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

With countryside views as far as the eye can see, The Barn at Alswick is situated in a peaceful setting for any wedding. The tree-lined driveway sets off the rural feel and the venue is a gorgeous blank canvas for couples to put their stamp on. Complete with a vaulted ceiling adorned with wooden beams and large windows, the barn is always full of natural light and has plenty of snug areas to escape to. The Barns Hotel is situated in a beautiful riverside location with views over the River Great Ouse and three-and-a-half acres of landscaped gardens. The stunning 13 th -century Tithe Barn, complete with original features and its bar, is nestled in the main gardens overlooking the 16 th -century house. Micklefield Hall provides several Instagrammable and manicured outdoor spaces. From cloistered walkways to nature’s very own aisle, lined with herbaceous borders and leading up to the romantic temple, which is nestled under the giant oak tree overlooking a pond. The exterior of the barn is as sleek and well restored as the interior, with dark stained wooden cladding, grand glazed entrances, cherry trees and a newly restored patio area – perfect for any drink’s reception. THE BARN AT ALSWICK 01763 273 530 | www.alswick.co.uk THE BARNS HOTEL 01234 270 044 | www.barnshotelbedford.co.uk MICKLEFIELD HALL 01923 778 898 | www.micklefieldhall.com Ware Priory is a beautiful, traditional Grade I listed building steeped in history with some of the architecture dating back to Medieval times. Beautifully complemented by modern décor too, there are lots of different spaces on offer to couples looking for a big-day venue. The main Ware Priory Building has a stunning white-washed frontage and stonewalled exterior surrounded by seven acres of beautiful picturesque grounds – overlooking the river, there are secluded areas which afford some wonderful wedding photos. Adjacent to this is Fletcher’s Lea which is a modern addition to the estate; boasting it’s own decking area at the back which overlooks the beautiful River Lea. For the all-important ‘I dos’, The Priory Hall holds 100 guests and is situated in what were the cloisters of the original Friary. The open arches were filled in during the mid-1800s with stained glass and mortar, the room also boasts mid-Victorian murals which have been preserved and restored and French windows open on to the riverside garden. Holding up to 100 guests, The Conservatory offers a bright and spacious interior with easy access to its riverside gardens. It’s also ideal for wedding breakfasts and receptions for up to 120 guests. For intimate dos, the Hadsley Room (40) is part of the Lady Suite and is situated on the first floor of the Priory in what was originally believed to be the Abbots Lodgings. Finally, The Riverside Suite (200) within Fletcher’s Lea, is also ideal as a larger venue for wedding receptions and celebration parties and can accommodate up to 160 guests for dining and 220 for a buffet setting. Fletcher’s Lea is a standalone building which affords exclusivity, additionally there is a private terrace offering views over the River Lea as well as access to all the gardens within the Priory Estate. When choosing to wed here, couples and guests can arrive or leave by narrow boat as there is a river docking area, and there are multiple offers and packages couples can make the most of! During these uncertain times, the venue is able to offer a virtual tour and is happy to take provisional bookings so that couples can block off their preferred dates and start to make some tentative wedding plans. WARE PRIORY 01920 460 316 | www.warepriory.co.uk Also check out… VENUES 27