GRAY MANOR HOTEL, CHOLDERTON This quirky, family-run hotel and exclusive-use wedding venue sits on five acres of land with the exterior flanked by jasmine and clematis trailing the walls during summer. Inside, there are plenty of Instaworthy touches with its shabby chic styling. The comfortable bedrooms accommodate up to 60 wedding guests and there’s a designer-inspired bridal suite decorated in black and gold. Ceremonies take place in a choice of three spaces with a flexible seated banqueting area for the wedding breakfast. There’s a dancefloor and room for live musicians or a DJ, and couples can make use of the complimentary decorative touches offered such as chair sashes, centrepieces, flowers, table gems and napkins. Outside is a photographer’s dream, with a magical secret garden propped with quirky pieces of furniture and atmospheric lighting, ideal for al fresco summer celebrations. There’s a Japanese pergola that acts as a wonderful backdrop for photos, as well as the pretty rose flower bed. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01980 629 542, www.graymanorhotel.co.uk; www.facebook. com/graymanorhotel; www.instagram.com/graymanorhotel ♥ We love... the flexible wedding packages, free menu tasting sessions for couples who have booked a wedding at the venue and the exceptional customer service with couples and family members invited back for anniversaries and other special dates. THE WARDROBE WALLED GARDEN WEDDINGS, SALISBURY This historic venue offers exclusivity within the walls of Cathedral Close in Salisbury. Fronting on to Choristers Square, the house dates back to the 13th century with many additions and alterations. To the rear, there’s a mature walled garden, known as the secret garden, a hidden gem in the heart of this Cathedral city where exclusive marquee weddings can be held. It’s fully enclosed and covers more than half an acre leading down to the banks of the River Avon. The pretty flowerbeds and blooming rose garden make it an ideal photographic backdrop. Small wedding receptions take place in the historic regimental room suitably placed to admire the views of the Cathedral spire, with larger celebrations enjoying the marquee outside in the secret garden. Access is granted the day before, and after, the wedding included in the cost. There’s also an experienced wedding and event planner on hand, plus a complimentary tasting of the wedding breakfast menu and a discounted lunch the day after the celebration included in the price. Ceremony licence? No Contact: 01722 580 086, www.wardrobeweddings.co.uk; www.facebook.com/wardobeweddings; www.instagram.com/wardrobeweddings ♥ We love... the city-centre location making it easy to reach for guests. Photography of the exterior of The Bishop’s Palace by www.ashmills.com THE BISHOP’S PALACE, SALISBURY The Bishop’s Palace is discreetly located within Salisbury’s historic Cathedral Close set on 27 acres of private grounds including a lake, a conservation area and a large lawn suitable for a marquee. The site is situated southeast of Salisbury Cathedral and its majestic Spire can be seen from almost everywhere in the grounds. This venue boasts quintessential, ancient English architecture with historic stone walls, intricate oak staircases, secret passages and an original bell tower. Internal highlights include the Undercroft, a mediaeval dining room with a vaulted stone roof and the Chapel with its organ and ancient bell tower. The Bishop’s Palace is available for wedding receptions only that take place inside The Bishop’s Drawing Room which has a capacity for up to 100 guests seated or standing. This stunning period space is adorned with paintings of former Bishops of Salisbury gathered together under an elaborate, stucco-decorated ceiling. Tall, arched windows flood the room with natural light and allow for views of the stunning grounds. The Undercroft is an alternative option seating up to 80 loved ones or up to 120 people standing and marquees can be erected on the stunning grounds to the rear of the Bishop’s Palace. Ceremony licence? No Contact: 01722 555 302, www.salisburycathedralschool.com/weddings ♥ We love... that the Bishop’s Palace was built more than 800 years ago and the view of the Cathedral from the grounds is not usually open to the public. 20
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