6 minute read
SPOTLIGHT ON
Tie the knot in and around COLCHESTER
COLCHESTER CASTLE
01206 506 905 | www.colchester-weddings.co.uk
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? At the grand gated entrance of Castle Park lies Colchester Castle, a venue steeped in thousands of years of history. Set in the heart of the town, and surrounded by manicured lawns and gardens, it’s an idyllic backdrop for weddings.
Crossing the grand drawbridge into the venue, guests enter the Norman castle, which dates back to the 11th century. The keep is mostly intact and is the largest of its kind in Europe. Inside, hundreds of artefacts dating back to the Romans provide unique entertainment for guests.
LET’S CELEBRATE! There are three captivating settings to choose from in this fairytale castle venue. Ceremonies are held in The Chapel (80 guests) with its romantic vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows, or couples can climb the spiral staircase to the rooftop Secret Chapel (36 guests). This natural setting boasts a stone floor and glazed roof, allowing light to flood the space and providing breathtaking panoramic views.
The most popular area for wedding breakfasts is the Charles Gray Room (80 guests). An elegant space, it overlooks the public gallery. During the meal, The Chapel is transformed into a party space for 130 revellers with its excellent acoustics and white walls perfect for a light show.
WE LOVE… Operating as a museum on a daily basis, couples can share their day with artefacts and exhibitions. After dark, the museum becomes exclusively theirs.
COLCHESTER TOWN HALL
01206 506 905 | www.colchester-weddings.co.uk
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? A Victorian building completed in 1845, Colchester Town Hall is found on the High Street in the heart of the town, with Castle Park close by for beautiful photographs. A prestigious building rich in history, the impressive façade conceals a hidden gem. The magnificent function rooms are all decorated in an opulent style with ornate and original features, such as stained-glass windows, oil paintings and murals.
LET’S CELEBRATE! There are many stunning spaces for weddings. The Council Chamber (70 guests) is ideal for ceremonies with its impressive windows and wooden pew-style seating giving a church-like feel. The Moot Hall is the biggest space (300 ceremony guests and 200 reception guests), and is blessed with high ornate ceilings and abundant natural light pouring though the stained-glass windows that depict Colchester’s history.
The Mayoral Suite is a more intimate setting (100 ceremony guests and 70 reception guests), which allows couples to celebrate among the mayor’s regalia and use the impressive marble fireplace as a photo backdrop.
WE LOVE… The mayor’s balcony is a memorable spot for couple’s portraits.
www.naomibarkerphotography.com www.ivorywhitephotography.com
LAYER MARNEY TOWER
01206 330 784 | www.layermarneytowerweddings.co.uk
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Layer Marney Tower is a stunning Tudor building set within formal gardens. The grounds flow seamlessly into oak avenues, a pond, parkland and the Blackwater Estuary in the distance.
The building’s soft red brick and terracotta façade has been weathered over 500 years and is the perfect backdrop for weddings. Although magnificent – this is the tallest of all the Tudor gatehouses – it has a homely, welcoming ambience. Floodlit in the evenings, its beauty is breathtaking.
Having welcomed visitors such as Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, guests might expect the interior to feel imposing. In reality, its subtle tones, beautiful hangings and oak finishes create a timeless beauty, which has been brought into the 21st century. LET’S CELEBRATE! Ceremonies normally take place in the Corsellis Room (120 guests) on the first floor. Alternatively, couples with smaller guest lists should consider Tuke’s Chamber (50 guests) or the oak-panelled Hall of the Gatehouse (18 guests).
Most receptions are held in the Long Gallery (140 guests), with its impressive Jacobean fireplace and oak flooring offering a wonderful blank canvas. For smaller parties, the Corsellis Room is also available for receptions (50 guests). The Medieval Barn is currently being renovated to launch later in 2021. This reception space will retain its rustic charm while benefitting from under-floor heating.
Included in the price of a wedding reception is use of the bridal suite with its stylish four-poster bed, double-ended bath and powerful shower.
MARKSHALL ESTATE
01376 563 796 | www.markshall.org.uk
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Markshall Estate is a unique heritage landscape that extends to more than 2,200 acres of Essex countryside. The estate features woodlands, a worldclass 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 200-acre arboretum is the beautiful 18th-century Coach House. With its traditional oak beams and brickwork, it’s a modern twist on a historic setting. The welcoming ambience continues through the arched doors and onto the private terrace, which overlooks the picturesque parterre garden. Venture north towards the top of the estate, and visitors find Brick House Farm Meadow, a space where nature meets romance surrounded by ancient woodland. LET’S CELEBRATE! There are two very different spots for weddings. At The Coach House (140 guests) couples can wed under the exposed timber frames or outside in its private garden. Brick House Farm Meadow is a secluded outdoor space for weddings under a canopy of trees or in a tipi. Perfect for a humanist ceremony, it seats up to 100 day guests.
WE LOVE… Flexibility is key, with the venue providing venue-only hire as well as full packages, with exclusive-use for 48 hours. Parties can get ready in style in their private preparation suite, which is just minutes from The Coach House and comes complete with a hair and make-up bar.
www.sallyrawlinsphotography.com www.sallyrawlinsphotography.com
THE COMPASSES AT PATTISWICK
01376 561 322 | www.compassespattiswick.co.uk
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Hedgerows brimming with cow parsley, foxgloves and honeysuckle lead you along picturesque country lanes to this hidden gem, which boasts breathtaking views across the rural landscape of North Essex. The spacious gardens with large patios look out across the countryside to mature woodland beyond – an idyllic spot to watch the sun set.
Inside, the award-winning venue is warm, rustic and characterful. The beautifully designed interiors feature warm sandstone floors, new oak timbers, warming fireplaces and sash windows bringing in sunlight. The dedicated team here will ensure you receive a warm welcome into The Compasses family. LET’S CELEBRATE! Ceremonies can be held in the barn area. With its rustic-style beams wrapped in fairylights, it retains an intimate feel. Neutral tones and limewash chiavari chairs make it a blank canvas for brides and grooms to create their perfect day.
Couples will love how the venue is cleverly designed to keep everyone together throughout the day; the party flows effortlessly into the evening celebrations with its bar area and perfectly placed dancefloor.
WE LOVE… Couples have access to the Bridal Preparation Room from 9am. There’s plenty of space for up to eight people to get ready with mirrors, hair and make-up chairs and a comfy seating area.
