Your East Midlands Wedding - October/November 2019 (Issue 34)

DONINGTON HALL 01332 810 649 |  doningtonhall.com Donington Hall’s is a 17 th- century country house estate situated in the beautiful countryside and woodland in Castle Donington, on the Derbyshire and Leicestershire border. The venue is full of striking décor that has an English country house style with charm and romance. Every room is styled in its own special way and has been decorated in a way that allows guests to add a personal touch.  The grand entrance is just the start of this magical venue that’s perfect for a wedding day. With 26 acres of breathtaking views, the glorious countryside vistas provide a backdrop for photographs. Ceremonies take place at two different spaces inside Donington Hall, The Chapel and The Dining Room. The Chapel has its own entrance and stained-glass windows, it’s hard to imagine a better backdrop for a couple to say their vows amongst 125 closest family and friends.  The Dining Room is elegant and bright decorated in white, ivory and gold, great for holding bigger weddings with up to 145 guests. The ceremony table’s situated between two beautiful Greek-style columns and floor-length windows. Not just for ceremonies but also the wedding breakfast for 125 loved ones.  The Library is the grandest room in the house and can be used for evening receptions for 350 guests or a wedding breakfast for 160. Two ornate crystal chandeliers hang from the original oak-panelled ceiling, lighting up the bookcases which run along two sides of the room. The Library has its own terrace with views across the meadow, perfect for al fresco drinks on a sunny evening, nestled alongside the Drawing Room – for a evening banquet! This venue also has space on the lawn to fit up to 1,000 in a marquee. When couples book Donington Hall the Honeymoon Suite is included, options to use two dwellings on-site, bar extension and a free tasting session for bride and groom. PRESTWOLD HALL 01509 880 236 | prestwold-hall.com Situated in Leicestershire, Prestwold Hall is noted for its marbled plasterwork in the Italian style which is remarkable for both the scale and the quality of the work. Within the house, there’s a notable collection of 20 th -century portraiture and 18 th -century English and European furniture. Neoclassical in style with an Italian influence throughout, it includes a portico which provides a welcome rain cover for couples on wet days that leads to a grand entrance with four pillars. The venue has beautifully landscaped gardens full of flowers and a bronze horse sculpture is a focal point placed in the gardens surrounded by the countryside of Prestwold Park. Depending on the season, guests arrive to drinks, canapés and music in either the beautiful gardens or are welcomed by the roaring fires in the historical library in winter. Couples have the choice of ceremony spaces, outside in the Georgian Gazebo, the church or in the house. Inside the house is an elegant and light-filled library with windows from floor level that open onto the vibrant gardens, making it the perfect room in the house to tie the knot with 140 guests. The Georgian gazebo is set amid the manicured gardens, boasting sweeping views of the park, which creates a relaxed and romantic summertime wedding location. With freshly cut flowers adorning the gazebo walls, it offers a truly magical wedding scene. The 13 th -century Church of St Andrew is located just over 100 yards from the house and is accessible via a picturesque walk through the gardens. Steeped in history, this ancient church is a magical and romantic place to exchange vows, with the reception party afterwards taking place for 160 guests with just a short stroll through the churchyard. Guests party the night away in the library with wooden floors and an orangery which has twinkly lights leading to the outside where fireworks give the most romantic ending to the most perfect day. At Prestwold Hall, every event is exclusive meaning you get the whole house for your wedding day and can use all the rooms as you would like. Nearlyweds who book this venue will receive a free menu tasting. catharinenoblephotography.co.uk STORYBOOK SETTINGS 25