An Essex Wedding - Page number 23 - September/October 2021 (Issue 100)

HYLANDS ESTATE 01245 605 500 | www.hylandsestateweddings.co.uk Hylands Estate has an incredible 574 acres of historic parkland, including ancient woodlands, grassland, ponds, lakes and formal gardens. Guests can enjoy anything from a short stroll to admire the ornate Victorian Pleasure Gardens to a four-mile walk around the estate, taking in the rolling parkland and Serpentine Lake. Hylands House is a beautiful Grade II* listed mansion and one of the most iconic buildings in the East of England. The grandeur of the portico, with its elegant ionic pillars, provides a stunning backdrop for wedding photos and the Rose Garden on the East Terrace offers couples another truly romantic setting. The interiors have been meticulously restored reflective of the period, each room has its own personality, packed with traditional features like gilded and hand-painted ceilings and French marble fireplaces. The wedding suites on the first floor have just been completely redecorated to create luxurious private spaces for couples to get ready in style. For ceremonies, couples can opt for the Drawing Room, with 80 loved ones; fabulously ornate with gilded ceiling which is complemented by gorgeous hand-painted wall motifs and a stunning marble fireplace. With a dual aspect overlooking the beautiful parkland and views opening out onto the East Terrace, the Drawing Room provides a wonderful setting. Alternatively the Banqueting Room, for 100 guests, is lavishly decorated with 24-carat gold leaf swag and scroll decorations, silk-lined walls and hand-painted wall motifs. A French fireplace completes its luxurious look, and elegant windows let the light stream in, giving a stunning view of the back lawn and the sweeping parkland beyond. To celebrate post-vows, couples and their wedding party of up to 300 can head in to the Grand Pavilion. The space offers a contemporary setting complete with sparking chandeliers and ivory drapes. The floor-to- ceiling windows allow natural light to wash over the room, and guests can also use the private outside decked area. Psst! The opulent Banqueting Room has been used as a location for super-stylish BBC TV show Killing Eve ; and the new wedding suite gives couples and their entourages a gorgeous space in which to prepare for their big day, with incredible views of the parkland below. PONTLANDS PARK 01245 476 444 | www.pontlandsparkhotel.co.uk Located on the outskirts of Chelmsford City Centre, Pontlands Park is an impressive Victorian house set in beautifully landscaped gardens with feature pond – an idealistic backdrop for photos. Approaching via the driveway gives a great first impression, as does the view of the house which has been lovingly restored internally to a contemporary finish, yet couples will still feel immersed in history. For al fresco nuptials, the new garden gazebo can seat up to 100 guests overlooking the Essex countryside, or inside, the intimate Lilli Suite overlooks the gardens and pond area. The latter accommodates up to 60 seated guests, while the light and fully air-conditioned Conservatory Suite allows up to 100 seated loved ones. Post-vows, couples can celebrate with a reception in both the Conservatory (90) or the Marquee (180); the Marquee features a silk- lined ceiling and chandeliers, a great backdrop to your event be it a romantic setting or extravagant theme. Also, being a 35-bedroom hotel means your guests won’t have far to go, all rates are inclusive of breakfast meaning you can celebrate the morning after all together. Psst! Couples tying the knot here receive a complimentary menu tasting. https://ma ttchungphoto.com https://ma ttchungphoto.com THEMED VENUES 23