WEDDINGS AT THE ORANGERY
CONTENTS
A MAGNIFICENT SETTING
05
THE PERFECT VENUE
07
IT’S OUR PLEASURE
09
CIVIL CEREMONIES & PARTNERSHIPS
11
THE ORANGERY & BOUCHAIN ROOM
13
THE MARLBOROUGH ROOM
15
CULINARY DELIGHTS
17
ENJOY THE SCENERY
19
CONTACT US
21
LOCATION
23
SUPPLIER DIRECTORY
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BLENH EIM PA LACE - TH E ORA NGERY
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A MAGNIFICENT SETTING
Enviably set in 2000 acres of landscaped “Capability” Brown parkland and formal gardens, Blenheim Palace is the perfect setting to create your own fairy-tale wedding celebrations. Blenheim Palace is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Marlborough, and is home today to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and their family. It was in 1874 that Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was born in a small ground floor bedroom, adding another illustrious page to Blenheim Palace’s rich history. A house of true style and grandeur, Blenheim Palace is able to offer you hospitality of the highest standard, turning any event into a truly memorable occasion. As your guests enter Blenheim Palace through the Town Gate at Woodstock the beauty of the Palace, the lake and Grand Bridge will never fail to impress. This view, according to Lord Randolph Churchill, is “the finest view in England” and will live on long in the memory of any guest to the Palace.
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THE PERFECT VENUE
There is a variety of unique and elegant facilities available for you to create your perfect wedding celebrations. The Orangery, with its private entrance and terrace overlooking the Italian Garden provides a stunning daytime and evening venue, whilst The Marlborough Room provides a delightful civil ceremony celebration. We take particular pride, not only in the excellence of our cuisine, but also our attention to detail, for it is the finer touches that will make your occasion so very special. Blenheim Palace offers a unique and stunning location for your most important day.
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IT’S OUR PLEASURE
We take great pride in attention to the finest details, and our team of dedicated wedding and event co-ordinators will ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly, so you can sit back and enjoy the occasion. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary style wedding, we will add that personal and elegant touch. The combination of exceptional service and the magnificent setting will ensure that your special day is truly one to remember.
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CIVIL CEREMONIES & PARTNERSHIPS
By hosting your civil ceremony and partnership in one of our elegant rooms at Blenheim Palace, you can enjoy a personalised touch, and the convenience of holding the ceremony and reception under one roof. Wherever you decide to hold your ceremony, we can help you create one that reflects your distinct style and personality.
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THE ORANGERY & BOUCHAIN ROOM
Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, The Orangery was originally the place where the Orange trees that adorn the formal gardens were grown. Exuding an air of striking elegance from the moment you reach its pillared entrance, The Orangery can accommodate up to 250 guests for a civil ceremony or 180 guests for a wedding breakfast. Guests can enter through the private entrance onto the terrace, which overlooks the ornate Italian Garden. The Orangery is not open to the public and therefore is available for exclusive use for the whole day and evening up to midnight.
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THE MARLBOROUGH ROOM
The Marlborough Room has a beautiful double-vaulted ceiling rising to the full height of the Palace. With two stunning chandeliers and a huge fireplace, this room can accommodate 120 wedding guests for a civil wedding ceremony or 70 wedding guests for a smaller, more intimate wedding reception.
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CULINARY DELIGHTS
Blenheim Palace’s catering is provided by Searcys, bringing a contemporary edge to any wedding or fine dining experience, whilst also providing a traditional service that is synonymous with the Palace’s heritage. Continuing the contemporary theme, a new Champagne Bar has been created at the Palace, and together with a series of stylish and exciting new dining additions, this ensures the World Heritage site is even better placed to provide a truly opulent setting for any wedding or fine dining event.
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ENJOY THE SCENERY
Blenheim Palace is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of stunning parkland and award-winning formal gardens. The splendour and tranquillity of “Capability” Brown’s landscaped park and great lake fringed by majestic oaks and maples is unrivalled in Britain. Over 100 acres of Formal Gardens include the Secret Garden, majestic Water Terraces, The Rose Garden and the Duke of Marlborough’s ornate private garden; The Italian Garden. Walks to the Grand Cascade or across Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge to the Column of Victory take in views of the magnificent grounds; there is beauty to be found in all seasons.
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CONTACT US
BLENHEIM PALACE Woodstock Oxfordshire OX20 1PP T: +44(0) 1993 813874 F: +44(0) 1993 810580 E: sales@blenheimhospitality.com www.blenheimpalace.com
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LOCATION Blenheim Palace is situated in the picturesque and historic town of Woodstock, 8 miles North West of Oxford on the A44 Evesham Road, and approximately an hour’s drive from both London and Birmingham. Stratford-upon-Avon is only 45 minutes away. Approaching Oxford on the M40, exit at junction 9 and follow signs to Blenheim Palace. From other directions take the A44 exit from the Oxford by-pass. There is unlimited free car parking for cars and coaches. The nearest main line train station is Oxford. The number S3 bus runs from the station to Woodstock at approximately 30 minute intervals. Blenheim Palace is located approximately 20 minutes away from the city centre.
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SUPPLIER DIRECTORY
24
ACCOMMODATION
25
BRIDAL WEAR
28
CAKES
30
EVENT MANAGEMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, SOUND & LIGHTING
33
FLORISTRY & DECORATIONS
42
INSURANCE
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MARQUEES
49
STATIONERY
52
TRANSPORT
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WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
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ACCOMMODATION We know it is important to have family and friends close by to enjoy every moment of your special day which is why we have included details of good quality local accommodation offering your guests the opportunity to share your wedding day for a little longer.
Luxury Bed & Breakfast The Marlborough Arms is a historic 14th Century coaching inn located in the heart of Woodstock, with 12 individually designed bedrooms and is within walking distance of Blenheim Palace. In addition to Bed and Breakfast, The Marlborough Arms specialises in exclusive hire for weddings and all special family parties - perfect for the night before, the wedding itself or even a lunch the next day.
u Oxford Street, Woodstock, Oxon OX20 1TS T: 01993 811227 E: bookings@themarlborougharms.co.uk
www.themarlborougharms.co.uk BL E N HEIM PALAC E - T HE O RANG ERY
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Clock off... wind down... chill out...
The place to eat, drink and stay in Woodstock Please call us on 01993 812291 or email us with your individual requirements to enquiries@feathers.co.uk The Feathers | Market Street | Woodstock | Oxfordshire | OX20 1SX www.feathers.co.uk
MACDONALD
BEAR HOTEL
AN EXCLUSIVE HOTEL FITTING TO YOUR EVENT In the historic town of Woodstock, just 500 metres from the gates of the magnificent Blenheim Palace, Macdonald Bear Hotel is an exclusive and suitably exquisite location to accommodate your party overnight. Ideal to host pre-dinner drinks before your main event, accommodate your VIPs or hire exclusively for your party, we have stylish reception rooms, stunning bedrooms, secure car parking and the award-winning restaurant 10 in 8 founded by Alan Murchison. • 54 individually-styled bedrooms • Luxurious rooms for private dining or pre-event drink receptions
• Magnificent period features and old house charm • Plenty of secure car parking • Butler service
• Afternoon tea in the Churchill Lounge • Exclusive use available
Macdonald Bear Hotel, Park Street, Oxfordshire, OX20 ISZ www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/Bear
BRIDAL WEAR
With the right dress every bride will look beautiful on her wedding day. A dress to reflect your style and personality. Your wedding dress probably requires more thought and often more expense than any outfit you’ll ever wear. Shopping for your wedding dress is one of life’s greatest joys. We recommend only the best wedding dress designer to make your wedding day a fairytale. By enlisting the services of a professional you are guaranteed expert advice on what will suit you. It’s all about looking radiant, styling and reflecting your dreams for the future.
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warm welcome There’s a
await ing you...
Mae Bridal is a beautifully relaxing wedding dress boutique located in central Witney, with designs including Phil Collins Bridal, Trudy Lee and Veromia, you will be spoilt for choice. Appointments last for 1 1/ 2 hours and are tailored to you. A truly special experience. Please call Hannah on the number below to arrange your appointment.
CAKES
The grand centrepiece of any wedding feast is the cake. Bringing in the professionals will provide a sumptuous wedding cake to astound your guests. You can add your individual style when creating your wedding cake decorations and take inspiration from your wedding theme for ideas about colour and ice your cake to co-ordinate with your place settings, flowers or even the bridesmaids’ dresses. Enlisting the creative talents of a bespoke cake maker or cake designer will help create the perfect look incorporating your own design and specification.
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Scattercake Fully Bespoke Designer Wedding Cakes
...made individually and exclusively by leading cake artist, Annie Relph
Oxford - London - UK Scattercake.co.uk 01865 464264
Here at Sweet Tiers Cakes we specialise in Romantic style Wedding Cakes. We pride ourselves in our friendly and professional service, giving you peace of mind from the initial consultation to the delivery and set-up at your chosen venue.
u Please contact us for a free consultation and tasting. T: 01296 427673 E: info@sweettierscakes.co.uk
www.sweettierscakes.co.uk
EVENT MANAGEMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, SOUND & LIGHTING
Organising a wedding or special occasion requires great skill and an immense amount of time as there are so many decisions to be made. That is why it is a good idea to enlist the services of a professional who can help you plan a truly bespoke celebration. Choosing the correct entertainment to please not only you but the entire bridal party and guests will present an array of options. You want to be captivated by the performance of the singers, musicians and entertainers. You may even decide to treat your guests to a performance which they may otherwise never get to experience. This will create a unique and awe inspiring day for everyone.
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I do I do I do!
Fantastic Fireworks invites you to celebrate with a display of music and fireworks every bit as breathtaking as the magnificent setting you have chosen for your wedding. Call us now on 0845 272 3550 or email info@fantasticďŹ reworks.co.uk and let us show you how we can add a touch of magic to your big day.
www.fantasticweddingďŹ reworks.co.uk
Musicians À-la-Carte for Private & Corporate Events
Musicians of the highest quality, at your service to accompany you on any special occasion
Phone: +44 (0)7900 088173 E-mail: info@musiciansalacarte.com
w w w. mu s i c i a n s a l a c a r t e. c o m
CONTEMPORARY HARPIST
Tori is a full-time professional harpist who has performed internationally with artists including Nigel Kennedy. Tori has been the recommended harpist for Beder Photography
Blenheim Palace for over 5 years, adding a classic yet contemporary touch to the entertainment.
Specialising in arranging unusual music for the harp, Tori has a unique and eclectic
Long established as one of the UK’s finest wedding and party bands, our
repertoire, of classical, contemporary, pop,
sets are packed with stunning covers of the best soul, classic pop, disco,
rock & jazz, from Canon in D to Coldplay, Debussy to Dire Straits, Bob Marley, Take Five, and even Guns n’ roses!
funk and choice contemporary hits. We give your party great music, exciting entertainment and brilliant musicianship, creating a fantastic party atmosphere that only a quality live band can bring!
• Evening party band • Background jazz for dinner or drinks receptions
Chris Normandale Photography
e info@torishands.com t 07886 800909 www.torishands.com
T: +44 (0)7859 023 994 / +44 (0)7734 861 964 E: info@groovestone.net W: www.groovestone.net facebook.com/groovestoneband
AWARD WINNING PROFESSIONAL STRING
Are you having an event? A Wedding. A Ball. A Party Let Black Cat take the Strain for you.
QUARTET WITH REPERTOIRE RANGING FROM BACH TO BEYONCE AND TCHAIKOVSKY TO THE KILLERS. ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER
We supply the best Party bands and Disco’s
QUARTETS FOR WEDDINGS
to suit your needs. We also supply Lounge
AND FUNCTIONS.
and Trad Jazz bands/Harpist/String Quartets for a range of events in this stunning venue. As Oxfords premier entertainment management company and a recommended Music and entertainment supplier for Blenheim Palace
RECENTLY FEATURED ON GMTV, 4 WEDDINGS & DON’T TELL THE BRIDE
our competitive and 100% reliable service can be tailored to your wedding or party to suit your requirements.
T: 07779 516634 or 01865 721350 and ask for Tony
www.blackcatonline.co.uk
T: 077 8716 3482 W: www.nerostringquartet.com E: info@nerostringquartet.com
Strawberry Strings
Matt Maurice
Event Music DISCOTHEQUE COUTURE
DJS, BANDS, SOUND & LIGHTING
Based in London, Strawberry Strings are one of the Capital’s most prestigious string quartets who work extensively throughout the UK.
WEDDINGS CORPORATE EVENTS PRIVATE PARTIES
With over 15 years experience, we are a trusted Blenheim Palace supplier.
Contact Naomi Fairhurst on: Tel. 07973 563034 www.strawberrystrings.com
t: 0845 127 9952 e: info@mattmaurice.co.uk www.mattmaurice.co.uk
City Audio Visual is a local professional and specialist provider of Audio Visual equipment. We help our clients run their events with the minimum fuss and maximum impact. If you are organising an event, festival, conference, wedding or party call City Audio Visual to make the best truly memorable.
City Audio Visual Ltd Unit 19 Kings Meadow, Ferry Hinksey Road, Oxford, OX2 0DP T: 01865 722800 E: info@cityav.co.uk www.cityaudiovisual.co.uk
FLORISTRY & DECORATIONS
Flowers create a lasting impression on your wedding ceremony and special occasion and the bouquet and table centrepieces are an integral part of your celebration. A professional floral designer will create the most beautiful floral displays for your special day. Using the finest quality flowers and inspirational, innovative and contemporary techniques they will transform your wedding or special occasion into a remarkable visual delight. Create a truly bespoke wedding day with chair covers and sashes tailored to your chosen colour scheme or a room decorated entirely to your own individual requirements. Chair covers can really transform a room and create a magical look to enhance your theme.
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stylish, timeless & desirable
Tel: 07870 503591 joanna@joannacarterflowers.co.uk
www.joannacarterflowers.co.uk
THE
DIVINE FLOWER COMPANY
in association with
Combining innovation and creativity, meticulous attention to detail and an all-important passion for flowers, The Divine Flower Company takes beautiful flowers ...and makes them divine.
Tel: 02074042541 and 07817563098 Email: divineflowers@wildabout.co.uk www.divine-flowers.co.uk
Your wedding, your big day. Creating a welcoming ambience at your venue is a key part of creating not just a perfect day, but your perfect day. Our professional wedding venue stylists use chair covers, sashes, and styling accessories to create your vision. Call or email us to discuss your Wedding ideas, themes and dream day.
Charlotte & Dave Small, Ambience Venue Styling (Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire) Tel: 0800 043 9142 Mob: 07730 134095 Email: thames@ambiencevenuestyling.com
www.ambiencevenuestyling.com
Daisies, situated in central North Oxford, has been doing beautiful flowers for Queens, Princesses, Presidents, Lords and Ladies – but most of all for YOU, since 1987. We’ve helped thousands of customers, both private and corporate, to celebrate weddings and partnerships, anniversaries and achievements. Please get in touch to discuss your future events.
Kk
106 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6AJ T. 01865 554882 E. events@daisies-flower-shop.co.uk
www.daisies-flower-shop.co.uk
INSURANCE If you’re getting married then no doubt you’ll have spent months planning your perfect wedding day. The most important factor for any anyone planning an event is comfort: the knowledge that whatever happens it’s covered. So if you take out Event Insurance, they’ll do everything they can to make sure that your wedding is financially protected.
Wedding insurance
............................................... When it comes to insuring your special day, we offer a range of comprehensive wedding insurance packages to suit the style and scale of any occasion. Backed by one of the UK’s leading insurers, our policies are extremely affordable and totally reliable.
Weddings • Celebrations • Parties
Freephone 0800 515 980 www.events-insurance.co.uk ...............................................
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01/08/2012 12:23
MARQUEES
Wedding marquee hire needs to be stylish and innovative, with attention being given to the overall design, both inside and out, helping to create an altogether unique atmosphere.
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Combining our knowledge and experience of modern temporary structures with ingenious and creative design-led interiors and expert project management, we deliver some of the most stunning structures seen at events today. THE REASONS BEHIND OUR SUCCESS ARE SIMPLE:• Unrivalled reliability & commitment to customer service • Exceptional kit manufactured & maintained to the highest standards • Excellent staff fully trained in all aspects of Health & Safety & site etiquette • The adaptability to meet any design brief • A passion for our industry that delivers stunning structures
Ascot Structures, Alutech House, Green Lane, Heythrop OX7 5TU T: 01608 683 999 F: 01608 683 111 E: office@ascotstructures.co.uk
www.ascotstructures.co.uk www.facebook.com/ascotstructures
@ascotstructures
STATIONERY Your wedding invitation plays a vital role in the wedding planning, not only to invite the guests but also to give them a preview of the style of the occasion to come. The invitation is the foundation for the rest of your personalised wedding stationery which can incorporate Order of Service, Table Menus and Place Name Cards, Guest Books, Table Plans, Thank You Cards, etc. Enlisting the help of a professional stationery service takes the stress and strain away from you. A stationery expert will help you with stationery etiquette and work with you to create and design a wedding stationery suite that reflects your individual style and is tailored to your wedding theme.
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TRANSPORT
Experience the ultimate chauffeur service for your wedding with a highly experienced chauffeur, who is impeccably dressed and has an excellent knowledge of the surrounding area, they will make sure that you arrive in first class style whilst assuring your comfort, safety and security. Your choice of car will depend on the style and theme of your wedding or special occasion. Fill your day with elegance, and turn heads as you arrive in a luxurious limousine, classic, vintage or sports car with your own personal chauffeur.
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The style of the past at the start of your future
1936 Armstrong Siddeley Limousine Landaulette
1937 Austin London Taxi Landaulette
1955 Bentley ‘R’ Type Sports Saloon
1966 London Routemaster RML 70 seat Double Decker Bus
1949 Bedford OB 29 seater Coach
1966 Leyland PD3 70 seat Double Decker Bus
C O U RT YA R D C AR R I AG E S
Start your day in true romantic style in one of our horse drawn carriages, pulled by a pair of our elegant dutch horses.
We offer a personalised service for you and your guests on your special day. Choose from our classic range of chauffeur driven vintage limousines, cars, taxis and buses. For further Nostalgic vehicles please visit our website:
Available throughout the year, call for more details:
01761 471888 www.courtyardcarriages.com
www.nostalgiatravel.com T. 01865 241444 E. info@nostalgiatravel.co.uk
Elizabeth Melvin P H O T O G R A P H Y
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Capture your wedding day or special occasion forever. Enlisting the services of a professional photographer will make the photo album the most treasured memento of your day. We recommend the use of professional photographers who are familiar with our venue so they can truly capture the most attractive settings. Employing the skills and equipment of a professional will ensure you are not disappointed as you will receive a more superior quality image production. For unparalleled service, we recommend the following photography companies for your wedding.
What makes us special?
What our clients say in their thank you cards... “You’re not just fabulous photographers; you also bring smiles, ideas, humour and unflagging energy - not to mention spare stockings, veil, pins, make-up etc. etc.! Any time you want a reference, just ask!”
T: 01295 780735 M: 07711 209587 E: lizzie_melvin@me.com
www.elizabethmelvinphotography.co.uk BL E N HEIM PALAC E - T HE O RANG ERY
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Tel: +44 (0)1242 690909 www.weddingsbynicolaandglen.com
Stylish Editorial Artistic
WEDDINGS BY
nicola & glen
Wedding Photography at Blenheim Palace
by
nicola & glen
Tel: +44 (0)1242 690909 www.weddingsbynicolaandglen.com
Published by Fine Hotels UK Š 2012 T: +44 (0)1483 763762 www.finehotelsuk.com
BLENHEIM PALACE Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1PP T: +44(0) 1993 813874 F: +44(0) 1993 810580 E: sales@blenheimhospitality.com www.blenheimpalace.com