Your Surrey Wedding - Feb/Mar 2019 (Issue 75)

Woodlands Park Hotel is set within eight acres of landscaped gardens and has an outdoor terrace overlooking the grounds; a delightful setting for al fresco reception drinks. Nestled in the Surrey countryside, the hotel is surrounded by nature yet is located just 20 miles from central London. The private driveway leads round manicured hedging to a commanding view of the front of the building, a beautiful location for photographs. Built in 1885, the building is in a Gothic style with black timber framing across pitched roofs, contrasting the rich russet stonework and tall stately chimneys. Intricate Victorian detailing indicates the fine workmanship and design used to build this Grade II listed mansion house, which counted King Edward VII as a regular guest. Entering through to the spacious Grand Hall, guests are greeted by rich oak-panelling, fine oil paintings and a grand feature fireplace. Chandeliers hang overhead, beneath a vaulted ceiling ornate stained-glass windows allow plenty of natural daylight. While the main hotel is full of history and character, the majority of bedrooms benefit from a more contemporary design with all the modern comforts. Couples can choose to wed in the Oak Room with up to 70 guests. This beautiful room is furnished with original oak panelling, stained-glass windows and a magnificent fireplace. The Cornwall Suite, for up to 100, overlooks private gardens with a wall of windows, this light and airy room also has doors leading out onto its own private terrace. The largest of suites, Prince of Wales Suite, has glass panelled doors leading out to a private terrace and landscaped garden, holding up 150, while the Grand Hall (100) is the grandest of places to share vows and is only available on an exclusive- use package. Post-vows, the Prince of Wales Suite and Cornwall Suite hosts 150 and 70 guest respectively. Twelve acres of private grounds and the tree-lined drive up to the house provide a beautiful entrance for guests. Set high on Nutfield ridge, the hotel’s terrace offers magnificent views over the countryside providing a stunning backdrop for photographs. This Victorian mansion house dates back to 1872 and was inspired by the Neo-Gothic splendour of the Palace of Westminster. With towering turrets, and mullioned windows with intricate stone tracery, Nutfield Priory is a striking, romantic venue. Inside, the property boats an array of original features such the original organ, built in 1874, which has been carefully restored and takes pride of place in the Grand Hall. Couples and 15 guests can tie the knot in The Worth Room, with floor-to-ceiling Gothic windows and an original fireplace this suite is the traditional, homely dining room of the hotel. The Gibson Room (for 80) with wood panelling and an ornately carved ceiling, is handsomely decorated and still houses the original marble fireplace. The largest banqueting room, The Fielden Suite, has its own terrace, private bar and cloakrooms accommodating up to 100. Post-vows, The Worth Room (seats 12) or The Leigh room (18) are ideal for intimate wedding breakfasts. The Gibson with its stunning views over the countryside is ideal for sit-down breakfasts of up to 60, while The Fielden Suite seats 100 for dining and up to 140 for an evening reception. The hotel has a well-equipped health club and spa offering Elemis treatments and beauty services, perfect for pre-wedding preparation and post-wedding relaxing. When booking this venue, couples stay in The Byron Suite located in the tower, will benefit from one month’s free health club membership prior to the day as well as enjoy a menu tasting with wines for two. NUTFIELD PRIORY HOTEL & SPA 01737 824 400 | handpickedhotels.co.uk WOODLANDS PARK HOTEL 01372 843 933 | handpickedhotels.co.uk THEMED VENUES 39