An Essex Wedding - July/August 2020 (Issue 93)

www.ivorywhitephotography.com www.pureimagephotography.co.uk HOUCHINS WEDDING VENUE 01376 561 448 | www.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. LAYER MARNEY TOWER 01206 330 784 | www.layermarneytowerweddings.co.uk What can you expect? Layer Marney Tower is a stunning Tudor building set within formal gardens. The grounds flow seamlessly into oak avenues, a pond, parkland and the Blackwater Estuary in the distance. The building’s soft red brick and terracotta façade has been weathered over 500 years and is the perfect backdrop for weddings. Although magnificent – this is the tallest of all the Tudor gatehouses – it has a homely, welcoming ambience. Floodlit in the evenings, its beauty is breathtaking. Having welcomed visitors such as Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, you might expect the interior to feel imposing. In reality, its subtle tones, beautiful hangings and oak finishes create a timeless beauty, which has been brought into the 21 st century. Let’s celebrate! Ceremonies normally take place in the Corsellis Room (120 guests) on the first floor. Alternatively, couples with smaller guest lists should consider Tuke’s Chamber (50 guests) or the oak-panelled Hall of the Gatehouse (18 guests). Most receptions are held in the Long Gallery (180 guests). This grand space looks magical with banquet tables, flickering candles and a blazing fire in winter. For smaller parties, the Corsellis Room is also available for receptions (50 guests). Included in the price of a wedding reception is use of the bridal suite with its stylish four-poster bed, double-ended bath and powerful shower. We love… Couples are treated to a chauffeur-driven service in the venue’s Rolls-Royce. www.visionsofview.co.uk www.ivorywhitephotography.com 20