SPOTLIGHT ON

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Spotlight on... IPSWICH AND BEYOND

Where to wed in and around this historic port town

HINTLESHAM HALL, IPSWICH

01473 652 334 | www.hintleshamhall.co.uk

This Suffolk gem is sure to wow your guests as they wind their way down the tree-lined drive to discover the impressive hall. Surrounded by peaceful mature gardens, the outside of the building has a Georgian frontage and an elegant Tudor feature at the back. There’s a choice of distinctive rooms where you can tie the knot including the Georgian-style Salon. The impressive chandelier and ornate gold-leaf ceiling add to the period charm and there’s space for up to 100 loved ones. For more intimate ceremonies, The Justice on the ground floor overlooking the back lawns has an appeal all of its own and the first floor Carolean is another stunning ceremony space. There are three beautiful function rooms too, including The Salon which with the adjacent Parlour is big enough for up to 135 family and friends to celebrate in style. Relax in the venue’s inviting lounges and at the end of the night you and your guests can retire to the luxuriously furnished bedrooms, many with original timber beams and features.

We love... the stunning 17th-century plasterwork ceiling in the Carolean, believed to be one of the finest of its kind in the country.

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This local landmark is set on the Ipswich waterfront, ideal for those all-important just-wed photos. Full of character and charm, the venue boasts a rich history spanning centuries and was once a wool merchant’s home and workplace. The Grade I and Grade II* listed building has been lovingly restored and now provides a unique setting for weddings. Some of the oldest parts are thought to date back to between 1430 and 1550. There are original features throughout, including exposed beams and vaulted ceilings with exhibits from the building’s industrious past on display. Formally known as the Sale Room, stone steps lead into the timberframed ceremony room. Once used for storing wool cloth for exporting it is now a magical place to tie the knot and celebrate afterwards with up to 50 guests. There’s a variety of other spaces for the wedding breakfast and reception including the Crossways or Barley Room, ideal for intimate affairs. For larger parties, the Top Floor comes complete with its own bar and beautiful views over the marina and can accommodate up to 80 loved ones for the wedding breakfast and 150 for the reception. During the spring and summer months, the private garden is also an idyllic spot for a chilled barbecue.

We love... the on-site Merchant House, dating back to 1636 you can get ready here on the big day and there’s accommodation for up to 14 guests with four double rooms and a romantic wedding suite.

ALPHETON HALL BARNS, ALPHETON

01284 830 200 | www.alpheton-hall-barns.co.uk

If you’re on the hunt for an authentic, rustic setting, Alpheton Hall Barns could well be your dream venue. Unspoilt and sympathetically restored rather than converted, think honey-coloured oak beams and soft, limeplastered walls with big doors opening directly out to the grounds – a little bit of wedding heaven! The barns are part of an ancient settlement including Alpheton Hall and the Church of St Peter & St Paul, all set in 25 acres of grassland and woodland at the end of a no-through road. The two traditional, timber frame Suffolk barns provide an impressive backdrop with their black timber cladding. Nestled between the Stackyard Wedding Garden, great for welcome drinks and garden games, and the Confetti Arboretum, it’s a photographer’s dream. You can say ‘I do’ in the stunning 17th-century Ceremony Barn which can seat from 50 to 200 guests or the new Woodland Ceremony Glade with its natural tree aisle, oak framed shelter and bench seating. The main South Barn has everything needed for the wedding breakfast and reception including bar and room for a band or DJ. Decorated with flowing silk drapes, twinkling fairylights, vintage ladders and hanging hoop lights it’s a magical setting for a celebration with up to 250 loved ones. The barn courtyard is ideal for the evening food and chill-out area, complete with covered cart-lodge bench seating and outdoor kitchen with woodfired pizza oven. There are two ‘quiet rooms’ too, including one for the little ones.

Sophie Cass Photography

www.lucytaylorphotography.co.uk www.lucytaylorphotography.co.uk

CHRISTCHURCH MANSION, IPSWICH

01473 433 554 | www.venuesipswich.co.uk/weddings-christchurch-mansion

Step inside this magnificent building with its red Tudor façade and be prepared to be wowed as you enter the Great Hall with its high ceiling and black and white marble chequered floor and ornate fireplace. The venue is a treasure trove of historic features with numerous period rooms and furniture. Set within the stunning Christchurch Park, the iconic Ipswich landmark boasts expansive, picturesque grounds with rolling lawns, ponds and scenic woodland providing a wealth of wonderful backdrops for those all-important photos.

The Lower Tudor Room, with its panelling and beautifully ornate fireplace, provides an intimate and atmospheric setting for ceremonies and can host up to 45 people while the Great Hall at the heart of the mansion, provides a striking focal point for celebrating post-vows. You can host a seated or buffet-style wedding breakfast and relax afterwards and enjoy your choice of band, music or entertainment joined by 150 of your family and friends. With hire of the China Room, Victorian Kitchen and an outside seating area included, there’s more than enough room to dance, eat and have fun.

We love... that couples can enjoy the chance to have special wedding photographs taken in Christchurch Park.

WOOD FARM BARN, BENACRE

01502 675 029 | www.woodfarmbarn.co.uk Beauty, so there’s plenty of great album-worthy photo opportunities. Surrounded by thatched outbuildings and enclosed by a walled garden, the grounds include a natural pond teeming with wildlife, a copse and beautiful tree-lined avenue. Licensed for ceremonies with exclusive three-day hire, the blank canvas venue is yours to enjoy an extended celebration in the peace and quiet of the tranquil Suffolk countryside.

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