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Celebra te WItH eNGlISH HerItaGeMagical HiSTORic VENUES FOR wEddiNgS & SPEcial OccaSiONS

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ENgliSH HERiTagE [WeDDING VeNueS]

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Unique locations to make every occasion extra specialwedding day, anniversary, christening, birthday … whatever your special celebration, it will be transformed into a uniquely unforgettable occasion at a magnificent English Heritage property.ancient castles with breathtaking views across stunning countryside or out to sea, magnificent houses standing in superb gardens and parkland, sophisticated city mansions and elegant town houses – even a towering london landmark … you will be spoilt for historic choice for the venue of your dreams.You can marry in a 16th-century castle or in an 1 8th-century orangery in one of the country’s finest formal gardens; toast your future in Henry Viii’s medieval hall or a cavalier’s riding school; dance on the lawns of a royal residence overlooking the sea or dine amid the glittering treasures belonging to a queen or millionaire art collector.

cONTENTSlondon

04 Greenwich – eltHaM PalaCe & GarDeNS

06 twickenham – Marble HIll HOuSe

07 Hyde Park Corner – WellINGtON arCH

08 blackheath – raNGer’S HOuSe

countrywide

10 bedfordshire – WreSt ParK

12 Cornwall – PeNDeNNIS CaStle

13 Cornwall – St MaWeS CaStle

14 Derbyshire – bOlSOVer CaStle

15 Dorset/Wiltshire – POrtlaND CaStle/OlD WarDOur CaStle

16 Isle of Wight – OSbOrNe HOuSe & GarDeNS

17 Warwickshire – KeNIlWOrtH CaStle & elIZabetHaN GarDeN

18 eSSeNtIal INFOrMatION

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gREENwicH

Eltham Palace & gardens

with its glamorous art deco styling, wonderful moated grounds and medieval grandeur, Eltham Palace has become one of london’s most fashionable venues for sophisticated weddings, receptions and parties.Once the childhood home of Henry Viii, the remains of the medieval palace were incorporated into a stylish mansion by millionaires Stephen and Virginia courtauld, using the very best of 1930s architecture and interior design.

with light streaming down from the glass dome above, couples can exchange vows in the ultra-chic setting of its circular wood panelled hall. French doors lead directly out onto a terrace overlooking its moated gardens with lush greenery, flower borders, water and lawns, where drinks may be served in fine weather. There are a series of

linked art deco rooms, including a dramatic black, pink and silver dining room, which may also be used as part of the exclusive hire of Eltham Palace.

The great Hall, still with its original oak roof, can host larger weddings or receptions – and is especially atmospheric for dining and dancing.

The tranquil 19-acre moated grounds provide a superb setting for evening receptions in a marquee, especially for couples wishing to invite more family and friends to share their special day after the ceremony is over.

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TwicKENHaM

Marble Hill House

Standing in wooded parkland beside the River Thames, this lovely 18th-century house was once the fashionable home of Henrietta Howard, countess of Suffolk and mistress of King george ii.its picturesque riverside location makes it an idyllic choice for weddings, as well as for other celebrations – its elegant black and white Tetrastyle Hall opening directly into the grounds, is especially appropriate for summer occasions.

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HYdE PaRK cORNER

wellington arch

Few people realise that this iconic landmark in the very heart of the capital is also one of london’s most fashionable party settings – as an uplifting venue for wedding days as well as for unique receptions and dinners.Built as an entrance to BuckinghamPalace, the early 19th-century arch has contemporary styling in two adjoining rooms at its top, reached by a lift. One has a mezzanine gallery leading out to external balconies. Standing just below the enormous bronze statue which tops the arch – the largest in the UK – guests may sip drinks on the balconies and enjoy superb views across westminster and Buckingham Palace gardens.

By day, events can be timed to make the most of a live spectacle as mounted troops pass through the arch en route to and from the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. after dark, the arch is bathed in light, making it a dramatic sight in the cityscape.

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Ranger’s House

On the edge of greenwich Park, this handsome early georgian villa houses a priceless collection of medieval and Renaissance silver and jewellery, paintings and porcelain. it contains over 700 works of art, amassed by diamond magnate Sir Julius wernher.This treasure trove is displayed within the elegant panelled interiors to provide a glittering backdrop for intimate occasions. its lovely gallery with chandeliers, statues and high bay windows is a popular space for dining. Ranger’s House also has a private walled garden which is a perfect site for a marquee. it’s a charming private space which adds another outdoor ‘room’ for wedding celebrations at Ranger’s House. after a ceremony in the gallery, the wedding party can toast the future in this lovely space – either within a marquee or in the garden itself in fine weather.

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BEdFORdSHiRE

wrest Park

looking every inch like a grand French chateau, wrest Park is a magnificent 18th-century mansion standing in 90 acres of magical gardens inspired by the Palace of Versailles.This amazing location lends itself perfectly as a setting for summer parties which can make the best use of both the house and its grounds.

Five interconnecting rooms with high windows – two of them licensed for civil ceremonies – lead out onto a wide terrace. They overlook a breathtaking formal garden, one of the finest in the land, which features expanses of water, lawns and woodland dotted with fountains, statues and ornate Baroque buildings.

Those hiring wrest Park have exclusive use of house and grounds. a lovely early 19th century orangery, elegant in its simplicity, may be used for ceremonies, receptions and dining. The lawns it overlooks can accommodate marquees for larger gatherings.

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cORNwall

Pendennis castle

commanding an impressive position high on the Falmouth headland, Pendennis castle has sweeping vistas out to sea, which once helped it to defend our shores from invasion.Five centuries since King Henry Viii built this fortress, the castle’s position and panorama impresses rather than intimidates! Those looking for a cornish landmark in an enviable location for ceremonies and celebrations need look no further.

weddings may be held in the keep’s octagonal lower gun Room or in the recently refurbished Edwardian Royal artillery Barracks.

Proudly facing the Keep and within the castle’s outer walls, there are a choice of three contemporary rooms to host ceremonies, dining and dancing.

a lawn provides ample room for marquee events, with the castle as a magnificent backdrop, illuminated with dramatic lighting by night.

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St Mawes castle

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This charming and romantic castle in a magical setting above the sea makes St Mawes castle a winner for couples looking for a fairytale location for their wedding day.like Pendennis castle just across the mouth of the River Fal, St Mawes was built by Henry Viii, its smooth curves and round towers lend softness rather than strength to its wall traced out in the shape of a clover leaf.

completed in 1545, the castle is small but perfectly formed and decorated with gargoyles, Tudor roses and fleurs-de-lys. Three circular rooms, linked by a stone staircase, host ceremonies and

receptions, and drinks may also be served on an open decked terrace with superb views to sea.

Tiered gardens which step down towards the rugged shore beneath were originally designed to absorb the impact of enemy cannon-balls. Today they host outdoor ceremonies and marquees for dining and dancing as the sun goes down on the watery horizon.

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dERBYSHiRE

Bolsover castle

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This is everything a castle should be – a spectacular hilltop location, towers, turrets, archways, courtyards… But there is so much more. Fabulous views, a walled garden, a range of lovely 17th century buildings and an enchanting little castle – a flamboyant cavalier’s romantic interpretation of a medieval castle in miniature.with four areas licensed for civil ceremonies and a sheltered lawn within the Outer courtyard to accommodate marquees, Bolsover castle is one of derbyshire’s favourite wedding venues. But its versatile spaces are equally popular for entertaining family and friends.

couples often choose to marry within the elaborate little castle, where erotic painted ceilings created by Sir william cavendish

in the 1600s speak of love – its gilded Star chamber is an evocative setting to exchange vows. as well as his love of women, Sir william also indulged his passion for horses at Bolsover and his Stables and Riding House – one of the oldest in Europe – are now magnificent spaces for celebrations.

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dORSET

Portland castle

Standing right on the water’s edge, this unusual fan-shaped castle has superb views of shimmering seascapes across Portland Harbour.Built of beautiful local Portland stone by King Henry Viii, waves lap gently close to its walls making it a magical setting for summer celebrations in marquees. Now boasting a lovely contemporary garden, the castle can accommodate civil wedding ceremonies in its Old Kitchen – which can be warmed by a real fire in winter – and in an Upper Hall.

wilTSHiRE

Old wardour castle

in one of the loveliest locations in wiltshire, the fairytale looks of this unusual six-sided castle, inspired by a French chateau, makes a stunning setting for civil wedding ceremonies, receptions and other special occasions.For the ultimate in romance, couples can marry inside the ruined medieval castle or in an 18th-century pavilion beside a lake in the wooded grounds. The magnificent rolling landscape and evocative architecture offer an exquisite and picturesque backdrop for wedding photography.

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iSlE OF wigHT

Osborne House & gardens

Quite simply exquisite, Queen Victoria’s favourite home in superb grounds sweeping down to the sea, is a regal backdrop for celebrations on a grand scale.its richly-furnished rooms, wonderful works of art and original memorabilia from the time when it was a retreat away from the pressures of state for Queen Victoria, Prince albert and their nine children, make it a uniquely impressive venue.

a series of rooms inside the sumptuous house may be hired for exclusive occasions such as drinks receptions and dinners. They include the indian-inspired

durbar Room, filled with treasures given to Queen Victoria, and the elegant Victoria Hall and adjoining Orangery, with doors leading out to garden terraces, filled with the scents of flowers. Marquees on expansive lawns overlooking the sea can host stylish celebrations for hundreds – or even thousands – of guests.

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Kenilworth castle & Elizabethan garden

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Now boasting a stunning recreated Elizabethan garden, the ancient walls of Kenilworth castle – said to be the most beautiful castle ruin in the land – can host civil ceremonies, dinners and drinks receptions for up to 300 guests.Occasions – including civil wedding ceremonies – are hosted in the lovingly restored octagonal gatehouse, built by dashing Robert dudley, Earl of leicester as a grand entrance for Queen Elizabeth i, when she visited in 1575. aiming to impress, dudley romanced his Queen for 19 days with pageantry, plays, hunting, music and dancing and also created the garden for the occasion where our lawned marquee site now stands.

guests attending events at the castle can see its recreated bejewelled aviary, fountain, obelisks, statuary and scented flower borders, much as it is believed to have looked during the Queen’s visit.

in fine weather, drinks can be enjoyed in a pretty parterre garden, lined with topiary and filled with flowers.


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choose us with confidence...Each steeped in centuries of history, our venues bring the past up to date with the very best in contemporary service. Our first class suppliers are carefully selected for their high standards and excellence and you will have the support of dedicated English Heritage hospitality professionals to advise and help fine-tune your arrangements – from the moment you book until your last guest leaves.

Ma GICal HIStOrIC VeNueS FOr WeDDINGS & SPeCIal OCCaSIONSFOR MORE iNFORMaTiON ON HiRiNg ENgliSH HERiTagE VENUES FOR wEddiNgS aNd SPEcial OccaSiONS, PlEaSE call:

london:

eltham Palace & Gardens020 8294 2577

Marble Hill House020 7973 3416

ranger’s House020 8294 2577

Wellington arch 020 7973 3416

Countrywide:

Wrest Park01525 863704

Pendennis Castle01326 310100/01326 310106

St Mawes Castle01326 310100/01326 310106

bolsover Castle01246 856456

Portland Castle01305 820868

Old Wardour Castle01305 820868

Osborne House & Gardens01983 203055

Kenilworth Castle & elizabethan Garden01926 852078

alternatively, email [email protected] or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/hospitality

(REa11/11)PaR2000

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