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

Down Hall Hotel and Spa, CM22 7AS Those looking for a lavish setting for their special day need look no further than Down Hall Hotel and Spa. Nestled among 110 acres of surrounding woodland, this 16 th -century mansion boasts luxury interiors, a stunning grand staircase, a fine dining restaurant and contemporary spa facility for that all-important R&R. Couples can choose from four rooms for their ceremony, the largest of which hosts up to 150 guests. There are a number of suites on offer for the wedding breakfast and evening celebrations that cater for a maximum of 180 for the sit-down meal and 230 for the reception. Guests can stay in one of the venue’s individually designed bedrooms that each reflect the grandeur, elegance and character of the property and many have glorious views of the gardens. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01279 731 441 downhall.co.uk We love… that ingredients for the delicious menus are locally sourced and some are even from the venue’s own vegetable garden. The House at Shuttleworth, SG18 9EA A 5000-acre site in the heart of rural Bedfordshire with rolling parkland vistas and steeped in compelling history, the Shuttleworth estate offers an extraordinary setting for your day. Take exclusive use of the Jacobean-style country house and choose between an array of grand and finely furnished rooms to host your ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception. The Summer House, set within a sunken garden, makes for an idyllic outdoor ceremony venue and the abundance of mature parkland’s ideal for a marquee or tipi. The Swiss Garden, designed in the late Regency era, is a rare example of period landscape design. Within the garden, surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns, are two ceremony venues – The Swiss Cottage and The Grotto and Fernery. The Collection’s Hangar 3 is a thrilling venue. With tables peppered around masterpieces of aviation and automotive history, this space lends itself to a stylish ‘vintage’ celebration. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01767 627 917 shuttleworth.org/weddings We love… that this multi-venue property offers the opportunity to host your ceremony and reception in more than one location. Sopwell House, AL1 2HQ Sopwell House is an 18 th -century Georgian mansion located within 12 acres of picturesque grounds in the Hertfordshire countryside. There are a number of flexible function suites here that accommodate up to 300 guests for your nuptials and the picturesque gardens create a scenic backdrop for your photos. The on-site spa with its contemporary décor and atmospheric lighting creates a relaxing ambience for you to take time out and unwind and the accommodation is second-to-none. The Mews comprises 16 suites surrounding a picturesque botanical garden. Originally an old stable block, this secluded oasis includes an infinity edged hydrotherapy pool in the centre of the garden and a choice of studio, one bedroom and duplex mews houses. The hotel serves delicious cuisine in the atmospheric Brasserie or award-winning 2 AA rosette restaurant and the sophisticated cocktail lounge can serve your pre-dinner drinks. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01727 864 477 sopwellhouse.co.uk We love… that your wedding party can all stay in the Mews suites giving you privacy with your loved ones. THEMED VENUES 37