Finding the perfect wedding venue is vital to the overall success of your special day. Whether you're looking for large and luxurious or unique and unusual, Somerset offers some of the most spectacular locations to exchange vows in the country
Finding the perfect wedding venue is vital to the overall success of your special day. Whether you’re looking for large and luxurious or unique and unusual, Somerset offers some of the most spectacular locations to exchange vows in the country
Bath’s Historic BuildingsCelebrate your special day amid the most memorable of settings: the stunning Georgian architecture of Bath’s historic buildings. Enjoy your wedding reception by the steam and torchlight of the Roman Baths and for a gathering of up to 300 people, the beautiful interiors of the reception rooms are very popular. Resident photographer Lee Niel (leeniel.co.uk) is available to capture these intimate moments during the day. You will need to book a registrar from the Bath Register Office to perform your wedding ceremony (01225 4777234). Contact: 01225 477782; Bath_venues@bathnes.gov.uk www.bathvenues.co.uk
Gants Mill And GardenLocated in a secluded river valley deep in the Somerset countryside, this family-run mill dates back to the Domesday survey of 1068. Ceremonies are held in the picturesque gardens, and highlights include a procession through the rose and clematis arches, and an oak gazebo under which you can say your vows. Contact: Greg Beedle 07854 166624; greg.beedle@btinternet.com; www.gantsmill.co.uk
Haselbury MillHaselbury Mill is a spectacular venue set in the heart of the Somerset countryside. The original buildings also date back to the Domesday Book and the three main Listed buildings provide an idyllic wedding backdrop. Your ceremony will take place either in the lakeside room, overlooking the beautiful lake or within the Great Tithe Barn. The mill offers a 500-guest capacity and a wide selection of lovely reception rooms.Contact: 01460 77095; info@haselburymill.co.uk; www.haselburymill.co.uk
HestercombeA classical, romantic English garden, Hestercombe offers the perfect setting for a spectacular wedding – lakes, cascades, temples, rills, shade-dappled pathways, romantic corners and views to take your breath away create a spectacular backdrop to capture your memories. Hestercombe is licensed for civil ceremonies, offering the advantage of being able to hold your ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening party all at one magnificent and convenient location.Contact: 01823 413923; info@hestercombe.com; www.hestercombe.com
Hornsbury MillA charming example of an early 19th century corn mill between Taunton and Chard, Hornsbury Mill provides an idyllic setting for your wedding. Your ceremony will take place either in the atmospheric candlelit Cornloft, or outside in the Gazebo in the landscaped gardens beside the lake with its beautiful fountain and curious feathered residents. It holds a civil wedding licence, allowing for an all-inclusive, custom-made package for your marriage or civil partnership, reception, evening party and accommodation. Contact: 01460 63317; info@hornsburymill.co.uk; www.horsburymill.co.uk
Huntstile Organic FarmThe farm provides an unusual alternative to more traditional weddings. In the summer months, receptions can be held in the farmhouse and garden marquee. They can provide straw bales for seating – a quirky substitute for tables and chairs! In the winter, up to 50 guests can celebrate in the dining hall with crackling log fires. Your guests can be delivered to the church on a hay bale ride in a wedding tractor and trailer, with a barn dance or medieval banquet in the evening. Huntstile farm is listed at number 15 in the Independent’s top 50 Wedding Venues.Contact: 01278 662358; huntstile@live.co.uk; www.huntstileorganicfarm.co.uk
Kilver CourtKilver Court is the perfect wedding venue for couples looking for a unique backdrop to their special day. The beautiful ‘Secret Gardens of Somerset’, based on classic French geometric designs, are the highlight of this location.Alternatively, there is a selection of ceremony rooms to choose from. The intimate Dovecot is ideal for smaller wedding parties, while for larger groups, you can choose from the Director’s Suite or Jardine’s Ballroom.Contact: 01749 340416; mark@kilvercourt.com; www.kilvercourt.com
LonghouseThe Longhouse is set amid 20 acres of land, with views encompassing the stunning Brue valley. The building is made from sustainable materials and won The Green Apple Award for environmental architecture. The Longhouse has strong relationships with recommended local wedding suppliers, and can also provide exclusive caterers who source all their food as locally as possible. Contact: 01749 812307; longhouse@millonthebrue.co.uk; www.longhouseweddings.co.uk
Maunsel HouseMaunsel House is a 13th century country manor set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside. The estate encompasses farms, lakes, woodlands, walnut groves, orchards, wetlands, cottages and an ancient barn.Choose from a stunning ballroom or a wisteria-garlanded gazebo for your ceremony. The venue also caters for up to 200 guests outdoors, surrounded by picturesque flower gardens and walled gardens. In the winter, the regency ballroom provides the ultimate elegant backdrop for your reception. Guests are invited to stay in a choice of 13 luxurious bedrooms, and more friends and family can be accommodated in three additional cottages. Contact: 01278 661076; info@maunselhouse.co.uk; www.maunselhouse.co.uk
Rookery ManorThis beautiful 16th century manor near Weston-super-Mare is a superb place to say ‘I do’. With its elegant gardens, formal lawns and flower beds, it is a venue that lends itself to making your wedding a most memorable day.With individual flair and dedication Rookery Manor subtly combines traditional style, excellent food and intuitive service with imagination and copious space to ensure you enjoy the most special of days. On 18 September, Rookery Manor will host a wedding exhibition (admission free) from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Wedding co-ordinators will be on hand with advice on how to choose the perfect setting for your ceremony and plan a truly unforgettable reception. Inside the main hall, you will find more than 50 boutique stands packed with ideas for your special day – plus gorgeous wedding gowns by top designers Pronovias and Maggie Sottero.Contact: 08454 090940; www.rookery-manor.co.uk
Shapwick HouseFrom the grandest of weddings to a small intimate gathering, Shapwick House provides a delightful setting for a wedding ceremony or reception, with exclusive use of this beautiful and imposing home, which has been granted a license to hold civil marriage ceremonies. Guests may be greeted in the magnificent Great Hall where in winter a log fire provides a warm welcome, and in the summer extensive lawns provide a delightful setting for a drinks reception before sitting down to a sumptuous wedding breakfast in the Georgian dining room.Contact: 01458 210321; shapwick-house@hotmail.co.uk; http://www.shapwick-house.co.uk/contact
Square & Compass InnIf you are looking for a more informal atmosphere for your wedding, The Barn at the Square & Compass in Ashill near Ilminster specialises in very relaxed weddings with the emphasis on very, very good food and can provide the civil wedding ceremony, reception and a party in the evening. The whole day can be arranged for you if you wish, or you can organise parts of it yourself.Contact: 01823 480467; www.squareandcompasspub.com
Taunton SchoolWith its stunning Gothic Chapel available for religious wedding ceremonies and wedding blessings, civil licence with a choice of rooms for your civil wedding and a proven reputation for high standard receptions tailored to your every need; Taunton School provides a versatile and beautiful venue for your special day.Couples can enjoy a traditional wedding from beginning to end or can work with a dedicated wedding planner to create the day of their dreams. Contact: 01823 703111; www.tauntonschoolevents.co.uk
