An Essex Wedding - May/Jun 2019 (Issue 86)

RUSTIC ROMANCE Our pick of the county’s barn settings  BLAKE HALL WEDDINGS 01277 366 687 | blakehall.co.uk WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Blake Hall and its glorious exclusive-use barns are nestled within 60 acres of beautifully maintained gardens and parkland. The stunning rose garden, ancient trees and formal lawns are just a short walk from the venue and provide a tranquil spot for intimate wedding photographs. The magnificent 17 th -century Essex Barn, Saddlery and recently restored Hay Barn sit adjacent to one another, and the lawn and terrace in between is a great spot for drinks receptions and garden games. Inside, all the barns have been sympathetically restored to provide modern comforts without losing their original charm. LET’S CELEBRATE! After bridal prep in the luxurious Coach House, ceremonies can take place for up to 150 guests in two spaces: under the canopy of the old Saddlery or inside the Hay barn with its pretty picture window. After the formalities, the congregation can spill on to the lawn and terrace for drinks, or stay inside the Hay Barn. The Essex Barn is ideal for wedding breakfasts and receptions as it offers the convenience of a banqueting area, dancefloor and licensed bar. When the party’s over, brides and grooms can head to The Stable Cottage. Available exclusively to wedding couples, this honeymoon cottage is tucked away in the grounds of Blake Hall. farries-photography.co.uk HOUCHINS WEDDING VENUE 01376 561 448 | houchins.co.uk WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Though situated just off the A120 near Coggeshall, Houchins is hidden away and set in its own peaceful, landscaped grounds. The zinc and cedar-shingle barn is nestled in the wedding garden, surrounded by abundant plants and flowers. Huge glass folding double doors open on to an expansive west-facing terrace to give the feeling of bringing the outside in and for loved ones to enjoy views over the elegant marquee and pond. LET’S CELEBRATE! There are several options for ceremonies for up to 150 people. The Foundry and Grainstore are the biggest indoor spaces, while the wood-panelled drawing room in the house is a more intimate setting. Outside, couples can tie the knot in the marquee or the recently launched Woodland Wedding area. For post-vow celebrations, couples will love that the restored Wedding Barn has three interconnecting spaces, which allows the day to flow seamlessly from reception drinks in the bar and terrace, to the wedding breakfast in the dining area with its 35ft-high ceiling, fireplace and mezzanine before ending in the Dance Barn. The Grade II* listed farmhouse accommodation sleeps up to 16 guests before and after the big day, and there’s also a separate Honeymoon Lodge for the newlyweds. dominikamiechowska.co.uk THEMED VENUES 31