Dream homes fit for a country wedding

For an unforgettable day, a summer wedding in the countryside is the fairytale for many couples planning their nuptials, and English country houses with sweeping lawns and romantic views make an idyllic setting. You can expect to pay up to £15,000 to hire a wedding venue and getting married in a much-loved home, not simply a commercial venue, is very special. Alternatively, if you’re looking to buy a family home that will one day host your grown-up children’s weddings, we have some spectacular country houses for sale now:

Weddings require space – and lots of it:

Plan for around 2,000 sq ft of indoor space, in either a section of the main house, a converted barn or stables, or in a marquee. You will also need immaculate, landscaped gardens for the drink’s reception and as a backdrop for a wedding photo shoot. Ideally you will also have a field or access to one that guests can use for parking. Around three quarters of all weddings involve a civil ceremony, so venues that can provide the complete package, including facilities for civil weddings, receptions and overnight accommodation for the bridal party do particularly well.

Riverstone House in Oakley, Bedfordshire is the family home you dream about. The Georgian house is set in 13 acres including walled gardens and private woodland, plus a picture-perfect location for a marquee complete with dreamy views down to the river and a private mooring. Heaven sent for the bride and groom who want to sail off into the sunset after throwing the bouquet.

https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/bed250510/

Permissions and licences:

To host civil ceremonies, professional wedding venues need an Approved Premises Wedding Licence, which costs £1,750 and lasts for three years. There’s also a legal requirement for a Premises Licence for the sale of alcohol and for live or recorded music and entertainment. All are available from the local council. A marquee on the lawn is an essential back up plan for wet weather drinks and mingling, and marquees can usually be erected without planning permission for up to 28 days per year. This sets a limit of around five or six annual events because the 28 days includes the time taken to set up and take down the marquee.

Nestled in rural Buckinghamshire,Holmer Ridings would make an idyllic country wedding venue. A vast terrace spans the rear of the house, overlooking mature gardens with plenty of gorgeous backdrops for wedding photos. A cottage and a lodge in the grounds provide perfect accommodation for a couple of lucky guests.

https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/ris230270/

Marketing:

Research wedding venues in your region and consider what makes your potential venue special. Most people search for possible locations online so you’ll need a professional website with excellent images. Wedding event planning is one of those rare businesses where repeat bookings are not your bread and butter so alongside word of mouth it’s crucial to be active on social media platforms. Emphasise the flexibility that your country house wedding provides for the wedding party. Consider offering welcome events the day before the wedding, or a brunch the day after. Having sole use of the location for two or three days is worth its weight in gold for many couples.

Celebrations certainly don’t need to be cut short at Edwardian country house The Grange in Bedfordshire. Located in Milton Ernest, just 40 minutes by rail from London, this elegant property sits in three acres of landscaped gardens and has 4 principal reception rooms and 12 luxurious bedrooms, making it ideal for a wedding weekend.

https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/bed250196/

Health and safety:

Public liability insurance is crucial and if you’re providing food, product liability insurance will protect you in the event of an outbreak of food poisoning. All outside contractors, from caterers though to DJs, should be pre-approved for liability cover and the necessary experience to provide the level and quality of service required.

Finally:

Larger country homes often come with high maintenance costs and making them wedding-friendly can be extremely helpful when faced with ongoing bills. Overheads need to be factored in too, including maintenance, cleaning and gardening. Plus, weddings typically take place in the evenings and on the weekends in the summer months, so consider if this fits in with your family and lifestyle.

If you are thinking of selling or are looking for a new family home, we would love to hear from you. Our team of local experts would be delighted to take your call.