Your East Anglian Wedding - Feb/Mar 2019 (Issue 35)

Mannington Estate, Norwich 01263 584 175 | manningtonestate.co.uk If you’re dreaming of a magical big-day celebration in a glorious setting, check out this hidden gem. The grounds of Mannington Hall provide an idyllic location for a quintessential English country garden reception. Nestled in beautiful rural surroundings, the grounds provide the perfect backdrop for photos with the Medieval hall in the background. There’s plenty of space for a marquee on the lawns and for more intimate affairs you can hire the tearoom or make use of the site for smaller party tents. We love.. . the picturesque drawbridge and moat. Hales Hall & The Great Barn, Loddon 07740 081 994 | haleshall.com The world’s your oyster at this impressive venue. Whether you’re planning a lavish affair or fancy being lord and lady of the manor for a weekend-long celebration, there’s something to suit a whole range of wedding tastes and themes. Steeped in history, the Medieval estate has been lovingly restored to offer modern-day luxury while retaining its original character and charm. Surrounded by beautifully manicured formal gardens and wild Norfolk meadows it’s a magical setting for a big day with a difference. You can marry in The Great Barn with its vaulted thatched roof and exposed timbers joined by up to 200 seated guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast. The largest surviving brick-built barn of its kind in the country, it can host 300 or more for the evening do. The upstairs Gallery is a cosy space; great as a chill-out area, complete with comfy sofas, fairylights and additional seating. It can also be used for intimate ceremonies or just for the legal part before or after an al fresco service on the front lawn. The grounds provide a wealth of fabulous photo opportunities with a moated area and fountain, topiary and floral avenue. For those looking to extend the celebration, the venue can host 25 or more guests across the estate. The hall itself provides a welcoming retreat and can be your very own mansion for the duration. We love... the barn’s 180 loop-hole windows; magical lit up at night with flickering candles. St Giles House Hotel, Norwich 01603 275 183 | stgileshousehotel.co.uk This luxurious boutique hotel in Norwich city centre provides a stylish setting for an elegant big day. The Baroque Grade II listed building boasts a wealth of fabulous features including walnut panelling, grand staircases and chandeliers. The impressive hotel frontage and Mediterranean-style terrace provide beautiful backdrops for those all-important outdoor photos. The magnificent Walnut Suite, with its wow-factor interior and chandeliers, can accommodate up to 50 guests to watch you say ‘I do’. With its own exclusive bar and lounge area it can also host up to 80 loved for the evening reception. For larger weddings, the hotel’s exclusive-use package includes the ceremony, wedding breakfast and seating for up to 90 guests, with space for up to 150 evening guests, a live band, DJ and sole use of the main hotel bar and lounge. The hotel also boasts 24 stunning bedrooms, ranging from beautiful cosy double rooms to superior Georgian suites, including the spectacular bridal suite. We love... the outdoor terrace with living wall; the ideal place for a summer drinks reception post-vows. 22