Your East Anglian Wedding - April/May 2021 (Issue 48)

Built in 1712, this romantic Queen Anne-style house offers a fairytale big-day backdrop with breathtaking views of the lake and private park. Your guests are sure to be impressed as they arrive to catch their first glimpse of the redbrick frontage, curved colonnades, turrets and other classical features, before being welcomed into the grand entrance hall. You can tie the knot in the light and elegant Music Room with its grand pianos, chandelier, cosy fireplace and huge arched window looking on to the garden. There’s space for up to 130 guests and the room connects to the garden via an impressive spiral staircase complete with a cascade of hanging butterflies; great for standout bridal photos. The terraced garden with views looking out towards the lake can also be used for outdoor ceremonies and with a marquee for the wedding breakfast and reception, it’s the perfect location if you’re planning on inviting a crowd. The West Wing with its state-of-the-art illuminated bar is a great place to dine and dance. The Talman Room boasts a giant rotating mirror ball, which together with the sophisticated lighting and laser system, creates the perfect party atmosphere. There’s also additional space upstairs in the sumptuous lounge with comfy sofas and a balcony, which can be used as a chill-out area to relax and watch the celebrations below. Set in the historic city of Cambridge, this versatile reception venue combines the best of the old with the new. Famous architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, who were responsible for the Barbican and Golden Lane Estates in London, designed the original buildings on the site of the Orchard, Huntingdon Road. The main buildings and Fountain Court are Grade II* listed and have won a number of architectural awards over the years. The college features wide, light-filled corridors, a magnificent main dining hall as well as smaller, more intimate dining rooms. Fountain Court Walkway provides an attractive space for pre- dinner drinks with great views of the fountains, which look magical lit up at night. What’s more if you host your reception here you’ll be surrounded by world-renowned art; the second largest collection by women in the world. The beautiful, informal gardens are integral to the Murray Edwards experience. Orchard Court has a large lawn; ideal for marquees, inflatables and outdoor games and the secluded Fellows’ Garden enables you to enjoy an indoor and outdoor celebration, as it leads directly off the Fellows’ Suite; great as a wet-weather back up! Receptions for a maximum of 210 people seated banquet style can be held in the Dome Dining Hall, which includes a dancefloor and bar. For parties of up to 70, the Fellows’ Suite is ideal and includes a dining and drawing room. Although you can’t tie the knot here yet, the venue is looking to apply for a ceremony licence, so watch this space! KIMBERLEY HALL, WYMONDHAM 07701 079 514 | www.kimberleyhall.co.uk MURRAY EDWARDS COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE 01223 762 267 | www.murrayedwardsevents.co.uk HISTORIC VENUES 29