Landscaped grounds, mellow stone walls and baronial fireplaces… let’s face it, nothing feels finer than being lord or lady of the manor for a day – or a weekend. And there’s no shortage of divine stately-home settings to live it large, as our eight gorgeous real weddings prove
Words Libby Norman
1. Emma & Jack – Gosfield Hall
Gosfield Hall in Essex made a sumptuous backdrop for Jack and Emma, who took over this star in the Country House Weddings collection for their May wedding. They are pictured here against the backdrop of the crystal chandelier-bedecked Ballroom – the bride’s fabulous lace gown is by Gemy Maalouf. countryhouseweddings.co.uk & tomhalliday.com
2. Louise & Ross – Hanbury Manor
Louise and Ross celebrated their wedding at Hanbury Manor, near Ware on an unseasonably tropical day at the end of June, taking time away from their guests in the early evening, as the mercury dropped, for a cooling lakeside stroll in its immaculately landscaped grounds. marriott.co.uk & benbull.net
3. Lottie & Luke – Holkham Hall
Every lord and lady of the manor need discreet attendants, so it was handy that Lottie and Luke had a devoted page boy in their wake for a stroll around the grounds of Norfolk’s Holkham Hall following their beautiful ceremony in its famed Marble Hall. holkham.co.uk & tatumreid.com
4. Sian & Daniel – Northbrook Park
Northbrook Park was Sian and Daniel’s special place, and this classic 18th-century manor set in 120 acres near Farnham in Surrey shone bright in the summer sunshine. Taking time out for a stroll in the Nuns’ Garden, they were snapped against the elegant backdrop of The Vine Room by photographer Ben Bull. harbourhotels.co.uk & benbull.net
5. Grace & Richard – Down Hall
Down Hall is an ancient manor near Hatfield Heath that was remodelled in the grand Italian style in the 19th century. With its light-filled spaces and lush grounds, this made the perfect space for the early summer celebration of Richard and Grace. downhall.co.uk & mattheathphotography.com
6. Amy & Tom – Sturmer Hall
Located near Haverhill, Sturmer Hall is mentioned in the Domesday Book and its period rooms and wooded grounds make a great backdrop for a timeless country wedding. Tom and Amy made the manor home for a July celebration, pausing for a Mr & Mrs kiss on its stone steps cheered on by their six beautiful bridesmaids. sturmerhall.com & benbull.net
7. Emily & Luke – Alrewas Hayes
Emily and Luke picked Staffordshire estate Alrewas Hayes for their romantic New Year’s Eve wedding. This stately property dating back to 1066 boasts a gorgeous orangery and private lake, not to mention 100-acre grounds where the couple took a newlywed stroll after the formalities. alrewashayes.com & garethnewsteadphotography.com
8. Sarah & Lee – Iscoyd Park
Dating back to 1700, Iscoyd Park on the North Wales border is still a family home, so weddings here are always personal. This was just what Sarah and Lee wanted for their lovely wedding, where a few traditions were remade and their pooch was a VIP guest. The bride’s glam feathered gown is by Charlie Brear. iscoydpark.com & harrymichaelphotography.com
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