​Hello once again and welcome to our blog! Before we get started we wanted to say a huge thanks for all those who have read, shared, liked and bought from our website- it’s really helping us get the word out there.

So quickly recapping on what we have already discussed in this series of blogs- we have researched and found our top 5 UK wedding venues in their respective categories. There really are some awesome venues out there for you to hold your special day in and they are sure to impress your guests!

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This week we are erring on the quirky side and looking at our top 5 Alternative UK Wedding Venues which caught our eye on the web. These will give you a different take on venues and hopefully give you some inspiration if you want to do something original.

Enjoy!

The Submarine, Hampshire
 
What a marvellous vessel! The Royal Navy Submarine Museum is situated on the waterfront with magnificent views across Portsmouth Harbour to the Spinnaker Tower and Portsmouth’s historic Dockyard.  Whether you arrive at the venue in style by speedboat, classic car or horse and carriage, you can pull up in front of the majestic HMS Alliance and start your truly unique day on the only World War 2 era submarine in Britain. If you prefer to have a larger ceremony why not have your photos taken in HMS Alliance as well as on the waterfront and enjoy the rest of your day in The John Fieldhouse Building. The architecture has a futuristic feel and with a historic submarine inside to provide another great backdrop for your day you get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
 
Whether you are looking for an intimate wedding ceremony with a difference, a large ceremony or would like a unique place for your wedding reception then The Royal Navy Submarine Museum is a great place to wow you and your guests and have a day you could never have imagined! I can imagine our message in a bottle invitations floating alongside this marvellous venue! 
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For more information visit www.submarine-museum.co.uk  or call 02392 510354 ext 240.

​The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland
 
Designed to be bold, The Alnwick Garden is one of the most contemporary gardens anywhere in the world. It stands apart from traditional restoration projects as a tribute to what had been before, while reviving and reenergising a forgotten landscape for the 21st century.
Nestled beneath their enchanting woodland canopy, The Treehouse offers exclusive evening ceremonies complimented by delicious locally produced food, hand selected wines and decadent cocktails. Hosting ceremonies on the decking for up to 85 guests or intimate indoor ceremonies for 60 guests. With a licence to hold marriages and civil partnerships, The Treehouse is perfect for ceremonies as well as celebrations.
 
The Treehouse can be hired privately in all seasons for a fresh spring wedding surrounded by trees bursting into leaf, a relaxed summer wedding with dancing on the decking, a twilight autumn wedding amidst a cascade of falling leaves or a cosy indoor winter wedding wrapped in thousands of tiny lights and warmed by a roaring log fire. Why not take a peek at our upcycled bottle lighting which would fit this venue perfectly! 
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The private decking bar facilities and aerial walkways provide intimate reception and entertainment areas, as well as picturesque settings for photographs.
 
For more information visit www.alnwickgarden.com   or call on 01665 511852.

​Café De Paris, London

The West End's No1 celebrity hotspot nightclub! Cafe de Paris is where London's elite gather every Friday & Saturday to party the night away till the early hours! London’s most iconic & famous nightclub
This venue in London's Piccadilly is one of the most famous entertainment venues in the world.

With a glittering history, spanning more than nine decades, Café de Paris has consistently played host to a wide variety of powerful & absorbing performers and guests, members of the aristocracy, eminent political figures, dazzling pop stars, captains of industry, superstars from the silver screen and even royalty.

A dazzling and opulent event space, Café de Paris never fails to leave a lasting impression on guests. With many original features including the grand sweeping staircases, glittering chandeliers and stunning ballroom floor, Cafe de Paris makes for the perfect space to host a wedding which is out of this world!
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For more information visit www.cafedeparis.com or call 020 7395 5807.

The National Aquarium
Plymouth 
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Well look at that for a setting!
The National Marine Aquarium is a first-class venue. Their underwater world promises to add something special to your event, catering for everything from corporate events, private parties and weddings to children’s parties, sleepovers and day delegates.

Once again, a nautical inspired wedding would fit right in here - check out our variety of bottle invitations to keep your invites and save the dates in the theme! 

Their scientists have proven the therapeutic properties of aquariums, so why not relax in the grandeur of the UK’s largest and add a stunning £22million backdrop to your event or special occasion. At the same time, you can rest easy that your booking will help to support marine conservation efforts.

For more information visit www.national-aquarium.co.uk or call on 0844 893 7938

​​Little Theatre
Cinema, Bath
 
Hidden away in Bath’s spa quarter is a unique little venue full of 1930s character and charm – the Little Theatre Cinema!
Offering a range of packages from vintage extravaganza to a more simple and modest affair, their experienced wedding team will guide you through every step of the way to help you create a truly unforgettable day.

One of the most exciting reasons to have a Little Wedding is the use of their projection and sound facilities to add that personal touch. From starring in your own short film to walking down the aisle to your favourite piece of music, your guests will experience a wedding like no other.

They have comfortable cinema seating for up to 110 guests in the Screen One Auditorium, a generous stage area for the main performance decorated with beautiful white draping, fairy-light adorned bay trees, ornate Victorian bird cages & a dressed table with lighting & flowers for the signing of the register. There is also Screen Two which offers a more modest venue.

This is a great little venue and could help theme your invitations and save the dates- why not use cinema ticket stubs!?

For more information visit www.littleweddings.co.uk or contact 01225 330803


So this concludes our section on UK wedding venues for the time being, I think you'll agree there are some sensational buildings out there that deserve consideration. We'll be back next week for more wedding tips and pointers, until then my friends I bid you adieu! 

See you next week

Pete

inviteinabottle.co.uk 

​Hello and welcome again to our blog! Time certainly does fly and we are on part 3 of our UK Wedding Venues section discussing our top 5 venues in their respective styles. We’ve covered Castles and Barns (see http://www.inviteinabottle.co.uk/blog for the others!) and now we are uncovering some really impressive venues in the UK in the form of Stately Homes.  These awe inspiring buildings date back centuries and are a huge part of British History, luckily for us many now accommodate weddings which lead to some sensational photographs!
As usual we’ve hand picked our top 5 which really caught our eye, enjoy! 
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​Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire 

 Hoar Cross Hall is a magnificent Grade II listed stately home set in picturesque gardens and has everything you need to make your special day truly memorable.
 Commissioned by Hugo Meynell Ingram as a family home, Hoar Cross Hall is a 19th century Elizabethan stately home with lofty gables, turreted water towers, 48 chimneys and mullioned windows which conveys a beautiful blend of tradition and grandeur. A stunning backdrop to your wedding day.​
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• They can cater from 2 to 120 people 
• Their designated wedding coordinator will help you bespoke a day to remember
• Choose their onsite Meynell, Halifax or Joynes Suite to hold your wedding ceremony
• If your heart is set on a traditional church wedding, the beautiful Church of the Holy Angels sits on a wooded ridge just outside Hoar Cross Hall’s grounds
• Bride to Be Pampering- with tranquil pools and soothing water therapies, their state-of-the-art spa is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a pampering range of spa treatments

For more information visit www.hoarcross.co.uk or call them on 01283 576 520.
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​St Audries Park, Somerset
  
Situated within 100 acres of tranquil deer park, overlooking the rolling Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel beyond, this fairytale manor house provides the perfect exclusive use venue for your special day and was voted ‘Best Wedding Venue’ in 2013 by the readers of Wedding Ideas Magazine.

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• There are 39 luxury bedrooms reserved exclusively for your wedding night ensuring the perfect end to your perfect day.
• A hidden cottage in the grounds can also accommodate the Bride and Bridesmaids the night before the wedding and Peregrine House can accommodate the Groom and his party the night before the wedding too.
• St Audries Park can now sleep up to 40 guests for the night before and over 100 guests for the night of your wedding.
• The Victorian Orangery offers a unique setting for your wedding ceremony and the stunning banqueting hall can seat up to 130 guests for the wedding breakfast. As we offer exclusive use of the entire house you can also invite up to 250 guests for the evening wedding reception and party.

 
For more information visit www.audries-park.co.uk or call on  01984 633 633.

 Warren House Surrey
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Warren House sits in a peaceful and secluded area of the exclusive Coombe Estate in Surrey, between the historic town of Kingston upon Thames and the commercial districts of south west London. The house is Victorian, Grade II listed, and set within four acres of peaceful landscaped gardens and was originally built for banker, Hugh Hammersley and his large family. With a rich and varied history spanning 150 years of distinguished owners and important guests, its timeless elegance makes it the perfect venue for corporate meetings and events as well as private celebrations and weddings.

• The venue is licensed to hold Civil Marriage Ceremonies and offers a wealth of elegant rooms, including a stunning Ballroom, for you to choose from and create the perfect ambience and setting for your wedding day
• Warren House can be hired exclusively, or they can provide some bespoke suggestions to accommodate your wishes
• 46 Bedrooms are available for your guest party, these are divided into three categories to suit a wide array of budgets, requirements and preferences. Their bedrooms incorporate modern amenities into both traditional and contemporary designs.
• They have their very own wedding co-ordinators to help you plan your special day.

For more information check out the website www.warrenhouse.com or call 0208 547 1777.
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​Penshurst Place, Kent

​Penshurst Place is a stunning award-winning and exclusive wedding venue in the heart of Kent. For centuries it has been the backdrop to acts of chivalry and romance and a long tradition of sumptuous hospitality, hosting royalty as well as inspiring poets to write some of the most beautifully romantic verse. The House, once the property of King Henry VIII, was left to his son King Edward VI and granted to Sir William Sidney in 1552. 

•  Choose how you will host your day in the three beautiful 14th century banqueting rooms licensed for ceremonies. This includes the stunning medieval Baron’s Hall built in 1341, complete with open fire pit and Minstrels' Gallery, the impressive panelled Sunderland Room and the more intimate, stone Buttery.
• Their private Inner Courtyard also provides an outside space for ceremonies or receptions
• They work closely with their appointed caterers Leith’s, famous for their impeccable standards of cuisine to give you the very best quality in food
• The team have personally visited hotels and B&Bs in the surrounding areas to make their recommendations, ensuring they offer brides and grooms to be a personalised service to the very highest exacting standards.

For more information visit www.penshurstplace.com or call them on 01892 870307.

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Boconnoc, Cornwall

Boconnoc is a country estate in South East Cornwall tucked down two miles of private roads. It is a little slice of heaven where you have the freedom to create whatever you have always imagined for your wedding day, whether in the main house, Stable Yard or around the estate.

• Your drinks reception can be on the lawns in front of the house or in the Drawing Room, 100 can be seated for your wedding breakfast, or 240 with an extension marquee
• A marquee can be put up on the lawns or on another site on the estate.
• There is a civil ceremony room in the Stable Yard, an outdoor Humanist Ceremony space in a beautiful stone swimming pool built in 1804 and a church next to the lake.
• There is accommodation onsite for up to 40 guests in the main house and holiday cottages so whether you want to hire the house as your own or on a B and B basis anything is possible.
• Guests can arrange fishing on the lake, a cricket match in the deer park, dinner the night before your wedding in the Stable Yard or a brunch in the house or by the lake the day after.

 
For more information visit the website www.boconnoc.com or call them on 01208 872507.
 


There is a certain amount of British pride in these buildings, you guests would surely be astounded walking around the gardens or enjoying the splendour of the buildings. I really enjoyed looking through these, I certainly think if you are looking to make a bold statement at your wedding then a Stately Home is the way forward.

Well that’s all for this week folks, thanks for all the recent likes and follows and I’ll be sure to post a new blog next week!
 
See ya!

Pete
Inviteinabottle

​The site of our own wedding and a great location in the West Midlands area, Shustoke Barns is a marvellous venue with plenty to offer. It is a red brick, 18th-Century building with a dramatic high ceiling and outside there is a beautiful courtyard with ancient olive trees and fire pits.
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• The spectacular lighting means that you can spotlight tables during the meal, enjoy night lights, fairy lights and church candles throughout the day, and switch on our colour-changing LED up-lighters on the dance floor!
• In the Barns there are flagstone floors, beautiful oak beams and windows, a copper-topped bar and a separate drinks area upstairs. Guests can also enjoy a view of the giant rotisserie through a large glass panel into the kitchen.
• With a civil ceremony licence for up to 189 people, and seating up to 140 to eat, the barn is designed to feel spacious and luxurious for smaller numbers, but will accommodate higher numbers.
• They have an outside kitchen where guests can watch chefs cook up to 6 whole lambs, barbecue anything, or make even pizzas.

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For more information visit www.crippsshustoke.com or call 01675 620 620.

Heaton House is in an excellent location and is ideal for weddings. They have been in the wedding business for nearly 20 years and pride themselves in creating a personalised day just for you. Glittered in wedding awards this venue is certainly a sight to behold.
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• Cruise up the sweeping driveway to this stunning rural wedding location, or make an entrance in style by bus, tractor or even helicopter.
• Tie the knot in a rustic barn, get hitched under the stars, or simply enjoy the spectacular views from our Oak Pagoda. With four different locations for your ceremony, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
• Wander through our picturesque water gardens, snap those family photographs you’ll treasure for a lifetime and just soak up the wonderful feelings of getting married!
• With the tables set, and the guests seated, you’ll make your official debut as man and wife in the beautiful Steeles Barn, with an incredible array of décor and arrangements to match your theme.

 
For more information see www.heatonhousefarm.co.uk or contact the venue on 01260 217 607.

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​What an amazing venue! You can’t help but admire the individuality of this place- a picturesque drive through 18th century parkland brings you to the Wasing Estate, home to Wasing Park,  a wedding venue for couples looking for a contemporary or traditional wedding.
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• Choose to marry in the Parish Church, the Victorian Summerhouse, or the elegant Garden Room, with your wedding breakfast held in the Castle Barn.
• Next to the venue is the Estate’s boutique guest accommodation, the Stables Lodge featuring an incredible Honeymoon Suite and 25 bedrooms
• Easily accessible from the M3 and M4
• The imposing Castle Barn provides an immediate ‘wow’ factor. Inside, the barn offers a completely blank canvas upon which to add your style, with beautiful features including Italian mood-lighting, oak beams and floor and a striking brick interior.
• Galloping Gourmet will serve drinks from the bar, and offer casual dining for your evening celebration for as many as 250 people – whether it’s a hog roast, street stalls, or fire pit on the beautiful terrace.

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For more information visit www.wasing-weddings.co.uk or call 01189070199.

​Based in the heart of The Cotswolds, Hyde House is an exclusive use venue which includes catering facilities, accommodation and attentive service that simplifies and supports your wedding planning. Hyde House combines traditional Cotswolds architecture with a contemporary and elegantly finished wedding barn. It is the ideal backdrop for expressing your own personality and ideas in the celebration of your wedding.
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• Hyde Barn is licensed to conduct ceremonies both indoors, in their elegant ceremony halls seating 100 or 150 and outdoors in the garden, focused around their beautiful arbour
• They can seat up to 150 daytime guests in The Main Room for the wedding breakfast and have the capacity for 175 evening guests
• There are 20 delightful, comfortable rooms, together with a spacious bar which allows you and your wedding guests to have exclusive use of the house and its grounds for the day of your wedding
• The morning after your wedding, you and your guests are invited to gather again to share a sumptuous breakfast together in the breakfast room of the main house

 
For more information visit the website www.hyde-house.uk or call them on 01451 833 556.

​What a lovely venue, seriously if we lived nearby,  Rivervale would have definitely been on the shortlist. Set on the banks of the River Blackwater in Yateley, this Hampshire wedding venue provides all you need for a relaxing sophisticated wedding day.

• A superb oak barn venue for weddings, yours for the day
• Variety of reception spaces, all interlinked
• Glorious gardens
• Civil Ceremonies, licensed for up to 150 guests
• Food, drink and wedding co-ordination, all included in the price
• Overnight accommodation for the happy couple!

For more information take a peek at their website www.rivervale-barn-weddings.co.uk or call them on 01252 413232.



So we've seen some absolute beauties this week, I certainly enjoyed researching them all. Stay tuned for the third section in our UK Wedding Venues blog due out next week!
 
Pete
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Inviteinabottle.

​​Polhawn Fort, Cornwall
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Cornwall will always have a special place in my heart having been on many a holiday there when I was younger. This specific venue is sensational – a cliff-top Fort with exclusive access to its own Cove below.  Not too far from Plymouth and easy reach of Devon and the West Country, this is the stuff of dreams with plenty of flexibility.

• You can choose to get married inside the Fort itself or if you are opting for a Summer/Boho feel you can choose to hold the ceremony in the Summer House
• They don’t charge corkage
• It’s a dog friendly venue!
• Disabled access is catered for
• Accommodation for 20 of your nearest and dearest!

Prices are clearly marked on the site and the 2017 listings include Gas and Electricity usage.
For more info visit www.polhawnfort.com or call 01752 822864 

Dalhousie Castle, Edinburgh
 

A magnificent 13th century fortress just 8 miles from Edinburgh’s city centre. Set within acres of wooded parkland on the picturesque banks of the River Esk, Dalhousie Castle has luxurious surrounds, and holds the title as ‘Scotland’s Oldest Inhabited Castle’. As you can see from the picture this building is imposing and filled with history, definitely has the wow factor!

• 8 miles from Edinburgh City Centre
• The private chapel and the stately dining room of the Ramsay Suite or the Sir Alexander Room accommodate up to 100 guests
• The atmospheric Dungeon Restaurant and Orangery Restaurant are great for smaller parties
• Extra include falconry wedding ring deliveries by Dalhousie Castle's Barn Owls, Scottish ceilidhs and treatments in the Aqueous Spa
• Full bookings for over 20 guests include a complimentary night in the luxurious De Rameseia honeymoon room
• Their own wedding coordinators will bespoke a package just for you

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For more information please visit www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk or call them on 01875 820153.

Peckforton Castle, Cheshire
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Peckforton Castle is a medieval style castle situated in Cheshire. As you pass through the magnificent gatehouse and sweep up the long drive, it becomes apparent how Peckforton Castle can make the most important day of your life even more special. Hold your wedding and wedding breakfast in this breathtaking venue, enjoying the idyllic views of Cheshire.

• 48 bedroom hotel
• 3 rosette restaurant
• Exclusive use of the castle can be arranged
• Choose from the Hexagonal Room, The Wine Cellar, The Great Hall or The Chapel to host your special event
• They have their very own wedding coordinators to help you plan your special day
• They will tailor the event to match your specifications and budget, with many optional extras such as Owl Ring delivery and a Bird of Prey flying display.

 
To contact them please visit www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk  or call them on 01829 260 930.

Walton Castle, Somerset

​Walton Castle was built in the 17th century and can be found in Clevedon, North Somerset. This is a unique venue for hosting fairytale weddings and is packed full of character and individuality. What I like about this venue was the shape - we used to make similar (if not slightly less stable) versions of this out of sand on the beach when we were kids.​
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• Located a few miles from Bristol and Bath
• A bespoke and highly flexible venue 
• Cheap accommodation in nearby Clevedon
• They have staff on hand to assist with many aspects of your wedding from invitations to wedding cakes, car hire, themes and even entertainment

See more information at www.waltoncastle.com or call them on 08000146101.

Ripley Castle, Yorkshire 

Ripley Castle and Gardens is a 700 year old family home situated 3 miles from Harrogate in North Yorkshire on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This castle offers ornate rooms, fantastic courtyards and from looking at the website seem very flexible to help you make the most of your special day- they offer their services all year round and are currently offering a winter package which sounds great.

• They can accommodate almost any size wedding reception in a variety or rooms and can host up to 110 guests for the evening do.
• You can hire the venue exclusively for you and your party (for an additional cost)
• A Marquee option is available which is set by the beautiful lakeside
• Wedding coordinators are on hand to help you as much as you need
• You can download the price list on the website which offers many flexible options to keep the costs down

 
More information on this venue can be found at www.ripleycastle.co.uk or call them on 01423 770152.

So there were Just some of the fantastic castle venues that can be found around the country. Stay tuned as next week we will be exploring another style of venue and let us know your favourite UK wedding venues by commenting below.

Have a good week!

Pete
Inviteinabottle
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