Your East Anglian Wedding - April/May 2020 (Issue 42)

Ravenwood Hall, Rougham 01359 270 345 | ravenwoodhall.co.uk This countryside venue offers the best of both the old and the new with numerous options for your big day. Set in secluded grounds near Bury St Edmunds, there’s a choice of varied spaces, whether you’re looking for old world charm or contemporary chic. Parts of the hall date back to the days of Henry VIII and the main building offers a traditional feel with original features including exposed beams and open fireplaces. There are three rooms licensed for ceremonies, including the atmospheric Tudor Rose Room which can host up to 70 people for your ‘I dos’ and 50 seated guests for the reception. Within the grounds, the contemporary-style pavilion has a marquee area for dancing, private restrooms and a bar. It provides a light and airy space with its own gardens and private lawn; great for a relaxed summer wedding. You can tie the knot here with up to 130 loved ones, enjoy al fresco drinks post-vows and continue the celebrations inside with a seated wedding breakfast and evening reception for up to 200 family and friends. With nearly seven acres of grounds there’s no shortage of great photo opportunities and plenty of space for marquee receptions for as many as 500 family and friends. You could even have a fireworks display to really wow your guests. We love... the summerhouse with its wisteria and grapevine-clad pagoda walkway for picture-perfect outdoor ceremonies. Knights Hill Hotel & Spa 01553 675 566 | knightshillhotel.co.uk Dating back at least 300 years, Knights Barn has two interconnecting barns with exposed stonewalls and massive beams. Ideally situated at one of West Norfolk’s highest points, the venue offers easy access and a wealth of great features. The imposing carrstone Knights Barn complex sits on the edge of 11 acres of grounds with open views of the surrounding countryside it provides a breathtaking setting. The Small Barn is licensed for ceremonies for up to 75 people and interconnects with the Great Barn creating a versatile space. There’s room for up to 180 loved ones for the wedding breakfast and as many as 250 family and friends for the reception. You can also marry in the Admirals Room within the main hotel, ideal for intimate gatherings, or in the Garden Brasserie and Bar overlooking the beautiful wall garden. We love... the luxurious Imagine Spa, great for pre- or post-wedding pampering. Shire Hall, Woodbridge 01394 383 599 | woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk/weddings Say ‘I do’ immersed in history at the Shire Hall Council Chamber in Woodbridge. The magnificent Grade I listed redbrick building is a local landmark with its impressive black-iron railing, stone steps and balcony. Originally built by Thomas Seckford around 1575, the arched entrance doors stand proudly overlooking Market Hill and its historic neighbours. The fabric of the building has undergone many changes over the centuries, and the upper part was formerly used for judicial purposes while the ground floor served as an open corn market. Today it provides an intimate and romantic space for wedding ceremonies. With a wealth of stunning features including six large candelabra hanging from the tall ceiling and panelled walls, ceremonies take place in the Council Chamber, a large airy room which can hold up to 69 people seated, including the wedding party. We love... the cobbled and tiled area of Market Hill behind the hall, complete with Grade II listed pump, and The Drummer Boy bronze statue at the front; great for just-wed shots. 24