An Essex Wedding - March/April 2022 (Issue 103)

BADDOW PARK HOUSE 01245 473 969 | www.baddowparkhouse.co.uk The Baddow Park House gardens are an integral part of the venue and have been designed to provide couples the opportunity to really go to town on any al fresco elements of their wedding. Wedding parties simply flow from The Orangery and step out onto the natural stone terrace, where you start to realise the potential that these gorgeous open spaces offer for a truly unique wedding event. The versatility of spaces means the venue can accommodate any size wedding, with sumptuous textures, hidden spaces and stylish décor discovered throughout. For small cosy weddings, the Oak Room is ideal for up to 50 guests and has an open fireplace and wood panelling; or, take advantage of the incredible light Drawing Room (80) which boasts sweeping views. The venue’s recently renovated Orangery is, without doubt, an iconic and showstopping space that can be transformed to suit requirements. Seating up to 150 guests, its natural light and space can be enhanced further by opening up the wall of bi-folding doors revealing the views across the terrace to the vineyards beyond. This seamless balance between indoors and outdoors means the Orangery is the ideal for any season. Many couples make the most of the perfectly crafted pavilion for al fresco nuptials; while the Log Shed Bar provides a location for a pre- or post-ceremony cocktail and even has its own pizza oven and barbecue! Post-vows, the venue’s fully stocked bar mixes Art Deco styling with modern technology – a real talking point at any wedding – The Orangery can be turned around from day to evening with minimal fuss, meaning your guests can continue their festivities into the night with no need to relocate. It can host up to 250. Then as the sun starts to set, head into the whimsical woodland to discover a firepit, where you can toast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate and liqueurs while you share stories and create memories under the stars. When tying the knot here, couples have the benefit of using the Bridal Suite and 10 luxury bedrooms, which sleep 30 depending on the configuration of guests. Each room has been totally renovated and redecorated in keeping with its eclectic design yet respectful to the house’s heritage and history blending comfort and style. DOWN HALL HOTEL & SPA 01279 731 441 | www.downhall.co.uk As one of England’s most established country house hotels, Down Hall is situated in 110 acres of picturesque woods, parks, and landscaped gardens, complete with a stunning wedding gazebo that’s perfect for outdoor ceremonies. The impressive Italianate mansion – with ornate stone masonry and detailed architecture – provides a striking backdrop to any wedding with a truly historic setting. Connected to the 19th-century Italianate mansion house, the enhanced West Wing underwent a £1.2m refurbishment in 2019, creating a standalone space which caters for weddings for up to 220 guests. Decorated in traditional heritage colours with bright accents in classic country house-meets contemporary chic, the banqueting and ballrooms feature panoramic views over the beautiful gardens. Couple can host their vows in the Bridgeman Suite for up to 220 loved ones. This suite, with its iconic chandeliers, is the largest space decorated in a contemporary style, with an abundance of natural daylight and views across the landscaped gardens. Post-vows the suite can host 200 attendees. Alternatively, couples can opt for the Oxford/Belcamp space for the reception with up to 130 guests. Specially designed for the smaller intimate wedding, it boasts a lovely ornate fireplace with a contemporary twist. Down Hall’s recently refurbished gallery provides the perfect classical backdrop for photographs and is the perfect area for guests to relax and congregate before the ceremony. When tying the knot here, couples are given exclusive rates on treatment packages which Down Hall’s wedding coordinators can assist with. Every wedding celebration booked receives a complimentary wet spa pass for two to use either the day before or after the wedding. Newlyweds are also give the flower according to the package booked, i.e magnolia and a tree to plant in the grounds in our wedding garden. www.clairegraham.co.uk www.clairegraham.co.uk 20

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