Finding the perfect wedding venue is likely to be at the top of any newly engaged couple’s list. The venue you pick will determine many factors...but the most important is your budget, as this defines your search. As a wedding supplier, we’ve visited many venues around Norfolk and Suffolk and each one is amazing, in its own right. Whilst looking at venues remember to think along these lines......
· Do you need a large capacity venue or a smaller more intimate one? Outside or inside wedding? Remember to think wedding and reception together. Will it be at the same place as your wedding, (which would obviously make life simpler for both you and your guests.) Or a separate venue?
· How many guests are you thinking of inviting? Make a rough list.
· When you look at a venue think – imagine how it will look when filled with tables. A good idea is to see it set up for a wedding. If this isn’t possible ask to see photos or a slideshow.... Ask for a seating plan of the room full of tables.
· Think too about which locations your guests will be coming from? If they’re not local, choose a venue that is easily accessible, maybe has accommodation on site or hotels nearby? Do you have guests from abroad, so are you close to an international airport?
As a couple am sure you’ll have an idea of what your day will be like and your venue needs to live up to your expectations. So whilst taking all this on board with budget as your main focus you will need to include some of the following points.
· Will your venue be able to provide everything you need within your budget?
· What type of catering would you like? Can the venue supply this· Do you have friends who can bake the cake or take photographs? Check the venue will allow this. Or does the venue have recommended suppliers?
· Entertainment –do you want live music, does the venue allow this? Different entertainment ideas like fireworks, sparklers, fun casino, magicians etc....will the venue allow them?
I bet you’re thinking wow, that’s a lot to take on board? That’s true, but each venue will go out of its way to make sure your day is special. We’d like to mention some of the fabulous places around Suffolk that are awesome and that we know and trust.
Click on the images to go to the venue websites.
Hengrave Hall - this stunning Grade 1* listed Tudor mansion is situated within an impressive 350-acre estate and is an exclusive use wedding venue, which exudes historic charm complete with its own idyllic church. The church of St John Lateran, only a few steps away from the main house is available to couples wishing to get married within or have a blessing. For those balmy summer weddings, the lake offers the most breath-taking outside ceremony location, think whimsical, complete with wildflowers and the lake as the backdrop there really is no setting like it! If those ceremony options are not enough couples also are able to choose from many of the ground floor rooms in the main house which are also licensed for Civil Ceremonies
The Venue at Kersey Mill is a beautiful Suffolk wedding venue, set in the heart of picturesque countryside. Just outside Ipswich in Kersey, The Venue is in a rural location, but accessible from major towns and road links to suit loved ones coming from afar. Suffolk is famous for its beautiful scenery and this very special wedding venue is listed in the Doomsday book. The Venue provides you with an interesting building with features that offer plenty of history and character amongst 17 acres of private land, exclusively yours on your wedding day. The Venue offers many features for your wedding including a spectacular Kiln Room, an outside patio, large deck area and an extremely beautiful setting with the stunning views of landscaped gardens and the extensive grounds.
Hintlesham Hall - Dating back to the 1400s, Hintlesham Hall is an impressive building with traditional decor, which is steeped in history. It is used today as a plush four red star hotel serving award-winning cuisine. Extremely popular for weddings – large and small, and an excellent venue for corporate hire, the Hall is an impressive and versatile grade l listed building nestled in the tranquil Suffolk countryside. A little spot of luxury in beautiful surroundings, only an hour away from Stansted airport and a short drive from Ipswich town centre, the Hall offers a fine dining experience, one-of-a-kind stately bedrooms, stunning views and our own small, but perfectly formed, spa for a little more added luxury.
Bruisyard Hall - Bruisyard is a wonderful venue for a wedding. The country house is set in beautiful, informal and varied 700 acre grounds. There is accommodation for 28, and event capacity for up to 140 seated guests in the Barn, or 28 seated in the Hall’s elegant dining room for more intimate occasions. The food is prepared by expert chef who will work with you to create amazing menus that meet your requirements perfectly, serving the best regional, seasonal produce for you all to enjoy.
Glemham Hall - Found on the outskirts of the pretty village of Little Glemham, just outside Woodbridge, stands Glemham Hall surrounded in 300 acres of beautiful Suffolk parkland. A long, sweeping drive leads you directly to the 16th century country house venue, offered exclusively to you and your guests, ensuring complete privacy for your wedding day. Licensed for civil ceremonies, the Great Hall and our outdoor venue, the Summerhouse, are perfect for intimate occasions or larger ceremonies for up to 95 guests. If you’re considering a church ceremony, St Andrew's is a beautiful countryside church on the Glemham Estate, just a five minute stroll from the Hall through our gardens. Enjoy a walk through the Yew Tree avenue to the rose gardens for a relaxing drinks reception.
White Dove Barn – A beautiful Grade II listed thatched Barn holds 120 guests for your barn wedding ceremony and wedding breakfast. Invite all of your loved ones to share your Suffolk wedding at our country estate. Whether your plans are small and intimate or lavish and grand, Suffolk weddings are here to make your wedding day unique. Unlike some wedding venues Suffolk has, we allow you the freedom to create your day exactly the way you want it.
Granary Estates - the 18th century Granary Barn is the perfect setting for a relaxed and intimate wedding day. The venue consists of two original barns linked by an open glass walkway with a stunning private courtyard in between, ideal for a relaxed drinks reception. Holding a license for ceremonies, the barns are perfect for intimate celebrations and can also accommodate larger weddings for up to 175 guests.
Wherstead Park - A stunning grade 2 listed Georgian mansion nestled in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, Wherstead Park is now one of East Anglia’s most popular and versatile venues for weddings, conferences, events, parties and filming.
Steeped in history, this enchanting venue sits amid 17 acres of private grounds, featuring Georgian architecture, a beautiful rose garden, lawns, a croquet pitch and so much more. Whether you’re planning a lavish celebration for up to 400 guests or an intimate affair for 15, our experienced team of events staff will help you ensure that your event runs as planned on the day. Its sweeping staircase, marbled columns and domed roof have proved a home, office, venue for a huge array of people and our events team can’t wait to explore what the mansion could offer you.
Haughley Park Barn - Set in 250 acres of beautiful Suffolk parkland, Haughley Park is a privately-owned country estate with a sweeping driveway, landscaped gardens and stunning Jacobean manor house at its heart. Within the well-kept grounds sits the popular Suffolk wedding venue, Haughley Park Barn, and the estate hosts regular public events throughout the year. Approached through undulating parkland and featuring its original oak beam roof and exposed brickwork, the Grade II listed Haughley Park Barn provides an impressive but relaxed setting where you can celebrate your wedding, your way.
Elms Barns - The 17th century Norfolk wedding barn nestled in the heart of the Waveney Valley, just a short drive from Beccles and Norwich, offers a unique blend of rustic charm and elegance for your marriage ceremony and celebration reception. Surrounded by 20 acres of grounds the barn sits directly behind the beautiful Norfolk Queen Anne house.
Woolverstone Hall - This grand country manor offers a vast canvas to tailor to your own personal requirements. Ideal for a DIY wedding, there are several venues on-site from which to choose from. Woolverstone Hall is licensed for both civil ceremonies and traditional church weddings and even holds its own parish. The extensive parkland across the estate allows for firework displays if you're after that extra sparkle and there is an option to have an Events Executive present on the day to assist you, if you choose. You can also opt to erect a marquee and the reception area can double up as a bar.
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