Featuring one of the only lavender fields in the North East with panoramic views of the Beamish Valley countryside. The Black Horse Beamish and Orchard Marquee is set in 37 acres on Red Row Estate, featuring stunning lavender fields, woodland, filled with wildlife and farmyard antiques.
We talked to Grace Fountain, the Venue Manager at Black Horse Beamish (Red Row Estate) to find out more this unique and contemporary venue.
Tell us about yourself!
We are a family owned business and have been proudly welcoming our guests for over 20 years. Although the original 300 year old pub has been in my family for over 20 years and I’ve grown up listening to conversations about it around the dinner table, I officially started working for the company 10 years ago. Since then the business and building have undergone an extensive refurbishment, expansion and development programme. In my free time I love to walk my dog around our glorious 40 acre sprawl, the stunning lavender field is one of the only in the North East, we have woodland riddled with wildlife and lots of farmyard antiques!
What drew you to the wedding world?
I always had a passion for hospitality and once I completed my degree there was no question where I was going to work. I’ve had the privilege of working in numerous different roles including wedding coordinator and have been able to grow as the business has grown, which I think has been a fantastic and unique experience. Red Row Estate is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful areas of the North East so being able to market that and convert ideas into a reality is something I love.
What do you think makes your venue unique?
My colleagues are undoubtedly what makes our venue so special, we are a small close-knit team. The key to our success is planning, planning, planning! You have to be extremely organised, passionate, and have a keen attention to detail. One of the most important skills, which isn’t often taught in this industry, is to be an unofficial therapist, councillor and shoulder to cry on when needed. Weddings can be very emotional and stressful, and I pride myself on doing my upmost to put everyone’s mind at ease. Every wedding and special occasion is unique, and therefore every client relationship deserves as much time, attention and passion as possible so we can work together to make the big day perfect.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
Our coordinators have their own mobile and are on hand to call/text/whatsapp/email at anytime during your wedding journey with us, we feel this gives a lot of comfort to couples. By the end of the wedding journey we really feel like we have made lasting relationships with our brides and grooms. We seem to have the most wonderful couples that come back to visit time and time again.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Amazing food, an open bar tab, memorable entertainment and of course a beautiful ceremony where you are surrounded by your family, friends and loved ones.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
It’s your day, so don’t be afraid to be a bit selfish when it comes to the guestlist, things like your menu choices, drink selection and seating plans.
What do you love about Bridebook?
I love how easy it is to navigate, shortlist and contact suppliers and venues. It really is like your own little black book!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had?
Our first wedding was in July 2012 and since then enquiries have never stopped rolling in! Every wedding has its own special moment so it’s difficult to single out a particular wedding. Most recently being a part my sisters wedding in The Orchard Marquee was very special. It was lovely to be a guest for the day and it’s safe to say she went all out making good use of our extensive list of local supplier contacts.
As a unique venue with extensive grounds and panoramic views over our peaceful valley, the setting could hardly be more idyllic. We provide an unforgettable setting for all styles of celebration, grand or intimate, indoors or out…it will be a unique and memorable celebration.
Definitely the beautiful lavender fields in full bloom.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our customer service to couples and guests. We pride ourselves in investing in our team to make sure we have only the best set of people to look after you on your journey with us. Our wedding team have a wealth of experience hosting weddings meaning you’re in very capable hands.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Technology has transformed how we now work and we have had to fully embrace new technology during the past 18 months of Covid. It has been an essential part of improving and streamlining our customer journey from the initial enquiry to ease of booking venue viewings. Zoom calls and facetime have enabled us to continue showing couples our beautiful venue and even resulted in couples booking from as far field as Dubai after only viewing on facetime.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Have faith, your dream day will happen despite all the setbacks and remember why you are getting married.
A huge thank you to Grace Fountain for answering our questions. Check out Red Row Estate on Bridebook!
Looking for more venues in County Durham? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.
Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]
In the heart of stylish Marylebone, 41 Portland Place is beautiful Grade II* listed Georgian Townhouse. The perfect setting for an intimate and exclusive Central London wedding. The fantastic location, sophisticated rooms, excellent food, and dedicated event management team will ensure you leave with treasured, everlasting memories.
We talked to Olivia Parrott, Sales & Marketing Manager at 41 Portland Place to find out more this grand and elegant venue, set at in the heart of London.
Tell us about yourself!
I have been in the weddings world for over 5 years! In my spare time I love to binge watch my favourite series on Netflix (I may or may not be able to re-enact every episode of friends… oooops!) I love socializing with friends & family, hitting the best brunch spots and exploring new places.
What drew you to the wedding world?
How personal it is! The feeling of making couples dream wedding days a reality is what sold it. Seeing the look on a couple’s face when they walk into the venue will never ever get old.
What do you think makes 41 Portland Place unique?
Our approach is to adaptable and flexible, we know each and every couple is different which means our approach is different. 41 Portland Place is one of London’s finest exclusive Georgian Townhouses. It is surrounded by elegant grandeur and in the heart of Marylebone, the Grade II* listed Georgian Townhouse is the ideal setting for a stylish, exclusive and chic London wedding. We are with our couples every step of the way and the relationship doesn’t end after their wedding day at RSA, we have created real amazing friendship with alot of our couples
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
We get to know them as people! Regular drink catch ups, video calls, venue visits, supplier visits! Getting to know the family is also a big thing for us too!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Personality! Having seen more marvellous weddings than we can mention, the team here at 41 Portland Place know a thing or two about personalizing weddings so if you’re looking to put your own stamp on your big day, you’re sure to find some inspiration, or a little extra confidence to do your own thing, right here!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Trust your venue and your suppliers, they are experts and will go above and beyond to create the most incredible day for you!
What do you love about Bridebook?
The support from the incredible team, they are always so lovely and will go above and beyond always!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at 41 Portland Place?
This is a hard one as we have seen so many memorable weddings! I remember a summer wedding which was hosted on the tranquil terrace which just oozes sophistication and is the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing summer cocktail with friends & family shaded from the sun by gorgeous olive and eucalyptus trees. By night, the space transforms into a fairy light lit oasis in the city. The client opted with a relaxed family feasting BBQ style menu followed by an interactive dessert station, a chef’s favourite!
Why should a couple book 41 Portland Place?
For this, I would say actions speak louder than words and have a look at testimonials! However, knowing their wedding contributes to the Academy of Medical Sciences charity which is funded research to improve health which is more important now than ever, is an incredible thing to know. Booking 41 Portland Place means you are in for a fun and memorable time planning the most incredible day of your lives and that we promise.
Our incredible behind the scene team, the people who make dreams a reality and it wouldn’t be possible without every single one of the team
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
In an amazing way! Virtual tours, Instagram, wedding videos and galleries of images allow couples to imagine their day even more
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
If your wedding cannot go ahead postpone do not cancel, we are all in this together and talk to your loved ones. We will get through this and your wedding celebrations will be more amazing than ever before!
A huge thank you to Olivia Parrott for answering our questions. Check out 41 Portland Place on Bridebook!
Looking for more venues in London? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.
Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]
Plas Dinam Country House is a truly beautiful historic mansion set in the hills of Wales. Exclusive use, DIY, with amazing glass roof Stables for your evening party and exclusively yours for at least 2 days.
We talked to Louise Edmunds, the Wedding Coordinator at Plas Dinam Country House to find out more this unique and amazing venue, set at the foot of glorious Welsh hills with spectacular views
Tell us about yourself!
I am relatively new to the Wedding Industry but my previous experience was working in Hospitality in the UK and France. I have had a great summer with Plas Dinam as wedding coordinator, loved every minute of it, and can’t wait for next year. I am a big outdoor lover and when possible will be out running, mountain biking or trying new wild swimming spots. During the winter I try to fit in a ski trip, and get back out in the snow. A few years ago I also joined the Army Reserves, so throughout the year I spend a few weekends training with them. I am expecting my first child in a few weeks, so trying to get ready for the next life adventure!
What drew you to the wedding world?
I absolutely love the creativity of the wedding world, and I was lucky enough to find a job at a venue that is unique in what it offers to couples as well as being a beautiful place to work. It is great to work with couples from day 1, from when we show them around to their wedding day. It is such an exciting time for them and all the positive energy is in abundant on the day, you can’t not be happy doing this job. I love to the see the flower creations, the food menu choices and especially the chosen wedding dress and outfits. Every wedding is different.
It is a family business and we want every couple to make it their own. We encourage them to use all the grounds and space at Plas Dinam, from the beautiful glass roof stables to the tennis courts and the secret lake for wild swimming. It is like renting a big home for a family holiday as well as getting married at the same time. We have fire pits, a pizza oven and BBQ, to croquet on the lawn. There is plenty of space for the couples and guests to explore and really settle into the house for a few days. From Day 1 of showing the couples around our venue I work with them to help with the planning of their day. I am there on the day to make sure it all goes smoothly, they don’t have to think about anything, and just enjoy it.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
I love getting to know the couples and their families, and we love to show them around as much as possible. I am always on hand via emails and zoom calls. We will do a planning meeting at Plas Dinam a few months prior to their wedding day so they get to look around a final time before coming back to get married. This can normally be combined with their food tastings which happens in the Stables, and is a great time for them to really feel like their wedding is happening.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Having all your friends and family together to celebrate.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Wedding planning is fun, please don’t stress over it. It will all come together on the day with our support.
What do you love about Bridebook?
Bridebook have been great throughout covid-19, thinking of new ways to advertise and help us, with monthly phone calls and assistance looking at our listing to make it couple friendly. Bridebook are a great way to start the planning process for your day.
The couples getting married make it memorable. Their personalities and their ideas that they put into the day really make it for me. Our first wedding in June this year was very memorable, they had postponed 3 times due to covid and we were so excited for them to be getting married. They were such a fun couple, they had great friends and family with good chat, and all loved to party.
So the couples can spend a few days with their friends and family staying in a large Country House, relaxing, eating, drinking and getting married. They have the whole grounds exclusively to themselves and a beautiful glass roof stables to hold their wedding meal and party. They can arrive and completely make it their own. No pressure from anyone, it is their day and they can have it how they want.
All of it, we have a great team that work super hard to make sure everything is perfect.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
We have seen the increase of virtual tours since covid-19, but it is a positive- being able to offer a tour over zoom from the couples comfort of their lounge has been wonderful. We have been able to give them a real view of the venue and grounds, they can ask all the questions and still come away wanting to book with us.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
It is super tough having to postpone or not know if it will go ahead, but we are on hand to support you. We can help with any suppliers, and assist in finding new dates. It is still your wedding day so we want it to be special, and being able to spend it with family and friends is so important. Do not take too much stress on, relax, and it will happen.
A huge thank you to Louise Edmunds for answering our questions. Check out Plas Dinam Country House on Bridebook!
Looking for more venues in Wales? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.
Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]
Tudor Barn Eltham is Set in acres of beautiful Instagrammable parkland and gardens, and dating back to 1525, the Tudor Barn is the perfect place for special celebrations. We’re ready to host your wedding.
We talked to Jade Hayward at Tudor Barn Eltham the to find out more about this hidden gem of a venue.
Tell us about yourself!
I have been in the wedding industry since I was 17 years old! Approaching 8 years now. I have a beautiful little girl who gave birth to during the pandemic and in my free time I love to design posters, birthday cards, photobooks as well as photography.
What drew you to the wedding world?
Simply by chance! I worked in central london for 2 years and could no longer deal with the constant bad energy and the need to get everywhere 100 miles an hour! A friend of mine actually asked me to do some photography for her sons holy communion at Tudor Barn Eltham and I fell in love with the building. Such a beautiful little gem right around the corner from where I live.
What do you think makes Tudor Barn Eltham unique?
I find some venues are like a conveyer belt whereby they just want 7 weddings a week sometimes more than 1 a day and that is just simply not what we are about. Tudor Barn Eltham is a family run business and each and every wedding is unique and becomes a part of history as Tudor Barn Eltham is the last remaining Tudor Barn in London dating back to 1525. We want to be a part of our couple’s planning process, we want to help them decide which table plans will work best, which colour schemes work beautifully with the barn and all the little bits in between. We have found this approach not only puts our couples minds at ease but makes what can be a very difficult planning process so much easier and dare I say it… lot’s of fun!! We want them to not only remember the big day but remember just how exciting it was to plan with our team.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
Our events team offer 4 meetings with our clients, on the viewing we are able to understand who they are and what they want which really helps us begin our planning process, after they are invited to a tasting which again helps us understand what type of food and drinks they like and offer our advice to what we think could work for their big day. We then offer a planning meeting where the clients have access to their function sheet and it’s almost a step by step checklist of what they need to do, this allows us to understand exactly what they want from their big day in terms of decor, entertainment, timings etc and again we can focus in on these areas. Finally, at the final meeting we can look at all the tiny little details which we know our client’s would love to have as we have built a relationship with them for on average 9 – 18 months! On the day of the wedding we will know everything we need to know about our couples to ensure their day is perfect.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
I think everyone’s idea of perfect is unique and that’s what makes a wedding perfect, your own very unique, different ideas coming together to create a day that truly represents you and your partner.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Be prepared for anything to happen! Sometimes the best things can come from it
What do you love about Bridebook?
How we can show off our venue as the unique wedding venue as it is with ease!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at The Petersham Hotel?
We held a wedding a few years ago and the groom was a firefighter who actually attended the grenfell tower tragedy – he was a real life hero! Seeing him and his colleagues in their dress uniform’s it was truly something special.
Why should a couple book Tudor Barn Eltham?
To become a part of history in a beautiful unique 16th century barn
What’s the best photo spot at Tudor Barn Eltham?
Within the stunning gardens by the Moat Bridge
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The staff
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
I feel that everything is becoming more digital! We totally expected this change and we are moving with it and taking it all in our stride! We will continue to have a personal 1 to 1 approach for some parts of the planning as we believe this is really important.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Love conquers all! You will have your perfect day and your family will be so excited to be able to celebrate an amazing milestone in your life with you.
A huge thank you to Jade for answering our questions. Check out Tudor Barn Eltham on Bridebook!
Looking for more venues in Kent? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.
Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]
Woodlands Park is a magnificent mansion, set in beautiful landscaped grounds provides the perfect venue for your wedding reception. Frequented at the turn of the century by the then Prince of Wales and the famous actress Lillie Langtry, Woodlands Park continues to radiate a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
We talked to Cheyenne Crombie the Events Manager at Woodlands Park to find out more about this stunning venue.
Tell us about yourself!
I have worked at Woodlands for about 3 years now. I do not have any human children but I do have a fur baby called Duchess who is a cat and my best friend, I am a bit of a crazy cat lady. I enjoy travelling, I lived in Australia for a year on the Gold Coast and I also volunteered in South Africa at and elephant reserve which was incredible, highly recommend.
What drew you to the wedding world?
I have always loved customer service and weddings take that to a whole new level. There is nothing more exciting than planning a wedding day, it’s the best event to plan because the client is always excited and you can get excited with them and I love that. As weddings take a while to plan, I get a longer period of time to build a relationship with my couples so then it’s so rewarding to see the final event on the day.
What do you think makes Woodlands Park special?
I think the people we have here at Woodlands Park make our venue unique, they really care about delivering a flawless day for our couples so everyone’s attentiveness is amazing. Not to toot my own horn but I am a bit of a perfectionist and I think that is really important for couples as they know they will have someone who is going to ensure all the finer details are correct. I have to mention the building itself – the first sight of Woodlands Park is always a ‘wow’ moment. The venue is beautiful both inside and outside with extensive gardens and grounds. The history of the building is also something which our couples love to hear about, it dates back to 1885. Lastly, we do operate on a one bride policy because we believe that full attention should be solely on that wedding. Our focus for the day is to deliver a completely personal experience from the get go.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
Nothing beats meeting people in person, it’s always nice to put a face to a name. With weddings I get to meet with my couples regularly but there are also lots and lots of emails and phone calls that go back and forth. I just try to make them a bit more relaxed as opposed to formal emails but it all depends on how my couples want to communicate. The first stage is upon enquiry from the couple, my response always mirrors their initial enquiry which is usually via email. At this point I will encourage couples to book an appointment straight away so I get to chat with them as early as possible. At the first appointment I run through all the most important information and show the couple around the wedding spaces. We will talk about package inclusions that are available or discuss a more bespoke package if that is what the couple prefer. Once we have agreed on all the details we will get everything signed off and provide the couple with their wedding handbook. I love this document as it details the timeline for planning and helps couples when thinking of things they need to do before the big day. It becomes their wedding bible! I will also invite my couples to visit their venue as much as possible by attending showcase events. This is so couples can come and see the rooms set up for inspiration. We post all of our showcase dates on Facebook. When it starts to get close to the date of the wedding the couple will attend their menu tasting and meet with the Chef to ensure everything is perfect for their wedding meal. Couples really enjoy this part as it’s a little preview of part of their day and they can even make a night of it by staying with us too.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
I think a lot of people forget that a wedding isn’t just about the partying, it is ultimately about the couple getting married and as long as you are able to do that surrounded by the people you love, you’ll have the best day! My best advice would be to make your day as personal as you want to – it’s a day all about you and it is a day where all the people you both love are celebrating you. The best weddings are the ones where everyone enjoys themselves so I tell my couples to try to keep things relaxed and not to over-plan and aim for a day that flows, even with the photos, moments captured are often the nicest.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Most importantly, remember that it is your wedding day so choose the things that you like and which are important to you. And create a couple’s email address just for the wedding!! It will help you keep track of everything and allow you to keep your wedding planning in one place.
What do you love about Bridebook?
Many of our wedding couples find us via Bridebook. I think it’s great that this platform gives couples so much relevant information in a clear way but for me I think the reviews are really important. For us as venue it’s lovely to read such happy words from newlyweds and for potential couples I think it builds real excitement about their own day.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Woodlands Park?
This is a very hard question to answer as every wedding is completely different and they are all memorable in their own way. It’s not always the biggest weddings with lots of embellishments which are the most memorable – intimate and really special ceremonies can be very emotional, in a good way! One wedding that we are fond of was an Exclusive use wedding at Christmas time. The couple had a gingerbread house which was actually a replica of Woodlands Park and it almost filled a 5ft table! The wedding was a winter wonderland theme so this focal piece was a spectacular addition.
Why should a couple book Woodlands Park?
There are plenty of reasons why Woodlands Park is an amazing wedding venue. We offer exclusive use which means you can take the whole hotel, the grounds, the bedrooms, the restaurant – everything – as your own for the duration of your wedding. We also offer non-exclusive options too so we are flexible to give couples the day they are dreaming of. We have a one wedding policy which means no other wedding will take place at the same time so couples can be sure they have our undivided attention on the day. The feedback we regularly receive from our wedding couples and their guests is that they experienced brilliant service from all staff. We pride ourselves on being a team of people who are professional and friendly which will make all the difference to your day. Plus we have great relationships with recommended suppliers which all our couples have access to. Not only that, the extensive ground and gardens provide an amazing backdrop for wedding photos during all seasons. Woodlands Park is located in Surrey so the surrounding countryside is spectacular. The venue is close to the M25 and airports which means guests who are travelling can reach the venue easily. All your guests are welcome to stay with us during the period of your wedding, whether that is the night before to be prepared for an early start or the night of your wedding.
What’s the best photo spot at Woodlands Park?
I will have to give an indoor and outdoor spot in order to cater for all seasons… The love seat swing in the garden which hangs from one of the large oak trees is beautiful for an intimate picture of the newlyweds. Inside, the Grand Hall balcony has our stained glass ceiling in the background and this is truly special to capture.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
I’m really proud to be a part of the Woodlands Park team and I believe the service we deliver as a team is impeccable. We all have a vital part to play in every wedding that takes place here and without everyone doing their bit it just would not be the same. Being part of a team of people who all love what they do and who are experts in their roles makes me proud.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
I think the wedding industry has adapted alongside technology however I feel every venue or wedding professional experiences it differently. For our venue we find that couples still choose to visit the venue in person as they want to spend as much time here as possible. Virtual appointments are available and are key at certain times but nothing beats seeing something or someone in real life. We don’t currently instant message with our couples are we practice a more personal approach. Obviously technology has had the biggest impact online as couples are now able to search far and wide for venues in a really short space of time and watch online tours, read reviews and look through pictures on Instagram or Pinterest to make their own opinion on whether the venue is what they are looking for before even making an enquiry.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Continue to plan your wedding! Don’t get disenchanted and push things to the sidelines if your date has been postponed. Time flies by and the last thing you want to do is rush when you get closer to the day. The process of planning a wedding can be stressful but it should be enjoyable and even though your wedding day may not be happening when you thought it would be you should still make the most of the process and focus on the good things that come with it.
A huge thank you to Cheyenne Crombie for answering our questions. Check out Woodlands Park on Bridebook!
Looking for more venues in Surrey? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.
Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]
Elusive Locations presents Kirtlington Polo Club, an affordable all-inclusive wedding in a unique and breathtaking location with spectacular views over the Palladium Mansion, Oxford & Leckhampstead Forest, set in a serene ancient oak forest. It’s truly the perfect solution for couples wanting a peaceful, private wedding experience.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’ve been working in events – I say the term loosely as it’s been mostly commercial events and festivals – for the past four years or so, and weddings the past 18 months. Elusive Locations is a venture that we’ve taken on in addition to a long standing luxury wedding company called Marble Private, which has been featured in Vogue for its stunning weddings (I know, epic right!). I’m currently a world-class plate spinner working for both of these wonderful wedding companies – but don’t worry, I’m not yet ‘wedding-ed’ out.
A bit more about me, I’m 23 living and working in London, and when I’m not at the office in Notting Hill or working from home, you can find me painting or reading in a park somewhere, or heading back home to the Cotswolds countryside to be with my family. My role at Elusive Locations is mostly marketing focused, but I will also be your first point of contact when you enquire with us, so do drop me a line and say hello!
What drew you to the wedding world?
Weddings have always fascinated me, and I absolutely love how fast-paced and exciting the industry is. There’s a real passion amongst the wedding planners and suppliers I have had the pleasure of working with, and of course it’s one of the most rewarding jobs out there! Seeing happy couples say ‘I do’ is a true joy – especially now when so many have been postponed two or even three times. The first ‘wedding related’ job I ever did was actually as an assistant Wedding Florist – it was about 3 years ago – and it was my responsibility to hand the bride her bouquet. She literally burst into a flood of tears and the make up artist had only just finished her lashes! I remember thinking ‘this is such a cool job. I want to do more of this’
What do you think makes Elusive Locations unique?
Elusive Locations was born in a time where venue hunting has become a challenging and exhausting job, so we’re attempting to cut through the noise with not just an affordable option, but an exclusive and undiscovered option. Our two venues – Kirtlington Polo Club in Oxfordshire, and Leckhampstead Forest in Buckinghamshire – are in previously unused spaces, hidden away in deep forests, and it’s there amongst the trees that you’ll find our enchanting wedding spaces. As I said earlier, our company has its roots in the wedding industry and our directors have won awards for their 15 years of experience, so these spaces are beautifully designed. Every little detail is meticulously thought out, and because both our venues are completely outdoors, there is a magical feel to them. Think of it like this: disco balls line the trees, festoon guides you to your huge private tent, and when you step inside there’s a stunning dancefloor, beautifully decorated tables, a bar filled with only the fizziest of champagne, and the smell of seasonal flowers fills the air. We love the festival feel of an outdoor celebration, and we’ve brought this to both our venues with an elegant, luxurious spin.
Added to this, we build special relationships with our clients by making sure the first step in our enquiry process is a phone call. We want to hear your vision, get to know you, and then personalise our venues to suit your needs. We know that no two clients are the same, and so we make sure to listen to your every need to personalise your day – for example at our Kirtlington venue, you can actually watch a game of Polo during your drinks reception, and the two teams can wear uniforms that are personalised to your couples names!
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
As mentioned, the first step in any consultation with us is a phone call. This is important because we want to get to know our couples personally and curate every wedding to suit them. Everything from the flower arrangements, tablescapes, firework displays, and cocktail choices can be completely personalised to represent our wonderful, unique clients. As part of our service offering, we provide a wedding planner on site for 5 days, making sure that the details are absolutely perfect for our couples, and we also make sure our caterers are in direct conversation with our couples so that the food and drink is exactly what they’re looking for. We’re currently running Open Days because we really want to get to know our clients personally, and we’re encouraging them to bring images, tell us their ideas, and get excited with us about their upcoming celebration!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Details! The devil is truly in the details, and we’ve only learned this after 15 years of working in the wedding industry. Whether it’s as simple as providing polaroid cameras for guests to take pictures, which are then used as name places on tables, or whether its selecting seasonal and sustainable flowers that are handpicked by our floral team, there are endless opportunities to make the wedding unique and memorable for our couple. Both our venues have the catering tents, dancefloors and glamping rigged and ready to go all season, so what we do exceptionally well is add in the special extras to set the wheels in motion.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Elusive Locations?
Part of our extensive service offering is music and booking curation, so on one occasion we had a client who absolutely loved pop star Mika – and what did we do? Secretly booked him in for a 2 hour set, and he did a sound test whilst the guests were eating in the adjacent tent, only to burst into song as desserts were being polished off! On another occasion, we used a field next to the venue to build a secret rave in the forest, where we led guests by Samba band to a dancefloor amongst the woods. They literally partied till 5am!
Why should a couple book Elusive Locations?
We’ve hand selected our stunning venues in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire because of their enchanted and undiscovered feel. We know that stately homes and manor houses can be a charming place for a wedding, but hundreds of couples have walked through that threshold and got married before you. What we offer is a venue set in a unique location on the periphery of London; romantic and peaceful, and perfect for a couple who wants to fall in love with their surroundings as they say their special ‘I do’.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Try to incorporate your personality into your wedding to give your guests – and you! – the most memorable experience. This day is all about your love for each other after all, and there are so many fun ways to bring that into your day. Our favourite example of this was a ‘food tour’ with all the places our couple had had a special moment – starting with pints of Guinness and oyster shucking, to wood fired pizza and wine tasting, and then a limoncello gift for guests before they depart.
What’s the best photo spot at Elusive Locations?
At Kirtlington, the best spot is undoubtedly at the top of the hill, looking out over the Palladium Mansion in Oxford on one side, and on the other the grounds designed by Capability Brown. It’s absolutely always a winner for our clients!
At Leckhampstead, it’s got to be in amongst the trees when they are lit up with disco balls, fibre optic lighting and candle orbs.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
I think what we’re all the most proud of is our collaborative approach. We all work together to create the most stunning experience for our clients, and with our suppliers and partners as well. We’ve handpicked local recommended suppliers – from florists, photographers, caterers and tech teams – and these wonderful people are truly some of the best in the business!
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Zoom weddings were certainly an interesting thing to come out of the pandemic… whilst we love this adaptability and creativity, we’re thrilled that physical weddings and events can take place again in the coming months. We’re always putting human connection at the very centre of how we work, and this is most important at a wedding! Some of the technology we’d love to see prevail though is paperless invites – it’s an opportunity for our industry to become more eco-friendly and reduce waste.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
It sounds cliche, but take it one step at a time. Wedding planning can be super exhaustive at times, but this is what we’re here for! The whole idea is we’ll take the stress out of your day whilst keeping the fun and romance. Try not to get overwhelmed by an endless list of tasks and to-do’s, and instead allocate an hour a day to achieve one simple task. Stay organised, stay positive, and most importantly keep a really open line of communication with your suppliers and planners.
What do you love about Bridebook?
Right from the get go we’ve had amazing support from the Bridebook team, Kane especially. They’re always on the other end of emails to give a helping hand, and that’s been invaluable for us starting a business literally in the middle of a pandemic.
Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]. Also, if you enjoyed this article, see more here.
The Petersham Hotel boasts magnificent views of the River Thames and surrounding meadows. This historic hotel provides the most wonderful backdrop for an intimate wedding.
We talked to Terence Filipe-O’Neill, the Events Manager at The Petersham Hotel, to find out more about this stunning venue.
Tell us about yourself!
I have been in the wedding planning industry for 8 years at The Petersham Hotel. I live with my husband and dog Chica.
What drew you to the wedding world?
Having worked in the hospitality industry for over 29 years I take great pleasure in meeting couples and making their dreams come true.
What do you think makes The Petersham Hotel unique?
The location perched overlooking The River Thames. We also have a Portland Staircase perfect for wedding photos.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
We meet in person at The Petersham over a coffee or a glass of bubbles and they will also be invited for a menu tasting where I meet and greet them.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Being surrounded by your close family and friends to celebrate your love.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Involve your significant other in the planning.
What do you love about Bridebook?
The dedicated team behind the scenes helping venues maximise their return.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at The Petersham Hotel?
We had a Phantom of The Opera style wedding and the couple sang their vows.
Why should a couple book The Petersham Hotel?
The Petersham has got a resounding reputation and every care is taken to guide the couples from enquiry stage through to the big day and beyond with an experienced team.
What’s the best photo spot at The Petersham Hotel?
On the Terrace overlooking The River Thames and the meadows.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The location and spectacular views.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Communication is made easier and more accessible by digital means.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
To be confident knowing that our wedding venue has their best interest at heart.
A huge thank you to Terence for answering our questions. Check out The Petersham Hotel on Bridebook!
Looking for more venues in Surrey? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.
Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]
Set amongst the cityscape of Oxford’s dreaming spires, the Ashmolean Museum is a magnificent venue for your wedding, civil partnership or celebration.
A wedding venue like no other. Founded in 1683 the Ashmolean is the oldest public Museum in the world. Displaying half a million years of art and history, the spaces provide a stunning backdrop for a very special occasion. All our galleries are licenced which means we can offer intimate ceremonies at any time through to impressive evening receptions, dinners and dances combined with outstanding hospitality and entertainment.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I love everything about weddings, and I am currently planning my own special day, so I can empathise with couples in a very real way. I realised my passion for event and wedding planning very early on when I helped four of my older siblings plan their weddings. Coming from an Asian cultural background I grew up surrounded by the excitement and buzz of large family gatherings and weddings, involving a series of celebratory events that can sometimes stretch out for a period of two weeks before the actual wedding day!
Weddings are such incredible events, from the moment we first connect with couples, to when they make their vows and onto the reception – there is just nothing like them.
What an emotional rollercoaster this past year has been! I have had to postpone our wedding date three times now and I know first-hand how overwhelming this feels. Not only have couples had to navigate through the financial implications on paid deposits, they’ve had all their enjoyment curtailed by all the stops and starts with (re)arranging. It also became very clear that couples were not only having to process their own emotions but were also having to manage questions and disappointment from families and friends.
In my spare time, I love to travel and read up on the latest archaeological discoveries! I studied Archaeology so any chance I get to visit and immerse myself into different cultures, I just have to grab it! I am a big foodie and I love experimenting with our in-house chefs on how we can push the boundaries to create an exceptional new culinary experience.
What drew you to the wedding world?
My role at the Ashmolean combines two of my passions; history and delivering incredible bespoke events to each couple. When I moved back to the UK from Israel and had the opportunity to return to the museum it was a dream come true. I was in awe of the weddings hosted at the Ashmolean so when there was an opening in the team I jumped at the chance. To me there is something absolutely enchanting about getting married in a city like Oxford, so steeped in tradition, and there is something even more magical about getting married amongst half a million years of human history.
No two couples are the same and so none of the Ashmolean’s weddings are the same either. The team and I pride ourselves in carefully curating each wedding so it is a truly unique reflection of each couple. My favourite part of being a wedding event manager is getting to know the couple and finding elements from our enriching and stunning art and archaeology collections that can be incorporated to personalise their day. The team and I strive to carefully tailor each wedding so that guests feel every element is a reflection of the couple’s love story, from the galleries we use through to the catering that reflects their backgrounds, flavours and favourite dishes from their childhood.
What do you think makes The Ashmolean Museum unique?
The Ashmolean is the oldest public museum in the world. Displaying half a million years of art and history, the spaces provide a stunning backdrop for a very special occasion. All our galleries are licensed which means we can offer intimate ceremonies at any time through to impressive evening receptions, dinners and dances combined with outstanding hospitality and entertainment.
What sets us above and beyond other venues is our exceptional attention to the guests’ experience. Our friendly and professional team of wedding event assistants have been trained to deliver the highest quality of customer service, so wedding guests feel special and well looked-after by our team during their time with us. The team are also knowledgeable about our world-class collections and are able to entertain guests on the incredible objects and pieces of art around them. They are great at revealing the sensational and fun or quirky facts not mentioned on the labels!
Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times in a couple’s life. As the dedicated wedding manager, I work with the couple and their family to make the experience stress-free and enjoyable. I support them through the emotions they feel during the process and offer them my professional experience and practical guidance to help plan their special day.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
The Ashmolean boasts a team of passionate and experienced event and wedding managers. They are dedicated to playing their part in making your wedding or celebration truly memorable.
We have regular meetings with our couples so we know what makes them tick; this is vital so we can ensure that weddings go smoothly. I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to listen to what couples envision for their day. It is only through listening that we are able to pick up on a common thread or theme and get to the heart of the emotion and aesthetics they are trying to portray for their day. Once we have that we can suggest creative ideas and themes that incorporate this beautifully.
My favourite part is getting to know the couple and their unique love story and weaving in galleries and collections that are relevant to their story. With a treasure trove of the most beautiful old master paintings and ancient objects we are spoiled with choice. For example, we had one couple where the groom had a Scottish background and the bride a Coptic Egyptian background. To make the day unique to them we incorporated a blessing ceremony in the Egyptian galleries followed by a bagpiper leading guests from the ceremony gallery, all the way up to the wedding breakfast via the museum’s impressive cascading staircase! We also worked closely with the couple to offer a tantalising menu that reflected the couple’s favourite Scottish and Egyptian dishes. In the past we have offered ‘night at the museum’ tours, taking guests to view collections from areas of the world the couple had travelled to.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Chemistry. Chemistry between the couple of course, but also between the guests and all the different suppliers. There are so many moving parts that need to be on point on your special day and having suppliers that have great rapport with one another makes everything work smoothly.
Over the years we have developed relationships with trusted suppliers to support events at the museum. This means we can offer our clients a curated list of suppliers and creatives who share our values and meet our high standards. Their familiarity with our event spaces means they can work with your ideas and bring them to life in the museum.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Ashmolean Museum?
We had a couple where the groom’s family were from Germany and the bride’s were from Japan. Both families flew in for the occasion and arrived in the city of Oxford for the week of the wedding. As this was the first time many of the extended families had met, we thought what better way to introduce their guests to one another and ‘break the ice,’ than to host an informal rehearsal dinner in our rooftop dining room. We treated the group to a fun and engaging ‘night at the museum’ tour, incorporating highlights from our Germanic and Japanese collections. Later that week for the actual wedding day, both couples incorporated traditional wedding customs from both sides including having a Japanese tea ceremony in the museum’s very own Japanese tea house.
Why should a couple book Ashmolean Museum?
The Ashmolean has been telling stories since 1683 and we want you to add yours to our collection. We understand that every wedding is different which is why our expert team are on hand to tailor your day. An experienced team supported by an exclusive catering partner and handpicked suppliers will bring your dream celebration to life. Whether you decide to make a grand entrance, have an intimate exchange of vows in the presence of a few loved ones, dine like royalty or party the night away, the Ashmolean offers the most magnificent backdrop to your occasion.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Stay true and authentic to who you both are and trust your instinct! Just because something looks incredible and is currently in vogue doesn’t mean it is right for you. Each couple is different and what may suit one will not be appropriate for another. So, as much as someone tries to convince you that you ‘need’ a particular wedding item, theme, dress, flowers etc., remember to check in with yourself on whether that actually is your taste and a reflection of you. In a world of Instagram, Pinterest boards and wedding blogs, it is easy to get carried away with following the latest trend and before you know it, your wedding starts to look like someone else’s day. Social media platforms and blogs can be great to get a feel for what you resonate with and it’s fantastic to find wedding suppliers that match your tastes. It is also very easy to fall down an endless rabbit hole and lose a sense of what is most important about your special day. Which is the both of you, who you are and celebrating your love and commitment to one another, in a fashion that is true to your union.
What’s the best photo spot at Ashmolean Museum?
The Forecourt – The imposing façade will not fail to impress your guests as they arrive at the museum. The iconic portico and neo classical architecture offer a fantastic opportunity for photographs. It’s also a great space for a welcome drinks reception on a summer evening and is one of the few historic venues in Oxford to permit biodegradable confetti outside. All under the watchful eye of the Greek god Apollo, who perches on the centre of the pediment of the entrance. It is only fitting that wedding guests are welcomed beneath a statue of Apollo as the western tradition of having a wedding band placed on the left hand ring finger came from the Romans, who inherited it from the ancient Greeks. This finger was referred to as Apollo’s finger as he was associated with marriage. The Greeks believed there was a vein that ran from this finger straight to the heart.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our ability to adapt. We were one of the first venues in the UK to be COVID-secure and offer hybrid weddings. Not only offering live streaming but embracing the challenges presented by social restrictions, looking at creative ways to work with suppliers and couples on how to re-imagine their wedding whilst keeping it special and memorable, within the guidelines.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
It is a very innovative and exciting time to be an event professional and we love to be the first to incorporate new technologies to enhance our clients’ experience. At the Ashmolean we know how important your wedding is and understand that for many reasons some guests may not be able to be with you on the day. Now everyone can take part. We can help you to share this special time with your friends and family, wherever they are in the world. Our discrete and professional live streaming service is the perfect way to include all your loved ones and to ensure that they don’t miss a moment. They can join in the excitement and emotion as if they were with you in the room. The final bonus is that couples get a copy of the stream to keep forever; a wonderful way to save the memory of your perfect day! We have the experience, so leave it to us to arrange it with our technology partner.
Hybrid weddings are definitely here to stay! We have worked with our couples to consider how they can enhance the experience of their guests who are tuning into the live stream so they feel involved in the day. Our caterers can even arrange to send virtual guests a wedding meal, bottle of fizz or slice of wedding cake to enjoy during the ceremony to enhance their interaction with the couple and attending wedding guests, even sharing messages and photos with the couple live during the reception.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Keep the faith. The recent announcements on the easing of lockdown measures are very encouraging. As a bride-to-be I have experienced the stress, random panic attacks and the worry that important family members won’t be able to take part in the day, but I am hopeful that normality is coming back very soon.
It is very easy to get swept away with all the wedding planning and trying to make your wedding day reflect a certain vision you have always had. But it is important to remember that just because you always thought you wanted a certain type of wedding years ago, once you strip all of that back, the only thing that really matters is that you get to express your love and enduring commitment to the one you love.
What do you love about Bridebook?
Bridebook have been fantastic to us – they named us as one of Britain’s top venues which gave a welcome boost to the team. Their account management has been second to none. Kane, who is our main contact, has been very supportive during this period.
Final Comments
If you want to experience the magic that the Ashmolean has to offer, we would love to hear from you. We will also be hosting future virtual wedding fairs, where our most trusted and hand-picked wedding suppliers will be giving you their top tips when planning a wedding. Our first one was a huge success; you can watch the highlight video here.
This stunning Grade I listed venue boasts beautiful Georgian architecture, historic accents, and the best modern facilities, perfect for your wedding day. Ideal for couples planning a stylish and romantic central London wedding, just north of Oxford Street.
We talked to Charlotte, the Head of Events and Marketing at St Mary’s London, to find out more about this unique venue.
Tell us about yourself!
Hi, my name is Charlotte and I have been with St Mary’s for the past 4 years where we have hosted hundreds of events! Outside of work I am an avid seamstress and made my own wedding dress as well as nine bridesmaids dresses – not to be recommended unless you have lots of patience and time on your hands! I am also a big fan of rabbits and have two house rabbits called Jack and Rose – a budding bunny romance.
What drew you to the wedding world?
Who doesn’t love a wedding? When I was at school I always dreamed about having a wedding dress boutique however, as a student I got working in the world of events and fell in love with it. I am able to combine my passion of organisation, people-personyness and creativity. The joy and romance of weddings makes them such a special day to be a part of. Being able to guide couples through planning their wedding in our stunning venue and watching it all come together is something magical and really special.
What do you think makes St Mary’s London unique?
Firstly, our location. We are bang in between Hyde Park and Regents Park, the perfect location for an iconic, London wedding. We have the perfect blend of a beautiful, classic space and the flexibility to transform into something that really reflects your personalities as a couple. Secondly, not only is the venue beautiful but you get to benefit from my years of my expertise. We have hosted many weddings over the years and I also got married at St Mary’s! I know exactly what it is like to be a bride with us and I use that experience to help you have an extra special day. Finally, we are a dry hire venue. What that means is that we don’t do ‘copy and paste’ weddings. You have the freedom to create the perfect day that reflects you, from the food to the decor and we, or our wedding planning partners, are here to offer guidance along the way. We are lucky enough to work with incredible people like Revelry Events who provide an award winning planning service.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
Your site visit with us is where we really start getting to know you. We will sit down with a glass of prosecco together and talk about what matters to you. This helps us know how we can tailor our venue to you and help you get exactly what you want. Getting to know you and asking the right questions is incredibly important to us as we want every step of your wedding experience to be joyful and exciting.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Oodles of love! There can be so much pressure when you are trying to plan the perfect day, so having a team behind the scenes who love what they do and really connect with you makes such a big difference. Also, it can be so easy to get caught up in the details, but when it comes to the day everything melts into the background and being surrounded by those who love you is often what makes the magic.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Join Bridebook! I know you are probably thinking I am paid to say that but honestly, having something to guide you through the planning of such a momentous day will make such difference to how much you enjoy the experience. Take advantage of knowledge from friends who got married before you and always accept offers of help!
What do you love about Bridebook?
I came across Bridebook when I was planning my own wedding and I probably haven’t stopped singing their praises since. The team genuinely love weddings and I think that comes across on their app because they really have thought of everything and are constantly producing amazing, helpful content.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at St Mary’s London?
Each wedding is incredibly unique because they always reflect the couple. One of the most fun experiences was when the bride, who is a singer, got up and performed with her new husband on the stage and the whole crowd of guests got up and started dancing and cheering. It was so special!
Why should a couple book St Mary’s London?
Our reviews from past couples probably answer this question better than we ever could. We always get the most amazing messages from our couples about how our beautiful venue and wonderful staff exceeded their expectations. We hope their words speak for themselves and give any couple reading this the confidence to book! We are also a Grade I listed venue and our gorgeous Georgian features mean that the space looks great before you have even begun decorating. St Mary’s was designed by the same architect as the facade of the British Museum which is always a fun talking point! Plus we were heavily featured in the popular film Last Christmas. It is always exciting knowing you’ve been in the same place as stars like Emma Thomson, Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding.
What’s the best photo spot at St Mary’s London?
Because of our location there are so many, for example the Japanese Gardens at Regents Park are only five minutes away! If you want to stay on site though, the beautiful coloured stained glass windows on our balconies makes a wonderful romantic and ethereal photo spot.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
We are a non-profit and everything we make goes back into the charitable work we do for our community. It makes me incredibly proud knowing the amazing things that our couples enable to happen, from homeless meals to a partnership with the local school. All our teams are so kind and knowledgeable and always give 100%. I am so proud to be a part of the team that creates magic not only for our couples but for our community too.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Technology is such a big part of our lives and keeping up with the advances is something I have always found exciting. It is helping us so much because we can connect despite being miles apart. Over the summer my friend had a hybrid wedding and I was able to attend despite being in another country. So many couples have also been attending virtual viewings with us and it helps you get a really good sense of whether our stunning venue will be the fit for you. You also get to find out what I am really like, ask your questions and decide if we are people who you would really enjoy collaborating with.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Technology is such a big part of our lives and keeping up with the advances is something I have always found exciting. It is helping us so much because we can connect despite being miles apart. Over the summer my friend had a hybrid wedding and I was able to attend despite being in another country. So many couples have also been attending virtual viewings with us and it helps you get a really good sense of whether our stunning venue will be the fit for you. You also get to find out what I am really like, ask your questions and decide if we are people who you would really enjoy collaborating with.
A huge thank you to Charlotte for answering our questions. Check out St Mary’s London on Bridebook!
Looking for more venues in Greater London? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.
Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]
Searching for a dream wedding venue? Look no further! Take advantage of what this stunning historic venue has to offer, from beautiful views to a magnificent sweeping staircase.
We talked to Natalie, the Events Marketing Manager at Ashridge House, to find out more about this magical venue.
Tell us about yourself!
I am a mum to two boys (my main job!), I have worked in the wedding business for five years and in my free time I like to be creative and bake brownies. I have started writing a children’s book, and am going to try and illustrate it when the story is finished. If it’s terrible I will put it in a drawer and never show anyone!
What drew you to the wedding world?
It happened by accident! I was working in the events industry with corporate clients and when I joined the Ashridge House team, weddings are a key part of the Ashridge DNA. The whole team loves the wedding industry and it is easy to see why, it’s wonderful to work with our lovely couples and create a bespoke day filled with forever memories. It truly is an honour to be part of such a special moment at the beginning of our couples married life.
What do you think makes Ashridge House unique?
Ashridge House is very special, the site dates back to 1283 and Ashridge was a former royal residence to King Henry VIII and home to his daughter Princess Elizabeth. However what makes Ashridge House truly special is the dedicated team here and our ethos to welcome our couples and make them feel comfortable so they feel Ashridge House is their home away from home. The beautiful gardens and grounds at Ashridge House are the jewel of the estate and gives our couples a sense of serenity (we have 190 acres of private gardens for our couples to explore!), and no matter what the season, the grounds always look spectacular thanks to our dedicated gardens team. We have a fantastic food and beverage team who work closely with our couples to ensure they have the perfect wedding breakfast with their family and loved ones to enjoy, the team here also love a challenge and will find a solution for any requests. Every wedding is different and the team here love to be as creative as possible to deliver the most beautiful and bespoke day for our couples.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
After the initial show arounds, we invite our couples to visit Ashridge House to meet their wedding coordinator and start planning their day. Couples will also meet their suppliers onsite and have their menu tasting here so ideally they will have visited Ashridge House many times before their big day, and will feel at home and relaxed before their wedding day.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
When everyone is smiling and your couple are lost in the moment together.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Try and make the planning fun and part of your wedding journey, get your girlfriends involved and make your planning days a celebration, and enjoy some fizz afterwards!
What do you love about Bridebook?
I love their personal service, J’uanita has helped Ashridge House navigate through these challenging times and is a font of all knowledge!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Ashridge House?
Every wedding is memorable and each couple becomes part of our history and DNA. We had a beautiful Russian ballerina bride and she arranged for ballet dancers to perform on the staircase in the Grand Hall during the ceremony, that was magical and breath-taking!
Why should a couple book Ashridge House?
The weddings and events team at Ashridge House go above and beyond to help our couples achieve the wedding of their dreams. We work together with our couples and build trust so that on the day, they can relax and enjoy one of the most important days of their life.
What’s the best photo spot at Ashridge House?
That’s a difficult question as all the grounds are lovely, I love Laburnum Walk, Rhododendron Walk and The Rosary!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
I am really proud of the events team and how they have adapted over the last 12 months, for example we now have personalised virtual showarounds and are hosting a virtual wedding showcase on Sunday 21st March 2021. The team have adapted and pivoted in response to the ever changing times.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Technology has been vital to the weddings industry especially over the pandemic, we have been able to stay in touch with all our couples over Zoom and reassure them we are still here and will help them move their date if needed.
Natalie featured second left with the Events Team at Ashridge House
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Share moments of joy. And even in the hard times, try and find reasons to laugh together. Love wins always!
A huge thank you to Natalie for answering our questions. Check out Ashridge House on Bridebook! They have an exciting Virtual Wedding Fair coming up soon click ‘here‘ to find out more.
Looking for more venues in Hertfordshire? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here. Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]
Thinking about the wedding of your dreams? This magical venue has far reaching views, formal gardens, and exclusive use.
We talked to Paul, the Owner at Saltcote Place, to find out more about this unique venue.
Tell us about yourself!
We have over 10 years experience of planning both exceptional and intimate Celebrations. Weddings are an indulgent hobby we really enjoy. We choose to host enough Celebrations to keep the building well maintained and not so many that it loses the magic. We never do back to back and rarely do a wedding a week preferring to enjoy the engagement with our couples. It takes on average 18 months from initial enquiry to the big day, this gives us all time to enjoy pizzas and a few glasses of wine as we get to know each other as well as the inlaws and outlaws. The end result we often hear is “it’s like getting married at our mates place” that’s the objective, as a result we have made some wonderful friendships. In our private lives have other interests in property, commerce and software.
What drew you to the wedding world?
It’s amazing that anyone can have this much fun at your own home.
What do you think makes Saltcote Place unique?
It’s personal, we don’t pay sales people to be nice to our Guests, we take that pleasure ourselves.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
Pizza, Pasta, meals out and the occasional glass of wine. It’s not a conference or a works party – a Wedding is a Celebration of two families seeing the ones they love step out on a magical journey. We make sure in-laws and out-laws also come and see the venue so they feel as comfortable as the couple. This approach ensures everyone feels comfortable, these feelings end up with all of the guests knowing they are not attending a faceless hotel, the owners are engaged and it’s personal with nothing too much trouble. This personal approach is reflected in our TripAdvisor reviews where we have been Number 1 in the UK, No3 in the World and Number 1 locally for 11 years.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Respect, great communications, a detailed plan that’s shared and understood by all parties including suppliers with regard to setup and exit times.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Relax – if you write down your plan in a shared space it will be perfect.
What do you love about Bridebook?
We recommend all of our couples use the app to simplify the planning process.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Leez Priory?
A Princess from Ghana, the cultural differences, the colours and music and two wonderful families focussed on a magical celebration. Another equally magical celebration involved Aunty Vera who corralled the bridesmaids for a few days before the big day using prosecco and music to get the party started, from the after party brunch the day after and a few days staying locally made these Weddings memorable for the best possible reasons.
Why should a couple book Saltcote Place?
Bespoke Celebrations without a package in sight. Packages belong to the post office.
What’s the best photo spot at Saltcote Place?
At the end of the garden you can see the curve of the earth and see for about 30 unobstructed miles.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The friendships we have as a result of Weddings.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Collaboration tools ensure there is only one Hymn sheet lead by the Couple guided by a partner and involving all suppliers.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Never lose sight of what brought you together, be prepared to be flexible and to roll over if needed. We have rolled one couple over since 2018 and hope to see them get married in 2021. We have not increased their price.
A huge thank you to Paul for answering our questions. Check out Saltcote Place on Bridebook!
Looking for more venues in East Sussex? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.
Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]
Thief Hall is your perfect blank canvas wedding barn venue in North Yorkshire. Put your own unique stamp on your wedding day by choosing your caterers, entertainment, additional décor and anything you like with absolutely no restrictions.
You gain access to the venue the day before your wedding celebration from 10 am until the day after, offering you both the chance to relax with family, guests, and friends, making your three day wedding ceremony truly magical!
Jessica, the manager at Thief Hall, gives us a taste of what can be expected from this stunning wedding venue.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My husband and I renovated Thief Hall in 2007 and opened in 2009, we have two children, Clara and James and just love family holidays together.
What drew you to the wedding world?
We started Thief Hall with 4 holiday cottages and it just evolved from a marquee venue to barn now sleeping up to 60 guests.
What do you think makes Thief Hall unique?
The views outshine most places in the UK and our supporting staff with no rules ethos makes you and your guests feel so comfortable.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
We are here 24/7 for all of our couples.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Making the whole weekend so special and about the couple 100%.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Thief Hall?
We had an amazing woodland wedding with Lucy and Matt including a marreeokee.
Why should a couple book Thief Hall?
No rules, no finish times, no noise restrictions and yet 100% support over your three days.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Organise your timeline before booking your church or registrars
What’s the best photo spot at Thief Hall?
There are so many from woodlands to road and sunsets to beat most
What part of your business are you most proud of?
How we strive to improve and grow
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Virtual viewings and weddings fairs are really working for us
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Remember why you are getting married, love will win!!
What do you love about Bridebook?
The continued support, our account manager Kane is super!
A huge thank you to Jessica for answering our questions. Check out Theif Hall on Bridebook!
Looking for more venues in North Yorkshire? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.
Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at [email protected]
Nestled amongst mature oak and spurs woodland, you will be sure to create lasting memories in this enchanting place.
Jasmine, the manager at Wickwoods Country Club, gives us a taste of what can be expected from this stunning wedding venue.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I have worked in hospitality for 15 years, and specifically at Wickwoods for 10 years. I’ve been involved in and overseen more than 200 weddings and over 100 events, each with their own unique requirements and styles. My passion is helping people, whether that be a wedding couple, a member of my team that needs development or a friend and relative in need.
What drew you to the wedding world?
I’m definitely a detail oriented person and enjoy being organized, so naturally moving from reception and front of house to event management just happened. It’s a complete bonus that on top of that I love helping to create a sense of excitement with clients.
What do you think makes Wickwoods Country Club unique?
Definitely our team. It’s an absolute pleasure to work alongside colleagues who share such passion to go above and beyond expectation and who genuinely enjoy working here. Couples always comment on how apparent this is.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
The moment a couple enquiries, I am eager to get to understand the vision for their special day, and what’s important to them. Through a series of telephone calls and meetings, I endeavour to learn what makes each couple unique and how I can help deliver their dream wedding.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Couples that relax into their day and go with the flow. Couples always mention how comfortable they feel letting us look after the details so that they can truly soak up the experience.
Check out this article on how to manage wedding stress and anxiety!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Wickwoods Country Club?
One groom surprised his dance-fanatic wife with a flash mob for the evening reception! She was absolutely beaming, and the guests all got involved. A very special moment to have witnessed.
Why should a couple book Wickwoods Country Club?
We pride ourselves on customising our approach to each individual couple, and delivering an exceptional experience from the planning stages, right through until the big day. Rest assured, each and every detail will be covered, and your special day will run seamlessly.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don’t go O.T.T.! Adding too many elements to your day will not only ramp up costs, but also add pressure and unnecessary stress to your planning.
What’s the best photo spot at Wickwoods Country Club?
The Woodlands create a stunning backdrop to more intimate shots of the happy couple.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
We are most proud of our valued team members and their passion for helping exceed clients’ expectations. Each and every employee gets a kick out of making someone’s day.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Throughout the lockdown, technology related to hospitality and weddings came into its own. From Zoom meetings, to wedding planning apps and now food and drink ordering apps… I think we are just scratching the surface on what technology can do for us in the industry. So far, technology has greatly supported the survival of the business and assisted us and our clients in communicating and planning for the future.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Reach out to your venue and your suppliers if you are feeling uneasy. The vast majority will want to work with you in a progressive way to come to a solution that works for all involved.
What do you love about Bridebook?
Everything you need to plan your perfect wedding is at your fingertips!!!
One of the most sought after wedding venues in the country. This magnificent Tudor mansion has everything you need for your special day.
We talked to Kristie, the Sales Manager at Leez Priory, to find out more about this stunning venue.
Tell us about yourself!
I’ve worked at Leez Priory for the past 4 years and recently became the Sales Manager. In my free time I like to train at my partner’s gym which is local to Leez Priory and spend my down time with friends and family.
What drew you to the wedding world?
I love being around people and the idea of making someone’s wedding day dreams come true is amazing!
What do you think makes Leez Priory unique?
When couples come to see Leez Priory, not only do they buy into the stunning house and grounds but also me. I get to know all about my couples and build a rapport with them which I am able to carry through all the way up until their big day!
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
I spend around 1.5 hours with my couples during the viewing appointments and countless correspondence going backwards and forwards. During this time I find out how the question was popped, how they felt, what their hobbies are and share things we have in common. We also invite our couples to our dinner dates and to our open days so that they can get to know our beautiful venue and our team better before their big day – if I’m available I always try to pop in and say hello!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Confidence that Leez Priory is there for you no matter how big or small the question may be!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
RELAX. Don’t be uptight, let your hair down and let your Personal Wedding Manager worry about the admin. You’re there to simply make the most of the best day of your life!
What do you love about Bridebook?
As you quote ‘whatever your taste, we’re sure to have the wedding venue for you’.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Leez Priory?
They are all unique, but for me it had to be one that was held last summer. If I had clicked my fingers and said everything that I would want at my own wedding they had, even down to the groom’s suit!
Why should a couple book Leez Priory?
Why wouldn’t you book Leez Priory?! There is something so magical about it that words can’t capture, but I’ll try! It boasts elegance, history, charm and romance and, of course, 5-star customer service.
What’s the best photo spot at Leez Priory?
It’s a hard one as we have so many incredible photo opportunities but it has to be the stunning historic Tower.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our Team. Not just the ones you see on the wedding day but the ones who keep the glassware sparkling, carpets pristine, the grounds manicured and the admin functioning.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
We now aren’t limited to holding weddings for couples who live in the UK. We quite often get couples calling to book their weddings site unseen from all across the world thanks to the power of technology. Snippets of couples’ weddings are being shared nearly every day of the week which allows EVERYONE around the world to get a look at how beautiful Leez Priory is.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Put your trust in us. There is no doubt that this is an extremely stressful time and we can’t say when this will be over, but one thing we can promise you is good things come to those who wait… it might not be on the date you initially hoped for, but we will make your wedding day dreams come true!
Want an ideal setting for your wedding? How about two stunning 16th Century adjoining barns set in beautiful countryside?
Sophie, the Director of Wick Farm Bath, gives us a taste of what can be expected from this wedding venue.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
We bought Wick Farm in 2005 to farm and bring up our children in a rural setting. We wanted to create a small holding and grow our own food as much as possible.We slowly renovated it as well as started our farming debut. Pigs, sheep, chickens, geese and horses, plus our collection of abandoned and orphaned cats and dogs, ten in total!
Then in 2010 we decided to turn one of the dilapidated barns into something, and that is when the weddings began. The whole family was involved. My husband did the admin, maintenance and lawns. I did the coordinating, design, gardening and showrounds and my kids waited tables.
We are a lot more organized now with the fabulous Strawberry Field Catering running the catering and front of house side, a book keeper and two gardeners and cleaners to keep everything spick and span!
What drew you to the wedding world?
We fell into it by accident. We renovated the barns as offices originally, but when we launched the adverts and website all we got were wedding enquiries and that is how we evolved. We applied for our wedding licence, premises licence, etc. – and here we are!
What do you think makes Wick Farm Bath unique?
I think as we are family run every wedding is personal to us. We often have couples coming back for their children’s christenings, bar mitzvahs, parties, celebrations, anniversaries etc.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
They have usually been to the barn 3 or 4 times before their big day, plus for their free food tasting. We meet them for a final run through the week of the wedding and if they want a rehearsal they can do that as well. Often couples have a free photoshoot here or various meetings with their florist and other suppliers too. So by the time their wedding comes, they have been to see us quite a few times!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Wick Farm Bath?
The most beautiful was one created for a Canadian Couple by Matthew Oliver. It was stunning with a wall of flowers hanging off ribbons, weeded trestle tables and flowers galore. The most memorable was a Star Wars themed one, where they fought each other coming down the aisle with their lightsabers!
Why should a couple book Wick Farm Bath?
Because we will make their day perfect, as our testimonials will prove.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don’t get carried away with mundane details and waste money. Your day will be remembered for the people, delicious food and venue.
What’s the best photo spot at Wick Farm Bath?
The fabulous 600 year old arched oak door and our stunning hay barn on the hay bales and against the old beams.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The fact that we built the business from scratch and now have the perfect medieval wedding barn.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
It is changing the industry massively! Social media is such a big part of getting our venue out there and promoting our suppliers.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
We have managed to rebook all but one wedding this summer, so don’t worry about booking your wedding with us. We can always move it for you with no costs incurred.
What do you love about Bridebook?
Their efficiency, clarity and the fact that they are so helpful!
With rustic charm and character, this beautifully restored Cotswold stone barn is the perfect place to say your “I Do’s”.
Faye, Head of Oxleaze Barn, tells us more about this wedding venue.
Tell us about yourself!
I’ve been working in the wedding industry for 10 years. Our team have all worked in different sectors of the events industry, so a wedding at Oxleaze is supported by professionals who come from production and design backgrounds too! Our team all have one thing in common – we love the great outdoors.
What drew you to the wedding world?
We love being part of seeing people’s plans come to fruition – when you chat to a couple at their viewing you hear of all their unique ideas, so seeing it all come together on their big day is so special.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
Our viewings aren’t time limited so we spend a lot of time chatting with the couple, hearing about their unique ideas and helping them put their stamp on Oxleaze. We also have a planning meeting with the couple months before the wedding, this allows them to share their worries and concerns as well as making sure we know the individual things that really matter to the couple.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
It’s all about acceptance. You may not have the wedding that you had planned but you committed to each other for so much more than ‘one date’ so remember what’s important, accept the changes and let yourself get excited about making new plans. It’s an opportunity to get creative with changing colour schemes and seasons!
Also, remember we are here to help! We have much more experience in different options for the look and feel of your wedding so pick up the phone to your suppliers and take their advice.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
A shared understanding for the importance of your big day. We love listening to the speeches, hearing everyone’s heartfelt words about how much time and effort has gone into celebrating your relationship. And realizing that this one day is a representation of the future and who will be a part of your journey.
What do you think makes Oxleaze Barn unique?
A wedding at Oxleaze is best suited to couples who want escapism. Although we are just 1.5 hours from London, we are situated on a farm ‘in the sticks’ which makes for gorgeous photo opportunities and guests can make a weekend of the Cotswolds. Our small team all love to hear about the plans for the wedding and we never want to feel like a ‘wedding factory’ with just one wedding per weekend.
The couple has our undivided attention. It is of paramount importance to us that the couple and the family know the team, from the Shetland pony to the venue staff who manage the day, we want the couple to feel like they have come ‘home’ for their wedding.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Oxleaze Barn?
Genuinely every wedding has something about it that ‘wows’ us. It could be the way the barn has been decorated, the menu choice, the dress or the suits! We love that our couples have free reign to make lots of choices about their day, it means no two are the same.
Why should a couple book Oxleaze Barn?
Everything about our venue is centered around family. We like to work with you as individuals rather than it feeling like a business transaction. We are honored every time someone confirms they would like to host their wedding with us and we never forget that. In return, we promise you a fun, relaxed and supportive team to help you navigate your big day.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Look at different photos of your venue in rain and sun. This often takes the pressure off wishing for a sunny day – something no one can control!
What’s the best photo spot at Oxleaze Barn?
The private gardens – stunning all year around and so many different focal points.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our team!
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
It’s brilliant because there are so many apps and websites to help couples research – but don’t forget to speak to suppliers on the phone and meet in person if you can – it’s so important to get along with them!
What do you love about Bridebook?
Community. For clients and suppliers alike. Bridebook allows couples to use one platform to research and communicate with people but it also offers brilliant support to venues and suppliers.
On the border of Surrey and West Sussex, surrounded by 25 acres of beautiful parkland, lies this gorgeous country house.
Rosie, the owner of Ramster Hall, tells us a bit more about her venue.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
When I was little my many siblings and I used to roller skate and bicycle between the dusty furniture in the halls, they were cold and damp with a musty smell and often the walls were covered in a light dusting of mildew! Once my family took over from my Grandparents my mother started holding weddings here in the 80’s so I really grew up with brides and grooms on a Saturday!
I am a keen rider and can often be seen out riding with the children at the weekends when weddings are in the safe hands of our catering front of house team! We also have 25 acres of beautiful woodland garden, so gardening is quite a frequent but enjoyable hobby.
What drew you to the wedding world?
My background before I took over at Ramster was in events, having organized the BBC Good Food show and many other big profile exhibitions for 10 years, so weddings was a good path to follow… I’ve not met a bride harder to please than many of my old clients! So it seemed like a natural progression to move out of London and take over from my parents when the time was right.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Stay calm as we collectively ride this emotional roller coaster. I understand this is causing huge amounts of concern and anxiety, to have your most important and long awaited day threatened by a situation such as this one is distressing and I am truly sympathetic.
Many businesses will suffer as well as individuals so please be considerate to those suppliers who are trying their best for you and let’s have a mutual sense of purpose that will lead us towards that long-forgotten place called “normality”. Your wedding will come, and it will be amazing…
What do you think makes Ramster Hall unique?
I think it is the family home feel and history that makes us unique, Ramster has been in my family for nearly 100 years. We are a very small team, I am completely hands on with everything from planning to cleaning and everything between! Our couples and their families are of course our priority and we will bend over backwards to make the day as they wish.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
I love meeting new clients and still get such a buzz from hearing how lovely they think Ramster is! After the initial meeting its always a lot of calls or emails with questions then they will often come and see us again for another look or to bring their parents around to show them – so that’s another opportunity for a good chat.
As the day gets closer the communication picks up again, advice on timings, suppliers, what works, what might not. Then seeing them on the day with all their plans taking shape is lovely and being present if they are getting married here if very special. Often our couples will come back here when the garden is open to have a walk and reminisce about their wedding day here.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
If it’s what the couple have strived for then it is going to be perfect. The personal touches always make it special, the naming of the tables, favors, decorations and silly ideas add an element of fun – but the ultimate aim is love, laughter, a fantastic knees up and a day to remember!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Ramster Hall?
We had two actors getting married here a few years ago! A lovely, outgoing, lively couple who had met doing a production of Midsummer Night’s Dream so this is how they themed their wedding: they decked the halls out like a woodland wonderland which was beautiful and it just looked like they had such fun from beginning to end…
A Star Wars wedding was also hilarious! All very tongue in cheek, but ushers being bossy with lightsabers, table names of Chewbacca, C-3P0 and the occasional bridesmaid brave enough to go for a Princess Leia hair.
Why should a couple book Ramster Hall?
If they like what we do, who we are and what we have here, they will book us. No hard sell, no pressure but a guarantee they will be looked after!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don’t get hung up on the tiny details! No one else will even notice, so relax and enjoy the day.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
It’s wonderful that an absent friend or relative can join the ceremony via a video call, I think we will see more of this in the next year.
What’s the best photo spot at Ramster Hall?
The garden in the spring is stunning, we also have a lovely little bridge by the pond, which photographers always like!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
How we look after our couples and our flexibility in allowing them what they want as much as possible.
I came to Huntstile Organic Farm in 2005 as a manager to diversify the business here. The organic farm is the basis of everything, set in stunning Somerset countryside with rolling hills, gentle fields of wheat and incredible starlit skies as a backdrop…it was easy to see this would be the perfect spot for special celebrations! My husband John and I have built the business up from scratch – at the time we were the only farm offering weddings.
My background is firmly based in both customer service and cookery. I am also a keen grower of organic vegetables and herbs. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than sharing a fresh plate of delicious, beautiful food with friends and colleagues. In my rare, spare moments I paint portraits and play dixie-swing jazz with a group of friends.
What drew you to the wedding world?
I love parties! And I really enjoy being able to provide everything from start to finish, keeping the bar high and doing it well – this is really important to me. It’s a real privilege to be a part of such a special occasion.
What do you think makes Huntstile unique?
Apart from Huntstile being such a special place, it’s all in the detail.
Sarah, our wedding planner, and I really love what we do, our attention to detail is second to none. We meet the bride and groom right at the very start, on the first viewing, and we will be here all the way through the planning, the wedding day and even breakfast the following morning. Always on hand for advice and assistance – nothing is too much trouble.
The food we serve is excellent – locally sourced wherever possible, with a lot produced right here on the farm. As an organic grower I am very aware of our carbon footprint and we source everything as locally as possible.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
We meet our couples at the first viewing and go from there. Sarah and I are always here, on call, whenever we are needed. Couples are very welcome to come and visit us as often as they like, to bring family and bridesmaids, friends etc. We will be in touch and invite them along to various events and meetings so that we can discover the full story of what they are really hoping for on their special day.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Good planning, friends and family, delicious food, a few drinks, all in a lovely setting – what more could you need?
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Huntstile?
Every wedding is different at Huntstile, and when Nicolas Cage turned up to his son’s wedding it was quite exciting! But from a pure joy aspect, I would say I think that would be Sarah and Emily’s wedding several years ago – it was such a joyous and relaxed occasion, filled with lots of live music throughout the day and evening, laughter and sheer happiness. We once also had the bride and groom depart in a hot air balloon and the guests arrive on a hay trailer – and even had a bride arrive barefoot and on horseback!
Why should a couple book Huntstile?
Huntstile is a magical place. We are a working, family run organic farm and the service we provide is extremely professional whilst maintaining a friendly and relaxed approach. We work in harmony with the nature around us and try to keep our environmental impact as low as we can.
Apart from the 15th century farmhouse, there are wild flower meadows, spring fed lakes, beautiful gardens and grounds and wildlife galore at Huntstile.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Be prepared! It’s always good to organize as much as you can, as early as you can.
What’s the best photo spot at Huntstile?
The Stone circle has a beautiful backdrop, stretching out across Somerset to the sea.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our team of staff are amazing! From the chefs to the planners, the barmen to the waiters and the chambermaids – we are all dedicated hard working people who want to make your day a total success.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Websites like Bridebook are great as everything is gathered in one place. Email and video calling are really helpful, offering instantaneous responses when you are tight for time and social media is a great way to see new trends and colors, find out information, etc.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Speak to the venues and suppliers, find out what options are available to you. Prepare and plan as many questions as you can ahead of time – but most of all keep safe and well.
What do you love about Bridebook?
The accessibility and having all your requirements under one roof!
From traditional exteriors to contemporary finishes, this is a must on your venue viewing list!
Rachel, the Marketing and Communications manager at Ellingham Hall, tells us a little bit about this beautiful venue.
Tell us about yourself!
I’ve been in the wedding industry nearly four years now and at Ellingham Hall for two years. I love everything about the wedding industry! The creativity and the happiness the industry brings to everyone involved, and the community spirit among venues and suppliers.
In what little free time I have, I’m either planning weddings of family and friends or I’m volunteering with the Royal Air Force Air Training Cadets, as a Civilian Instructor. As a CI, I am responsible for the enrichment and personal development of cadets aged 12-20 on a weekly basis. I must prepare for parade nights, organize events as well as looking after the general welfare of cadets.
What drew you to the wedding world?
I was actually in the process of getting married myself and working in marketing, I helped the venue I booked building up their brand. Once I was married, they invited me up for a coffee and asked me to come work for them – I’ve never left the industry since!
What do you think makes Ellingham Hall unique?
At Ellingham, we specialise in our unique two-night weddings, giving couples a truly special experience. By choosing the Hall or the Estate, which includes seven picturesque cottages, couples get the special opportunity to invite their closest family and friends.
Arriving the night before the big day, couples enjoy full exclusivity and access to the venue. Whether they’re choosing to decorate with a glass of fizz, open up the board games in front of the fire or just sit back and be pampered, there really is no experience like it.
The morning after the wedding, couples love that they can wake up to a full English breakfast with all their family and friends. With a late morning check-out at 11am for all guests, this means everyone gets to enjoy the morning reliving memories from the night before.
We’ve tried to make the entire experience as relaxing as possible and couples really love it!
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
There’s a lot of ways we get to know our couples on the run up to their wedding experience with us. Like many venues, we have opportunities available to sit down with couples. This includes planning meetings, food tasting sessions and also open days. In recent times, we’ve started to put on ‘Ellingham Exclusive’ events for our booked couples. They include Q&A ‘Wedding Hours’, where our team are the panel and couples can ask questions in an open forum. The ‘Wedding Hour’ sessions have also allowed couples to pick up nuggets of information they wouldn’t have asked until much further on in their planning journey.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
A relaxed couple, lots of lovely surprises, incredible food, lots of laughter and a brilliant photographer to capture it all.
Why should a couple book Ellingham Hall?
When a couple books with us they have a total piece of mind that as soon as they come up to the venue the night before the wedding they can completely relax. No last minute rushing around on the wedding morning, checking if things have arrived at the venue, or worrying who has arrived yet – couples are booking an experience. When couples book with us, they’re not just another statistic, they become part of a wider family.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Possibly a tip which not many people think about… but start off your wedding planning journey by creating a dedicated wedding email. This way you can keep track of all your important updates and messages without them being mixed up or missed in your day to day emails. Sometimes you may get so involved in wedding planning you might just want a couple of weeks off. Having a dedicated email means you can dip in and out as often as you like without being overwhelmed.
There’s so many! The two most popular are down by our miniature waterfalls with the Hall as the backdrop and a bit further along we have our woodland bridge, which is perfect when the sun is at its highest point. Indoors we have the most incredible stone window as a backdrop for photographs and as a feature to the venue.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The team itself! It’s rare in this industry to have so many dedicated workers who have worked at the same venue for so long. I’m possibly one of the newest additions at the Hall with most of the senior/events team having over 5 years at the venue, with the GM and Head Chef having recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
The brilliant thing about the advances in technology now is that we’re able to communicate with couples in even more ways than before. We have a number of couples, nearly 20% actually, who live outside of the UK and nearly 25% live outside our region. We’re able to do pretty much all the planning through the use of modern technology – although I think food tasting is perhaps a bit too far!
In recent times, we’ve been able to run virtual tours as part of the Covid-19 crisis, allowing couples to walk the venue virtually with the help of our team who can point out key areas of the Hall based on requirements, what areas work best for the couples numbers and allowing couples to secure their dream date without having to wait until we reopen.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
If you haven’t booked your venue already but you know what you want, don’t wait! We’re seeing a real surge in enquiries and we’ve had a string of bookings from couples wanting to reserve dates since going into lockdown – chat to the venue you like and see if they have any options for virtual tours or if they have any options to reserve dates.
If you’re booked with a venue already for 2020, no doubt they’ll be keeping you updated – remember they probably know just as much as you do in this crazy ever-changing environment right now. Venues will definitely be making their own plans on how to look after their couples! So take their lead.
If you’re booked for 2021 onwards, as hard as it is to imagine, take advantage in this bizarre society stand still right now, start looking at suppliers and get them booked in because they’re booking just as fast as venues right now! Many are running offers or low deposits right now, so be sure to take advantage if you can.
What do you love about Bridebook?
How easy the platform is to work with as both a venue and also as a couple. It’s an app you want to go onto and engage with, and the people behind the business are brilliant!
Mixing historic charm with natural beauty, this spectacular manor offers the perfect setting for your countryside wedding.
Richard, the owner of Hockwold Hall, tells us more about the business and his venue.
Tell us about yourself!
I’ve been in the wedding and events industry for over ten years, enjoying helping couples to have the big day of their dreams!
What do you love about Bridebook?
Bridebook is one of the best platforms out there for couples to use to plan their wedding – we thoroughly recommend all couples recently engaged to check them out!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The staff: They care so much about every little detail of your wedding.
What drew you to the wedding world?
We care passionately about organizing fantastic events and amazing experiences for couples – so when the opportunity arose to provide this to couples in East Anglia, we grabbed the opportunity with both hands!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
DELEGATE: Lots of couples become overwhelmed by the process of planning a wedding but in our experience the most relaxed couples are the ones with their friends and family around them to help with decisions they are struggling to make.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
The perfect wedding for us is when the couple have the day of their dreams!
What do you think makes Hockwold Hall unique?
Our outdoor ceremony area within our Stunning Walled Gardens offers a unique location of hosting your ceremony.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
We always look to meet our couples at least three times before their wedding day – so they can be completely at ease that their big day will run as smoothly as possible. Firstly, we always like to meet for an informal chat to hear all about their plans, before showing around the venue, and discussing options.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Hockwold Hall?
We hosted an incredible festival themed wedding, the weather was perfect and they had organized some amazing acoustic music for the guests to enjoy!
Why should a couple book Hockwold Hall?
We offer great flexibility to all couples – in order to give them the day of their dreams. As our venue is dry hire, couples are able to work with a blank canvas to have their big day exactly as they want it, along with a large amount of accommodation for their nearest and dearest to stay after the wedding, too. With the venue being a former royal residence, we offer an elegant and welcoming experience to all guests, with historic charm and natural beauty.
What’s the best photo spot at Hockwold Hall?
We have 5 Acres of incredible walled gardens with hundreds of species of flowering plants that make the most amazing backdrops.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Technology has changed the wedding industry a great deal. In the matter of a few years, you are now able to have virtual viewings remotely, as well as get a 3D tour of the House and Grounds here at Hockwold Hall without even leaving your home!
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Stay calm – this will pass, so long as we are following the Government advice – and the extra time at home will allow you to get ahead with some of your planning! Keep in touch regularly with your suppliers, and your big day will still happen – just perhaps not on the originally planned date.
