Your East Anglian Wedding - Apr/May 2019 (Issue 36)

Cley Windmill, Cley-next-the-sea 01263 740 209 | cleywindmill.co.uk What could be more romantic than a wedding in a windmill by the sea? Cley Windmill ticks all the boxes when it comes to atmosphere and charm. Dating back to 1713, the windmill has new sails and was converted into a house in the 1920s. One of North Norfolk’s well-known landmarks, the views are spectacular. Set among the reeds, with the river winding by and raised paths leading off to the sea; be prepared for some stop-stare moments. The vistas are breathtaking looking out from the viewing gallery near the top of the windmill tower – the perfect backdrop for wedding photos with a difference. Beautifully furnished in a country-chic style, the windmill is great for intimate weddings with close family and friends. Every room is different, including round, square and tower rooms all with lime-washed painted walls and adorned with gorgeous fabrics. Ceremonies are held in the round, beamed dining room with its open fire and panoramic views. Licensed for 24 people, including the bride and groom, you can exchange vows inside or in the garden when the weather’s fine. Toast your new married status in the lounge and bar area, followed by a wedding breakfast in the dining room. For larger gatherings, a marquee can be set up in the walled garden; a picture-perfect spot complete with charming summerhouses and garden furniture so you can sit back, relax and soak up the fabulous scenery. Recent additions include a rose arch and rose-filled flower beds. The front garden also has a lovely wide patio area and looks out over the reeds and the jetty with the river beyond. Psst... Cley Windmill was the former family home of singer-songwriter James Blunt. Kimberley Hall, Wymondham 07701 079 514 | kimberleyhall.co.uk Kimberley Hall is a romantic Queen Anne-style house built in 1712 on the hill of Downham providing breathtaking views of the vast private park designed by the celebrated landscape architect Capability Brown. The venue offers a wealth of magical spaces for the big day, from the majestic entrance hall and the light and elegant Music Room to the dramatic spiral staircase with its stunning dome and cascade of hanging butterflies; perfect for standout photos. The building’s classical redbrick frontage, curved colonnades, turrets and striking architectural features provide character and look magical lit up in a symphony of colour at night. The Music Room seats 130 people for the ceremony. With its grand pianos, cosy fireplace, chandelier and huge arched window looking out over the garden, it oozes grace and grandeur. You can celebrate in the West Wing with its state-of-the-art illuminated bar. The perfect place to dine and dance, the Talman Room seats 130 guests and boasts a bespoke lighting and laser system as well as a giant rotating mirror ball. For after-dinner guests, there’s extra space upstairs in the sumptuous lounge with its comfy sofas. The perfect chill-out zone, it has a balcony so you can watch the party below while you relax. For outdoor weddings the terraced garden looking out towards the lake can be used for ceremonies and with a marquee, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the size of your reception. We love... the huge walled garden with bell tents available for glamping. fullerphotographyweddings.co.uk christaylorphoto.co.uk HISTORIC VENUES 25