HISTORY IN THE MAKING

IN THE makingHistory Say your vows in a venue that’s stood the test of time

GOSFIELD HALL

01787 472914 | www.gosfield-hall.co.uk

A striking Georgian mansion set within 10 acres, Gosfield Hall contains grand and elegant reception rooms that blend both style and comfort – including a cocktail terrace for welcome drinks, and a sheltered courtyard. The Grand Salon provides an impressive welcome area for your guests, with its high hand-painted ceiling, double-height sash windows, roaring log fire and baby grand piano. The Prophet’s Chamber – or the snug as it’s more affectionately known – is a cosy space for a quiet five minutes for newlyweds, or perfect for more mature guests to escape the hustle and bustle of your evening party. Then there’s the Library; oozing character and charm, it boasts views over the terrace, fountain and Gosfield Lake beyond.

Ceremonies of up to 116 take place in Queen Charlotte’s oak-panelled gallery – just imagine making your entrance along the 120-footlong aisle! You can also opt for an alfresco affair in the inner or outer courtyard, while the Grand Salon offers a third option to suit every taste. Receptions are then held in the former Marquis of Buckingham’s Ballroom, a truly exquisite setting for fine dining. Seating 116 for a wedding breakfast under crystal chandeliers and double-height mirrors, it really is a space to take your wedding party’s breath away.

Want to offer your friends and family the option to spend the night? Gosfield Hall also has 23 suites to stay in, comprising 14 double rooms and nine family rooms. There’s also the option to bed down in The Marquis, a house two minutes from the Hall itself, which offers a further nine guest bedrooms for the night of your wedding.

THE OLD PARISH ROOMS

01268 833101| www.theoldparishrooms.com

Build in 1863 as a schoolhouse, and now a Grade II listed building, The Old Parish Rooms are set within the grounds of a church in the picturesque town of Rayleigh. Historic on the outside but cool and contemporary within, the space offers white brick walls and exposed steel beams, giving you the perfect blank canvas for your wedding styling. There are also two mezzanine floors available, meaning you can create different areas while keeping your guests together in the same space. And that’s before you account for the huge amount of photo opportunities to be had, with a firm favourite being right outside the venue between its impressive windows. Become newlyweds with a more intimate ceremony in the ‘chapel’ mezzanine for up to 30. Alternatively, for a larger party, why not hold the ceremony on the ground floor for up to 60? Your reception then takes place for up to 80 seated guests across all mezzanine floors – or, for a more casual affair, up to 100.

Psst! There are currently some fantastic rates for midweek weddings, twilight weddings or last-minute dates – be sure to get in touch to find out more.

www.thekensingtonphotographer.co.uk www.paulandrewsweddings.photo

MARKSHALL ESTATE

01376 565420 | www.markshall.org.uk/weddings

Markshall Estate’s The Coach House is a beautiful 18th century building originally used to house horse drawn carriages for the mansion house. Surrounded by parkland, an arboretum, lakes and a walled garden, it’s here you’ll create everlasting memories of your special day.

The rustic, red brick and exposed beams of The Coach House are adorned with twinkling fairy lights, setting the perfect backdrop for your wedding. Three sets of double doors then open out onto a spacious terrace covered by three Chinese hat marquees, providing a shady spot on warmer days to drink in the view and fragrance of the garden’s blooms and scented borders.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to picking an actual space to say ‘I do’, with either The Flower Garden, The Coach House or The Woodland available – the estate has a licence for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. You’ll then enjoy a wedding breakfast for up to 140 – and up to 200 with evening guests – at The Coach House or The Tipi Field. Just be sure to take full advantage of the 250 acres of manicured gardens and wild woodland for photographs you’ll cherish forever.

RAYLEIGH WINDMILL

01702 318120 | www.rochford.gov.uk/windmillweddings

How cool would it be to get hitched in an actual windmill? That’s right – Rayleigh’s Grade II listed Windmill boasts more than 210 years of history, and has now been sympathetically refurbished and restored to its original grandeur for weddings and other celebrations!

An iconic and unique venue for intimate ceremonies, it offers seating for up to 20 guests (22 including yourselves) for those seeking a smaller wedding gathering. The ground floor ceremony room is also a blank canvas for your choice of decorations, with an optional hire of chair covers and a choice of sashes. Adjacent to the Windmill are the peaceful Windmill Gardens and the historic Rayleigh Mount; two perfect backdrops for capturing pictures of your special day. And don’t forget to get those picture-perfect snaps of you as a newly-married couple in front of the Windmill’s iconic sails!

THE OLD HOUSE

01702 318120 | www.rochford.gov.uk/oldhouseweddings

The Old House is a Medieval Grade II listed building that has all the fairy-tale touches of a larger venue, but in a charming quaint residence. One of the oldest buildings in England, The Old House is the perfect location for intimate weddings and other special celebrations. Its magical Old Hall, dating from 1270, hosts 24 ceremony guests. With its stunning altar-inspired fireplace and beautiful hammer beam ceiling, this is an enchanting setting to exchange your vows.

To the rear of the property, you’ll find a large garden for exclusive use on your special day. There are also two glamorous rooms for the wedding party to get ready ahead of the ceremony, and cosy reception spaces to toast you as a happy couple. The reviews certainly speak for themselves… “We were so pleased we decided to have our wedding ceremony at The Old House,” say Kevin and Jackie Lapage, who married at The Old House in 2019. “The building was set in wonderful surroundings, and the features inside were stunning. It definitely made for some treasured memories and incredible photographs.”