Your Herts & Beds Wedding - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 78)

Historic V E N U E S Venues with remarkable stories to tell LUTON HOO HOTEL, GOLF & SPA 01582 698 889 | lutonhoo.co.uk Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa is a treasure chest of scenery and the perfect place for creating special memories. Beyond the formal gardens, couples will find more than 1,000 acres of parkland, meadows, woodlands, lakes, rivers and nature trails. The numerous backdrops include the Rock Garden, Flower Garden, waterfall, fountain, weir and even a silver birch wood. This venue’s spectacular, which is perhaps why it has cast its spell on everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Hollywood film directors. The Grade I listed mansion house is an impressive looking property, which offers the luxury of a five-star hotel and the surroundings of a stately home. It’s history, marble interiors and beautiful period rooms are enough to make any bride feel like a princess on her wedding day. With 12 luxury wedding suites licensed for civil ceremonies, as well as a former Russian orthodox chapel, the house offers a variety of beautiful settings. Many couples love the grand staircase designed by architects Mewes & Davis, who also worked on the Ritz Hotel. Each ceremony space is beautiful – the Faberge has capacity for 120 guests and is located on the lower ground floor. It’s named after the famous collection of Faberge eggs once housed at Luton Hoo. The Churchill room (40 people) boasts stunning views over the front lawn and got its name because of Winston Churchill. On 26 th June, 1948, more than 110,000 people were addressed by Churchill in the grounds, thanking them for their support during the war. Next, we have the Sitting Room, which has access to the terrace and views over the formal gardens and lake – one of the most popular ceremony rooms. Lastly, the Library has access to the terrace and offers views over the formal gardens and the front lawn, and houses the venue’s original books and fireplace. Each of these spaces can be used for the reception with the addition of the Romanov and the Grinling Gibbons. The Romanov (160 people) is undoubtedly the most impressive room in the mansion house. Once the chapel of the house, this suite boasts original stain-glass windows and ornate ceilings. Grinling Gibbons (80) is a beautiful room located next to the Wernher Restaurant with breathtaking views over the back lawns to the lake and has ornate wood carvings, which add character to the room. The venue has a variety of added extras in the wedding package, including complimentary menu tasting for two with wine and a suite on the wedding night. THE CONSERVATORY AT THE LUTON HOO WALLED GARDEN 01582 459 216 | lutonhoo-walledgarden.co.uk At the end of Lime Tree Avenue on the Luton Hoo Estate, nestled within the historic 18 th -century walled garden, is the conservatory. Situated within a large private garden, the charming conservatory and private walled garden are idyllic settings for the couple’s wedding reception and allows them to enjoy summer drinks on the patio whilst admiring the enchanting garden. The stylish interior of the venue has glazed windows overlooking the gardens, a starlight ceiling, and atmospheric lighting that can be customised to any colour scheme. The property also includes club lighting over the dancefloor, stage and integrated PA system with microphones, which can be used for those all-important wedding speeches. The luxury marquee is finished to the highest specification, which includes long windows that open out onto a private patio area. The garden is laid to lawn, with beautiful flower beds, providing the perfect setting for drinks receptions and garden games. Ceremonies and receptions take place here with the ability to share the day with 400 guests. HISTORIC VENUES 19