VENUES
From sunset ceremonies at the Roman Baths, to taking exclusive use of an iconic hotel, here are some of our favourite local venues…
Guyers House Hotel & Restaurant
USP: It’s a quintessential English manor house. It’s like having your wedding in your own home, but with a truly bespoke service. The facts: They can accommodate up to 150 guests in the main house, but there’s also a marquee for up to 250 guests. There are also 37 bedrooms. Bonus points: Outstanding views and gardens. They also have a kitchen garden providing fresh ingredients for wedding menus. Price: From £75 per head. Visit: Guyers Lane, Pickwick, Corsham; www.guyershouse.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALBERT PALMER
WEDDINGS
Above: A beautiful shot outside the Roman Baths; this image: a glamorous marquee set-up at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
USP: The setting is tranquil, yet it is based in the city. The hotel has been recently refurbished but has kept its traditional Georgian feel and features. The grounds: The majestic mansion is set in seven acres of landscaped gardens. The facts: Room for up to 200; five spaces in which to perform ceremonies; there’s a marquee; and there are 130 bedrooms. Photo opportunities: Guided tours around the grounds of the hotel and Sydney Gardens. Bonus points: Concierge will greet you at the door; they have a contemporary spa which is open from 7am – 10pm; and the skyline view is not to be missed. Price: From £65 per head. Visit: Sydney Road, Bath; www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk
Priston Mill
USP: Two remarkable, ancient, stone-walled venues. The history: The Tythe Barn used to belong to the monastic estate run by the monks of Bath Abbey who were then gifted The Watermill by King Æthelstan in the 10th century. Photo opportunities: The stream, the wooden pagoda, rose arbour, and pergola with millstone water feature. The details: The Watermill venue can accommodate 90 in the day
PHOTO COURTESY OF BARKER EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY
and 130 in the evening, and the Tythe Barn has space for 160 in the day, and 200 in the evening. There’s an option to have indoor or outdoor ceremonies. Bonus points: An exclusive offer with The Hilton in Bath. If you book over 15 rooms, you’ll receive a complimentary coach. Price: From £69 per head, plus venue hire. Visit: Priston, Bath; www.pristonmill.co.uk
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
USP: It’s part of an iconic landmark which is over 250 years old; it’s one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK. The facts: If exclusive use is taken, the venue can accommodate up to 120 guests. Without exclusive use, there’s room for 30. There are five licensed function spaces in which to perform ceremonies, this includes the option of getting married in the walled wedding garden (as featured on our front cover), and there are 45 bedrooms. Bonus points: Stunning views over the Crescent Lawn or over the private acre of gardens. There is also unlimited access to The Spa & Bath House facilities. Price: Around £2,000 for a wedding for 10 guests. Visit: 16 Royal Crescent, Bath; www.royalcrescent.co.uk
Bath’s Historic Venues
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY SANDERS PHOTOGRAPHY
Above: a ceremony at the Great Bath; this image: inside the historic Tythe Barn at Priston Mill
82 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
(Roman Baths and The Pump Room, Bath Assembly Rooms, Victoria Art Gallery and the Guildhall) USP: Bath’s Historic Venues are integral to the history of Bath, and include some of the country’s most well-known buildings. The Roman Baths and The Pump Room, and Bath Assembly Rooms won gold awards in the UK Wedding Awards 2017 for Best Historic and Best City Venue respectively. At the ancient Roman Baths, sunrise ceremonies are perfect for couples wanting special experiences, and sunset ceremonies can be followed by a big party in The Pump Room complex. Bath Assembly Rooms and Guildhall are elegant, larger-capacity venues, and you could exchange your vows beside your favourite painting at the Victoria Art Gallery. The facts: Up to 500 guests can be accommodated for a reception; and all of the venues are fully licensed for wedding ceremonies. Bonus points: Tours of the Roman Baths and museum for guests who would like to explore during receptions. Price: From £420. Visit: www.bathvenues.co.uk