Countryside havens Our roundup of the region’s gorgeous rural venues OLD BRIDGE 01460 240 855 | www.old-bridge.co.uk This 16th-century manor and mature gardens provide a glorious backdrop to your special day. Built in the local honey-coloured ham stone, the house is close to the venue’s marquee and is integral to the whole ambience. The gardens, available for guests to enjoy, are dominated by a massive 400-year-old sweet chestnut tree, from which there hangs a triple seat swing where you can capture some memorable photos with your photographer. The venue is also blessed with formal lawns, rose beds and colourful borders. Plus, there’s a wooded area with gravel paths and a small stream flowing past weeping willows. The woodland is uplit at night, making a wonderful place for the two of you to go for a romantic stroll if you wish to grab some alone time for a few minutes. You can even use the gardens for lawn games, a bouncy castle, street food, an ice cream van, garden furniture and more. Ceremonies take place throughout the year in the Great Hall, seating 75. If the weather smiles on you, the front porch is also licensed, so any number of guests could be outside with you witnessing the formalities as you say “I do.” Receptions are hosted in the marquee, complete with its own bar, from May to September – it has a capacity of 200. The venue offers you complete freedom to arrange your own catering, music and décor. You’ll also benefit from having access at least one day before the big day to set up and also the day after to clear away. 21 COUNTRYSIDE VENUES
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