Your West Midlands Wedding - Dec/Jan 2019 (Issue 65)

WALCOT HALL 01588 680 570 | walcothall.com Surrounded by the rolling Shropshire countryside Walcot Hall is in a truly magical spot that covers more than 30 acres and includes one of the finest arboretums in Britain. A true Georgian gem with character in abundance, grand without being imposing, Walcot Hall has two large spaces, the Main Hall and the Ballroom. The Main Hall holds up to 120 guests and boasts marble columns, ornate ceiling and sweeping staircase which is sure to get guests talking – it’s also a great place for drinks receptions. The beautiful turquoise Ballroom can hold wedding ceremonies as well as sit-down meals and evening receptions. This large, bright room has 30ft chandeliers, an open fire, gilt mirrors and tall sash windows for up to 150 guests for a wedding ceremony. The room gets turned around for the evening, taking the furniture away and making space for the evening’s entertainment plus the all-important dancefloor. Capacity for an evening reception is 200 guests. At this venue, there’s two large lawn areas where ceremonies can take place outside; in front of the fountain or to the side of the Main Hall with views of The Longmynd, Shropshire Hills. Drinks receptions can take place in multiple spaces at the venue, allowing the couple to pick what will work best for them. The beautiful walled gardens are in abundance, there’s planted borders, summer houses, garden furniture and table tennis for guests to enjoy. Another space is the private walled courtyard for 100, close to the facilities and bar area. The Anteroom and bar area is at the entrance to the Ballroom that can host smaller drinks receptions for 80 loved ones without them having to enter the main Ballroom. This space benefits from an open fire, comfortable seating and a grand piano with access to the courtyard and facilities. The venue has a large amount of self-catering accommodation on-site ranging from large cottages to rustic cabins and glamping accommodations dotted around the arboretum – there’s something for everyone! Wedding couples can book as much or as little of the accommodation as they wish. Walcot Hall can accommodate up to 115 guests on-site. When a bride and groom book they’ll receive 10% off all returning stays to Walcot Hall’s holiday accommodation. jadeosbornephotography.com oliviamoonphotography.com HAWKSTONE HALL & GARDENS 01630 685 242 | hawkstonehall.co.uk Located within the rolling Shropshire Hills, Hawkstone Hall & Gardens is a magnificent Grade I listed building with views onwards to the Welsh valleys. The exterior, with its grand main house and two large wings either side, is a site to behold and gives that feeling of travelling back in time. Ceilings gilded with gold, sweeping staircases, four- poster suites, roll-top tubs, a private Chapel, and that’s just the beginning. Each of the spaces at Hawkstone Hall offer a completely unique experience; from the intricate detailed ceiling of the Ballroom and the huge arched windows of The Saloon, the grandeur of The Chapel to the abundance of light in the Winter- Garden, each individual space provides its very own highlight. Ceremonies take place in any of the following: a stunning private chapel, separate from the main house hosts up to 200 loved ones; while in the house The Saloon and The Tapestry both hold up to 100 friends and family. For larger nuptials, The Ballroom is great for 150, while outside in the gardens, marquee or tipi hire, or under the pagoda by the lily pond offers space from 200 to 700 guest. After the all-important ‘I dos’ celebrate in The Saloon, for a standing reception of up 150, or The Refectory boasting a light-up glittering dancefloor, moodlighting and spaces for live music and up to 250 guests. When booking this big-day venue couples benefit from a free menu tasting for bride and groom, and the most luxurious Bridal Preparation Suite. The Bridal Wing offers individual hair and make-up stations, comfortable seating, dress hanging rails, personal butler service for the bride the night before, and the day of her wedding and space to enjoy a relaxed breakfast buffet, whilst you sit back and anticipate all that is to come. LOCAL VENUES 21