SOUTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE Spotlight on... We reveal where to wed in these pretty parts of the region ELMORE COURT, ELMORE This exclusive-use wedding venue nestled in a private rural location is home to a Grade II listed country house and the magnificent Gillyflower ballroom. Recent developments have seen the appointment of a newly trained team and the first calves, lovingly named Wild One, Willow, Wren and Walter, have been born to the rewilding longhorn herd with seven more due shortly. Plans for treehouses to be built on the grounds mean that woodland weddings, treehouse stays and rewilding retreats will be available in early 2023. Couples who have previously married at the venue will be able to return for anniversary stays in these romantic retreats. Ceremonies take place in a variety of areas in the main house including in the hall. Dinner and dancing are enjoyed in The Gillyflower, a romantic space located in a separate building that can be styled to suit any wedding theme. It’s draped in fairylights and home to a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01452 720 293, www.elmorecourt.com ♥ We love... the themed events and wedding fairs that owner Anselm Guise and the team regularly host. THE SPEECH HOUSE HOTEL, COLEFORD This former 17th-century hunting lodge is set in the heart of the idyllic Royal Forest of Dean and combines period charm with modern hotel and purpose-built wedding venue facilities. The manicured garden area provides a much-photographed stag statue and the hotel borders the 15-acre Speech House field that can be hired for outdoor games at celebrations held during the summer months. The Edwin Tauber Suite overlooking the Speech House field and the ancient woodland beyond is a picture-perfect setting for a party. The large bi-fold doors open out on to a covered terrace that leads to the hotel garden and beyond. This spacious and light purpose-built function suite has a bar and reception area offering plenty of space for up to 150 guests seated at dinner and dancing for up to 200 people. The ceremony can take place outdoors under the sheltered terrace with guests looking on while the suite can be laid out traditionally for the wedding breakfast with everyone seated at round tables or, for a more contemporary feel, long rustic banquet tables can be positioned in this flexible space. Alternatively, the historic Verderers’ Court provides a traditional setting for any celebration for between 50 and 70 guests. It’s steeped in history, from the hand-carved chairs to the open fireplace and beamed ceiling. The Carolean Room, named after the era of King Charles II, is ideal for smaller parties of up to 25 guests. This charming room is situated in the main part of the hotel and is decorated in a traditional country house style. The Orangery is a light and airy garden room available to hire exclusively for post-wedding drinks and canapés or as an extra space for the wedding party. It opens out on to a pretty garden and can be hired alongside the Edwin Tauber Suite, Verderers’ Court or The Carolean Room. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01594 822 607, https://thespeechhouse.co.uk ♥ We love... the various wedding packages on offer. Image of The Speech House courtesy of www.facebook.com/watwweddings Images of Elmore Court courtesy of www.racheljonesphotography.co.uk REGIONAL VENUES 15
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