Your Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Wedding - October/November 2023 (Issue 41)

WEST BARN LODGE, SALISBURY, WILTSHIRE Nestled in the Fovant Valley, West Barn Lodge sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in a rural paradise, surrounded by rolling hills and fields. With its expansive lawn and firepits nestled amongst the wildflowers, it’s perfect for balmy long summer evenings. The exterior of West Barn Lodge and The Dutch Barn reflect the surrounding lavender and wildflowers in the grounds, providing an attractive backdrop for big-day photographs. It makes guests feel at home with its grand yet welcoming atmosphere. A sympathetic restoration of a 19th-century threshing barn with original features still intact, West Barn Lodge is a light and airy space full of character with a giant fireplace, luxury bedrooms and stone walls. The Dutch Barn has been restored similarly but with stunning refurbished additions from the farm such as trough sinks and hardwood panelling. The addition of handmade and high-end reclaimed outdoor furniture makes the venue wonderfully unique. Ceremonies take place in a variety of areas including outside on The South Terrace with seating for up to 80 guests. The terrace provides a sheltered and private space overlooking the stunning Cranbourne Chase complete with twinkling festoon lights and a courtyard fountain. Another al fresco spot is The Courtyard where couples can exchange their vows against a backdrop of the Fovant downs with space for up to 160 guests. Located in the centre of The Lodge, it offers expansive views and plenty of space and has proved to be the most popular ceremony location. The Lawn is the largest outdoor space for up to 160 people with unspoilt views of the surrounding landscape that make a stunning backdrop for any ceremony. For an indoor alternative, The Grand Hall seats up to 80 loved ones and features a 25ft vaulted ceiling providing a stunning setting for an indoor ceremony with a mezzanine for any additional guests or musical accompaniments. The Dutch Barn is the largest indoor location and is spacious enough to comfortably seat up to 160 guests with room for live musicians. Receptions take place in this newly renovated space that’s home to a unique event area with plenty of possibilities. It comes with an illuminated bar, an HD projector, a PA system, a giant glitterball, underfloor heating, toilets, and a catering kitchen. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01722 785 100, www.westbarnlodge.com •We love... that a complimentary bottle of champagne is gifted in the bridal suite on the night of the wedding and there’s luxury on-site accommodation available for up to 18 guests in nine en suite bedrooms inside the lodge itself. DE VERE TORTWORTH COURT, WOTTON UNDER EDGE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE As seen on screen! De Vere Tortworth Court recently featured in the hit series Ultimate Wedding Planner broadcast on BBC Two. The show saw Fred Sirieix, Sara Davies and Raj Somaiya judge eight aspiring wedding planners battling it out to see who’s got what it takes to be crowned the Ultimate Wedding Planner. In episode four, the wedding planners were tasked with planning a multi-themed wedding, one of their toughest challenges yet. The engaged couple wanted an autumnal fantasy wedding, and the team set to work utilising De Vere Tortworth Court’s Victorian Orangery as the perfect backdrop for the ceremony. On arrival, the wedding guests made their way to the Victorian Orangery, which was dressed with vibrant decorations and dried flowers, successfully meeting the brief. Whilst the guests were anticipating the bride’s arrival, a harpist played, which also welcomed the bride as she walked down the aisle. The ceremony was seamless and the icing on the cake was an owl acting as the couple’s ring bearer. Following the ceremony, guests made their way on to the terrace and enjoyed magical-themed cocktails overlooking the manicured gardens. Thanks to its ornamental glass ceiling and windows in the grand conservatory, originally built in 1874, it’s flooded with natural light and filled with lush greenery. The Orangery has an outside patio which lends itself perfectly to drinks receptions and group photos. The venue is a wedding photographer’s dream with 30 acres of parkland surrounding it and an extensive arboretum providing an ideal backdrop for those picture-perfect moments throughout the day. Contact: www.devere.co.uk/tortworth-court/weddings 21 THEMED VENUES

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