Your Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Wedding- August/September 2020 (Issue 22)

SUDBURY HOUSE HOTEL & RESTAURANT, FARINGDON, OXFORDSHIRE Nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds in nine acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and surrounded by woodland sits this recently refurbished, Grade 11 listed, four-star hotel. The main part benefits from a contemporary design seen in the spacious and comfortable bar, lounge and Magnolia restaurant while the neighbouring Old House, formerly a Georgian family house, has been restored to its former glory and is a popular choice for weddings with its antique furnishings, sculptures, artwork and magnificent wooden staircase combined with an elegant red carpet. Outdoor ceremonies take place for up to 160 guests on the Garden Lounge Terrace located in front of the Georgian house with the pretty gardens as the backdrop. Inside, there’s a choice of ceremony rooms including Restaurant 56, an oak-panelled room with a feature fireplace hosting up to 70 guests and the Terrace Suite, a contemporary space with an outdoor balcony overlooking the picturesque gardens for up to 40 loved ones. There’s also the Regency Room located in the original Georgian house for intimate parties of up to 20 guests to enjoy. Receptions take place in The Magnolia function room that seats up to 140 guests for the wedding breakfast and 200 partygoers for the evening. It features views stretching across the patio and landscaped gardens, ideal for an al fresco drinks reception, and has an area for a dancefloor, band or a DJ. There’s also the Garden Lounge, originally the Drawing Room within the old Georgian house, with its private terrace. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01367 241 272, www.sudburyhouse.co.uk www.facebook.com/sudburyhotel ❤ We love… that couples are offered a complimentary menu tasting before their wedding which is a great way to sample the dishes, plus a complimentary stay in the romantic bridal suite on the night of their wedding. DE VERE COTSWOLD WATER PARK, SOUTH CERNEY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE This contemporary hotel sits on a nature reserve surrounded by 152 lakes, and is home to 328 stylish bedrooms and elegant suites that have a lounge area, king-size bed and a lakeside terrace boasting picturesque views. There’s a vast range of leisure activities on offer including scenic walks and water sports including paddle boarding and kayaking that are permitted next door (the lake doesn’t allow them, instead offering an unspoiled backdrop for wedding photographs). Spa 6 is a tranquil haven home to a dual treatment room for couples, a champagne bar surrounded by manicure and pedicure stations, a hydrotherapy pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and experience showers. Dining options are plentiful at the resort 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 from its outdoor oven during the summer months. The Old Boathouse offers a delicious menu using locally sourced, seasonal produce served in relaxed, informal surroundings. Ceremonies take place in a choice of elegant function suites. 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 views of the lake – ideal for summer drinks. 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 smaller Starling Suite. 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. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01285 864 000, devere.co.uk/cotswold-water-park-hotel | www.instagram.com/cotswold_waterpark_weddings ❤ We love… the close proximity to many local attractions, including the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, the Cotswold Water Park and the beach. 20