Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - August/September 2024 (Issue 102)

SHEPTON MALLET PRISON 01749 681 862 | www.sheptonmalletprison.com Shepton Mallet is a unique and quirky wedding venue. Spanning four acres, it features vast Victorian prison wings stretching over three floors, complete with prison cells. The interior features a bright foyer, blending a characterful ambience with subtle nods to its past. The imposing stone walls and small windows highlight the distinctive nature of the venue, and offer endless decorative possibilities allowing you to add your personal touch to this historical venue. Meanwhile, the impressive architecture provides a strikingly beautiful backdrop, providing a variety of photographic opportunities from balconies to the small evergreen garden at the entrance. Celebrant-led ceremonies can be hosted in the former chapel with up to 90 guests. Located on the second floor with views over the high wall, it offers a classic chapel ambience in a spacious setting. It also offers a memorable setting for drinks and canapés. Alternatively, the glass-covered atrium of the prison wings provides a bright and airy atmosphere, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the prison’s unique ambience. B Wing can host up to 150 guests, while there’s room in C Wing for up to 100. The Wings are also available for your wedding breakfast, and B Wing can to host up 300 loved ones for the evening entertainment. The external exercise yard, located at the centre of the prison and surrounded by prison wings, offers an unconventional and unforgettable setting for your celebrant-led ceremony. You also have the option here to host your post-ceremony drinks and canapés. Guests are welcome to explore this 400-year-old prison at their leisure, with the option of a guided or even ghost tour as a part of the celebrations. THE BISHOP’S PALACE AND GARDENS, WELLS 01749 988 111 | https://bishopspalace.org.uk Steeped in history, The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens sits at the heart of the medieval city of Wells in Somerset. Whether your arrival is by car or a relaxed stroll across the drawbridge, as you make your way through the arch of the ancient gatehouse you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of this stunning, 800-year-old building. The Bishop’s Palace boasts 14 acres of perfectly-kept gardens for you and your guests to enjoy, and they really do have something magical about them. With the moat surrounding the Palace, offering the tranquil sounds of flowing water, the dramatic backdrop of Wells Cathedral, picturesque willow bridge and seasonal flowers and plants all year round, this is a glorious space to gather with your loved ones. A friendly welcome awaits you here as does a glass of Champagne and as you make your way onto the garden terrace overlooking the South Lawn and ramparts, simply relax and take in your surroundings. Later, you can take your seats for a memorable wedding breakfast in the atmospheric banqueting hall, which boasts a magnificent vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows. Lit with candles, the Undercroft provides the ideal intimate atmosphere for your special day. Seating 108 at maximum capacity along stunning bespoke wooden banqueting tables, with a further 52 guests accommodated for the evening, the space is versatile and offers a fabulous way to enjoy good food surrounded by friends and family. The team work closely with a local catering partner to ensure quality, locally-sourced ingredients and an extremely high level of service. Following speeches and cake cutting, you can retire to the Portrait Gallery for coffee and cake. Relax and take time to enjoy a more informal time with your guests, while the team transform the Undercroft for the evening, whether you choose live music or a DJ. The space can accommodate 105 standing. A marquee reception overlooking the ruins of The Great Hall, provides the most spectacular alternative celebration space. You’ll enjoy exclusive hire of the site, which includes The Palace building and RHS partner gardens. A marquee in the style of your choice will be erected overlooking the majestic ruins of Bishop Burnell’s splendid dining and entertaining hall, built in the 1280s. Here, you can host 260 guests and a bespoke quote will be provided on request. www.gemhicksphotography.com www.gemhicksphotography.com LOCAL VENUES 19

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