Venue spotlight: Celebrate your wedding in grand country style at Leez Priory

A stunning Grade I listed Tudor property set in 40 acres of glorious parkland, Leez Priory makes a glamorous exclusive-use setting for a romantic wedding in the heart of the English countryside

Leez Priory has the wow factor before you even begin to add in your wedding-day dressing. This Grade I listed setting has a rich history. Once home of the Earl of Warwick, it’s on the site of an Augustinian priory dating back still further. Illustrious guests at the Tudor manor house included Elizabeth I – so a perfect setting to be king and queen on your wedding day surrounded by beautiful period interiors and lavish grounds.

Scene setting

This is a picture-perfect setting for a wedding and, with exclusive use, you can welcome your guests up the sweeping driveway, take a stroll around Leez Priory’s lakes, lawns and ancient garden walls and then feast in the spectacular beamed Great Hall. There are seven licensed settings within the property, including the stunning Great Tower adjoining the main property. You can even host your wedding ceremony alfresco beneath the tower’s carriageway for a truly unique atmosphere. The mellow redbrick manor with its turrets, chimneys, courtyard and wisteria-clad walls instantly creates a classic English country vibe – timeless style for photo opportunities and a wonderful setting for a relaxed and stress-free celebration with friends and family.

Perfect for…

Leez Priory can host wedding breakfasts for up to 100 in the newly converted Coach House, and up to 74 in the Great Hall (and up to 250 can attend the after party), so this is an idyllic spot to gather a crowd together for a private celebration. Book a two-night stay to start the proceedings with a relaxed dinner or welcome party. There are 15 lovely bedrooms in the main house, including a bridal suite with four-poster and spa bath. The delightful period Fisherman’s Cottage tucked away in the grounds sleeps up to six people and is often reserved by bride and bridesmaids to enjoy an evening of pre-wedding pampering.

While the manor and grounds offer a slice of perfect English countryside, Leez Priory is only seven miles from Chelmsford, which offers fast access to the capital by road and rail. Stansted Airport is less than half-an-hour away by car, so ultra convenient if guests are flying in from overseas or bride and groom want a stress-free honeymoon getaway after the wedding day.

The details

The very first British property to have been granted a civil licence for marriage ceremonies back in 1995, Leez Priory has over 20 years’ expertise in hosting magical weddings, so the team here know how to throw a great party. Your personal wedding manager will organise every detail, from venue dressing and helping you pick the right menu to accommodation and personal touches for you and your guests. You can also tap into Leez Priory’s handpicked supplier list – from florist and photographer to fireworks specialists.

With exclusive use from midday to midnight (with one or two nights’ accommodation also available), all-inclusive wedding packages here start from £5,500 for 60 guests and include canapés, cocktails, three-course menu of your choice, DJ and venue dressing.

Extra magic

Being lord and lady of the manor for the day is always a tempting prospect, and that’s what Leez Priory offers. The accommodation options mean you can relax, explore the beautiful grounds and enjoy the exceptional food prepared by the head chef and team. There are endless options to personalise food and entertainment – everything from adding extra courses to your wedding menu to arranging afternoon tea on the croquet lawn and an evening barbecue or hog roast.

While Leez Priory’s setting and beautiful ground make it hugely popular for spring and summer weddings, it’s also a superb choice for weddings in the chillier months, when the glorious beamed and mullioned reception spaces with cosy leather sofas and roaring log fires ensure a spectacularly romantic and intimate setting for once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.