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Regal rendezvous
pink weddings magazine » 39
Venues
Make an entrance as newlyweds
in a suitably majestic setting…
Gothic glamour
If you’re thinking of going big for your civil
partnership,
Strawberry Hill House
is an
immense 18th century gothic, gleaming
white castle, lit by stunning renaissance
glass windows and surrounded by scenic
gardens. It also happens to conveniently be
located just outside London. Created by
HoraceWalpole, the house became famous as Britain’s finest
example of Georgian gothic revival architecture, and served as
inspiration for the first gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto.
Recently renovated, the gallery offers a unique place for ceremonies
of up to 95 guests, and dinner for up to 75. With a fan vaulted
ceiling and deep crimson Norwich damask, the space is luxurious and extravagant –
perfect for the couple looking for a little drama.
www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk
L'amour de ma vie
France – known for good cheese, beautiful country-
side, and of course, l’amour. Heading just south of
Paris, you’ll find the beautiful
Château des Condé
in Vallery, Burgundy. Set in gorgeous woodland and
far from the beaten track, this luxurious château is
steeped in both history and splendour.
Best of all, you get the whole place to yourselves for two
days, so you really feel like royalty. You’ll have free reign of
the château and its 28 bedrooms for a night of celebrations
before saying ‘I do’ in the rose garden or the Grande Galerie.
Then, whether it’s a cocktail reception or a full-on dinner, the
grandiose Salle des Tentures – with its flickering candlelight
and romantic
trompe l'oeil
ceiling – will set
the perfect atmosphere. Take advantage of your exclusive use
of the venue by dancing until dawn and swimming at
midnight in the palm grove – what could be more romantic?
www.chateaudevallery.com
Country chic
Set among the beautiful countryside of
Derbyshire and located just minutes
from Chesterfield,
Hotel Van Dyk
has
performed many civil partnerships over
the years and has a reputation for
satisfaction – so much so that all of
their couples have remained friends of
the staff and of the hotel.
A real boutique treat, the luxury hotel
has seating for up to 150 guests in a
stylish and comfortable setting, and
there is an excellent choice of menus to
cater for all budgets. Their in-house team
will help you to arrange everything from
cars to flowers, right down to those last
finishing touches to your day. Their
exquisite food, with a superb selection,
will enable you to create your own
personal wedding menu, individual to
your tastes – and then hop outside to
the lush garden area that provides a
gorgeous setting, ideal for photography.
www.vandykhotel.co.uk
Palatial paradise
If you fancy a little bit of royal treatment,
Addington Palace
in Surrey offers you
exclusive use of the venue and grounds for
the day. You’ll be centre of attention as you
roam the south lawn for light drinks,
nibbles and stunning photographs,
retracing the steps of Henry VIII as he
courted Anne Boleyn.
Their winter garden is licensed for civil ceremonies, and
the light and airy library and lecture rooms, both
overlooking the gardens from indoors, make picturesque
spaces for drinks and photographs – especially with a little
bit of British summer sun peeking through the windows.
Your guests will be treated to a delectable sit-down dinner during your reception in
the great hall. The imposing fireplace, French chandelier, hand-carved architrave,
and silk wall coverings offer up a fabulous display that will leave you feeling like
royalty.
www.addington-palace.co.uk