An Essex Wedding - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 87)

LASTING LOVE Our pick of Essex’s historic settings  HYLANDS ESTATE 01245 605 500 | hylandsestate.co.uk WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Proudly located within 574 acres of parkland, Hylands Estate offers ancient woodlands, grassland, ponds, lakes and formal gardens, which have been restored to Humphrey Repton’s original design. Visitors can enjoy anything from a leisurely stroll in the ornate Victorian Pleasure Gardens to a four-mile hike. The jewel in the crown is Hylands House – a wonderfully renovated Grade II* listed Neo-Classical villa. With its white stucco exterior, portico and ionic pillars, it was considered the height of Georgian elegance. Step inside to find meticulously restored period rooms from both the Georgian and Victorian eras. LET’S CELEBRATE! Brides and grooms exchange vows in two spaces. The Drawing Room (80 guests) has a fabulously ornate gilded ceiling, a marble fireplace and hand-painted wall motifs. The Neo-Baroque Banqueting Room (100 guests) has real wow factor with its 24-carat gold leaf swag and scroll decorations, silk-lined walls, hand-painted motifs and luxurious French marble fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the room in light and offer vistas across the grounds. Complete with sparkling chandeliers and ivory drapes, The Grand Pavilion (300 guests) is a contemporary celebration space that offers couples free rein to dress it as they wish. Loved ones will enjoy private views of the courtyard garden with steps leading to the Pleasure Gardens and parkland beyond. We love… The venue is just a five-minute drive from Chelmsford and 35 minutes to London, but you could be a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. THE OLD HOUSE 01702 318 120 rochford.gov.uk/ oldhouseweddings WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? The attractive Old House sits on South Street in the historic town of Rochford, where Anne Boleyn’s family lived in Tudor times. The venue hides a peaceful garden, which couples can explore and enjoy as a backdrop for their wedding photographs. Built in 1270, it’s one of the oldest houses in the country and would’ve been the height of luxury in Medieval England. The original parts of the house have been expanded on in recent years and repurposed by Rochford District Council as an intimate space for wedding ceremonies. Inside, authentic characteristics shine through, from the white walls to the wooden beams and fireplaces. LET’S CELEBRATE! All rooms are hired for exclusive-use of wedding parties with a maximum capacity of 26 people for the day. The ceremony takes place in The Old Hall with its original features from when it was built 750 years ago. With tall ceilings, plenty of natural light and a large mantelpiece for a beautiful floral arrangement, ceremonies here are truly unforgettable. Upstairs, there’s the Bridal Suite; two spacious rooms ideal for members of the wedding party to get ready. Receptions are held in the Honey Room. A cosy space, it’s ideally suited to toast the newlyweds while they have their photographs taken. We love… The venue is brimming with authentic features such as the eye-catching grand fireplace and hammer-beam ceiling. www.eyeshinephotography.co.uk THEMED VENUES 27