
has 200 acres of farm and campsite, ideal for
a weekend celebration. Capacity: From 100.
Prices: Hire from £4,950. (fforestweddings.
co.uk) I Bivouac, north Yorkshire, offers
woodland weddings. Capacity: 120. Prices:
Hire from £3,640. (thebivouac.co.uk) J
For an exotic backdrop, the Eden Project
in Cornwall provides a lush setting without
setting foot out of the UK. Capacity: 400 for
drinks receptions. Prices: From £750; Biome
hire from £4,000. (edenproject.com) K Pines
Calyx in Kent produces more energy than it
consumes; a perfect blank canvas. Capacity:
100 for ceremonies; 150 standing receptions.
Prices: Hire from £3,200. (pinescalyx.co.uk)
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PHOTOgrAPHY: jAmes KirBY (jAmesKirBY.me.UK); gemmA WilliAms PHOTOgrAPHY
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MAKING
HISTORY
PHoTogrAPHY: AndreW CoUlTer (ACoUlTer-PHoTogrAPHY.Co.UK); dAvid PUllUm (dPPHoTogrAPHY.Co.UK);
Anne mArie King (AnnemArieKing.Co.UK); KATHerine ASHdoWn (KATHerineASHdoWn.Co.UK)
Because some things get
better with age...
Lynford Hall Hotel, norfolk, has had many
world-famous guests, including US presidents.
Capacity: 230. Prices: Packages from £3,700.
(lynfordhallhotel.co.uk) B Notley Abbey
in Buckinghamshire is a medieval residence
which marries history with modern-day style.
Capacity: 190. Prices: Hire from £1,850.
(bijouvenues.co.uk) C For views of the
Hertfordshire countryside, Eastnor Castle
offers vistas of the surrounding lake and rolling
deer park. Capacity: 150. Prices: Hire from
£8,950. (eastnorcastle.com) D Powderham
Castle, devon, is perfect for a grand ceremony,
with high-domed ceilings and fireplaces.
Capacity: 1,000. Prices: Available on request.
(powderham.co.uk) E Combermere Abbey,
Shropshire is home to the only fruit tree maze
which is licensed for ceremonies. Capacity:
150. Prices: From £1,995 (combermereabbey.
co.uk) F Ackergill Tower, Scotland. This 15th
century venue boasts ornate function rooms
and accommodation. Capacity: 200. Prices:
Available on request. (amazingvenues.co.uk)
G Highclere Castle, newbury, is the one and
only setting of Downton Abbey. Capacity: 750.
Prices: From £12,000. (highclerecastle.co.uk)
H The Black Swan, Helmsley. This Yorkshire
boutique hotel has interiors which combine
antiques and contemporary art. Capacity: 90.
Prices: Packages from £4,000. (blackswanhelmsley.co.uk) I Lumley Castle, County
durham has stood tall for more than 600
years, a true fairytale venue. Capacity: 180.
Prices: Packages from £850. (lumleycastle.
com) J Wadhurst Castle, east Sussex, is a
welcoming family home. Capacity: 200. Prices:
Hire from £1,650. (wadhurstcastle.co.uk) K
Chaucer Barn in norfolk offers gardens and
accommodation in grounds once purchased
by geoffery Chaucer. Capacity: 160. Prices:
Available on request. (chaucerbarn.com)
L 900-year-old Leeds Castle in Kent has a
pretty moat, and the maiden’s tower offers the
perfect setting for princess brides. Capacity:
200. Prices: From £80 per person. (leedscastle.com)
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LIFE’S A
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A Portmeirion in north Wales is a seaside
location with amazing architecture and
contemporary styling. Capacity: 120. Prices:
Packages from £3,500. (portmeirion-village.
com) B For a shabby chic coastal hideaway,
The Gallivant in east Sussex lies opposite the
sand dunes of Camber in the quaint town of
Rye. Capacity:150. Prices: Hire from £2,000.
(thegallivanthotel.com) C Take your vows in
The White Palace of The Grand, eastbourne,
with dramatic views of the sea and cliffs of
Beachy Head. Capacity: 180. Prices: From
£121.50 per person. (grandeastbourne.
com) D The Rosevine, Cornwall, combines
a big house by the sea with a marquee, tipis
and a gorgeous view. Capacity: 200. Prices:
Hire from £1,000. (rosevineweddings.co.uk)
E Lusty Beg Island, northern ireland,
is a 75-acre paradise set in the tranquil
Fermanagh Lakelands. Capacity: 200. Prices:
From £25 per person. (lustybegisland.com)
F Located on Whitstable beach, the Artist’s
Beach House in Kent is perfect for informal,
alfresco celebrations. Capacity: 40. Prices:
Hire from £950. (uniquehomestays.com) G
Tregenna Castle, Cornwall has picturesque
gardens and views of the Atlantic ocean.
Capacity: 250. Prices: From £58 per person.
(tregenna-castle.co.uk) H Pennsylvania
Castle, dorset has housed many royals over
the years. Capacity: 100. Prices: Packages
from £8,000. (thepenn.co.uk) I Beach
Weddings Bournemouth. Say ‘i do’ on the
first beach licensed for ceremonies in England
and Wales. Capacity: 400. Prices: Hire from
£1,275. (beachweddingsbournemouth.co.uk)
J Tunnels Beaches, devon, has a thatched
gazebo and glass-panelled function room,
providing a pretty coastal backdrop, whatever
the weather. Capacity: 120. Prices: Hire from
£2,250. (tunnelsbeaches.co.uk) K Watergate
Bay Hotel, Cornwall, offers a two-mile
stretch of sandy beach as the setting to your
day. Capacity: 50. Prices: Hire from £2,000.
(watergatebay.co.uk)
PHOTOgRAPHy: unique HOme STAyS (uniqueHOmeSTAyS.COm); LinuS mORAn PHOTOgRAPHy
(LinuSmORAnPHOTOgRAPHy.CO.uK); i An H PHOTOgRAPHy (iAnH.CO.uK)
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Oh, we do love to be
beside the seaside...
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