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

Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this leisure and lifestyle destination offers a stunning photographic backdrop for weddings. Nestled within 120 acres of parkland in a countryside setting, it boasts breathtaking views, an 18-hole golf course, a secluded Walled Garden home to eight private bedrooms available on a bed and breakfast basis, and a pond and water fountain – a wedding photographer’s dream. Ceremonies take place in the Coach House for up to 90 guests. Converted in the 19 th century, it leads out on to the pretty courtyard, an ideal spot for post- ceremony drinks, and features an elevated area called The Fairway where up to 130 guests can enjoy the wedding breakfast set against views of the golf course. A complimentary food and wine tasting are available to the couple ahead of the wedding. Receptions take place in the Coach House for up to 200 loved ones and the secluded Walled Garden is the perfect place to enjoy al fresco drinks and garden games. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01491 637 300, www.badgemorepark.com www.instagram.com/badgemorepark We love... that the retreat will be celebrating its 50 th anniversary in 2022 with some redevelopment that’s currently underway, following on from the opening of the boutique gym and fitness hub, FOCUS, in 2018. BADGEMORE PARK, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, OXFORDSHIRE Set within 30 acres of neatly manicured lawns, a picturesque sunken garden and a collection of specimen trees gifted to the Greenlands estate over many years is this elegant wedding venue located within the University of Reading. The stunning backdrop of the River Thames commands views of the surrounding river meadows and beyond. The approach to Greenlands is along a private drive leading through a meadow which runs alongside the river and on arrival, a white Grade II listed building with a portico entrance greets couples and provides an idyllic photographic backdrop. There’s a 100-bedroom hotel on-site with special bed and breakfast rates for wedding guests, and a private landing stage located within the spacious grounds. Inside there’s a sweeping staircase, decorative pillars, elegant panelling and magnificent architecture, with every room within the main house showcasing individual and unique features. Ceremonies take place in a variety of elegant areas. The Garden Common Room situated off the terrace entrance hall within the main house accommodates up to 116 guests. Highlights are the hand- painted murals and double bay windows with views towards the river. The River House Atrium located adjacent to the main house can hold up to 120 guests and offers a modern and versatile space ideal for couples wanting a blank canvas which they can decorate. The Blue Room is a smaller option, best suited to an intimate ceremony of up to 60 guests. The wedding breakfast takes place in the Heyworth Restaurant overlooking the main lawn stretching down to the riverbank for up to 120 guests. Evening receptions can also take place here following a quick turn around while guests enjoy the terrace or lounge areas. Alternatively, The Garden Common Room with its unique hand- painted décor located adjacent to the restaurant features a traditional wooden dancefloor and is a great choice for the evening reception. For the grande finale, fireworks are permitted within the grounds if the venue’s preferred supplier or a permitted company is used. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01491 418 810, www.hospitalityuor.co.uk We love... that packages can be tailored to meet couples tastes and budgets and all catering is provided in-house with menus created using the finest fresh, locally sourced ingredients where possible. There’s a complimentary menu tasting for the couple and a free overnight stay complete with a bottle of champagne and a basket of fruit for the newlyweds. VENUE HENLEY, OXFORDSHIRE 22