Even the most hardcore city-dweller sometimes craves the fresh air, open spaces and greenery of the English countryside. The more traditionally minded among us will have visions of trees, flowers, manor houses and sun kissed terraces for wedding photos, and of course, England offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe.
Best Venues London can also source venues deep within the rolling hills and perched on the lakes of our glorious landscape. If you’re after gardens and views to die for, here are a few of the places we could book for you.
If you’re into your history, novelty and want to throw some humour and interest into your wedding, then The Hop Farm in in Kent is definitely worth considering. This 450 year old venue oozes charm and character – and even houses ‘Yesterday’s Village’, a life-sized reconstruction of a typical Victorian British farming Village. There is also a wax museum, housing replicas of the world’s most famous people, an adventure playground for the children, a Victorian Carousel (think of the photographic potential with that one), and a maze. While you can still hold a sophisticated wedding breakfast, have a civil ceremony that reflects your personality, and achieve a traditional feel, there is enough entertainment and novelty on offer at the farm that you and your guests are sure to have an unforgettable day.
In one of the prettiest parts of Hertfordshire, this Victorian manor house is set in 35 acres of stunning landscaped gardens. While offering a real sense of space and privacy, there is also a strong feel of welcome and comfort in this venue. The staff are attentive, there are 75 rooms and suites available, and the food is exquisite. There are plenty of different wedding packages on offer, considering all tastes and budgets. If you really want to go all-out and are planning on having a weekend-long event, you can hire the use of the swimming pool, games room and gymnasium. On a more budget, you can still enjoy the lovely interior of the smaller rooms with the stunning backdrop of the gardens and manor house.
This is a venue worthy of fantasies. It is dramatic, traditional and imposing, yet it still maintains a sense of understatement and class. The light, glass-fronted space they call The Orangery leads directly onto a terrace overlooking the Italian Garden, and is a practical and beautiful place to have your ceremony, and afterwards, the all important glass of champagne. Since there is so much space and so many different areas available for hire in this palace, you can be very flexible in planning the wedding. Their team are wedding experts, and even if you’re unlucky with the weather, it couldn’t dampen the magnificence of this fairytale palace.
