The perfect setting
Our pick of the most beautiful wedding venues in the region
BRAXTED PARK
Braxted Park is a setting like no other. Couples have a choice of ceremony locations, from the opulent Orangery to an outdoor wedding in the sun-kissed Knott Garden. The estate is brimming with enchanting places to capture unforgettable moments, such as the quintessentially English walled garden or the glorious country house at the centre of it all.
When it’s time to celebrate, the contemporary Pavilion has everything for a wedding breakfast and reception to remember. Following a perfect day, the Garden Cottage is the ideal retreat in which to unwind and reflect – and there’s plenty more accommodation for guests.
What makes it special?
Your day will start in the Changing Room, a private, light-filled space to prepare and spend quality time with loved ones. Braxted Park has been a family home for generations, and the team are ready to welcome couples into the family and support you every step of the way.
Need to know...
- 160 ceremony guests
- 350 reception guests
- Complimentary menu tasting
braxtedpark.co.uk
This beautiful 18th century four-star hotel is traditional with a contemporary twist. In the main house, the elegant Drawing Room and Signatures room are ideal for ceremonies and intimate wedding breakfasts. Both benefit from large bay windows with spectacular views across the parkland, as well as an impressive fireplace and period features.
A modern addition, the Garden Suite is made up of three rooms with removable partition walls, and it boasts a bar, dancefloor and private courtyard. The gazebo on the sunken lawn makes an intimate setting for summer ceremonies and drinks receptions.
What makes it special?
The venue oozes historic charm. Set in historic parkland once painted by John Constable, guests can look out over the grounds and the magnificent cork oak trees, which were brought back to the estate from the Peninsula War by General Rebow (Constable’s friend and owner of the park) more than 200 years ago.
Need to know...
- 15 to 100 ceremony guests
- 120 sit-down guests and 200 standing
- Wedding-night stays are included in packages
This magnificent Georgian manor house is available for exclusive-use weddings, with its stunning three-acre grounds. Love the great outdoors? There’s an outside bar available in the summer and the Wedding Gazebo offers al fresco ceremonies with the glorious rose garden as a backdrop.
Inside, weddings start with a grand entrance down the sweeping staircase into the galleried Grand Hall. The layout of the house lends itself to entertaining, flowing perfectly between party spaces; a dancefloor, bar, terrace and the spacious Orangery all adjoin the Grand Hall, which remains at the heart of the celebration. Couples can choose to spend the whole day here or just their reception.
What makes it special?
Being a family business with a hugely experienced team, the level of service is second to none. Couples will be glad to know that they will get access to the venue in the days leading up to their wedding, allowing for a stress-free set-up.
The Lawn, historically meaning a clearing in a deer forest, once formed part of Henry VIII’s hunting grounds, where he allegedly wooed Anne Boleyn.
Need to know
- 100 indoor ceremony guests and 130 outdoor ceremony guests
- 150 evening guests
- Two preparation rooms available to the bridal party all day
- Four-star hotel just six minutes away
thelawn.co.uk
Set in 2,350 acres of peaceful countryside near Coggeshall, Markshall Estate’s landscaped gardens and arboretum are home to three special wedding locations. The romantic woodland setting allows you to say ‘I do’ under a canopy of ancient trees before heading to a tipi in the meadow for a magical reception.
The grand 18th century Coach House can host ceremonies and receptions, with its rustic beams and private terrace with beautiful views. Just outside the Coach House, the Parterre Garden is ideal for outdoor ceremonies surrounded by scented borders and majestic trees.
What makes it special?
This incredible natural landscape offers an abundance of picture-perfect locations, and a buggy can take you to each spot. When it comes to planning, the expert team is on hand from the moment you enquire to the very last dance. On the day, the wedding party can get ready in style in the private preparation suite, complete with hair and make-up bar.
Need to know...
- Up to 150 wedding guests
- 48-hour hire, allowing easy set up
markshall.org.uk
Over the border...
The Woodyard is an exclusive-use venue nestled at the heart of Worstead Estate in Norfolk. Guests will arrive via a grand tree-lined avenue through 300 acres of historic parkland; the centrepiece of the landscape is an 11-acre lake, complete with island, boathouse and summerhouse.
The Woodyard includes a lovingly restored thatched sawmill, courtyard and terrace – perfect for catching the evening sun. The building is around 300 years old, with the thatched roof supported by a patchwork of traditional red brick and lime mortar.
The interior design showcases the heritage of the building, while providing all modern amenities. There are dedicated spaces for each element of your celebration, plus a commercial kitchen and bar.
What makes it special?
Couples can keep their food miles to a minimum with exquisite estate-reared wagyu steak and beer brewed from barley grown in the surrounding fields. Opposite the venue is Estate Cottage, offering bridal accommodation in its own private garden – perfect for a barbecue the night before the big day.
Need to know...
- 120 ceremony and dinner guests
- 160 evening guests
- You can enjoy a three-day hire of The Woodyard
worsteadestate.com
