In this exclusive feature, we’re shining a spotlight on Blake Hall Weddings and Events Ltd. With its magnificent and lovingly restored 17th-century barns, beautiful surrounding gardens and stylish accommodation, it’s the perfect elegant and flexible setting for your big day. Plus, at this exclusive-use venue, you’ll be supported by a truly passionate and experienced team, who will be there to help and guide you every step of the way.
Explore the venue’s spaces
Blake Hall is only offered for exclusive use, and is licensed for civil ceremonies. Each space flows effortlessly into the next, offering stunning backdrops at every turn and plenty of space for up to 150 guests.
You can choose to say your vows inside the charming Hay Barn, or outdoors under the historic Old Saddlery, surrounded by the beauty of the Hall’s gardens.
After the ceremony, your guests are invited to mingle on the lawn and terrace or enjoy the spacious interior of the Hay Barn before moving into the Essex Barn for a memorable wedding breakfast and evening celebration.
Meet Rachel Capel Cure, Director of Blake Hall
For Rachel Capel Cure, managing Blake Hall was an unexpected calling, but one she couldn’t be prouder of. “The wedding industry found me by chance!” she explains. Originally a private banker, Rachel’s path changed when she and her husband took over Blake Hall, which has been in her husband’s family since 1789. Starting with just a rustic bar and dance floor, she embarked on a mission to transform the venue into a breathtaking wedding space.
“We took one job at a time and focused on what would enhance the venue,” Rachel says. “Over the next 10 years or so, we restored one building at a time, making the venue the successful and beautiful business that it is today”. Today, she leads a dedicated team and loves hosting weddings in her historic family home. “We are in the happiness industry,” she adds, “and I am so proud that so many lovely couples choose to get married in my home.”
Highlights of the venue
Blake Hall is so much more than just a beautiful venue – it’s a family home. As Rachel Capel Cure, the venue’s sole director, explains, “It is not just our beautiful setting and gardens, the stunning 17th-century barns, and lovely cottages we offer for the night before and night of the wedding. It is so much more than that.” Every corner of Blake Hall is meticulously maintained, from the charming historic barns to the surrounding gardens, which are tended to with the same care as a family home. Many members of the team were married at Blake Hall before joining the staff, creating a warm and close-knit atmosphere where everyone is genuinely invested in making every wedding as perfect as possible.
The venue is known not only for its elegant spaces and picturesque surroundings but also for the impeccable service and outstanding dedication of its team. “The most common feedback we receive is just how amazing the team is and how well maintained the venue and gardens are, as well as how delicious the food is,” Rachel notes. From the moment a couple books their wedding, the team is there every step of the way, making their big day truly memorable and magical.
Commitment to sustainability and inclusivity
Blake Hall is proud to offer an experience that goes beyond just beautiful scenery. With a genuine commitment to sustainability, the venue is powered partly by solar energy, while rainwater is collected for the garden’s upkeep. Rachel explains, “We have made great moves to be environmentally friendly with the use of solar power to help heat the barns and storing rain water to irrigate the gardens, and are always looking for sustainable solutions wherever possible.”
Plus, the venue is proud to be a truly inclusive venue, welcoming and supporting every single couple, as well as their guests. Whatever your faith, race, gender or sexual orientation, you will be more than welcome at this fabulous venue.
Memorable moments at Blake Hall
After 17 years of hosting weddings, Rachel has witnessed countless unique and personal touches from couples. “Whether it’s a groom serenading his bride, a surprise ‘first look’ with the best man in a wedding dress, or a mother of the bride crafting a stunning cake, each wedding is wonderfully unique,” she shares. And occasionally, she’s even been invited as a guest. “Those experiences are always memorable and so special,” Rachel adds, reflecting on the level of connection and trust she has built with the couples who marry at Blake Hall.
Expert wedding planning advice
Rachel’s number one tip for wedding planning? “Enjoy the entire experience,” she advises. “Remember that weddings are fun and full of happiness, and it is your wedding day, not your family’s or your bridesmaids’. Plan the wedding to reflect you as a couple with the little extra touches and trust us do the rest.”
Secure your booking today
Blake Hall is more than just a venue; it’s a place where family history, natural beauty, outstanding service, and unique, meaningful celebrations come together. The team looks forward to welcoming you and helping you create the wedding of your dreams. To begin planning your own unforgettable day in this magical setting, reach out to Blake Hall today to secure your booking.
