Blake Hall
When it comes to your wedding day, you will naturally want the best, and here Essex Life profiles a stunning selection of settings that will provide a fabulous backdrop for your big day
Blake Hall
Bobbingworth, Ongar, Essex CM5 0DG
01277 366687
www.blakehall.co.uk
BLAKE HALL has been home to the Capel Cure family for more than 220 years and the historic setting and peaceful gardens are the perfect venue for a wedding day to remember. The 17th century barn has been sympathetically restored to provide modern comforts without losing any of its original charm and has seating for up to 150 guests, while the area outside the barn is ideal for reception drinks and to enjoy the romantic sunset.
The interior of the barn offers a spacious dance floor, banqueting area and bar all in one room, so there is ample space for entertainment and dancing, and the beautiful gardens provide countless opportunities for wonderful photographs, whatever the time of year. The venue is hired on an exclusive-use basis and is licensed for civil weddings and partnership ceremonies, either inside the barn or under the canopy of the refurbished saddlery. The Old Coach House, and its impressive dressing room, is only a stone’s throw away from the venue, sleeps six and is available for hire for your wedding, while the Stable Cottage has been converted into a sumptuous honeymoon cottage for your exclusive use on the night of your wedding.
How many guests? Up to 150 guests seated or 200 for a buffet.
Icing on the cake… This family home has become a perfect place to celebrate with family and friends on this most special of occasions.
Wivenhoe House
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
Essex
C04 3SQ
01206 863666
www.wivenhoehouse.co.uk
Wivenhoe House is a truly romantic four-star venue. The 18th century main house is licensed for weddings and civil partnerships allowing guests to celebrate in style in a range of beautifully decorated public rooms or take over the hotel for a country house weekend. Bursting with tradition and period detail, Wivenhoe House is guaranteed to be the ideal setting for your perfect day. The hotel’s wedding team will take care of every detail to make sure your day is absolutely perfect, because your wedding should be the most beautiful day of our life.
How many guests? Wivenhoe House welcomes parties from 50 to 120 guests.
Icing on the cake…The multi-million pound refurbishment of this historic house has created an elegant destination with luxurious state-of-the-art accommodation that is ideal for all the wedding party.
Braxted Park
Witham Essex CM8 3EN
01621 892305
www.braxtedparkweddings.co.uk
Set majestically in 500 acres of parkland, this stately home is said to be one of the most beautiful houses in Essex. Exclusively yours for the day, the team can cater for 20 to 350 guests. The building is licensed for civil marriages or there is a charming 12th century parish church located within the grounds of the estate. Overnight accommodation for the bride and groom is available in an exclusive bridal cottage with an additional 12, beautifully restored stable rooms available for your guests. For further information or to arrange a visit, contact either Rochelle Newman or Michelle Rider on 01621 892305.
How many guests? Braxted Park can host anything from 20 to 350 guests.
Icing on the cake… A stunning part of historic Essex exclusively yours for the day.
The Coach House
Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex CO6 1TG
01376 565420
www.markshall.org.uk
THE Coach House, with its unique features and picture-perfect setting, makes it hard to imagine a more beautiful place for your special day. Make your vows to one another underneath the attractive gazebo in the flower garden for a perfect start to married life. Choose from one of the many backdrops for your photographs, with ornamental lakes and the walled garden being a simply stunning photographic memory. The Coach House is full of charm, ambiance and character, and is an idyllic place to hold your reception.
How many guests? Up to 80 for the ceremony, 120 for a sit-down meal and 200 for an evening reception.
Icing on the cake… Within the fabulous landscape of these stunning gardens and arboretum, you are assured of a delightful setting for your celebration, and your photographs.
Down Hall Country House Hotel
Matching Road, Hatfield Heath, Nr Bishop’s Stortford
Hertfordshire CM22 7AS
01279 731441
www.downhall.co.uk
A historic country house, situated in the breathtaking beauty of Essex countryside, Down Hall provides an exquisite backdrop for your special day, in fact, Down Hall is the place where your dreams are turned into perfect reality. Dating back to 1540, Down Hall has a wonderful array of rooms and suites to host the most intimate of ceremonies, luxury wedding breakfasts and stunning receptions with panoramic views over beautiful gardens. The chef has created the most exquisite menus for your special occasion, using the freshest and finest ingredients either from the hotel’s own vegetable garden or locally-sourced produce, all complemented by outstanding personal service from an experienced team.
How many guests? A selection of different wedding reception rooms can cater for parties of different sizes, with the largest room holding 200 guests and the smallest 32.
Icing on the cake…The stunning backdrop of this fabulous hotel will really give your day the wow factor.
East Mersea Hall
Church Lane, East Mersea
Colchester, Essex CO5 8TJ
01206 383499
07842 195221
www.eastmerseahall.co.uk
East Mersea Hall is a unique wedding venue and family home which is surrounded by breathtaking gardens and a lake. 2014 is a very special year for the hall as it celebrates its fifth year as a wedding venue and the owners look forward to welcoming couples with their families and friends for a ‘day to remember’. The hall encompasses everything for a wedding day, whether you want a civil ceremony, church wedding or just a wedding reception – the choice is yours. East Mersea Hall is exclusively yours for your wedding day and the experienced events and catering team are on-hand to offer advice and support from the initial meeting until the last dance. A very personal service is provided to each and every couple because East Mersea Hall is a home as well as a business, so expect a very warm welcome when you visit.
How many guests? East Mersea Hall is able to accommodate 120 for a sit down meal and 150 in the evening.
Icing on the cake… Perfect for a very personal touch and the charming St Edmunds Church is literally a stone throw away.
The Legacy Kingscliff Hotel
55 Kings Parade, Holland on Sea, Essex CO15 5JB
08444 119 492
www.legacy-hotels.co.uk/legacy-kingscliff
The Legacy Kingscliff Hotel in Holland on Sea offers bridal couples the perfect seaside setting for a dream wedding. Following a £1million refurbishment, The Kingscliff Hotel now offers two stylish and contemporary licensed function rooms, allowing couples to say their vows while enjoying the views over the sea. The hotel also has 30 brand new luxurious bedrooms, while delicious menus have been designed to offer everything you need for your big day. The experienced wedding team is on hand to help organise every detail and for a truly unique wedding photograph, take to the beach or enjoy the beautiful garden.
How many guests? Up to 90 for a sit-down meal.
Icing on the cake… Be wed beside the seaside for a celebration with a difference.
Memoirs Restaurant
& Cocktail Bar
The Old Library, 65 West Stockwell Street
Colchester, Essex CO1 1HE
01206 562 400
www.memoirscolchester.co.uk
Memoirs Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is the perfect venue for small to medium-sized wedding receptions. The restaurant’s beautiful main dining room seats 60 and can be customised for after dinner dancing and entertainment, taking advantage of Memoirs’ late opening licence. Decorating the room, dressing the tables and working with local florists; the Memoirs’ team will create an exquisite setting to celebrate with family and friends. Packages can include fully catered meals with staff providing a food and drinks service, while there are also options to provide linen and wedding cakes. Whatever your requirements, the restaurant’s team can design your reception around the needs of you and your guests, creating bespoke packages that suite your budget.
How many guests? The main dining room at Memoirs Restaurant seats 60 guests.
Icing on the cake… No wish is too great as the talented team design a reception just for you.
Prested Hall
Prested Hall Chase, Feering, Colchester, Essex CO5 9EE
01376 573300
www.prested.co.uk
This hidden gem has won many hearts, awards and accolades over the years. A charming, small manor house at the end of a tree-lined drive, Prested Hall invites you to relax and enjoy your wedding in a home-from-home atmosphere with your guests, as an experienced wedding team take care of every detail. The house is yours, with all 14 lovely bedrooms, a choice of elegant reception and ceremony rooms, a pretty gazebo for outdoor ceremonies and a summer marquee. Prested Hall also has fitness facilities, an Elemis spa and hair salon for your preparations and on the day itself, plus extra accommodation and The Dingle, a private bridal hideaway in the grounds.
How many guests? Prested Hall’s function facilities can cater for up to 160 reception guests.
Dream come true… As a recent winner of the Boutique Venue of The Year award, Prested Hall has the charm and quality that will make your wedding day extra special.
Stock Brook Country Club
Queens Park Avenue, Stock, Essex CM12 0SP
01277 650400
www.stockbrook.com
Centrally located in more than 275 acres of beautiful, English countryside and with more than 25 years of outstanding wedding services in Essex, Stock Brook Country Club has long been established as a great wedding venue choice. Stock Brook Country Club has everything an engaged couple could need to create their perfect dream wedding day. The interior décor is luxurious and very well appointed while the wedding reception suites are spacious, elegant and create a romantic atmosphere. Stock Brook’s motivated team of highly experienced wedding coordinators and planners are on hand to help you, with a good understanding of traditional weddings and wedding day ceremonies from all cultures and religions.
How many guests? Stock Brook Country Club’s luxurious wedding function suite accommodates up to 250 dining guests and 300 evening guests.
Icing on the cake… Lavish décor and superb surrounding countryside make this venue an ideal setting for your perfect day.
Three Rivers Country Club
Stow Road, Cold Norton, Purleigh CM3 6RR
01621 829781
www.threeriversclub.com
Three Rivers has always been a popular choice as a wedding venue for engaged couples in Essex. The stunning Country Club is perfectly situated in more than 325 acres of idyllic Essex countryside, just on the outer fringes of the rustic village of Cold Norton. Three Rivers Country Club has a proud heritage as one of the foremost wedding venues in Essex and caters for all kinds of traditional weddings, civil ceremonies and Asian Shaddi. The Country Club underwent a complete modernisation in 1996 and the new contemporary design of the main building is built with superb use of light and space and allows for spectacular views of rolling green hills. The interior of the main building has luxurious, well appointed interior décor that reflects the rural setting and the exquisite wedding function suites are stylish, very well proportioned and abound with plentiful views of the countryside from every perspective. Three Rivers Country Club has also recently completed a £500,000 development of new accommodation to offer brides and grooms the choice of eight superb double rooms, including two superb wedding bridal suites and four luxurious double suites.
How many guests? Three Rivers Country Club provides facilities for parties of four to 400.
Icing on the cake… With decades of experience in looking after countless lucky couples, you can ensure your big day is in good hands.
Le Talbooth
Gun Hill
Dedham
Colchester
CO7 6HP
01206 323150
www.milsomweddings.com
Bridal parties are spoilt for choice at Le Talbooth in Dedham, whether you’re looking for a small intimate wedding in the Weavers Room for 30, a larger party in the River Room for 80 or a lavish affair in the marquee on the upper lawn beside the River Stour (catering for up to 160 guests). With its great location in the charming village of Dedham and its 16th century beamed interior, Le Talbooth offers the complete package, from the first meeting right through to the wedding day.
How many guests? Wedding parties from 12 to 180 can be catered for at Le Talbooth.
Icing on the cake… As one of the county’s most celebrated restaurants, Le Talbooth promises sumptuous dining and first-class service.
The Roslin Beach Hotel
Thorpe Esplanade,
Thorpe Bay,
Essex
SS1 3BG
01702 586375
www.roslinhotel.com
WITH outstanding levels of hospitality and stylish surroundings, The Roslin
Beach Hotel in Southend is the perfect venue for your civil ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception. The hotel’s private function suite boasts exceptional natural light and spectacular sea and coastal views – together with a comprehensive array of lighting, audio equipment and formal and casual dining options. The privately-owned, boutique-style hotel can cater for parties from 20 to 150 guests and can provide a fabulous honeymoon suite together with guest accommodation for all. A dedicated event co-ordinator will ensure your big day arrives with absolutely everything you’ve specified in place, on time and stress-free. The wedding team can offer specialist advice on your photographer, chauffeured limousine hire, additional floral arrangements and even your speech if you need it. The staff and management at The Roslin Beach Hotel will make your wedding day unique and special with lasting memories of your wonderful day.
How many guests? Enjoy being beside the seaside with up to 150 guests.
Icing on the cake… There is just something magical about being by the sea and with the Roslin you can add this extra touch of magic to your wedding day.
The Soul
80 High Street,
Burnham on Crouch,
Essex
CM0 8AA
01621 786900
www.thesoulrestaurant.com
The Soul is the perfect place if you are looking for somewhere extra special for your wedding reception. The Soul offers a bespoke personal service and outstanding quality in stylish and relaxed surroundings. Set in a charming 18th century building in the seaside town of Burnham on Crouch, The Soul is owned and run by a family team. Just a stone’s throw from the picturesque Quay and a short distance from the local churches, it has a contemporary feel with cool greys set alongside traditional wood burners and original brickwork.
The Soul’s dedicated wedding planner will ensure that your celebration is a unique and memorable occasion. Acclaimed for its outstanding food, the bridal party can choose from the most delicious seasonal dishes to create the exact menu of their choice. The Soul will also advise on the best wines, organise impressive and tasty canapés, host your Champagne reception and even create the most spectacular floral centrepieces.
How many Guests? Up to 60 guests seated or 100 for a buffet reception.
Icing on the cake… If you are looking for a stylish but intimate setting for your special day, The Soul is for you.
Spains Hall
Finchingfield
Braintree
Essex
CM7 4NJ
01371 811596
www.spainshall.co.uk
SPAINS HALL, situated just 20 minutes from Stansted Airport and 45 minutes from London, combines the history and romance of a 1,000-year-old English country estate with premium indoor facilities, catering and service, all of which provide the blank canvas to ensure your special day is truly magical. The estate is licensed for weddings and civil partnership ceremonies, but is also within easy reach of several parish churches. You have exclusive use of the venue including public rooms within the house, The Stables complex and stunning grounds for your ceremony and reception. An extensive choice of menus and catering options are on offer as well as a full bar service all managed by Spains Hall’s catering partner, the Cambridge Dining Company.
There is accommodation available on the estate too, from the sumptuous Tapestry Room suite available during the day for the bride and her entourage, through to overnight accommodation available at Crest Lodge and North Lodge. Whether you are looking for a country house wedding or a smaller gathering, the Spains Hall team will ensure your day runs like a dream.
How many guests? Up to 120 seated in the hall and up to 130 seated in The Stables.
Icing on the cake… For a setting full of history and romance, this fabulous Essex estate certainly ticks all the boxes.
Square 1 Restaurant Outside Catering & Venue
Great Dunmow
Essex
CM6 1AB
www.square1restaurant.co.uk
www.square1cafe.co.uk
Whether it’s at home or a venue of your choice, Square 1’s chef and wedding planner will design a bespoke menu to cater for your wedding at a price to suit your budget. The helpful team can also assist with the set up, waiting staff, crockery hire, bar, tableware and much more. The restaurant is available for hire too and there is also the option to hiring Square 1’s own marquee, set in the beautiful Debden countryside.
How many guests? That is the beauty of it all, Square 1 can cater for whatever you need.
Icing on the cake… Enjoy a made to measure service as you get exactly the level of help you are looking for.
