HISTORICAL SETTINGS

HISTORICALsettingsMagical venues with a story to tell

KNEBWORTH HOUSE AND BARNS

01438 813 825 | www.knebworthhouse.com

Set in 250 acres of parkland, Knebworth House and Barns is a spectacular historic house that’s home to grazing herds of deer. The gardens are delightful throughout each season and feature a stunning sunken lawn, colourful borders and trees that create the perfect backdrop for wedding photography.

The estate dates back to the 1600s and is ideal for couples seeking a sophisticated and classic setting for their special day. The striking exterior features authentic turrets, gargoyles, and domes, while the interior features Victorian and Jacobean décor that creates an elegant and decadent setting.

During the summer months, lovebirds can tie the knot in the formal gardens by the Garden Gazebo surrounded by 150 loved ones.

For those looking to host their whole wedding in one location, the Banqueting Hall in the Knebworth House can accommodate 100 people for the “I dos”, 60 for wedding breakfasts and 180 for receptions. Or, why not opt for the Manor & Lodge Barn accompanied by 150 loved ones for the vows plus wedding breakfasts and 250 in the evenings? The 16th-century Manor barn is perfect for rusticthemed weddings with beautiful exposed beams and plenty of charm. Alternatively, the Cobbold Barn & Gardens can host 150 for the vows, 120 for wedding breakfasts, and 250 for receptions. Lastly, the Sunken lawn is perfect for receptions with 180 nearest and dearest.

The dedicated event team at Knebworth House & Barns is on hand to help couples turn their dream weddings into a reality. They offer several all-inclusive packages to match different styles and preferences.

When couples book the venue, the team offers a menu tasting session to try some dishes. The wedding coordinator will work with pairs to ensure every detail is tailored to their liking, while the in-house executive chef can help fine-tune dining options. On their wedding day, they’ll also receive sparkling wine or Prosecco for the toasts, white table linens, and Chiavari chairs.

www.lyndseychallis.com www.apreshchavda.com

SHENDISH MANOR HOTEL & GOLF COURSE

01442 232 220 | www.shendish-manor.com

Nestled in Hemel Hempstead, Shendish Manor Hotel is a beautiful wedding space set in 160 acres of parklands. Inside, couples can explore the many elegant and modern spaces that boast high-ceilings complete with chandeliers and antique fireplaces.

The property is easily accessible, with excellent transportation links nearby. As guests travel up the driveway, they’ll find beautifully manicured Dutch gardens with fountains and a miniature maze.

Couples are spoilt for choice, with multiple locations available for ceremonies and receptions. The contemporary Apsley Suite features beautiful chandeliers and direct access to the private gardens. The room can accommodate 400 people for the “I dos” and 280 for sit down meals – the space can be slit into a smaller area for 100 guests if needed. Another option is the Orangery Restaurant is a great location to exchange vows surrounded by 120 guests. The glass-panelled walls allow visitors to view the beautiful gardens and provide plenty of natural lighting.

Alternatively, The Longman Suite features beautiful views of the manicured gardens and can host 90 loved ones, while the Dickinson Suite can fit 96 – both areas feature chandeliers and fireplaces.

Why not wed in the Manor Gazebo with 96 people or the Apsley Gazebo with 400 loved ones for those looking for an outdoor wedding? These areas are located in the gardens and provide a photographic backdrop to wedding photography. For those after a traditional setting, The Manor house can host 96-day guests for wedding breakfasts and 160 in the evenings.

When couples book the venue, they’ll receive a complimentary menu tasting session included in the Classic Package and the Elegance Package, as well as a night’s stay in the bridal suite on the wedding day.

THE GROVE

01923 807 807 | www.thegrove.co.uk

Steeped in history, The Grove offers 300 acres of stunning Hertfordshire countryside ready for guests to explore. The hotel’s exterior is nothing short of grand, and the Formal Gardens are complete with an ornamental canal, bright flowers and views over the golf course.

Each ceremony space at the venue stands out for different reasons. The Amber Suite is the largest wedding area that can cater for 450 people. With direct access to the formal gardens, guests can pop outside for exclusive drink receptions on the terrace. Boasting natural daylight and direct access to formal gardens, The Ivory Suite is ideal for 120 loved ones, while the contemporary Cinnamon Room is perfect for 100 people.

Located in the contemporary West Wing, the Ochre Suite can host 48 guests and is ideal for intimate celebrations with plenty of natural daylight. Designed by luxury interior guru Martin Hulbert, the Cedar Suite offers a 180-degree view over the stunning formal gardens and features a private entrance and three spacious meeting rooms. This suite has been named after the 200-year-old trees on the grounds and can accommodate 160 loved ones.

Alternatively, say “I do” in The Potting Shed, located in the stunning Victorian Walled Garden for 50 to 70 people. Lovebirds can add a marquee if they want some extra space. Lastly, the Garden room is a great option for 120 people, whilst the Sunken Garden is great for al fresco weddings with 250 loved ones.

In the evening, receptions occur in either the Amber Foyer for 450 people, Cedar Foyer with 160 or the Ivory Foyer with 120. When couples book one of the venue’s wedding packages, they get to participate in a tasting session to sample the menu. They will also be offered a night stay on their wedding day in the Mansion Room.

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Weddings

Ceremonies & Evening Receptions

In the heart of rural Bedfordshire

Inclusive Wedding Package Spacious Wedding Suite Wedding Garden for Outdoor Photographs Wedding & Civil Ceremony Licence Dedicated Wedding Team Free Parking for Guests

Treat our space like a blank canvas and make it your own

The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, MK45 1AH Tel: 01525 631905 Email: events@therufuscentre.co.uk www.therufuscentre.co.uk

WWW.LEERUSHBY,COM

+44 (0)7976 567 666 | lee@leerushby.com

COUNTRY WEDDINGS

A real hidden gem, nestled within the stunning Hertfordshire countryside is a traditional 3 pole marquee set within the grounds of a farm for a truly unique wedding. We are a family run business and take great pride in our marquee and venue. You will have exclusive use of our blank canvas setting to ensure that every detail is perfect for your bespoke wedding. There is only a limited number of dates each year, as we want to guarantee that your wedding preparations are as stress free as possible and for you not to feel rushed on the most memorable day of your life. Breath taking views with stunning photographic scenery.

Tewin Hill Farm, Tewin Hill, Tewin, Hertfordshire, AL6 0LL 07968 017 589 | www.tewincountryweddings.com |

Our attractive rustic style 1960’s Rice Horsebox trailers are ready to impress you & your guests. We create a completely bespoke package & menu to suit your requirements, whether it’s a champagne reception, cocktail bar, or full bar service followed by our infamous posh toasteis & proper barista coffee’s, with bespoke built bars or our two horsebox’s to choose from we are here to add that extra special touch...

WARE PRIORY

01920 460 316 | www.warepriory.co.uk

Situated in seven acres of picturesque gardens, Ware Priory is a beautiful, traditional Grade I listed building with contemporary touches and architecture dating back to Medieval times. The main building is stunning, with a whitewashed frontage and a stonewalled exterior surrounded by flower beds and distinctive windows.

Multiple spaces at the property provide the perfect settings for weddings. The team restored The Priory Hall in the 1990s, where Medieval graffiti was uncovered and Victorian murals restored. This area can accommodate 100 guests for the “I dos”, 80 for wedding breakfasts and 100 for evening receptions.

Or why not exchange vows in The Conservatory, which has a bright and spacious interior with easy access to the riverside gardens for 100 people? The space can accommodate wedding breakfasts for 120 guests and receptions for 150. Another option is The Hadsley Room, which can host 40 guests and boasts a crown-post roof and vaulted ceiling? After the ceremony, the staff can transform the space for wedding breakfasts with 30 people and evening receptions with 40. The large refectory table in this room dates back to the 14th-century and is believed to be from the original Friary.

The Fletcher’s Lea is a modern addition to the estate and features a decking area, which overlooks the beautiful River Lea. Guests can make a memorable and dramatic entrance thanks to the narrowboat provided. The space can host up to 200 guests for ceremonies, 160 for wedding breakfasts and 200 for evening celebrations. The standalone building includes all catering and bar facilities, allowing couples to have exclusive use of the space on the special day. The Riverside Suite is perfect for larger weddings and can host wedding receptions with 160 guests for formal dining and 220 for buffet-style meals.

A space that stands out at the venue is The Island, which is located in the middle of the river and provides the ideal space for musical events. Guests can access this space by two small bridges that cross an inlet of water that was once used to bring supplies to the monks.

The venue’s currently running a special offer for couples who book the venue for their wedding. Lovebirds will receive accommodation on the wedding night at Hanbury Manor, a £100 discount with Ware Priory’s dressing partner Victoria’s Events and complimentary bacon rolls for the evening buffet.

Also check out...

ASHRIDGE HOUSE

01442 841 027 | www.ashridgehouse.org.uk

With 700 years of fascinating history, there’s a sense of royal heritage at the heart of Ashridge House. Originally a monastery, the venue became a royal residence for both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, then later a private home to Bridgewater’s dukes and earls before becoming a military hospital during both World Wars.

DYRHAM PARK COUNTRY CLUB

02084 403 361 | www.dyrhampark.com

Set in 200 acres of a magnificent estate with an 18-hole parkland golf course, Dyrham Park Country Club boasts outstanding views across the Hertfordshire countryside and is ranked among some the oldest and most beautiful of Hertfordshire wedding venues. The lawns, beautiful flowers, lakes and magnificent trees turn dream wedding photos into a reality. GADDESDEN ESTATE

01442 252 421 | www.gaddesdenestate.co.uk/weddings

Located in Hertfordshire, Gaddesden Estate is an outdoor venue that offers exclusive access to the grounds around the Golden Parsonage. The venue opened the gardens for weddings in 2020, and guests can explore the fields, woodlands, water meadows and farm tracks.

MICKLEFIELD HALL

01923 778 898 | www.micklefieldhall.com

Micklefield Hall provides several Instagrammable and manicured outdoor spaces with cloistered walkways to nature’s very own aisle lined with herbaceous borders. The barn’s exterior is sleek with dark-stained wooden cladding, grand glazed entrances, cherry trees and a newly restored patio area – perfect for drinks receptions.