Your Herts & Beds Wedding - Feb/Mar 2019 (Issue 72)

St Michael’s Manor, AL3 4RY Couples get the best of both worlds at this venue – not only is it surrounded by a private lake and five acres of stunning gardens, it’s also close to the centre of St Albans and major road networks. In the warmer months, the picturesque Summer House on the lakeside jetty is the preferred option for the ceremony and accommodates 20 loved ones. Alternatively, the 16 th -century manor house hosts nuptials in the Cedar Suite and the Oak Lounge, which seat 30 and 14 respectively. The Oak Lounge is the oldest room in the hotel and its panelled walls and ornate ceiling create the perfect atmosphere for intimate gatherings. The Restaurant-Orangery caters for larger celebrations of 140 guests for the ceremony and sit-down meal and 180 for the evening reception. This room benefits from fabulous views over the garden and lake, has its own dancefloor and direct access to the terrace. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01727 864 444 stmichaelsmanor.com We love… the 30 individually styled bedrooms overlooking the gardens. Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa, LU1 3TQ The Grade I listed house at Luton Hoo boasts beautiful period rooms, ornate marble interiors and a stunning converted Russian Orthodox Chapel. Its surroundings include over 1,000 acres of Capability Brown landscaped gardens, woodland trails and a 50- acre lake. Having played host to royalty over the centuries, there’s an array of suites for couples to choose from that each exude tradition and splendour. Warren Weir, an exclusive events venue set at the foot of the lake within the grounds of Luton Hoo, has a number of options that cater for up to 290 guests as well as providing 84 bedrooms and its own leisure facilities and swimming pool. Nuptials of up to 120 guests are accommodated within the mansion itself. The Spa at Luton Hoo, located in the Country Club, has recently been awarded a Five Bubbles rating by the Good Spa Guide and is the perfect place to relax before you tie the knot. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01582 698 889 lutonhoo.co.uk We love… that couples can enjoy champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries on arrival and dine in one of the award-winning restaurants. Eggington House, LU7 9PH Eggington House is a beautiful historic building that’s surrounded by 35 acres of picturesque grounds. Receptions for up to 300 guests are hosted here and being exclusive-use means that you’ll never share the venue with another bride and groom. The traditional three-pole marquee set in the pastures is a popular choice for celebrations and giant tipi events are also accommodated. When booking your big day here, you’re offered two and a half days’ access to the venue leading up to the special day, two beautiful bedrooms for overnight guests and being a blank canvas, you can make it your own in terms of styling. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01525 211 831 eggingtonhouse.com We love… The stunning on-site Coach House that provides accommodation for six loved ones. 34