Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding - December/January 2024/2025 (Issue 104)

FAIRYTALE CASTLE VOWS Sudeley Castle & Gardens, one of England’s most historic and exclusive private estates, proudly overlooking the quintessential Cotswold village of Winchcombe, has released a limited number of wedding dates for 2025. As a popular destination and private home to Lady Ashcombe, the estate only offers a select number of dates for weddings each year, with availability in high demand. Once referred to as ‘the most romantic place in the Cotswolds,’ Sudeley Castle & Gardens offers a magnificent backdrop for weddings of all sizes, with a range of spectacular indoor and outdoor spaces, all steeped in more than 1,000 years of history. Larger celebrations can be enjoyed in a marquee on the North Lawn, which sits on the private side of the castle, overlooking the romantic facade of the Tithe Barn. Alternatively, the impressive Orangery and the recently upgraded Castle Coach House, offer a flexible and versatile space that can comfortably accommodate up to 150 guests. Say your “I dos” in the private St Mary’s Church, that offers an enchanting atmosphere for up to 130 guests. For smaller ceremonies for up to 50 guests, the Dent-Brocklehurst family library is the perfect setting for civil ceremonies, within the privacy of the castle itself. Open-aired settings to make the most of the stunning scenery are available across the grounds. Loved ones don’t have to worry about making their way home with a selection of gorgeous self-catering accommodation options available to book, located on the estate, for up to 90 wedding guests. Prices start from £4,500 for weekday weddings, from £5,500 for weekend weddings, and from £20,000 for exclusive-use weddings. With only a limited number of dates available, couples are urged to enquire as soon as possible to secure their dream day. Find out more at www.sudeleycastle.co.uk/weddings WINNING WAYS Bath’s grandest address, the historic Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, has just gained an additional distinction to add to its name; that of two Michelin Keys. While the Michelin Star recognises the most outstanding restaurants in the world, the Michelin Key does the very same for outstanding hotels. This prestigious award is given to those hotels that excel not only in service and personality, also in design and architecture. It accompanies a new chapter in the Hotel’s 250-year history as it emerges with a fresh and luxurious new look and feel. Made up of two Grade I listed townhouses set in the centre of the most iconic crescent in the world, the Hotel recently appointed Woodhouse and Law to transform the bedrooms, suites, lobby, drawing room and former library of the landmark building. The award accompanies a recent flurry of accolades for the Hotel and design studio alike. In light of the recent work undertaken at the Hotel, Woodhouse and Law was recently shortlisted for Best Hotel Design of the Year at this year’s Independent Hotel Show at London Olympia. This year also saw the Hotel named as one of The Times’ prestigious Best Places to Stay in the UK for 2024, as well as being shortlisted at The Boutique Hotelier Awards at The World Travel Awards. Find out more about tying the knot at this iconic venue at www.royalcrescent.co.uk Woodhouse Law The Shannons and Emily Rose Hamilton https://poppycarterportraits.com 10 URBAN-CHIC “I DOS” Set in a Grade I listed property overlooking the historical Queen Square in Bath, House of St John’s has added city chic weddings to its offering, with the launch of its new ceremony venue. Micro weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years and the new venue perfectly caters to this demand, with a stylish option that can accommodate up to 30 nearest and dearest. Amy Grant, head of operations and events at House of St John’s says, “There’s a significant gap in Bath’s wedding venue market for more personalised city ceremonies that are priced affordably and set in a special location in keeping with the wedding day experience. The trend of chic modern micro weddings isn’t slowing down so we’ve created a beautiful space where couples can tie the knot. The venue is perfect for those looking for an intimate big day.” The venue offers two elegant rooms for the “I dos.” The Whittington Suite accommodates up to 30 loved ones, while the Fitzwarren Room can hold 12 guests, including the two of you. You’ll have one-and-a-half hours to enjoy your ceremony along with a celebratory toast with your guests. The standard package includes a personal wedding coordinator to meticulously plan the ceremony, in addition to venue hire, floral arrangements, ceremony chairs and music. Optional extras range from Champagne receptions and an upgraded floral design package, to photography, videography, and live musicians. You can also enjoy a discounted stay in the luxury apartments offered at St Catherine’s after your big day. House of St John’s was founded by Bath community charity St John’s Foundation in 2022. Profits from the venue are gifted to the charity to support under-served children in Bath and North East Somerset, driving positive social change in the local community. Find out more at https://hosj.co.uk/weddings-bath

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=