Clearwell Castle - a picturesque wedding setting

Clearwell Castle, in Gloucestershire, is without a doubt the ultimate romantic wedding destination. If your dream is to be king and queen for the day, then you need to visit this beautiful historic setting on Sunday, 24th January for the open day event.

Located in the Forest of Dean and within close proximity to the Cotswold, Clearwell Castle makes the perfect venue for a grand wedding celebration. In 2015, it underwent a series of refurbishments including the complete refurbishment of the Cellar Bar, which now offers a modern and vibrant space to dance the night away, and adding a majestic gold aisle carpet to the Ballroom.

In addition, 2016 will see the complete refurbishment of the Baynham Suite, one of 15 luxury bedrooms available for the night of your wedding. Offering a picturesque alternative for summertime nuptials, the Wedding Gazebo can host an outside ceremony overlooking the Castle. 

Booking a visit is easy -- contact 01594 832 320 to arrange a suitable time for a chance to meet the team and discuss your wedding options. 

Details
Clearwell Castle
Address: Clearwell, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire GL16 8LG
T: 01594 832 320
E: info@clearwell-castle.co.uk
W: www.countryhouseweddings.co.uk/gloucestershire-clearwell-castle/

Open house wedding event at St Audries Park

Engaged to be married? St Audries Park may be the venue you're looking for and the only way to know for sure is to arrange a visit for this Sunday 15th November at the open day event. You'll be welcomed into the venue's dreamy grounds and manor house to talk to the team and local wedding suppliers. 

Set within 100 acres of deer parkland, this stunning countryside manor boasts 35 beautiful bedrooms and a superb Great Hall for receptions. 

Back in June, we wrote about St Audries' Two Day Wedding concept - a novel service that allows couples to book the venue for an entire weekend thus extending the celebrations for longer. Indeed, on the morning following your vows, ladies can enjoy pampering sessions with beauty therapists while men can try their hand at archery or clay pigeon shooting. 

For more information about wedding packages and to talk to the team, contact St Audries Park at the details below.

DETAILS

St Audries Park

Address: West Quantoxhead, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4DS

T: 01984 633633

E: info@audries-park.co.uk 

W: www.weekendweddingvenues.com 

Mamhead Estate: a wedding venue with history and charm

With a motto like 'Ubi amor ibi fides', meaning 'Where there is love, there is trust', Mamhead House is a superb setting for exchanging vows and celebrating your wedding day. Renowned for its historic features and the love story that led to its creation - Sir Robert Newman built it for his bride Mary as a marriage gift - this prestigious venue is now open for weddings. 

Couples can choose between 10 elegant reception rooms and there is even a separate Orangery, all of which retain period character and charm. Fully restored to its original splendour, this hidden gem is set within 166 acres of manicured gardens and offers amazing views along the East Devon coast. 

A unique wedding setting, Mamhead Estate also includes 27 luxurious bedrooms, a church, an Italian style terrace and sunken gardens beautifully designed by the famous Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. 

Adding to Mamhead's picturesque setting is the Grade II listed Castle, which was designed by Anthony Salvin and is a copy of the 14th century Belsay Castle in Northumberland. 

If you're seeking a private and exclusive stately home with stunning architecture to host your wedding celebration, look no further than Mamhead House! 

Details
Mamhead House
Address: Mamhead House and Castle, Mamhead House, Mamhead Park, Exeter, EX6 8HD
T:01392 338 350
E: info@mamheadestate.com
W: http://mamheadestate.com/

5 Things to consider when choosing your wedding venue

Here in the South West, we are extremely lucky to have a huge number of stunning locations for weddings - from romantic castles and rustic farms to luxury hotels and stately homes. But how do you know which one's the right one for your nuptials? 

We found one that ticks all the right boxes for a romantic wedding venue, Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard, located just south of Bristol, where we held the autumn West Weddings photoshoot. We recommend you visit their wedding fair on Sunday 11 October (11am-4pm) to check out for yourself if it meets your wedding dreams. 

1. Character

Set in beautiful countryside, Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard is a working farm and vineyard with a newly refurbished barn licensed for ceremonies - couldn't ask for a more character-filled spot for your vows. 

2. Budget 

The budget is a key factor when choosing your venue and you should always aim to stay within an agreed limit. This way you won't have to compromise on other details of your day like the dress or photographer. Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard offers flexible wedding packages and is ideal for a relaxed an intimate celebration. 

3. Service 

For a smooth and stress-free day, you need a team of professional wedding planners and caterers. So you'll be pleased to hear that the team at Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard is exactly that and more!

4. Photo opportunities

Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard's stone and whitewashed buildings - the seventeenth century Old Barn and the New Barn - as well as leafy green vineyards are set within 300 acres of rural Somerset. Bursting with rustic charm, the location offers endless photo opportunities for couples.

5. Food for thought

What better way to impress your guests than with a mouth-watering, hearty meal? Proud to offer a tailor-made menu using fresh local produce, Taste Buds Catering at Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard is a family run business that combines exquisite food and personal service. 

Visit our previous blog entry about this event here for more details. 

Wedding Fair at Aldwick Court Farm &Vineyard

Did you know that you don't have to travel all the way to France to hold your wedding in a rustic farm setting with a working vineyard? Indeed, Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard is right in the heart of the Mendip countryside yet within 20 minutes drive from Bristol. And the great news is you are now invited to attend a special wedding fair on Sunday 11th October between 11am-4pm. 

With beautiful views and lush surroundings, this idyllic venue - our chosen setting for the autumn photoshoot - suits engaged couples who love a relaxed and intimate celebration. All you need to decide is whether to hold your reception in the renovated 17th century 'Old Barn' or the 'New Barn' open in 2013.  

Sam and Gary, our real life couple featured in the editorial pages of our autumn issue of West Weddings absolutely loved exploring this romantic venue! Why not visit the fair and see for yourself what the team at Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard can offer? 

Details
Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard 
Redhill, Bristol
BS40 5RF

T: 01934 864 404
W: www.aldwickcourtfarm.co.uk/

Elegant Additions Wedding Fair at Thornbury Castle

What could be more enchanting than a fairytale wedding at an English castle? And with the latest Elegant Additions wedding fair taking place this Sunday at Thornbury Castle, our brides and grooms-to-be can start planning a Disney-worthy affair.

This extraordinary Tudor castle is situated on the edge on the Cotswolds, amongst a spectacular landscape, and showcases architectural features dating back to the 16^th century yet with luxurious modern facilities. An array of handpicked local suppliers will be on hand to answer any questions and showcase some of their creative pieces - wedding flowers, cake, photographer, bridal gowns and accessories, among many others. 

As the venue gets ready for an elegant wedding event on Sunday 22^nd February from 11am-4pm, the organisers are promising a truly special event! The ElegantAdditions team have prepared a spectacular affair for our brides and grooms with fashion show, falconry display and fireworks.

This is an ideal opportunity to see the venue prepared for a wedding reception and talk to the team about the options available and how they can help with planning your special day.

Visit http://www.thornburycastle.co.uk/weddings/ and http://www.elegantadditions.co.uk/ for further information about the event. You can also read our previous blog about the event here. Then pop over to our Facebook and Twitter  pages to tell us which wedding details you’re focusing on at the moment. 

Miscellaneous Monday: Wedding Fayre at Thornbury Castle

As our winter issue of West Weddings magazine is about to go to press, we’re already looking forward to a new wedding fayre season. The beginning of 2015 - after a festive season bursting with engagements - is the ideal time to start some serious wedding planning. And what better way to do so than by attending the Elegant Addition wedding fair, taking place on 22nd February between 11am-4pm at Thornbury Castle?

 

Elegant Additions are proudly saying goodbye to the traditional wedding fayre and introducing the exclusive wedding venue showcase. If you've recently got engaged, you’ll enjoy taking your family for a special day out, filled with inspiring ideas and details for your special day. Just pop along to meet the hotel's dedicated wedding coordinator and don't miss the firework display at 4pm! Admission to the event is free, and you'll love the free parking and complimentary goody bag. 

Working closely with the venue and exhibitors, the Elegant Additions team - Alison and Tamzin -  provide an interactive and exciting event - think firework displays, falconry and fashion shows! Their enthusiasm, passion and great organisational skills have already secured some key exhibitors that will help couples picture what their most romantic day could be like at this most romantic venue. 

Thornbury Castle

Castle Street, Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, BS35 1HH

T: 01454 281182 

W: www.thornburycastle.co.uk/weddings

Wedding Fair at the Aztec Hotel and Spa

Calling all brides and grooms from the South West region! Don’t miss the open air fair this Sunday, 5^th October, between 10:30am - 4:30pm at the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke. The Aztec Hotel and Spa are celebrating the beautiful sunny weather and organising this special wedding show in a different location - the shopping centre! You’ll get a chance to find out more about this modern and stylish wedding venue and talk to some of the industry suppliers.

There's also an update on this season's wedding event!  Due to an exciting new ground floor development  commencing in November at the Aztec Hotel and Spa,  the wedding showcase on Sunday 16th November  has been postponed. However, you can visit the hotel at any time - just call in and the team will be happy to show you around the venue.

CONTACT

Aztec Hotel and Spa

110 AZTEC WEST, ALMONDSBURY, BRISTOL, BS32 4TS

T: 01454201090

Miscellaneous Monday: Wedding Event at Eastwood Park

Feeling slightly more rested this Monday? Then what better way to start the week than with a bit of wedding planning? Make the most of the extra day off to start searching for the perfect venue for your special day. Before arranging any viewings though, make sure you book your tickets to the Eastwood Park ‘open house’ event on Tuesday 9th September 2014 between 6pm and 8pm. 

Proud owner of the ‘Best Wedding Venue in Bristol & Somerset 2014’ title, Eastwood Park has a lot to offer newly engaged couples – gorgeous grounds, a magnificent country house, beautiful bridal suits and plenty of guest accommodation.

This exquisite South West venue is opening its doors to visitors for an extra special wedding event. With a wealth of wedding suppliers on hand and a spectacular firework display, you and your fiancé will be spoiled for choice. Tickets are free of charge, but you need to register in advance by contacting the weddings team on 01454 262818.

Held in conjunction with the Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, all proceeds and donations will be given to the charity. The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation is a charity that helps organise weddings for those suffering from terminal life-limiting illnesses. Find out more details by reading our previous post and visiting www.eastwoodpark.co.uk and www.weddingwishingwell.org.uk.

As always, we love to hear how you get on, so find us on Facebook and Twitter! 

Eastwood Park

Falfield, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 8DA

W: www.eastwoodpark.co.uk

T:01454 262818

You're invited to Eastwood Park

Brides and grooms-to-be, this invitation is for you! What better way to kick-start your wedding planning than with a sneaky peak inside one of the finest West Country wedding venues?  

Eastwood Park, winner of ‘Best Wedding Venue in Bristol & Somerset 2014’, is holding an ‘open house’ event on Tuesday 9th September 2014 between 6pm and 8pm. 

  

You can experience this stunning country house at Eastwood Park, just near Thornbury and not far from junction 14 of the M5, in all its glory to see whether it’s right for your wedding.You’ll be able to see the function suites fully laid out for a wedding, together with a wide selection of displays from local wedding suppliers. You’ll be welcome to savour the warm, inviting atmosphere of the magnificent country house with bridal suite and bedrooms, nestling in 200 acres of grounds and formal gardens, in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside.

It’s an ideal opportunity to see the delightful drawing room prepared for a civil ceremony and the Eastwood terrace suite laid out for a wedding breakfast. The team will be on hand to show you round and answer any questions or queries you may have regarding your special day.

Tempted? Perhaps this will persuade you to pop this date in your diary: there will also be a delicious hog roast and spectacular firework finale at 7.45 pm too - not to be missed! Entrance to the event is free, but you will need to register your tickets in advance by contacting the weddings team on 01454 262818.

All proceeds and donations raised from the event will be donated to the Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, a charity that helps organise weddings for those suffering from terminal life-limiting illnesses. 

For further information visit  www.eastwoodpark.co.uk and www.weddingwishingwell.org.uk, find them on Facebook, and don’t forget to book your ticket by calling 01454 262818!

Let us know if you’ll be going on Facebook or by tweeting us at @WestWeddingsMag!