We must visit more wedding venues than anyone else in any other profession. We get to see them done up for the guests – we get to see how nice the staff are, even when they don’t have to be – and we get to see them nearly every week of every year. That puts us in a great position to knock up a list of the best ones!
Of course, some are big, some are small, some are old-fashioned, some are corporate, and everybody likes something different. One thing is for sure though – the top 5 were an easy pick for us!
Charlotte House Hotel is a great all-round hotel set directly opposite Lincoln Castle, but what really stands out in this place is the giant 21 meter glass wall in The Orangery room – it really adds something special to a wedding reception.
The rest of the hotel is very warm and welcoming. We really enjoyed our time there at Luke and Fran’s wedding in July. The staff were some of the nicest and most helpful staff we’ve enjoyed the pleasure of working with.
The Orangery is the most modern reception room to make the list. After a quick look at their prices I would say this one is one of the better ‘value for money’ hotels out there.
Number 4: Private Garden Marquee
Absolutely anywhere!
Although not an actual wedding venue, we had to sneak this one in there. The garden marquee wedding receptions we play are always fantastic. When done right, they can be more romantic and personal than any swanky hotel you can find.
One of our favourites was Mark and Hannah’s wedding in September. Strangely enough, it was in the garden of Harry Gration (presenter of BBC Look North) and it was really great – a big marquee, good food and a lovely home. It’s that simple!
Not everyone has as much land as Harry Gration, I know, but with the help of friends and relatives, or even renting somewhere, you could have yourself a brilliant and very personal garden marquee wedding.
Number 3: The Old Vicarage
Elkesley, Nottinghamshire
The Old Vicarage in Elkesley definitely hits high on the romantic scale. Beautiful gardens, streams and a great marquee (probably the best of 2012, and we see a lot!) are where this place shines. I can definitely see a lot of couples falling in love with this place upon first visit.
It isn’t a grand hotel – it’s quaint and elegant, almost understated. One of my favourite things about this place is that it’s not trying to be the biggest and best of them all. It’s just, well, nice!
The Old Vicarage is essentially owned and run by one woman, and I imagine you get decent personal service when you hire it, which is another good point to add to the list.
I imagine this place costs a lot, because it looks like it costs a lot, but then that may be just what you’re looking for. ‘Classic’ is the word that fits best – imagine big, wide staircases and antique furniture, but with a modern touch. It even has a library full of classic books!
Set in Alnwick, one of the nicest regions you could dream of getting married in, Doxford hall is definitely at the top end of the posh scale, you only need to look at the picture to see that. It’s got the kind of outer decor that you stand and stare at and the kind of gardens that your kids would get lost in. This venue is the biggie of the biggies. Not for the faint-hearted.
Yes – another one in Alnwick – Why? Because it’s beautiful! I have to admit that this venue is my own personal favourite. All the words I would use to describe the perfect wedding venue – classic, elegant, traditional and romantic come to mind. We last performed there at Nicky and Dave’s wedding in August and everything about that wedding was wonderful.
It’s got boutique style. It’s got a vintage flair. It’s even got its own beach! But that isn’t the best bit, the best bit is all the little things about this place – the decorations, the atmosphere, the entrance, the candles, the furniture, just everything added up makes it absolutely lovely, and the staff were very kind too.
Conclusion
I should mention that if you’re looking for a sleek modern look. Places like Aston Hall, Harewood House, York Racecourse and Hallmark Hotel are all worthy mentions. They’re great venues, but their reception rooms just don’t have the same elegance and beauty of the venues that made the list.
Another thing you may not have considered is getting married on Friday or Sunday. We’re seeing a lot of our clients do this throughout 2012 and 2013. It can help a lot with costs as the venues are often much cheaper, and they usually have better availability on these days.
I wish you the best of luck in finding a fantastic wedding venue for your big day. I hope this list has inspired you to crack down and get something booked in!
