Your Herts and Beds Wedding - April/May 2021 (Issue 85)

Established in 1623, Rothamsted Manor is an impressive Grade I listed manor house set in 12 acres of beautiful gardens surrounded by beautiful woodland. The manor’s exterior offers impressive historical features such as stained-glass family crests in the windows, a clock tower and curved gables. The venue sits on the vast grounds of Rothamsted Research, the world’s oldest agricultural research institute home to some of the oldest science experiments. The Great Drawing Room was added to the manor by Sir John Lawes in 1863 and features a fireplace dating from the early 1900s, original portraits dating back to the 1500s and wood panelling. This is the largest space available for ceremonies with 115 guests, 76 for a seated wedding breakfast or up to 120 for a standing buffet or drinks reception. Other ceremony spaces include The Library for 55 people and 44 for a seated reception and 76 standing; or say ‘I do’ in The Lounge, which seats 75 loved ones for the ceremony, 50 seated and 90 standing for a reception. The Lounge walls are panelled with rarely seen murals on the east wall. Alternatively, why not opt for The Orangery for 35 people, a beautiful space with lots of natural light and large arched windows with views over the gardens? Historically known as the Loggia, it features a beautiful marble and limestone chequerboard floor that lends itself perfectly as a bar area or drinks reception room. On a fine day, guests can spill out onto the outside veranda area to enjoy drinks and appreciate the wonderful gardens and grounds. One of the smallest rooms in the manor is the Spanish Leather Room, ideal for more intimate gatherings with 15 loved ones or can be used as a room to meet with the registrar before the wedding ceremony. Any event held at Rothamsted Manor will wow any guests and support the fantastic agricultural research on the estate. The venue can be hired exclusively if a couple wishes to do so, and a free tasting session is offered before the wedding. WOBURN SAFARI LODGE 01525 292 106 | www.woburnsafari.co.uk/plan-your-day/visitor-information/venue-hire Nestled in the heart of the Foot Safari at Woburn Safari Park, the Safari Lodge provides a special wedding venue for the big day – perfect for any animal lover! Whatever nearlyweds are looking for, the Safari Lodge team can provide a service that’s second to none and fully bespoke to the pair. With a warm and fun, informal atmosphere, The Lodge can be set up for ceremonies, dinner and dancing. BELLOWS MILL 01525 220 548 | www.bellowsmill.co.uk Bellows Mill is an old watermill nestled beneath the Chiltern Hills, which offers picturesque, secluded surroundings with a lake, woodlands, a barn for ceremonies and wedding breakfasts, and overnight self-catering accommodation for up to 30 guests in a variety of different types of properties. It allows couples to have exclusive use of the premises for the whole weekend. THE RUFUS CENTRE 01525 631 905 | www.therufuscentre.co.uk The Rufus Centre is set in a semi-rural location on the outskirts of Flitwick with ample free parking and is only located just five minutes from Flitwick Train Station. The Rufus Centre’s beauty is its flexibility, and The Lockyer Suite provides a blank canvas that can be transformed into any theme or colour scheme. Nearlyweds can decorate the room to exactly how they want for the perfect wedding. THE BARN AT ALSWICK 01763 273 530 |  www.alswick.co.uk With countryside views as far as you 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. ROTHAMSTED MANOR 01582 938 500 | www.rothamstedenterprises.com/rothamsted-manor Also check out … www.gnb ri.co.uk www.gnb ri.co.uk LOCAL VENUES 23