Your Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Wedding- April/May 2020 (Issue 20)

❤ We love… the close proximity to many local attractions, including the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, the Cotswold Water Park and the beach. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01454 263 000, devere.co.uk/tortworth-court @DeVereHotels This modern hotel sits on a nature reserve surrounded by 152 lakes that spread across the Cotswold Water Park. The property boasts a collection of 328 stylish bedrooms and elegant suites equipped with a lounge area, king-size bed and a lakeside terrace. There’s a vast range of leisure activities on offer including scenic walks and water sports that are permitted next door, where adventure seekers can try experiences including paddle boarding and kayaking. (The lake doesn’t allow them, instead offering an unspoiled backdrop for wedding photographs). Spa6 is a tranquil haven with treatment rooms, including a dual one for couples, a champagne bar surrounded by mani and pedi stations, a hydrotherapy pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and experience showers. Dining options are plentiful with The Muddy Duck cafe offering light bites and coffee, and The Brasserie, a contemporary restaurant located on the water’s edge, serving afternoon tea, dinner, and pizza served from its outdoor oven during the summer months. The Old Boathouse featuring a delicious menu using locally sourced, seasonal produce in relaxed, informal surroundings. The property provides a neutral canvas in its choice of elegant function suites for couples wishing to say ‘I do.’ The Kingfisher Suite, located downstairs, benefits from its own entrance (perfect for a red carpet arrival), private bar and toilets. It’s licensed for ceremonies of up to 300 guests and offers great flexibility because it can be split into three sections for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception, allowing the entire celebration to take place in one area. It opens on to an outdoor terrace, offering uninterrupted lake views – ideal for a summer cocktail reception. The Mallard Suite, situated upstairs, is also licensed for ceremonies of up to 300 guests and enjoys a balcony facing the lake, with the opportunity to have photographs taken down on the grass verge. More intimate gatherings are best suited to The Starling Suite, a smaller space designed for weddings. Couples can also book the wedding marquee to take advantage of the 1am licence that the venue offers. The hotel operates 24 hours, ideal for a nightcap in the bar, where a wide selection of wine, spirits, and craft drinks are served, or a midnight feast from The Pantry, an area in reception loaded with snacks and ice cream served from a pink and white-striped trike that can be hired for weddings. DE VERE COTSWOLD WATER PARK, SOUTH CERNEY ❤ We love… the many spa deals and wedding packages that the company regularly unveil. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01285 864 000, devere.co.uk/cotswold-water-park-hotel deverecotswoldwaterpark This Gothic-style Grade 11 listed mansion house hotel sits on the edge of the Cotswolds and marries original Victorian features with 21st-century style and comfort. Surrounded by stunning views of the rolling Gloucestershire hills and landscaped formal gardens, it offers plenty of things to do and boasts many areas in which to get married. Guests are invited to borrow a pair of Hunter wellies and explore the estate, which includes one of Britain’s finest arboretums housing over 300 different plant and tree specimens. In the evening, they can relax in the 1853 Restaurant & Bar that serves a selection of seasonal dishes accompanied by an extensive wine list. The Leaf Spa is a tranquil spot in which to unwind and recently collaborated with JustBe Botanicals to roll out a new treatment and product line designed to restore guests’ emotional balance and enhance a sense of wellbeing. All spa experiences include a complimentary gin and tonic and chocolate infused with the same botanicals. Guests can also make use of the hotel’s swimming pool, sauna, and fully equipped gym during their stay. Ceremonies take place in a variety of areas, including The Orangery, a grand conservatory built in 1874 featuring an ornamental glass ceiling and an outdoor dining area for up to 100 loved ones that just benefitted from the recent multi-million-pound refurbishment. The Westminster Suite, with its floor-to-ceiling windows boasting panoramic views, is best suited to larger parties of up to 250 guests and there’s also the Victoria Suite, ideal for intimate celebrations, and the option to have a marquee on the lawn. TORTWORTH COURT, WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE REGIONAL VENUES 13