COUNTRY HOUSES & CASTLES

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Jeffrey Atkinson
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COUNTRY HOUSES & S THESE SUBLIME SPACES ARE ALL ABOUT CLASSIC ROMANCE What could be lovelier than a whole wedding weekend of celebrations?

These are often rather flexible spaces, with various rooms to use as you wish for different parts of the festivities.

There s usually accommodation on site, too, at least for the couple and bridal party. These factors make country houses and castles perfect for those with a larger guest list.

1 COUNTRY HOUSES & S THESE SUBLIME SPACES ARE ALL ABOUT CLASSIC ROMANCE What could be lovelier than a whole wedding weekend of celebrations? Many country houses and castles operate on an exclusive-use basis, meaning the whole place is entirely for you and your guests for the duration. These are often rather flexible spaces, with various rooms to use as you wish for different parts of the festivities. Amid stunning grounds and enchanting interiors, you can have a welcome dinner the night before, the wedding itself, and then a farewell brunch. There s usually accommodation on site, too, at least for the couple and bridal party. These factors make country houses and castles perfect for those with a larger guest list. But don t despair if you re in love with the romance of a country house or castle and have a more bijou guest list. Some have smaller spaces you can hire. Photography by: Nkima Photography Styling by: The Events Designers Flowers by: Blue Sky Flowers MOOR PARK Hertfordshire This 17th-century mansion is brimming with character and charm. The impeccably manicured grounds and the grandeur of the building will win anyone over. The opulence continues with ornate interiors and beautiful furnishings. youandyourwedding.co.uk 19

CLEARWELL Gloucestershire ALLERTON GOSFIELD HALL Essex With an idyllic setting in the Forest of Dean, this venue has the feel of a

Yorkshire Go alfresco at this gothic-revival stately home with a marquee wedding breakfast, or head inside to the handsome

There s much to admire here, from the picturesque grounds to the luscious Rococo bridal suite.

Plus, there s a licensed courtyard for outdoor vows.

Now, it s an exclusive-use country house that s perfect for a party, with stunning gardens and accommodation, as well as a variety

PEMBROKE LODGE Set in tranquil Richmond Park, Pembroke Lodge feels a million miles away from urban hustle and bustle.

ORCHARDLEIGH ESTATE Somerset The only difficulty with getting married at this 500-acre estate is deciding which of the spaces to

.. Yorkshire The interiors at this Georgian country house are the epitome of elegance.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY RACHAEL CONNERTON (BELVOIR ), JADE OSBORNE PHOTOGRAPHY (DORFOLD HALL), NATURAL SELECTION DESIGN (TILSTONE HOUSE),

2 CLEARWELL Gloucestershire ALLERTON GOSFIELD HALL Essex With an idyllic setting in the Forest of Dean, this venue has the feel of a romantic hideaway. There s a variety of party-perfect spaces within and even a children s room, complete with toys and games. Yorkshire Go alfresco at this gothic-revival stately home with a marquee wedding breakfast, or head inside to the handsome ballroom. Then dance the night away in the enchanting Great Hall. There s much to admire here, from the picturesque grounds to the luscious Rococo bridal suite. With crystal chandeliers and panelled walls, the ballroom is an elegant wedding breakfast setting. Plus, there s a licensed courtyard for outdoor vows. NEWBY HALL & GARDENS TILSTONE HOUSE This 18th-century gem started life as a hunting lodge. Now, it s an exclusive-use country house that s perfect for a party, with stunning gardens and accommodation, as well as a variety of beautiful spaces, from the intimate library to the elegant drawing rooms. PEMBROKE LODGE Set in tranquil Richmond Park, Pembroke Lodge feels a million miles away from urban hustle and bustle. There are two wedding spaces: the modern Belvedere, and the characterful Georgianinspired Russell Suite. ORCHARDLEIGH ESTATE Somerset The only difficulty with getting married at this 500-acre estate is deciding which of the spaces to use. Do you have a candlelit ceremony in a lakeside church or say I do in the idyllic Italian Garden? Decisions, decisions... Yorkshire The interiors at this Georgian country house are the epitome of elegance. From the newly renovated orangery to the marquee site that overlooks the River Ure, everything is designed to delight. PHOTOGRAPHS BY RACHAEL CONNERTON (BELVOIR ), JADE OSBORNE PHOTOGRAPHY (DORFOLD HALL), NATURAL SELECTION DESIGN (TILSTONE HOUSE), DAN MORRIS BELVOIR Leicestershire This storybook castle has a variety of historic spaces for an elegant celebration, from the state rooms to the rose garden. There s also a luxurious lakeside marquee. Or, for something more boho, you can hire woodland wonderland Frog Hollow. DORFOLD HALL The gardens surrounding this Jacobean stately home are bewitchingly pretty, with hidden dells, a lake and a 1,000-yearold Spanish oak. There s accommodation for up to 20, including two cottages, and a variety of ceremony spaces. youandyourwedding.co.uk 21

SILCHESTER HOUSE Berkshire If privacy is your priority, this exclusive-use

The Victorian manor house features beautiful ceremony and reception spaces, 14

THE LOST ORANGERY Wiltshire The grounds at this captivating manor house are

Verdant lawns, a glorious lake and a crumbling castle as the backdrop it really

PHOTOGRAPHS BY FRANK WOOD (COMPTON VERNEY), @UNIQUE HOME STAYS; 01637 881183

LANGLEY Lincolnshire All the rooms at this country house are delightful, but we

The light-filled space is licensed for ceremonies and is also a wonderful spot

BIRTSMORTON COURT Worcestershire This 12th-century manor house is captivating.

and reception spaces here, from the pretty gardens to the atmospheric Great Hall.

RANGER S LANGLEY HOUSE An This elegant medieval Georgian castle has villa

in basis, one of but the there grand are rooms.

in abundance, from the exposed stone walls to the suits of armour on display.

3 SILCHESTER HOUSE Berkshire If privacy is your priority, this exclusive-use hideaway is ideal. The Victorian manor house features beautiful ceremony and reception spaces, 14 bedrooms, manicured gardens and countryside views. THE LOST ORANGERY Wiltshire The grounds at this captivating manor house are nothing short of spectacular. Verdant lawns, a glorious lake and a crumbling castle as the backdrop it really is a one-of-a-kind setting. uniquehomestays.com WORDS BY HANNAH DAVIES. PHOTOGRAPHS BY FRANK WOOD (COMPTON HOME STAYS; (THE LOST ORANGERY, FLORIN), SEAN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY (LANGLEY ) STUBTON HALL LANGLEY Lincolnshire All the rooms at this country house are delightful, but we have to reserve praise for the sublime orangery. The light-filled space is licensed for ceremonies and is also a wonderful spot for the reception. Outside, there are acres of heavenly parkland. BIRTSMORTON COURT Worcestershire This 12th-century manor house is captivating. The waterside veranda is an obvious draw, but there are plenty of other ceremony and reception spaces here, from the pretty gardens to the atmospheric Great Hall. YOU LL ALSO LOVE LEEZ PRIORY Essex This exclusive-use Tudor mansion is perfect whatever the season. With acres of parkland and a courtyard with croquet lawn, it s ideal for outdoor celebrations in spring/summer. In cooler months, open fires and wood-panelled interiors are warmly inviting. RANGER S LANGLEY HOUSE An This elegant medieval Georgian castle has villa historic that brings charm the in feel abundance, of a country from house the to exposed. stone There s walls a lovely to the walled suits garden of armour ideal on display. for a marquee. You can Or hire celebrate the whole amid thing Renaissance on an exclusive art in basis, one of but the there grand are rooms. also some gorgeous spaces if you want a This medieval castle has historic charm in abundance, from the exposed stone walls to the suits of armour on display. You can hire the venue on an exclusive basis, but there are also some gorgeous spaces for a more intimate affair. VOEWOOD Norfolk The house and gardens may have a traditional English country look, but the vibe here is cool and unusual. And there s not a wedding package in sight you design the day you want, with as much or as little input from the Voewood team as you desire. COMPTON VERNEY Warwickshire KENSINGTON PALACE ACKERGILL TOWER Caithness PECKFORTON BAYFIELD HALL Norfolk EASTNOR Herefordshire FLORIN Ceredigion BORTHWICK Midlothian 22 youandyourwedding.co.uk youandyourwedding.co.uk 23

Slug COUNTRY here HOUSES & S HAMPTON COURT PALACE There are few settings grander than the medieval Great Hall at this Tudor

LOUGH ESKE County Donegal It s all about romance at this lakeside estate.

4 Slug COUNTRY here HOUSES & S HAMPTON COURT PALACE There are few settings grander than the medieval Great Hall at this Tudor palace. With tapestries, stained glass windows and a soaring beamed ceiling, it s guaranteed to enchant your guests. LOUGH ESKE County Donegal It s all about romance at this lakeside estate. Set amid stunning scenery, there s a renowned spa for pre- or post-celebration pampering and truly lovely accommodation check out the garden suites. hitched.ie LEEDS Kent A favourite residence of Henry VIII, during one visit to this magnificent castle, he was said to have brought a retinue of 5,000! Couples getting married here tend to have rather smaller guest lists, but can still enjoy a celebration fit for royalty. HEDSOR HOUSE Buckinghamshire This is a blank canvas venue on a truly luxe scale. Everything is just so, from the elegant interior styling to the beautifully maintained park grounds. And privacy is all but guaranteed the house sits at the end of a kilometre-long driveway. 24 youandyourwedding.co.uk

PENNSYLVANIA Dorset As well as daytime celebrations, this Gothic revival castle is known for its twilight weddings picture an

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SEAN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY (ALNWICK ), SIGI KIRKPATRICK (BOTLEYS MANSION), HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES (HAMPTON COURT

The banqueting hall has a magical atmosphere, but for extra enchantment, there s a 13th-century ruined abbey on site.

The stunning spaces are ideal for large-scale celebrations, with a capacity of 250 for the wedding breakfast and 500 evening

5 PENNSYLVANIA Dorset As well as daytime celebrations, this Gothic revival castle is known for its twilight weddings picture an outdoor ceremony as the sun sets, followed by a candlelit reception under the stars. PHOTOGRAPHS BY SEAN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY (ALNWICK ), SIGI KIRKPATRICK (BOTLEYS MANSION), HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES (HAMPTON COURT PALACE) ALNWICK This venue was used as a backdrop for Hogwarts in two Harry Potter films. The banqueting hall has a magical atmosphere, but for extra enchantment, there s a 13th-century ruined abbey on site. BOTLEYS MANSION Surrey It s glamour all the way at this Palladian country house. The stunning spaces are ideal for large-scale celebrations, with a capacity of 250 for the wedding breakfast and 500 evening guests. CROSSBASKET Lanarkshire This glorious castle effortlessly blends contemporary luxury and character. Period features abound, and there s a 16th-century tower that houses a beautiful suite, just made for newlyweds. crossbasketcastle.com 26 youandyourwedding.co.uk

MAPPERTON. for the wedding of your dreams in a charming and beautiful setting

MAPPERTON. for the wedding of your dreams in a charming and beautiful setting MAPPERTON for the wedding of your dreams in a charming and beautiful setting MAPPERTON Mapperton Estate comprises a romantic valley garden and stunning Jacobean manor house of golden stone. The private