Your Herts and Beds Wedding - February / March 2021 (Issue 84)

HISTORIC SETTINGS Venues with a story to tell Located in Hertfordshire, Gaddesden Estate is an outdoor venue that offers exclusive access to the grounds around the Golden Parsonage – the red-brick house dates back to 1705 during the reign of the late Queen Anne. The venue opened up the gardens for weddings in 2020 and it’s surrounded by natural beauty with fields, woodlands, water meadows and farm tracks. The grounds range from formal gardens to wilder spaces, all of which can be hired individually or used as inter-connecting areas. The venue doesn’t have a ceremony licence, but couples can have a blessing. Continue the celebrations in one of the three reception areas: the Badgers Garden (120 people) is a formal setting in front of the 18 th -century Golden Parsonage, The Walled Garden Meadow (499) is ideal for marquee receptions and features a lime avenue, The Fishponds (100), is a very romantic secluded area set in a Medieval sunken garden and couples can add a stretch tent or dine out under the leaf canopy and stars. Many other spaces could be used as walk-throughs or for photographs including a rather special topiary rabbit and duck ‘couple’, which are nearly 100-years-old. The venue’s specialist event organisers Big Green Space has more than 20 years’ experience working with historical locations. Last year, the venue celebrated its 500 th anniversary and is planning a special commemorative arboretum to celebrate. This will include planting a tree within this new plantation for every couple holding their reception here. GADDESDEN ESTATE 01442 252 421 | www.gaddesdenestate.co.uk/weddings www.sallymasson.com www.sallymasson.com www.sallymasson.com VENUES 23