If you are looking for a really unusual ceremony venue for your wedding day then look no further than the newly licensed Jaywick Martello Tower.
Built in 1809, Jaywick Martello Tower is one of 103 Martello Towers built along the south and east coast to repel a potential invasion from Napoleon’s forces. Builders used over 750,000 bricks to build the circular tower which has walls up to twelve feet thick. The Tower has been fully renovated and is home to a thriving arts and community venue.
Three rooms are licensed for ceremonies. The ground floor Martello Room, first floor Garrison Room and the unique rooftop Seaview Room provide contrasting ceremony locations. The Seaview Room has stunning views over the Essex coastline offering an amazing backdrop for any ceremony.
For further information telephone Kerith Ririe on 01255 822783
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 30/08/2011
The White Hart Hotel has become the third Old English Inn in the Braintree area to obtain a civil ceremony license.
Located in Coggeshall, one of England’s prettiest market towns, the White Hart is set in a stunning listed building that dates back to the 15th century. The venue has a wealth of original features which include attractive timbered rooms. For the all important ceremony, you can choose between the Coggeshall Room and the Paycocks Room.
For more information contact Carl Lowndes at the White Hart on 01376 561654
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 11/07/2011
Hendersons Roydon Marina Village has become the newest venue in Essex licensed for civil wedding ceremonies. The venue is set in an idyllic location on the Essex/Hertfordshire border at the northern end of the Lee Valley Regional Park.
The village consists of an exclusive purpose built holiday lodge resort encompassing a 32 acre lake, a 315 berth Marina, Hotel, Restaurant, Bar and Entertainment complex.
The Marina Village has two ceremony rooms available. The Function Suite can accommodate 100 persons and the smaller Lounge has a capacity for 50 persons.
For further information telephone Dawn Bailey on 01279 792777
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 10/01/2011
Over the last 15 years Essex has become one of the most popular places in England to ‘tie the knot’.
So just why are more and more couples choosing Essex in preference to neighbouring areas? Is it because the County is predominantly rural or does it have anything to do with having the longest coastline of any County? Well i am sure both factors may influence some couples but it is more likely they are attracted by the range of ceremony locations that are now available.
In Essex over 70% of weddings are civil ceremonies and the only growth area in the market is weddings in what are termed as ‘approved premises’. Approved premises include Hotels, Stately Homes, Golf and Country Clubs and Civic Buildings. In recent years more unusual locations have joined the expanding list of ceremony venues and in this article we feature some of them.
Rayleigh Windmill
In the south of the County, for example, you can get married in Rayleigh Windmill, Set in the heart of historic Rayleigh this beautiful windmill was built in 1809. With seating for up to 20 guests the windmill offers an intimate venue for your civil wedding. The windmill is located next to a sensory garden and Rayleigh Mount which is owned and managed by the National Trust giving a perfect backdrop for your after ceremony photographs. Visit www.rochford.gov.uk/leisure_and_tourism/events_and_attractions/weddings_at_the_windmill.aspx
Wines, Vines and Marriage Lines
Mersea Island lies between the estuaries of the Blackwater and Colne rivers, about nine miles south of Colchester.
The present Mersea Island Vineyard was established in 1985. Today there are about ten acres of vines. The five grape varieties produce some twenty thousand bottles of wine each year.
As a ceremony location, couples can choose from the Vineyard Suite or the Pavilion which is located on the vineyard lawn. Alternatively, for couples wanting a ceremony with more of an outdoor feel there is the Rose Arbour with the vineyard providing a stunning backdrop. Find out more by visiting
www.merseawine.com
The Electric Palace Harwich
For film buffs there is a truly unique ceremony venue in the North of Essex in Harwich. The Electric Palace is an authentic1911 Grade ii* listed building. The cinema is one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas to survive complete with its silent screen, original projection room and ornamental frontage still intact. For more information visit www.electricpalace.com
Mangapp Manor
At Mangapp Manor, Burnham on Crouch, couples have the option of a ceremony in an African Thatched Gazebo located on a small pontoon surrounded by water accessed along a red carpet with a short jetty walkway.
Guests are seated on the lakeside, under cover if required; witnessing your nuptial and hearing you take your vows via a PA system. The Manor is set in 11 acres of beautiful grounds which contain striking feature areas for wedding photography. They include the ornamental pond, the pool house, the weeping willow and Lily feature area of the lake, the ivy and floral arch and the bridal compass bed amongst others.
For more info visit www.mangappmanor.co.uk
Hedingham Castle
Few locations could be more suitable for a grand marriage ceremony than Hedingham Castle, which has overlooked the Essex village of Castle Hedingham for almost 1,000 years. Unquestionably one of England’s most romantic settings, the Norman keep and nearby Georgian country house collectively offer a unique and unparalleled venue for couples on their wedding day, in tandem with an enviable roster of facilities including a vintage Rolls-Royce.
Hedingham Castle was constructed in 1140AD, both by and for the famous de Vere family. These Earls of Oxford lived here for more than five centuries, and to this day the castle remains under the ownership of their descendants, the Lindsay family. As one of Britain’s oldest buildings, the stunning keep still overlooks almost the entire county of Essex, with its 12-foot thick walls and original Norman architectural flourishes having been admired by numerous royal visitors including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Close by is the Queen Anne House, constructed in 1720 and overlooking a lake and glorious wooded grounds which are populated by a profusion of birds, flora and fauna.
For more info visit www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/wedding.htm
Something a little different
If you're looking for a new, contemporary venue with something a little bit different for your wedding day, then Colchester United has just the thing for you!
The newly opened Weston Homes Community Stadium is now fully licensed for civil ceremonies, renewal of vows, naming ceremonies and civil partnerships.
Whether you're a football fan or not, the venue offers something for everyone and it is hoping to become a popular venue for weddings large and small.
Hosted within the football stadium itself, the venue has the capacity to cater for parties varying in size from 50 to 400 and offer a personal co-ordinator to give your day that special feel in order to make it one to remember.
Co-ordinators will help you plan your whole day, including flowers, photography and entertainment, as well as all of the extra little touches to give it that wow factor, with specialist features galore available for hire!
So for a wedding with a difference, possessing a touch of sporting magic along the way, the Weston Homes Community Stadium is the ideal venue for your wedding!
For more information visit: www.colchesterstadiumexperience.com/weddings/default.aspx
In Essex there are now more than 130 civil ceremony venues to choose from.
Coggeshall Grange Barn has become the newest Essex venue to obtain a license to hold weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.
In the possession of the National Trust since 1989, Coggeshall Grange Barn is a 13th century timber framed monastic barn. The structure is closely associated with the nearby Cistercian abbey.
It enjoys a beautiful ‘cathedral like’ interior and has a collection of fine farm carts from the last few centuries. The building is surrounded by splendid Essex countryside.
For further information telephone Stuart Banks on 01376 562226
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 04/11/2010
Essex County Council Trading Standards has been working with local wedding venues to make sure that VAT is included in any prices they quote to happy couples for hosting their big day.
Consumers are legally entitled to know the total cost of a venue before they make a decision, and the Advertising Standards Agency requires that all adverts include VAT in any prices quoted.
Research conducted by Trading Standards found that a number of venues in Essex offered a very clear pricing structure, which included VAT in the quoted prices.
However some venues were found to not be disclosing VAT, meaning that prices quoted were not a true reflection of the actual cost. Trading Standards was concerned that this would make it difficult for couples to compare prices and decide on a venue that fits their budget.
Trading Standards has advised all venues on the need to make their prices clear, and they majority have now changed their advertising to include VAT. Trading Standards has also helped venues to offer the clearest price packages and redraft their advertising.
County Councillor Tracey Chapman, Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards said “Finding the perfect wedding venue can be a difficult process. Trading Standards want to ensure that couples are given VAT inclusive prices before they say ‘I do’. If you are planning a wedding please make sure that the final price has been made clear before you sign on the dotted line.”
Trading Standards is also offering the following advice to residents when choosing a wedding venue:
Trading Standards would like to hear from anyone who has booked a wedding venue based on a VAT exclusive quote. Please email details to trading.standards@essex.gov.uk
Media contact: Michael Page, 01245 438418
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 23/06/2010
The Paddocks has become only the second venue on Canvey Island to be licensed for civil wedding and civil partnership ceremonies. Couples have a choice of four ceremony rooms ranging from the large Main Hall to smaller halls.
Castle Point Borough hope the new venue will prove popular with local residents as well as with couples living in neighbouring areas.
For further information telephone 01268 882476.
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 05/08/2010
Runnymede Hall in Benfleet has become the latest venue in the Castle Point area to obtain a civil ceremony licence.
The venue has a number of ceremony rooms ranging from the small Mayor's Office, medium sized foyer and the large Main Hall which can accommodate over 200 guests.
For further information telephone 01268 882479.
Wat Tyler Centre in Pitsea near Basildon has just obtained a licence to hold civil weddings and civil partnerships at the venue. Located just 15 minutes drive from the M25 the venue is easily accessible for wedding parties.
This wonderful venue can accommodate 140 guests for your wedding breakfast, with plenty of room for live music and dancing. Wat Tyler Centre offers a choice of ceremony rooms from the larger capacity Nobel Room, mid-size Diamond Suite and the smaller Bittern Room.
The Centre is set around the 125 acre country park, with walking trails for guests to explore. There is a picturesque village green and pond bordered by historic cottages which offer fantastic photographic opportunities for your special day.
For more information telephone the Wat Tyler team on 01268 550088
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 15/05/2010
Essex is well known for the wide range of wedding venues that are available for your special day but the latest venue to be licenced has a just claim to be truly unique. Mersea Island Vineyard is not only the first vineyard in Essex to be licenced for civil wedding ceremonies but the venue itself is located on an island.
The present Mersea Island Vineyard was established in 1985. Today there are about ten acres. The five grape varieties produce some twenty thousand bottles of wine each year.
As a ceremony location, couples can choose from the Vineyard Suite or the Pavilion which is located on the vineyard lawn. Alternatively, for couples wanting a ceremony with more of an outdoor feel there is the Rose Arbour with the vineyard providing a stunning backdrop.
For more information on this stunning new venue telephone Roger Barber on 01206 385900
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 08/04/2010
As of the 23rd of March Baddow Park has now become the latest venue to be licensed to hold civil marriages and civil partnerships.
Located close to Chelmsford, Baddow Park is an impressive mansion house built in 1890 and set in 60 acres of parkland. Your wedding album will be something very special as the variety of locations available both inside the house and the magnificent grounds offer photographers the perfect canvas on which to work.
The venue has an additional advantage as the owner is a well known former fashion designer who will help you with all the organising of catering, marquees etc, should you require.
For further details contact Mrs Anne Heilijges on 01245 473969 or e mail hkestates@btconnect.com
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 23/03/2010
Following the licencing of the Kings Oak Hotel, couples can now get married in the heart of Epping Forest.
The hotel, which dates from 1887, has been tastefully refurbished and offers a choice of ceremony rooms. The location has an air of romance and elegance as you and your guests approach through the forest walk.
For further details contact Linzi Pollard on 02085 085000 or email info@kingsoakhotel.com
On 26th October 2009 Marks Hall Estate in Coggeshall joined the ever growing list of venues licenced for civil ceremonies. Ceremonies can take place in The Coach House, which is a superb traditional building set in the magnificent grounds of the historic country estate.
French windows open onto the terrace overlooking the formal gardens, which are in bloom from May to September. The Arboretum, ornamental lakes, cascades and the 17th Century Walled Garden are all accessible to guests. These idyllic surroundings provide an ideal backdrop for photographs of your special day. Particularly attractive for summer ceremonies is the purpose built gazebo in a beautiful garden setting. The Coach House can accommodate up to 120 seated guests and 200 for a buffet reception.
For further details contact Richard Ramsey on 01376 563116.
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 09/11/2009
Warley Park Golf Club is now available for civil ceremonies following the recent granting of a licence by Essex County Council. Situated in rolling countryside just 5 minutes from the M25, and 10 minutes from the Dartford River Crossing, Warley Park is easily accessible not only from London but also from the Home Counties and South of the river. There is a choice of ceremony room with the Terrace Room and Function Suite overlooking the landscaped golf course.
For further information contact Nick Hawkins, General Manager on 01277 224891.
Days Inn Haverhill has now been granted a licence to hold civil weddings and civil partnerships on the premises. Located on the outskirts of Haverhill,Suffolk, in the Braintree District, Days Inn offers a choice of two ceremony rooms. Ceremonies can be held in the Falcon Suite or alternatively in the Lounge. Ample accommodation is available on site and there is plenty of parking for wedding parties.
For further information contact Donna Revell on 01440 716950.
The prestigious 16th century Ingatestone Hall has become the newest venue in the Brentwood Registration District to obtain a licence to hold weddings and civil partnership ceremonies. The Hall stands in open countryside, one mile from the village of Ingatestone. Stunningly attractive, the Hall substantially retains its original Tudor form and appearance with its mullioned windows, high chimneys, crow-step gables and oak-panelled rooms and is surrounded by ten acres of enclosed gardens comprising extensive lawns, walled garden and stew pond.
Couples have a choice of three rooms for their special ceremony, namely the Stone Hall, Summer Parlour or the Dining Room, which is ideal for smaller parties.
For further information contact Ingatestone Hall on 01277 353010.
Following the granting of a ceremony licence on 5th October 2009, the Great Dunmow Maltings becomes the first venue in the country town of Great Dunmow to obtain a licence to hold weddings and civil partnerships.
Dating from the 16th century, the Maltings are recognised by English Heritage as a building of special architectural and historical importance. Fully restored in 2000, the first floor Barley Room features exposed beams and can accommodate 75 persons for a ceremony. The premises has full disabled access
For more information telephone 01371 873381.
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 06/10/2009
You may have heard of weddings with a difference now we have a wedding venue with a difference!
Katz Nightclub in Basildon has become possibly the most unusual venue in Essex to obtain a licence to hold weddings and civil partnerships. Located in the heart of the town Katz Nightclub can cater for ceremony parties of up to 150 people. Whilst there a number of Nightclubs around the country that hold licences, especially in central London, Katz is the first nightclub in Essex to be granted a ceremony licence.
Manager Dean Kayne says ' I think the venue will appeal to people who want to do something a bit different and i think we can fill a gap in the market for some alternative weddings'.
For further information contact the venue on 01268 288881
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 23/09/2009
Sutton Hall has become the 130th ceremony venue in Essex following the granting of a licence by Essex County Council on 10th July 2009.
Sutton Hall is a large picturesque 14th century country house - which provides the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony in The Red Brick Barn which can accommodate up to 80 people. Beautiful gardens offer peace & tranquillity for you to tailor make your wedding to everything you want it to be. It is also a wonderful venue for a party, an anniversary or any special occasion.
For further information, telephone Oliver or Helen Tabor on 01702 546395
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 27/07/2009
On 24th April, East Mersea Hall became the newest venue in Essex to obtain a licence to hold weddings and civil partnerships on the premises. Set in 35acres of grounds, the 16th Century East Mersea Hall offers a choice of ceremony room with the dining room and terrace room being available for your special day.
Being located on Mersea Island, East Mersea Hall is a unique venue in Essex. At high tide Mersea Island is cut off from the mainland as water pours across the stroud. Don't forget to consult the tide tables when booking your wedding. You wouldn't want to turn up late for your big day !
For further information contact Sarah Baldwin on 01206 383499
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 19/05/2009
The Barn Brasserie, Great Tey, has become the latest venue in Essex to obtain a licence to enable civil ceremonies to be held on the premises.
The Barn Brasserie is a stunning 500 year-old Grade Two listed restaurant which has a reputation for excellent food, fantastic service and amazing value. The venue is tucked away in the picturesque rolling north Essex countryside, and yet just five minutes from the main A12 close to Colchester.
For that special ceremony, couples can choose from the large Barn, the elegant Galleria, and for smaller parties, the Colony and Dealing rooms.
For more information on this exciting new wedding venue visit www.thebarnbrasserie.co.uk or telephone 01206 212383
Posted By Roger Robbins | Date: 24/03/2009