Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding - August/September 2020 (Issue 84)

Sprawling across seven acres, Monkey Island Estate, which can be booked in its entirety for couples looking for an exclusive island wedding, is sat in lush countryside surrounded by manicured gardens boasting uninterrupted views of the River Thames. This oasis offers 41 luxury bedrooms and suites and six Private Residences, adjacent to the island, each spacious and charming in design and an ideal accommodation choice for friends and family or for newlyweds to spend their first night together. Couples can also retreat to the romantic Shepherd’s Hideaway. Moored on the river bank sits the bespoke Floating Spa, a crafted barge home to three treatment rooms that use botanicals in its products grown in the hotel’s herb garden. The elegant décor of the property juxtaposes timeless glamour and traditional features with a modern and relaxed country style. Guests can enjoy a cocktail at The Monkey Bar or in The Monkey Lounge with its hand-painted ancient Fresco ceiling. Monkey Island Brasserie, a sophisticated yet casual space, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on the river and offers guests a modern take on popular British classics. Monkey Island is accessed only by footbridge, boat or helicopter and couples looking to make an impressive entrance can arrive by boat, pulling up to the island’s private mooring before guests shower them with confetti. The retreat is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from Windsor and less than an hour’s drive from Central London. Outdoor ceremonies can take place on The Temple Lawn which also provides a suitable space for large marquees accommodating up to 300 guests for the reception. Indoor ceremonies take place in The River Room located in the island’s Pavilion seating up to 80 guests at round tables, and between 100-130 people in theatre-style seating. It’s bathed in natural light, boasting stunning views of the water with immediate access to the lawns and private patio area complete with a firepit. Receptions take place in the elegant Marlborough Ballroom with its botanical chandelier, Art Deco mirrored panelling and panoramic views. It has capacity for 120 guests seated at round tables and up to 200 loved ones arranged in theatre-style seating. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01628 623 400, www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk www.instagram.com/ monkeyislandestate ROMANTIC These waterside wedding venues will leave you spoilt for choice reflections MONKEY ISLAND ESTATE, BRAY-ON-THAMES, BERKSHIRE CHERWELL BOATHOUSE, OXFORD Couples wanting a quintessentially English wedding will enjoy the views that this family-run restaurant, punt station and riverside venue has to offer, perched on the banks of the idyllic River Cherwell. Wedding celebrations take place in a choice of areas. The marquee located on the terrace enjoys wonderful river views and is available year-round accommodating groups of up to 130 guests. The Lower Boathouse is open from mid-April until October and enjoys a rustic vibe. Slightly smaller groups of up to 50 loved ones can enjoy fine dining in the Conservatory that features underfloor heating during winter and can be turned into an al fresco space during summer. The Restaurant is another stylish option – a converted Victorian boathouse, it seats up to 75 people. Contact: 01865 552 746, http://cherwellboathouse.co.uk www.instagram.com/cherwellboathouse We love... that couples and their guests can enjoy some punting on the river in hand-crafted punts and the bride and groom can arrive at the reception venue in a chauffeured punt with a glass of fizz. THEMED VENUES 21 