Your Herts and Beds Wedding - Page number 19 - June/July 2021 (Issue 86)

WARE PRIORY 01920 460 316 | www.warepriory.co.uk GOING local Where to say ‘I do’ in east Hertfordshire Situated in seven acres of picturesque gardens and steeped in history, Ware Priory is a beautiful, traditional Grade I listed building with contemporary touches and architecture dating back to Medieval times. The main building is a stunning location with whitewashed frontage and stonewalled exterior surrounded by flower beds and distinctive windows. Adjacent to this, the Fletcher’s Lea is a modern addition to the estate and features a decking area, which overlooks the beautiful River Lea. Guests can arrive or leave by narrowboat at the side of the building. There are multiple spaces for ceremonies and receptions, allowing couples to create their dream day. The Priory Hall was restored in the 1990s, where Medieval graffiti of a rose was uncovered and Victorian murals preserved and restored. This area can accommodate 100 guests for the ‘I dos’, 80 for wedding breakfasts and 100 for all evening receptions. The Conservatory offers a bright and spacious interior with easy access to the riverside gardens for 100 people, the space is also ideal for wedding breakfasts with 120 guests and receptions for 150. Or why not exchange vows in The Hadsley Room with 40 guests, which features a crown-post roof and vaulted ceiling? The space can be transformed for wedding breakfasts with 30 people and evening receptions with 40. The large refectory table in this room dates back to the 14 th -century and is believed to be from the original Friary. The Fletcher’s Lea can host up to 200 guests for ceremonies, 160 for the wedding breakfasts and 200 for receptions. The standalone building includes all catering and bar facilities, which allows couples to have exclusive use of the space on the special day. Additionally, there’s a private terrace offering views over the River Lea and access to all the gardens within the Priory Estate. The Riverside Suite is situated within Fletcher’s Lea and is perfect for large wedding receptions and can accommodate up to 160 guests for dining and 220 for a buffet setting. A space that stands out at the venue is The Island, which is situated in the middle of a river and includes a bandstand for musical events or bands for a festival-styled reception. Guests access this space by one of two small bridges that cross an inlet of water that was once used to bring supplies to the monks from the river. The venue has also announced new catering partnerships with Gusto Catering, Premier Crew Hospitality, The Chef’s Table and The London Kitchen. Each partner brings wealth of experience in event catering, a love of food, exceptional service and the willingness to please their guests. The venue’s currently running a special offer for couples who book the venue for their wedding. This includes accommodation on the wedding night for the newlyweds at Hanbury Manor, a £100 discount with Ware Priory’s dressing partner Victoria’s Events and complimentary bacon rolls for the evening buffet. LOCAL VENUES 19