Your Herts and Beds Wedding - Page number 20 - August/September 2021 (Issue 87)

THE CLOISTERS, LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY 01462 678 059 | www.thecloistersletchworth.co.uk There’s nowhere quite like The Cloisters, which is a fascinating venue that never fails to enchant visitors. Designed and built at the turn of the last century, The Cloisters is a special space displaying distinctive architecture featuring towers and turrets that are perfect for wedding photos – a truly hidden gem. THE PRIORY 01438 748 647 | www.thepriory.net Steeped in history, The Priory is grand by anyone’s standards. Built-in the 16 th -century by the King’s carpenter, the exposed oak structure of the spacious barn makes this venue a real stunner. The picturesque gardens and terrace provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor celebrations and the all-important big-day photos. 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. Complete with a vaulted ceiling adorned with wooden beams and large windows, the barn’s always full of natural light and has plenty of snug areas to escape to. Also check out… Established in 1623, Rothamsted Manor is an impressive Grade I listed manor house set in 12 acres of gardens surrounded by woodland. The manor’s exterior offers impressive historical features such as the 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 world’s 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 (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), its walls are panelled with rarely seen murals on the east wall. Alternatively, exchange vows in 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 ceremony rooms in the manor is The Spanish Leather Room, ideal for more intimate gatherings with 15 loved ones, or it 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. www.gnb ri.co.uk www.gnb ri.co.uk ROTHAMSTED MANOR 01582 938 500 | www.rothamstedenterprises.com/rothamsted-manor 20