An Essex Wedding - September/Ocotber 2020 (Issue 94)

 HATFIELD PLACE 01245 381 523 | www.hatfieldplace.co.uk What can you expect? Reached via a tree-lined driveway, this exquisite Georgian house sits within 15 acres of undulating rural parkland adjoining the River Ter. Carefully restored, its many original features are complemented with a subtle contemporary feel, creating a chic blank canvas for all weddings. Offering a true country house feel, this venue has a welcoming reception hall with a magnificent oval staircase with hand-painted murals, a beautiful ballroom, sun-kissed terrace and an elegant drawing room to relax in. Twelve individually designed luxury guest suites are also available. Let’s celebrate! Inside the main house, there are two locations for ceremonies. The Ballroom (80 guests) offers a stylish feel set against a backdrop of idyllic views. The Morning Room (50 guests) is perfect for smaller congregations and overlooks the terrace. Larger groups will adore the stunning oak-beamed Ceremony Hall (200 guests) with its impressive vaulted ceiling and garden views. For couples who want to go al fresco, there’s also The Terrace, Lawn Gazebo or Walled Garden Pergola. After the vows, small parties can opt to celebrate in the charming Ballroom. Parties of up to 200 can enjoy the beautiful Walled Garden. This wow-factor venue has been carefully designed to balance country-garden style with a modern twist. Incorporating the Ceremony Hall and the Orangery (both holding 200 guests), it is tucked away for total privacy and offers light-filled spaces and enchanting views. We love… Couples can expect a free menu tasting, as well as a welcome hamper for them and their overnight guests. HYLANDS ESTATE 01245 605 500 | http://hylandsestate.co.uk What can you expect? Proudly located within 574 acres of historic parkland, Hylands Estate offers ancient woodlands, grassland, ponds, lakes and formal gardens. Visitors can enjoy anything from a leisurely stroll in the ornate Victorian Pleasure Gardens to a four-mile hike. The jewel in the crown is Hylands House – a beautifully renovated Grade II* listed Neoclassical villa. With its white stucco exterior, portico and ionic pillars, it was considered the height of Georgian elegance. Step inside to find meticulously restored period rooms from both the Georgian and Victorian eras. Let’s celebrate! Couples exchange vows in two spaces. The Drawing Room (80 guests) has a fabulously ornate gilded ceiling, a marble fireplace and hand-painted wall motifs. The Banqueting Room (100 guests) has real wow factor with its 24-carat gold leaf swag and scroll decorations, silk-lined walls, hand-painted motifs and luxurious French marble fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the room in light and offer vistas across the grounds. Complete with sparkling chandeliers and ivory drapes, The Grand Pavilion (300 guests) is a contemporary celebration space that offers couples free rein to dress it as they wish. Loved ones will enjoy private views of the courtyard garden with steps leading to the Pleasure Gardens and parkland beyond. We love… The venue is just a five-minute drive from Chelmsford and 35 minutes to London, but you could be a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A luxurious new bridal suite will be available from autumn 2020. www.simp lyphotographic.co.uk www.sim plyphotographic.co.uk https://eyeshineweddingphotography.co.uk https://eyeshineweddingphotography.co.uk) LOCAL VENUES 31