THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN Known as Europe’s largest garden restoration project, this 200-acre, multi-award-winning estate set in ancient woodland is a paradise for plant, garden and wildlife lovers. Victorian gardens and a jungle take visitors on a sub-tropical journey along winding paths snaking through bamboo tunnels under majestic tree ferns. Weddings take place in a range of places including The Folly for up to 50 guests, a whimsical and elegant 20th-century garden hideaway set in the wooded area. Alternatively, there’s the Heligan Kitchen and the conservatory provides a charming barn-style space with full-length windows and a cosy wood burner, also for up to 50 loved ones. Stewards House, a renovated mid-19th century space with a bright, light-filled orangery and beautiful flower garden is another option for 25 guests. Small parties of up to 20 people can enjoy the walled Italian Garden with scented borders and charming folly while intimate gatherings of just 10 people can fill Pencalenick Greenhouse, a stunning glasshouse; the historic glass Vinery filled with vines and succulents or The Head Gardener’s Office. Receptions take place in Stewards House, the Heligan Kitchen Conservatory or outside under a stretch tent where a barbecue can be enjoyed. Every couple who marries at the venue receives a one-year membership to The Lost Gardens of Heligan in the hope that they will continue to visit over the coming years. The team offers a 50% discount on attending a Lost Supper tasting menu of seven courses. This is a special event run throughout the year which showcases produce from the garden and estate. It allows couples to sample the food that’s on offer, and they can see the set-ups and style of service too. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01726 845105, www.heligan.com/events/weddings-at-heligan •We love... that the dishes served are created with produce that’s mostly grown on the estate. Seasonal decorations from the gardens and estate, such as fresh flowers, herbs and foliage also help to decorate each wedding space. ST MICHAELS RESORT, GYLLYNGVASE BEACH St Michaels Resort is one of Cornwall’s leading independent hotels, offering an unparalleled wellness retreat right next to the shores of Gyllyngvase Beach and the South West Coastal Path. It’s home to a luxury spa featuring the largest hydrothermal pool in the southwest, a state-of-the-art health club and an exciting programme of events that celebrates the local community in Falmouth and the Cornish identity. Led by executive chef Darren Millgate, the AA rosette-winning Brasserie on the Bay serves up the best of Cornwall’s farms, fields and waters, while more laid-back dining with sparkling sea views can be found at their second eatery, the Garden Kitchen. The resort, which was relaunched in September 2018, comprises 92 bedrooms and suites as well as four new luxury spa lodges set alongside brand-new subtropical spa gardens. St Michaels Resort is also home to the Liner Beach Residences - a seafront development of apartments overlooking ‘Gylly’ Beach, which are independently owned but managed by St Michaels. Additional event spaces are available for business needs or private parties, including the secluded Wine Vaults, The Bay private function space and The Locker, plus a boutique wedding offering. Ceremonies take place in The Bay, an airy and contemporary space with floor-to-ceiling windows opening on to a private balcony boasting views across the resort gardens to the ocean beyond. It’s comfortable for 70 guests but works great with smaller groups as well. Couples who would prefer to tie the knot in church or at another venue and hire the suite for their reception can do so and for a more intimate wedding, there’s the wine vaults - think romantic lighting and a cosy ambience with its own privately manned bar. Couples are invited for a complimentary wine tasting and a chance to try their wedding menu before the big day. The food ethos of the kitchen team focuses on the heroes of Cornwall’s farms, fields and seas and choices range from lavish tasting menus to vegan afternoon tea served with fizz plus smaller plates for children. Canapés include salt fish brandade with parsley emulsion or mini Yorkshire pudding with rare local beef and horseradish. The evening buffet includes pulled pork loaded nachos and Cornish pasties and the main wedding breakfast menus vary and include seabass fillet and pan-roasted turbot as the main courses. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01326 312 707, www.stmichaelsresort.com •We love... that a luxury king room is provided for the happy couple on the night of the wedding along with a complimentary one-night stay on the first anniversary of the wedding day, and wedding guests can enjoy a 10% discount off the standard rate on the night of the wedding. 16
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