GOING LOCAL

www.weddingsbyanesta.com GOING local

Where to wed in Romford, Brentwood, Basildon and Billericay

OLD BROOK BARN

07747 116 100 | www.oldbrookbarn.co.uk

Positioned within the picturesque village of Navestock, Essex, boutique wedding venue Old Brook Barn is a 17th-century barn set within 23 acres of English countryside. Accessed via a charming timber bridge it’s perfectly positioned alongside a natural brook. A secluded courtyard is to the front of the barn furnished with a gazebo, rustic bar area and bespoke timber furniture lovingly created to match the character of the barn. With its exposed beams, high ceilings and carved wood detailing the barn has been lovingly restored retaining many of its original features.

The main hall offers scenic views across the meadow whilst the Minstrels Gallery overlooks the main hall and offers a wonderful south-facing balcony. All with the added benefit of modern lighting and PA system, as well as a fully equipped bar and disabled/baby changing facilities.

Couples can tie the knot al fresco in the Secret Garden (180 guests) or the Courtyard (120), both are also idyllic spaces for an outdoor canapé and drinks reception.

Inside, The Barn, (96) boasts exposed beams and chandelier lighting, while the Minstrels Gallery (120) is positioned above the main hall and has stunning views across the meadow field; both, again, are fabulous choices for drinks receptions.

Post-vows, the Main Hall seats up to 150 guests for a delicious wedding breakfast (lovingly created by Limeberry Catering or Stock and Bailey Catering). It has stunning views across the meadow and is furnished with round tables and chivari chairs.

When tying the knot here, couples can access the barn and it’s grounds before and after their wedding day. Looking out onto the entrance of the secret garden is a wonderfully quaint Honeymoon Cottage. Providing ample space for a bride and her maids to prepare on the wedding morning as well as offering overnight facilities for the newlyweds to spend their wedding night.

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INGATESTONE HALL

01277 353 010 | www.ingatestonehall.com

Ingatestone Hall is a 16th-century manor house that has been used as a private residence by the same family since it was built in 1540. It still mostly retains its original Tudor features high chimneys, brick-mullioned windows, turrets and crow-stepped gables – a picture-perfect backdrop for wedding photos.

The house is in a completely rural setting about a mile from Ingatestone Village and is surrounded by 12 acres of grounds boasting lawns, shrubberies, stew pond, walled garden and woodland.

Inside, its principal rooms are mostly oak-panelled containing furniture and family pictures accumulated over the centuries. The house is normally furnished for private occupation but can be rearranged to suit the needs of a particular event.

The Stone Hall, which can host 80 day guests and 100 reception attendees, features oak-panelled walls, flagstone floors, and hung with portraits, principally of Stuart royalty. Alternatively, the Summer Parlour, the former ballroom, is a delightful space hosting up to 80 day and 100 evening guests. It features plaster walls, maple floor, and hung with family portraits.

For an intimate, ceremony only option, the Dining Room can host 40 loved ones and has oak-panelled walls with 17th-century tapestries.

Current regulations also allow for outdoor ceremonies for which there are a number of suitable locations in which tents, pavilions or gazebos can be erected – also providing unlimited guest numbers.

A standout feature of the property is the outer courtyard with entrance arch, surmounted by an unusual one-handed clock.

GREENWOODS HOTEL AND SPA

01277 829 990 | www.greenwoodshotel.co.uk

Set in the Essex countryside, Greenwoods Hotel and Spa’s beautiful grounds boast a tranquil pond and fountain, a stunning licensed garden gazebo for an al fresco wedding ceremony and the setting is surrounded by acres of uninterrupted views.

The hotel’s state-of-the-art Garden Suite is a purpose-built space with its own private bar, kitchens, toilets and a built-in sound and lightening system. Blending modern décor with historic architecture, it’s the perfect blank canvas to build your dream wedding day. Ceremonies take place here with up to 150 loved ones, in front of the beautiful light curtain with mood-lighting matched perfectly to wedding décor. Alternatively, head outside for an al fresco soiree with up to 150 friends and family. Set in the grounds, the Garden Gazebo is a dream space nestled within the trees, fully licensed and completely picturesque.

Post-vows, the Garden Suite is where all wedding receptions take place and it can host up to 150 loved ones for a wedding breakfast and 300 for a reception. The suite benefits from beautiful original 17th-century brickwork blending the old with the new.

When tying the knot here, couples receive a complimentary food tasting prior to the wedding and a complimentary bridal suite the night of – and also complimentary chair sashes to help decorate the room for the big day!

Neil Fortescue Photography, Matt Wing Photography

www.dayandknightphotography.co.uk

HUTTON HALL

01277 402 992 | www.huttonhall.co.uk

Hutton Hall is a Georgian Manor house with a very interesting history. On arrival, a sweeping driveway will lead you through the beautiful gardens, past the duck pond to the front door of the hall. The Grade II* listed 300-year-old house boasts many historic features such as the large

Jacobean fireplace and listed grand staircase in the hall. Now a luxurious wedding venue that has been completely refurbished creating a fabulous blend of traditional elegance and modern styles.

The panoramic marquee situated in eight acres of manicured gardens overlooks the fountain and the Rose Garden providing a stunning backdrop on your wedding day. The gardens are particularly beautiful in spring, summer and early autumn with flower beds filled with stunning flowers, perfect rolling lawns, trees and a partial historic moat with a bridge leading to the village church. The gazebo for outdoor weddings stands on the lawn in a beautiful position to the side of the Rose Garden.

Ceremonies take place in the panelled Blue Room for up to 100 people, al fresco under the rustic gazebo situated on the rear lawn for up to 120 people, or couples can choose the village church situated on Church Lane 150 yards from the hall to the side of the moat.

Post-vows, the Blue Room, the Grand Hall, the Library and the Piano Room are all stunning reception rooms; what’s more, afternoon drinks receptions can be hosted in the Rose Garden directly to the rear of the marquee. Wedding breakfast can be held for up to 120 people and the evening reception 150.

When tying the knot here, one feature that couples absolutely fall in love with is the stunning two-storey Bridal Preparation Room on the first floor. Included in packages is an overnight stay in the Bridal Suite for the couple on the night of their wedding.

THE MAGIC MUSHROOM RESTAURANT

01268 289 963 | https://magicmushroomrestaurant.co.uk

The Magic Mushroom Restaurant is set on Barleylands Road on the edge of Barleylands in Billericay – offering a tranquil setting. The front of the restaurant has pretty floral borders and the car park is just opposite the restaurant.

Its Wedding Function Rooms have been designed with a contemporary and modern look with charming wooden beams providing a bright and airy space perfect for your special day. The décor is neutral to allow you to decorate with your own colour theme.

When tying the knot here, couples have the following options; the Private Dining Room is a modern, bright and charming room which can accommodate between 4 to 50 people for vows, and 16 to 35 for the wedding breakfast and up to 55 loved ones for the reception. The room has wooden beams and a light neutral décor, benefiting from its own entrance, bar and toilets.

Alternatively, Back Restaurant is a beamed, bright and airy room with one side of glass windows to allow in lots of light. The restaurant can accommodate between 30 to 100 guests for your nuptials, sit-down meal and evening do. By hiring the Back Restaurant, you also have the Private Dining Room which has its own entrance, bar and toilets, as the two rooms are joined by bi-folding doors.

Being one of the best fine dining restaurants in Essex, couples can rest assured its team of highly talented chefs can put together a bespoke, exquisite menu for the wedding breakfast and reception using only the best fresh ingredients.

Weddingsat Markshall Estate

An indescribably romantic setting for your perfect day, Markshall Estate is the venue you’ve been looking for…

The experience

From the moment you arrive at Markshall Estate to the very last dance, the team are on hand. The expert wedding coordinator will tour the venue with you and create your perfect day. With a fantastic list of recommended suppliers, you can rest assured that no detail will go unchecked. This is your special day, and the team are with you every step of the way.

On the day of the wedding, you’ll get ready in style as you and your closest friends and family have access to your own private preparation suite, which is just minutes from the Coach House. Take advantage of the hair and make-up bar and enjoy specially selected canapés from the dedicated team, while your guests make their way through this beautiful landscape to your ceremony destination.

After your first kiss as a married couple, you can have your wedding photographs taken in a number of stunning locations throughout the Arboretum and Walled Garden. Stroll hand-in-hand by the lakes, surround yourselves with gorgeous blooms in the gardens or get back to nature in the ancient woodlands. There’s even a buggy on site to easily transport you to each location.

Found in 2,350 acres of serene Essex countryside Located less than an hour from London Three memorable wedding locations to choose from