An Essex Wedding - July/August 2020 (Issue 93)

 MARKS HALL ESTATE 01376 565 420 | www.markshall.org.uk What can you expect? A leading visitor attraction, Marks Hall Estate offers a heritage landscape that extends to more than 2,200 acres of Essex countryside. Managed and cared for by a charitable trust, the estate features woodlands, a world-class arboretum, tranquil lakes and a walled garden. Carefully planted for year-round colour, it provides a wonderful big-day backdrop and a memorable setting for guests to explore. At the heart of the estate is the beautiful 18 th -century Coach House. With its traditional oak beams and brickwork, it’s full of character. The welcoming ambience continues through the arched doors and onto the terrace, where visitors find a carefully cultivated private garden and a pretty wooden gazebo. Let’s celebrate! There are two very different spaces for weddings. At The Coach House (140 day guests and 200 evening guests) couples can wed under the exposed timber frames or outside in its private garden. New for 2020, soon-to-be-weds can opt for a tipi wedding in the secluded Rams Meadow – perfect for a humanist ceremony in the woodland (100 guests) followed by a party in one of the venue’s giant tipis (200 guests). There’s also a Bridal Preparation Suite for use on the day. We love… Flexibility is key, with the venue providing venue-only hire as well as full packages. Either way, it offers exclusive-use for 48 hours. WIVENHOE HOUSE HOTEL 01206 863 666 | www.wivenhoehouse.co.uk What can you expect? Found in idyllic Essex parkland and gardens, this stunning 18th- century country house hotel is nothing short of spectacular. Its magnificent façade is enhanced by the elegantly restored interiors and sweeping staircases. Sixteen individual suites and bedrooms are located in the main house while beautiful, relaxing lounges overlook the carefully restored sunken lawn. The traditional house is complemented by the modern Garden Wing, which is home to 24 modern bedrooms and a popular brasserie serving the best of British produce. Let’s celebrate! The Garden Suite (120 people) is a contemporary setting made up of three rooms with removable partitions to make it flexible for all sizes of wedding. There are also two historic rooms in the main house. Signatures (60 guests) is a serene space with high ceilings, period features and pretty vistas. The Drawing Room (70 guests) has an effortlessly elegant feel and can be hired in conjunction with Signatures. For those who like the great outdoors, the Garden Gazebo is located in the Sunken Lawn overlooking 200-year-old cork oak trees. Receptions are held in the Garden Suite (120 guests) or the Drawing Room (70 guests). We love… Brides and grooms get a complimentary suite for their first night as a married couple. www.miniandmephotography.com www.gemmagiorgio.com LOCAL VENUES 21