As I said in my last blog Your Wedding Style, once you have established the style of your wedding, most of the other parts will just fall into place. This couldn’t be truer for finding your perfect venue.
Take a look at all the clippings and images you have gathered together during the planning process so far, the type of venue that would be suitable for your day should be pretty obvious. For example, if your dream dress is a bespoke Vera Wang you probably won’t be wearing wellies and trampling over fields and farmland! However, if you have been drawn to a more rustic look with hay bales and festoon lighting, then maybe a farm wedding would be perfect for you. This is YOUR wedding and it’s unique to YOU so close your ears to all the advice you’re getting from everyone around you and picture yourself on your wedding day. If you’re saying your vows on a white sandy beach, then make it happen. If you imagine your drinks reception in a Greek olive grove then start researching destination weddings. If you can see yourself sweeping down a grand staircase then you’re probably looking for a castle or manor house.
There are so many varied and beautiful wedding venues around the UK and abroad we are totally spoilt for choice!
Here are a couple of my favourites…
Stansted House is a gorgeous stately home on the Hampshire/West Sussex border right in the middle of The Downs. You are able to have a blessing in their private chapel and then enjoy a luxurious reception either within the house (for smaller weddings) or in a beautiful marquee on the lawn. To see one of my recent Stansted House weddings click here
Goodwood House is a Grade I listed building which sits within a glorious estate in West Sussex. Filled with exquisite art and antique furnishings Goodwood is the perfect venue for a glamorous and opulent celebration.
Chiddingstone Castle is a stunning venue to host your wedding. You can have your ceremony in three licenced areas including a beautiful orangery or the local church is within walking distance. Wedding receptions take place in the manicured grounds of the castle and the wedding breakfast can either be held in a marquee on the lawn or in the castle’s Great Hall. To see one of my recent Chiddingstone Castle weddings click here
Duncton Mill Fishery is the perfect venue for a relaxed outdoor wedding. Blessing can be held in the shade of a mighty oak, then is just a short row across the lake to enjoy a waterside reception. To see one of my recent Duncton Mill Fishery weddings click here
Pennsylvania Castle is a gothic revival mansion perched on a cliff top on the Isle of Portland, Dorset. It’s a grand yet clean and modern setting for an elegant wedding with stunning sea views, glorious gardens and it’s own private cove. To see one of my recent Pennsylvania Castle weddings click here
Notley Abbey is beautiful country house on the Buckinghamshire – Oxfordshire border. This venue perfectly blends it’s historic past with a contemporary, simplistic feel. Ceremonies can be held outside or within the house itself. The grounds boast beautiful lawns and walled gardens. To see one of my recent Notley Abbey weddings click here
Highcliffe Castle is set above a beautiful, long, sandy beach in Dorset. The ceremony room is full of windows and light making the perfect setting to say your vows. Guests can enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens during the drinks reception or take a stroll down to the beach. Wedding breakfasts are hosted within the castle rooms surrounded by stained glass windows and exposed brick walls. To see one of my recent Highcliffe Castle weddings click here
I hope this post has been helpful the search for your dream venue, next time Your Perfect Dress.