An Essex Wedding - Jan/Feb 2020 (Issue 90)

REGIONAL VENUES 33 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. WE LOVE… The Grade II* listed farmhouse sleeps up to 16 guests before and after the big day, and there’s also a separate Honeymoon Lodge for the newlyweds. All couples booking for February and March 2020 will receive free accommodation in the farmhouse (worth £2,000). STOCK STREET FARM BARN 07922 487 966 | facebook.com/stockstreetfarmbarn WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? This 350-year-old barn is set in its own traditional English gardens overlooking the Blackwater Valley, which are perfectly suited to outdoor ceremonies, garden games or firepits. The more adventurous may choose to hold a Pimm’s-fuelled sack race in the South Gardens with the Flemish-brick farmhouse as a backdrop. Inside, the rustic L-shaped barn has a relaxing feel with beaten leather sofas, rugs, trunks, a pool table and a well-stocked bar under twinkling fairylights. Guests turn the corner into the old part of the barn with its exposed beams, stage and high-tech lighting and sound system. LET’S CELEBRATE! Although the venue doesn’t have a licence, celebrant-led ceremonies can be held for up to 200 friends and family in the gardens or inside the barn if the weather is inclement. Parties can then relax outside among the roses, jasmine and wildflowers on haybales or hardwood benches underneath pretty bunting. The venue’s team (with the help of the groomsmen) fold up the German bier tables after dinner and transform the barn into an amazing club, with big-screen karaoke, disco lighting and smoke machines. With no noise limiter and a late licence until 1.30am, it’s the perfect party venue. WE LOVE… Couples can supply their own food or bring in caterers. The venue can host anything from a formal sit-down meal to casual food trucks. pureimagephotography.co.uk lissimorephoto.co.uk