Why Surrey Is The Quintessential Destination for Luxurious and Scenic Weddings

Renowned for its idyllic countryside, historic estates, and outstanding natural beauty, Surrey stands as a prime choice for couples seeking a picturesque and unforgettable setting for their wedding day. This British county, rich in allure and charm, offers a panoply of exquisite venues that cater to every taste, blending historic elegance with modern sophistication. Here, we asked professional wedding photographer, Emma Seaney, for her top ten most captivating wedding venues to photograph in Surrey.

Langshott Manor, Horley

Langshott Manor presents an intimate and serene oasis that captivates with its Elizabethan grandeur. Its meticulously landscaped gardens, ancient moat, and historic façade offer a romantic backdrop for any wedding. The manor's interior exudes luxury, with its sumptuous furnishings and attention to detail, ensuring that every moment of your wedding day feels special and unique. With a dedicated and attentive staff, Langshott Manor goes above and beyond to provide a bespoke and exclusive experience, making it an ideal setting for those who seek elegance and privacy.

Wotton House, Dorking

Stepping into Wotton House is akin to entering a fairy tale. This stunning 17th-century mansion, set amidst 13 acres of breathtaking gardens, is a testament to architectural beauty and natural splendour. The Italian Garden, complete with its Roman-style temples and ornate ponds, offers an awe-inspiring setting for wedding ceremonies. Wotton House also affords a range of opulent indoor spaces, each radiating historic charm and sophistication. The venue's commitment to offering a seamless and luxurious wedding experience, combined with its enchanting surroundings, makes it a coveted choice for those seeking a grand celebration.

Millbridge Court, Farnham

For those who desire modern elegance intertwined with rustic charm, Millbridge Court stands out as a contemporary gem in the heart of Surrey. This exclusive-use venue offers a sophisticated blend of stylish design and homely comfort. Its light-filled ceremony hall, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking serene gardens, provides an intimate and natural setting for exchanging vows. Millbridge Court excels in offering a personalized and intimate wedding experience, complemented by gourmet dining options and luxurious accommodations, ensuring that your wedding day is as seamless as it is memorable.

image by @jkalen71

Bury Court Barn, Bentley

Bury Court Barn offers a magical and idyllic setting for a countryside wedding. This former flower barn retains its rustic charm while being elegantly converted into an exclusive-use venue that bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary styles. Its expansive oak-beamed barn, with modern lighting and classic detailing, sets a romantic and intimate tone for ceremonies and receptions. The surrounding gardens add to the venue's allure, offering enchanting photo opportunities. Bury Court Barn's dedicated team ensures a tailored and personal approach to every wedding, making it a perfect choice for those who dream of a rustic-chic celebration.

Botleys Mansion, Chertsey

Botleys Mansion is a grandeur 18th-century Palladian mansion that offers an air of sophisticated luxury. Surrounded by acres of magnificent parkland, it provides an exclusive and opulent setting for weddings. Its majestic Atrium, with a soaring glass ceiling, offers a stunning indoor space for celebrations, while the elegantly appointed reception rooms exude classic charm. Botleys Mansion ensures an unforgettable and lavish wedding experience, complete with gourmet cuisine and impeccable service, making it ideal for those who seek an extraordinary estate wedding.

Farnham Castle, Farnham

Farnham Castle, a historic castle with views that span across Farnham, offers a blend of heritage and majestic landscapes. Its unique setting promises a fairy-tale wedding, with a variety of enchanting indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions. The castle's Great Hall, with its impressive architecture and ancient features, provides a regal setting, while the Lantern Hall is perfect for more intimate gatherings. With bespoke wedding packages and a dedicated team, Farnham Castle ensures a royal treatment for your special day.

Gate Street Barn, Guildford

Gate Street Barn, set in the heart of the Surrey Hills, epitomizes the charm of a countryside wedding. This beautiful barn, built from oak trees lost in the 1987 hurricane, provides a sustainable and picturesque setting. Its rustic yet refined interiors, complemented by professional and warm services, offer a comfortable and stylish space for celebrations. With lush gardens and a tranquil pond, Gate Street Barn presents a serene and intimate environment for a truly bespoke wedding experience.

Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking

For a unique and unforgettable wedding, look no further than Denbies Wine Estate. Britain's largest vineyard provides a distinctive backdrop, combining the romance of the vine-filled landscape with state-of-the-art facilities. The Conservatory Atrium, with its tropical plants and panoramic views of the vines, offers a breathtaking setting for ceremonies. Denbies' commitment to excellence extends to its culinary offerings, with menus crafted from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a wedding celebration that is both exquisite and memorable.

Loseley Park, Guildford

Loseley Park is a stunning Elizabethan mansion that exudes historical charm and elegance. Set within 1,400 acres of rolling countryside, it offers an unrivalled setting for a sophisticated country wedding. The mansion's Great Hall, with its paneled walls and intricate carvings, provides a stunning backdrop for ceremonies, while the picturesque Walled Garden is ideal for marquee receptions. Loseley Park is dedicated to providing a personalized and exclusive wedding experience, making it a favourite among those who seek both splendor and intimacy.

The Barn at Botley Hill, Warlingham

Nestling high on the North Downs, The Barn at Botley Hill is a new addition to Surrey's wedding venue scene, offering spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. Its contemporary design, featuring large glass windows and chic interiors, allows for an abundance of natural light and creates a modern, airy feel. The venue's commitment to sustainable and locally sourced ingredients makes it an excellent choice for eco-conscious couples. The Barn at Botley Hill promises a magical setting for a wedding, where modern luxury meets the beauty of nature.

 These ten are a mere snippet of what Surrey has to offer bride and grooms. Its diverse range of wedding venues offers something truly special for every couple. From historic manors and fairy-tale castles to modern barns and vineyards, the beauty and luxury of Surrey's wedding scene are unparalleled. Each venue, with its unique charms and dedicated teams, ensures a celebration that is as seamless as it is beautiful, promising an unforgettable start to married life. As you embark on your journey of love and commitment, let Surrey's enchanting landscapes and exquisite venues be the setting of your dream wedding

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Destination "I Do": How To Find A Venue Your Guests Will Love

Getting married can be an exciting adventure. But it’s not just about you and your future spouse. It’s also about the people who will be there to witness the big day: the friends, family, and officials who will be there. 

Many couples go into their weddings thinking solely about themselves and their needs. But the best big days also take into consideration the enjoyment of the guests. After all, there are many more of them than there are of you. 

So how can you find a venue your guests will love? Let’s take a look. 

Start Researching

The first step is to start researching venues that align with your vision for your big day. You want to consider the weather, the setting, and whether there are any spectacular views that would serve as the perfect photo backdrops. 

Most city weddings are inside grand ballrooms in swanky hotels. Here, the décor really matters because that’s going to provide the backdrop for the big day. 

Country weddings are a little different. With these, the surrounding landscape and gardens are more important, since these are likely what’s going to provide the context for the photographs and ceremony. 

Venue Type

Of course, there are many venue types out there, each offering couples something a little different. 

For example, a destination like Hilltop Country House offers a more rural feel while maintaining much of the elegance and charm of a city-center hotel. But you could also choose a vineyard, beach, boat, castle, or even a resort. 

Ultimately, you’ll want to think about the type of place your guests will enjoy the most. Are they okay with traveling to somewhere more relaxing? Or would they prefer to be somewhere more central? 

Local Cuisine And Culture

You’ll also want to consider your guests’ preferences for food and culture, something that people can be fussy about. If you have very open-minded friends and family, then they might enjoy spicy Moroccan foods in Casablanca. But if they are more conservative or traditional, you might be better off taking them to a local place that serves the kind of food they enjoy. 

Be particularly wary of overseas weddings. You might love the idea of tying the knot on a tropical island, but it might not agree with your guests. 

Provide Plenty Of Activities And Entertaining

You’ll also want to ensure the venue has plenty of activities and entertainment available for your guest. Weddings can become quite dry affairs if there’s nothing to do except stand around. Guests may start to feel restless, even if you provide plenty of food and drink.

For instance, you might arrange for people to go on a local tour while you and your spouse have photos taken together. You might also opt for a recreational location where guests can enjoy hobbies after the ceremony but before the wedding breakfast. It’s little details like these that can make a big difference to guests’ enjoyment of the day as a whole. Remember to always provide everyone with clear instructions and maps so they know where they are going and what they are doing.

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Registrar V's Celebrant Explained: What exactly is a Licenced Premises and do you have to get married in one?

Hello, my name’s Denise a Celebrant from Oaklands Family Celebrant. Firstly huge congratulations if you are visiting this article as part of your journey to planning the wedding of your dreams.

The last year has been tough but now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it’s shining very brightly.

The wedding industry has a lot of catching up to do and many of the most popular, licenced venues are being rapidly booked as more and more couples now feel comfortable making wedding plans without the risk of them being stopped again.

At present the only way you can be legally married is if your Ceremony is a held following the rules of Religious Ceremonies or it is officiated by a Registrar at the Local Registry Office or another Licensed Premises.

So what exactly is a Licenced Premises and do you have to get married in one ?

Put simply the answer is No.

Awarding a Licence to a venue means that your wedding will be officiated by a registrar on the day of your Ceremony, making it Legal.

From the Citizens Advice Bureau’s website “the marriage ceremony will take approximately 10-15 minutes” and “each partner will repeat a standard set of vows”, which “may not be changed but may be added to”.

What isn’t commonly known is that the Legal side of your wedding can be carried out for a small fee in what is known as a “two plus two” Ceremony. This is held at the Local Registry Office in the presence of a Registrar, the couple and 2 witnesses, usually at a time when they are less busy.   

Licenced Venues and Local Authorities don’t over publicise this option as it diverts business away from them. 

But there is so much more available to you.

Using the combination of the 2+2 Ceremony and  Celebrant for your Wedding opens up the possibilities to hold your Ceremony anywhere, a beach, a hillside, your favourite beauty spot, your family home or any other venue you may have discounted as it isn’t licenced for Weddings.

The 2+2 Ceremony, usually held a few days before, gets the legal bits out of the way and then the fun begins working with your Celebrant to create the day of your dreams. 

Unlike a Registrar Ceremony the world really is your oyster. Your Celebrant will work closely with you both to get to know your story, your families and how you want your day to ‘feel”.

There are no restrictions to the words you choose, the vows you make or the additional elements you choose, such as Hand Fasting or a Unity Candle Ceremony.

There are so many options available to you which I’m happy to talk through with you either over the phone or over a coffee which ever works best for you.

This quick guide will be a help to you :

Whatever you choose I wish you Good Luck with your planning and more importantly your future.

Denise xxx
Call: 07718 584575 | Email: denise@oaklandscelebrants.co.uk | Websiteoaklandscelebrants.co.uk | North West, England

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A Peaky Blinders themed Wedding Shoot at The Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port

The Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port is set against the stunning backdrop of picturesque Ellesmere Canal and is situated on it’s very own LOVE Island. This stunning Wedding Venue location hosted an amazing Peaky Blinders Wedding Themed photoshoot that oozed Rustic, Industrial and a Historical wedding theme!

The whole area of The Holiday Inn and the Boat Museum has a rustic and industrial feel, which is bang on trend and becoming more popular as a Wedding Theme in 2020/21. The canals along with the iron bridge has been used for filming on set of Peaky Blinders, having the Boat Museum as a back drop is just perfect for your Wedding Photos!

The theme can be added to suite any type of couple and is adaptable for all ages!

Check out the highlights from their styled shoot below and their amazing reviews on facebook and hitched.com

Contact the Wedding Team at the Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port today and enquirer about their wedding packages and your wedding day!

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