An Essex Wedding - May/June 2020 (Issue 92)

19 https://beautifullifeuk.com LEEZ PRIORY 01245 362 555 | www.leez-priory.co.uk What can you expect? Leez Priory lies in 40 acres of our glorious county’s landscape. A sweeping driveway lights the way to the front of the breathtaking Tudor manor house. Manicured lawns give way to sparkling lakes and secluded woodland, while the picture-perfect inner courtyard is set against the backdrop of the the historic Great Tower. The building’s red-brick façade is steeped in character with castle-like battlements, leaded windows and a central tower. Inside, this cosy house blends luxury and comfort with its oak- panelled walls, exposed beams and roaring log fire. The rustic Coach House Barn offers a contrasting style for celebrations. Let’s celebrate! There are a number of stunning settings for ceremonies both indoors and outdoors. Post-vow celebrations can be held in the Coach House, the Great Hall or you can even hold your reception throughout the whole house for up to 250 people. The venue’s all-inclusive packages are designed to take the stress out of wedding planning and offer fantastic value for money. We love… There’s a Fisherman’s Cottage available to stay in the night before the wedding, as well as 25 pretty guest bedrooms for when the party’s over.  CHELMSFORD AND AROUND Spotlight on … IVY HILL HOTEL 01277 355 111 | www.ivyhillhotel.co.uk What can you expect? Nestled in five acres of landscaped gardens, Ivy Hill Hotel is a family-owned 31-bedroom boutique hotel. Dating back to 1891, and with traditional values still very much at its core, this lovingly converted Victorian country house offers exceptional levels of comfort and service along with contemporary styling. Let’s celebrate! Ceremonies can be held in the Ingatestone Room (80 guests) or it can be combined with the Ivy Room, which leads on to the patio and extends into the gardens holding up to 120 guests. There are two spaces for post-vow celebrations. The Margaretting Suite (160 guests) is an elegant setting flooded with natural daylight and refined neutral décor with a spacious polished- oak dancefloor and integrated mirrored bar. For smaller groups, the Ivy Suite (70 guests) has doors that flow out on to the patio and gardens. There’s also total flexibility to divide the area for more intimate occasions. Couples receive a complimentary taster meal before the big day. We love… The venue is affectionately known as the spectacle house because of some quirky windows on the front of the hotel. www.lave nhamphotographic.co.uk LOCAL VENUES