Creating your dream day begins with a fairytale venue. To start our guide to
inspiring wedding ideas, Essex Life offers a pick of the best locations
The perfect setting
Creating your dream day begins with a fairytale venue. To start our guide to inspiring wedding ideas, Essex Life offers a pick of the best locations
The City PavilionDesigned to impress by award-winning Polish designer Piotr Welniak, The Millennium Suite at The City Pavilion is sure to wow your guests. Catering for 300 guests up to 1,200 in a cabaret style, the Millennium Suite’s versatility is only restricted by your imagination. A professional and award-winning in-house catering team can ensure your satisfaction with cuisine from around the world. The Millennium Suite consists of a number of rooms, including the grand hall adorned by crystal-laden chandeliers. The suite has a dedicated civil ceremony room Able to accommodate up to 200 guests.Able to accommodate: Up to 1,200 guests.The City PavilionCollier Row Road, Collier Row, Romford, Essex RM5 2BH020 8924 4000
RS LoungeRS Lounge is a luxury lounge bar and club where every element has been carefully selected to be at the forefront of contemporary design and style. As well as the main bar, with its black silk-finish bespoke sofas and banquettes, and the sumptuous lounge bar, there is an al fresco Mediterranean-inspired terrace perfect for your welcome drinks. The club is available for exclusive private hire for wedding receptions from 30 to 400 guests depending on the style of the day or evening event you are looking for. The club provides full catering facilities, ranging from buffets and delightful canapes to three-course meals. All staff are trained to impeccable standards of service to ensure your reception runs smoothly.Able to accommodate: From 30 to 400 guests. RS Lounge, Woodford New Road, Woodford Green E17 3PR020 8509 6450
Gilwell ParkSet within 108 acres of mature parkland, Gilwell Park is truly a place of inspiration. Just 30 minutes from London Liverpool Street and yet in open countryside, the entire location combines 17th century charm with 21st century facilities. The White House is the centrepiece of the estate, providing a stunning backdrop for your perfect wedding reception. It has been sympathetically restored to offer the most up to date facilities, including a lounge bar and 41 bedrooms.Gilwell Park, which is owned by The Scout Association, is only available for wedding receptions on an exclusive basis. The White House can be used for a drinks reception on arrival for up to 100 people while the CIC has a main hall, which can seat up to 180 guests and has a total capacity of 250. Able to accommodate: Up to 180 guests.Gilwell Park Conference Centre Chingford, London E4 7QW020 8498 5300
Down Hall Country House Hotelsurrounded by 110 acres of parkland Down Hall Country House Hotel near Bishop’s Stortford, was first built in the16th century. Wedding parties at Down Hall will benefit from a dedicated wedding coordinator who looks after each wedding from the enquiry stage right through to the day itself.Able to accommodate: Up to 200 guests.Down Hall Country House HotelMatching Road, Hatfield Heath,Nr Bishop’s Stortford CM22 7AS01279 732153
The County HotelThe family-owned County Hotel is very aware that this has to be the most special day of your lives and the team prides itself on listening to your priorities. Staff will ensure all the organisation of the basic details is taken off you once you have decided which of its wedding packages, each suited to different budgets, you would like to have for your day. The hotel has a Visit Britain Three Star (Silver Award) and an AA Rosette for outstanding food. The hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies and for receptions the Crystal Ballroom can accommodate 130 people while there are smaller suites for more intimate groups.Able to accommodate: Up to 150 guests.The County HotelRainsford Road, ChelmsfordEssex CM1 2PZ 01245 455700
East Mersea HallImagine an island off the coast of England with an historic hall surrounded by a 1,000-year-old moat next to a stunning, medieval church. East Mersea Hall is an exquisite Elizabethan manor house providing a wedding and celebration venue with a difference.The hall and grounds are perfect for both summer and winter weddings with your reception taking place in either the glass-fronted Pavilion overlooking the lake or within the hall itself. The tranquillity of the beautiful grounds provides a breathtaking setting for your reception in the summer, while the inglenook fireplace in the Dining Room and Terrace Room keeps you and your guests warm in the colder months.East Mersea Hall is licensed for civil ceremonies with the choice of the Dining Room or the Terrace Room with additional seating upon the terrace. Alternatively the Church of St Edmund, which adjoins the grounds, is accessible via private pathways from the hall. The combination of warmth and comfort with style and elegance epitomises East Mersea Hall’s unique character which will truly make your wedding a day to remember.Able to accommodate: Up to 120 for ceremonies, 150 for receptions.East Mersea Hall, Church Lane, East Mersea, Mersea Island, Colchester, Essex CO5 8TJ01206 383499
Blake HallBlake 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 the barn’s original charm and has seating for up to 150 guests, while the area outside the barn is ideal for barbecues, reception drinks and for you and your guests to enjoy a romantic sunset.The interior of the barn has a spacious dance floor, banqueting area and bar all in one room and the beautiful private gardens provide countless opportunities for photographs. The venue is hired on an exclusive-use basis and is licensed for civil weddings and partnership ceremonies.Able to accommodate: Up to 150 guests seated or 200 for a buffet.Blake Hall, Bobbingworth, Ongar, Essex CM5 0DG01277 366687
Prested HallIn the grounds of Prested Hall, The Dingle is a chic and luxurious hideaway, a peaceful retreat at the end of a magical wedding. Prested couples enjoy 24-hour private hire of Prested Hall, with all ten bedrooms and superb food.Prested Hall is licensed to hold civil ceremonies and has various rooms you can choose for this purpose, along with an outside gazebo, weather permitting. From May to September, there is a traditional marquee which can accommodate 140 for a sit-down meal. This hidden gem is at the end of a long drive, near the Kelvedon exit of the A12 .Able to accommodate: Up to 170 guests.Prested Hall, Feering, Colchester, Essex CO5 9EE01376 573300
Baddow ParkSet in the heart of Essex near Chelmsford, Baddow Park is a beautiful mansion house perfect for your wedding. Built in 1890, the house is full of elegance, charm and charisma. The personal atmosphere generated by the mere fact it’s a house not a hotel gives you a warm, comforting feeling throughout the day. Baddow Park is set in 50 acres of parkland, perfect for setting up a wedding marquee. Catering can be provided by one of the recommended outside caterers we use. Also flowers, cakes or any other service required can be organised by the experienced team.The house will be licensed for wedding ceremonies from spring 2010 and ceremonies can be held in either the panelled room in the main house or in the conservatory which opens onto the garden.Able to accommodate: Up to 50 guests in the house, 100 in the garden or a marquee for larger weddings.Baddow Park, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 7SY01245 473969
Hedingham CastleHedingham Castle is perhaps the most romantic setting in England. Imagine the unique atmosphere you will create for your ceremony in the candlelit hall of the majestic Norman keep, and for your reception in the elegant Georgian mansion house, beautiful lakeside lawn and then the stunning tulip lawn marquee; each both grand and intimate. Ceremonies can also take place outside in the gardens, as featured on Channel 4’s Landscape Man, which create the perfect photographic backdrop.To help you enjoy your day a complimentary wedding planner will help you plan every detail. The castle will be exclusively yours and enchanting bedrooms will be provided for the bridal party’s pre-wedding pampering. You can also stay in the grounds. There is a romantic, secluded Garden Cottage for the couple’s first night and a charming lodge for a family party. Able to accommodate: 130 guests for the ceremony, 50 to 250 for a reception.Hedingham CastleCastle HedinghamHalstead, Essex CO9 3DJ01787 463862
Orsett HallImagine your wedding day in your own private country home, set in 12 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens. Each couple is unique and so is Orsett Hall, a Georgian-styled hotel with superb facilities including lavish bridal suites, spacious banqueting rooms and extensive dining options, as well as a civil ceremony license. Orsett Hall staff pride themselves on ensuring your day will be remembered forever. Throughout the planning, preparation and the day itself, the team will be there for you, ensuring your special day runs smoothly. There are three suites for weddings: Grahame Thomas Pavilion for up to 400 guests; Whitmore Suite for up to 250, and Gold Room for up to 250.Able to accommodate: From 100 to 400.Orsett Hall, Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, Essex RM16 3HS01375 891402
SpencersSpencers is a very traditional mid-Georgian country house which provides a fairytale setting for your wedding. A reception among the blooms in the walled garden, then dine and dance in your marquee in the park in front of the floodlit house, plus a vintage Bentley in which to leave for your honeymoon. The Spencers team knows that every bride is different so they are flexible and happy to discuss a variety of approaches including: Full service – marquee, catering, band, flowers covering the whole day; Site only – providing access to Spencers’ gardens and park and you do the rest, and The middle way – this is an almost infinite variety of combinations designed to suit your individual needs.Able to accommodate: From 50 to 500.Spencers, Great Yeldham, Essex CO9 4JG01787 238175
ParklandsParklands, Quendon Hall, is a beautiful 17th century mansion house and gardens located on one of the oldest deer parks in the country and is offered to you exclusively for the day. Licensed for civil ceremonies, the exquisite Elizabethan decor gives the atmosphere of a luxurious family home with personal touches.On the ground floor there are three elegant reception rooms which can accommodate a large celebration or an intimate occasion. Overnight accommodation is also available for you and your guests and the gorgeous Bridal Suite is located in the deer park, with a Bentley on hand to chauffeur you there.Able to accommodate: Up to 450.Parklands, Quendon Hall, Quendon, Essex CB11 3XN01799 543 800
Gaynes Park BarnsThe listed wedding barns at Gaynes Park have been artistically restored offering unique facilities for your wedding. The Mill Barn is light and airy with a mezzanine floor and gallery that give the venue a spacious and versatile added dimension while the open-sided Gather Barn forms a porte-cochere for the larger barn and may be used for outside weddings. The beautifully-restored Orangery is surrounded by a vibrant English country walled garden which is perfect for photographs. All three wedding barns are licensed for civil ceremonies and may be used for seated wedding receptions. The venue is privately owned and available on an exclusive basis only.Able to accommodate: Up to 150 guests.Gaynes Park Barns, Banks Lane, Coopersale, Epping, Essex CM16 7RJ01992 560830
The CompassesHidden neatly away in the beautiful north Essex countryside of Pattiswick, The Compasses is the perfect rural retreat for those seeking a great wedding venue in stunning surroundings.Whether you are looking for a small intimate wedding in the privacy of the private dining room or prefer exclusive use of the entire venue to celebrate your special day, The Compasses provides the perfect setting and a team dedicated to providing the best possible service. Their attention to detail will take away the stress and strain of organising your wedding and create the perfect day for you to remember.Able to accommodate: From 35 guests in the private dining room to 150 guests.The Compasses at Pattiswick Compasses Road, Pattiswick,Essex CM77 8BG01376 561322
The HoopStarting life as three weavers’ cottages, The Hoop was converted to an Ale House around 450 years ago. The present-day Hoop is notable for its handsome brick fireplaces. The bar is ornamented throughout by the building’s original timber framework, most of which formed part of warships lying in dock at Tilbury. For weddings, the pub can offer a range of packages to suit all budgets, seating up to 40 people, or accommodating 50 for a buffet in The Oakroom. The Hoop offers a superb menu and head chef, Phil Utz, bases this selection of fine food on fresh, home cooked dishes with traditional values. Able to accommodate: Up to 40 people seated, 50 for a buffet.The Hoop, High Street, Stock, Essex CM4 9BD01277 841137
The Manor Hotel & RestaurantThe Manor Hotel offers the perfect venue for your perfect day. With its luxurious styling, excellent cuisine and outstanding levels of hospitality, you can rely on The Manor Hotel & Restaurant to make your wedding day a wonderful success. The Manor is fully licensed to hold both civil ceremonies and civil partnerships. Holding your wedding ceremony and reception at the same venue will add even more excitement to the occasion. Don’t compromise and leave your special day to chance.Able to accommodate: Up to 120 guests.The Manor Hotel & Restaurant, Berwick Pond Road, Rainham, Essex RM13 9EL01708 555586
Prince RegentThe combination of an elegant Georgian house and the imaginative conversion of an old chapel make the Menzies Prince Regent a unique wedding venue.The picturesque grounds make the perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs and the superb selection of banqueting suites ensures your gathering will be supremely well catered for.The Menzies Prince Regent is licensed to hold wedding and civil partnership ceremonies. Whether you have a small family get-together in mind or a grand formal banquet, it has the facilities and flexibility to provide your perfect wedding package and can arrange everything from stylish printed menus, place cards, invitations and table plans to suit your requirements, to a top-class range of cabaret artistes and professional toastmaster.Able to accommodate: Up to 300 guests.Menzies Prince Regent, Manor Road, Woodford Bridge, Essex IG8 8AE020 8505 9966
Packfords HotelPackfords is a welcoming early 20th century house, with open fires and well-established gardens. Situated within easy reach of the unspoilt woodlands and tranquillity of Epping Forest, yet only 30 minutes from central London, the hotel offers stylish and comfortable accommodation. Licensed to hold marriages and civil partnerships this family-run hotel provides smart, contemporary and classic surroundings with a warm and inviting atmosphere and has more than 30 years’ experience helping brides and grooms plan and organise their wedding day, always ensuring their celebration is happy and memorable. The Garden Room Suite incorporates the conservatory which leads on to pretty gardens, providing ideal surroundings for photographs in the summer. During the winter, open fires provide a cosy and warm environment.Able to accommodate: Up to 80 guests for a formal meal to 140 for a buffet.Packfords Hotel, Snakes Lane West, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0BS020 8504 2642
Le Talbooth and Maison TalboothWhether you are planning an intimate wedding or have something larger in mind, Le Talbooth can help. With its great location beside the River Stour in Dedham, the 16th century beamed venue can cater for any size wedding, from 12 to 180 guests. The marquee in the grounds provides an outstanding option for a summer wedding reception. Milsoms’ experience and personal attention to detail will leave you and your guests enjoying yourselves, safe in the knowledge that all will go as planned. Le Talbooth is just a short walk from its sister hotel Maison Talbooth which is licensed for weddings. The ceremony for your wedding, with up to 50 guests, can take place at this former Victorian Rectory which enjoys panoramic views of the Dedham Vales. Maison Talbooth has 12 bedrooms, a treatment centre, swimming pool and is available for exclusive use.Able to accommodate: From 12 up to 180 in the marquee.Le Talbooth, Gun Hill, Dedham, Colchester, Essex CO7 6HP01206 323150
The FennesLocated in 100 acres of Essex countryside, Fennes has a welcoming feel and it is easy to imagine that it could be your own home. It is this that makes Fennes the ideal venue for your wedding day and, with more than 14 years’ experience as a dedicated wedding venue, staff know how to make your special day perfect. Some parts of the house date back to the 15th century, while the majority of the reception rooms are Georgian in style. The reception rooms are perfect for enjoying welcome drinks and canap�s while sharing time with your family and friends before moving through to the wedding pavilion.The beautiful silk-lined pavilions feature chandeliers, wall sconces and a starlight ceiling, the pavilion also includes a bar area and state-of-the-art sound system and dance floor. Civil ceremonies can be conducted overlooking the grounds.Able to accommodate: Up to 400 guests.Fennes, Bocking, Braintree, Essex CM7 5PL 01376 324555
The Coach House/Marks HallThe Coach House is a superb traditional building in the heart of the magnificent historic country estate of Marks Hall. French windows lead to the stunning terrace which overlooks the formal gardens.The idyllic grounds provide varied and picturesque backdrops for photographs on your special day, with the Arboretum, ornamental lakes and Walled Garden all accessible to your guests.What makes the Coach House at Marks Hall special is the unique opportunity for the bride and groom to make their wedding day individual and personal. The choice of caterer, bar, and any other providers required, is entirely yours.Able to accommodate: Up to 120 guestsseated, up to 200 for a buffet.The Coach House, Marks Hall, Coggeshall, Essex CO6 1TG01376 563796
