Second in our series of giving the gift of recommendations (two counts as a series right?) , we’re going to share some love for five of our favourite marquee wedding venues. These venues all have a certain special something that ranks them amongst the most spectacular places to tie the knot. Some we’ve worked with, some are on our wish list, all have excellent reputations and are the perfect space for a magical marquee wedding.
In no particular order and in no way exhaustive, here are four marquee wedding venues that have stolen our hearts.
Holywell Hall
The setting
Holywell Hall is an exclusive and quintessentially English country house marquee wedding venue tucked away in the stunning Lincolnshire countryside. As well as the grand 17th century main house, the estate includes a charming walled garden, a private church and many other extraordinary spaces perfect for celebrations. There are a variety of options available for civil, humanist, celebrant ceremonies and blessings of different sizes. It also offers luxury accommodation in The Stables and Rose Cottage.
Why we love it
Romance, charm, the wow factor and serenity, Hollywell Hall has it all, and then some. We just love the details from the luxury toiletries to the practicality of steamers in each bedroom.
Your guests' superior experience will begin the moment they arrive as they receive an abundant welcome hamper filled with fresh local produce. The service the team provides is as exemplary as the setting, with someone on hand for you or your suppliers at every step of the planning service and throughout the big day itself. With its very own bowling alley, a croquet lawn and plenty of secret gardens to get lost in, you and your guests won’t be short of entertainment at this unforgettable venue. If you don't believe us, check out this video from the incredible wedding of Alex and Ross at Hollywell Hall.
Film credit - Baxter and Ted
Need to know
Your booking includes an on-the-day coordinator, who will be onsite from 11am the day before your wedding until midday the day after
The latest timings on the day of your wedding are
The plug needs to be pulled on the music at midnight
The bar closes at 12:30am
Goodnight to non-resident guests at 1:30am
You can access the accommodation from 11am the day before your wedding, with departures by midday the day after
No corkage, hurrah!
Under an hour train ride from London
Woodland Hollow
The setting
Woodland Hollow is an outdoor event space perched on the scenic and diverse Greensand Ridge in Bedfordshire. The space comprises a woodland glade and an adjoining two acre meadow. The glade was once a Christmas tree plantation and provides a magical spot for an outdoor ceremony or reception drinks. The meadow can accommodate any size pole and canvas marquee plus food vans, mobile bars, fairground rides and more.
Why we love it
Imagine venturing up a track, past grazing horses, you find an enchanting secret entrance that leads to an evergreen fir tree woodland lit with twinkling lights, you emerge onto a vast meadow with breathtaking views of rolling countryside for miles. It’s hard to picture a more perfect setting for one of our stunningly magical pole and canvas marquees.
Woodland Hollow’s approach, like our own, is to be a flexible venue who love to bring your unique ideas to life. This is a true blank canvas venue that allows you to create an individual and memorable day. What’s more, they allow a full four day’s access prior to the event for you and your suppliers to create the wedding of your dreams.
Need to know
Plenty of guest car parking on an adjacent, but out of sight field
Space for helicopter landings
Just over an hour on the train from London
Celebrant and Humanist led ceremonies at no extra cost
Not currently licensed for legal ceremonies
Hanbeck Farm
The setting
Hanbeck Farm is a family-run arable farm. Its rustic Georgian stone house, stables and barns are located in the charming village of Wilsford, Lincolnshire. There’s a church with private access close by and they’re licensed to hold civil ceremonies.
Why we love them
We can't get enough modern luxury with a twist of rural charm and that’s exactly Hanbeck Farm’s vibe. With so much thought and attention to detail, this converted farm building stands proud amongst picture perfect gardens and a beautiful lake, ideal for sunset shots (camera or tipple, your choice). The accommodation is made up of luxury barns and shepherds huts onsite as well as cottages in the village. Overnight guests can have a relaxing swim in the pool and soothe their muscles in the hot tub after dancing the night away.
Hanbeck Farm is full of stand out features like the bridal nook, which provides a little place of solitude for newly weds to take a moment away from it all. We also love the fact that they have a private footpath that leads through the 170 year old orchard to St Mary's Church.
Need to know
Hanbeck Farm offers wedding packages to suit a range of budgets. These include
Wedding weekends
Day hire
Midweek weddings
Prices start from £7000
Hire includes
Exclusive use of the venue
A wedding coordinator team
A selection of tables and chairs
Surround sound system
Fully staffed bar
The bridal suite
Aswarby rectory
The setting
Aswarby Rectory was built in 1820, originally the rectory to the neighbouring church, it was then a private home. The current owners carried out an impressive and sympathetic renovation and now hire the house as an exclusive use space for weddings and events. They can accommodate overnight guests in the house’s eight bedrooms, each with its own bathroom.
Aswarby Rectory is located in the small and very lovely conservation estate village of Aswarby in Lincolnshire. The area is made up of traditional parkland and character listed buildings including the grade one listed St Denys’ church next door.
Why we love them
We adore the simple elegance and quality of the renovation. The stripped back look provides the perfect blank canvas on which you can create a unique and personal wedding. This minimal yet homely and welcoming house feels authentic and wholly unpretentious. The dappled light shining through the trees onto the limewashed render of the house and the fabulous pool give strong mediterranean vibes. We also love the private wooded walk to the beautiful church next door. Like us, Aswarby Rectory has a flexible approach and never dictates the flow of a day, meaning you can make it your own.
Need to know
Hire includes
Exclusive use of the house and grounds from 9am on the day of your wedding, until 10am the following morning
Support throughout the planning process and on-the-day management
Round or trestle tables and rustic wooden chairs
Multi-room speaker system
Exclusive use of the gardens and grounds
A locally sourced continental breakfast the next morning for all overnight guests
Midweek and weekend gatherings available
Approved caterers for your arrival, reception and wedding breakfast (alternative suppliers for evening catering is not a problem)
You can supply your own drinks until the end of the wedding breakfast with no corkage fee
Three areas are licensed for civil ceremonies, both indoor and outdoor
Top tips on how to choose the perfect marquee wedding venue for you
Whether you're newly engaged or just starting to envision your special day, finding the perfect venue is an important step. Here are some tips to help you with your search.
Begin by setting a clear budget
Choose a venue with the right capacity to match your vision and guest list, or make sure they have space for marquees
Think about the season
Make sure your guests can get there and stay there by considering transport links and accommodation
Be clear on what's included in the venue hire to avoid hidden costs
Everyone remembers the food so check sample menus and reviews of the approved caterers
Consider the venue's finish time and whether or not its conducive with your idea of a party
If you can envision your special day at a particular venue, if the architecture, decor, and surroundings resonate with you, then you’re probably onto a winner.
We hope this article has given you some ideas or even just a place to start as you embark on finding your dream marquee wedding venue. If you’ve found it already, congratulations! Why not give us a call today to discuss your marquee requirements.
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