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Beginner October 2018

Newbie needing help with wedding venue

MrsPennyfathertoB, 9 August, 2016 at 22:29 Posted on Planning 0 20

Hi everyone

I am newly engaged and this is my first post on the forum.

So I guess the first thing I need to do is find somewhere to get married, but that seems easier said than done.

I have a list of things I definitely don't want, but what I'm not sure of is what I do want. The best way to describe what I think I'm after is a modern space with character or historical type features.

Things I definitely do what:

  • Nice Accommodation for at least 30 people
  • At least a midnight finish
  • Light airy space
  • At least two rooms (one ceremony, and one reception) but 3 would be preferable so we can have drinks somewhere separate
  • Nice toilets (don't ask)

Things I definitely don't want:

  • Marquee
  • Carpet in the reception area
  • Wood panelling

Our budget is around £12k for the venue hire, wine, prosecco, canapés,nwedding breakfast and evening buffet for 60 people in the day and 20 in the evening.

As an example, wedding venues I do really like (but which are out of our budget, or don't have accommodation) are Axnoller Park, Kew Gardens, Southen Barns, Botleys Mansion. We are going to look at braxted hall next week but it will depend on whether you have to use the marquee.

We are based in mid Essex and are happy to travel up to 2 hours from here. Areas I like are Cotswolds, New Forest etc, but happy to travel anywhere within a 2 hour radius .

I can feel me being a complete bridezilla already!

Thank you in advance!

20 replies

Latest activity by Johnmullers, 24 October, 2026 at 02:01
  • Karen84
    Beginner July 2016
    Karen84 ·
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    Hello, welcome and congratulations on your engagement!

    We recently got married at The Orangery in Maidstone. It doesn't have accommodation on site (we stayed in a nearby Hilton) but it definitely ticks your other boxes if that's not a total deal breaker.

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  • M
    Beginner October 2018
    MrsPennyfathertoB ·
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    Thank you so much! Will have a look at that one ☺️ Xxx

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  • MetalBride
    Beginner April 2018
    MetalBride ·
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    Have you looked at the venue section on hitched? It's a good place to start. Also look for some local wedding fairs, they can be useful x

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  • Laura Ellen Photography
    Beginner May 2014
    Laura Ellen Photography ·
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    You could try White Dove Barns (comes under Suffolk Weddings), Nonsuch Mansion (no accomodation, but places nearby), Cripps Barn (no accomodation, but places nearby), Bassmead Manor Barns, Millbridge Court. As others have said, have a look on the Hitched directory, but also at Coco Wedding Venues too.

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  • M
    Beginner October 2018
    MrsPennyfathertoB ·
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    Thanks so much ladies. I feel like I've looked at hundreds of venues but nothing is ticking all of the boxes! I think I think I might be too picky. Will have a look at those venues you mention xx

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  • FutureMrsO'L
    Beginner April 2018
    FutureMrsO'L ·
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    Try looking at That Amazing Place in Harlow. It will tick the majority of the boxes that you have mentioned (although it only sleeps up to 25) & it is truly amazing as the name suggests! We will be getting married there in April 2018 & I cannot wait!

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  • M
    Beginner May 2018
    MayBohoBride ·
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    Hi!

    Late replying to your post here but was just wondering if you managed to find the perfect venue?

    I am in exactly the same position - I know exactly what I don't want, and we have 5-6 key criteria we are looking for in what we do want. I have yet to find anywhere that is ticking all the boxes, so don't know if I am being too picky and need to compromise on a few things, or if we just need to keep hunting....

    It would be great to hear how you got on Smiley smile

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  • NathalieSB
    NathalieSB ·
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    Hello.

    Some great suggestions here - and I have stayed at That Amazing Place in Harlow and it is lovely.

    Non Such Mansion is also a stunner (and the toilets are out of this world! (In a good way)).

    I also rather like Oaks Farm, just outside Croydon, Coltsford Mill just South of the M25, Wotton House (Surrey) which has the most beautiful ceremony room) and Gaynes Park is a Barn which also has a stunning separate very light and bright Orangery (near Epping).

    Good luck - there are so many venues to choose from - selecting one is quite a task!

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  • L
    Curious March 2030 Dubai
    Lia ·
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    For wedding planning, accurate measurements can be useful when preparing drinks, recipes, or other details for the big day. The guide on 100 Gramm Wasser in ml explains the simple conversion between grams and milliliters for water, making kitchen planning a little easier.

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  • Discuss
    Beginner July 2030 Victoria
    Discuss ·
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    When choosing a wedding venue, having a clear plan for bookings and arrangements can make the process much easier, especially when several details need attention at once. Keeping track of important information online is useful for staying organized, and you can read more about managing portal details and related information efficiently.

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  • Chrome
    Savvy July 2027 East Central London
    Chrome ·
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    Planning a wedding venue can involve many details, especially when couples are also balancing family traditions and religious preferences. For those looking to build a stronger understanding of Quranic teachings as part of their preparation, online quran classes can provide a convenient way to learn from home. This can be especially helpful when wedding planning leaves little time for attending in person.

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  • F
    Savvy February 2030 Dubai
    Florida! ·
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    Choosing a wedding venue can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you are trying to balance guest numbers, budget, location, and the overall feel you want. It may help to compare a few practical points rather than looking only at how impressive a place appears. I also find that breaking a decision into clear factors makes things easier, much like understanding whether a line rises or falls by checking its direction. You can check here for a simple explanation of positive slope and how the result shows upward movement, which is a useful reminder that looking at the details step by step can make confusing choices much clearer.

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  • A
    Curious July 2030 Dubai
    Amelia ·
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    Finding a venue that balances character, accommodation, separate ceremony and reception spaces, and a realistic budget can definitely take some searching. I think it makes sense to focus on the features that matter most and stay open to nearby accommodation if everything cannot be found under one roof. Keeping the practical side organised is important too, and dental insurance billing services can help dental practices handle claims and paperwork more smoothly behind the scenes.

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  • A
    Beginner February 2030 Fife & Angus
    Aspire ·
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    Finding a venue that balances accommodation, separate ceremony and reception spaces, a good atmosphere, and a realistic budget can definitely take some patience, especially when you already know which features you want to avoid. One thing that can make planning feel less overwhelming is keeping practical details organised alongside the bigger choices, and a Chronological Age Calculator can be handy when working out ages for different generations of guests and family members. It is a small detail, but useful when putting together guest information and planning for everyone involved.

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  • Work
    Beginner February 2030 Timis
    Work ·
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    Finding a venue that balances accommodation, budget, atmosphere, and separate spaces can definitely take some patience, especially when you already have a clear idea of what you do not want. I think keeping a short list of priorities can make comparing places much easier. For anyone also trying to keep pre wedding planning organised, TypingDrill can be a handy little way to build typing confidence while getting through all those endless planning notes and messages.

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  • E
    Curious February 2030 Dubai
    Eclark12 ·
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    Choosing a wedding venue can feel overwhelming, so it helps to focus on your guest count, budget, location, and the atmosphere you want for the big day before making a decision. Personal touches can make the celebration feel more special, whether you add creative decorations, themed signs, or even stylish text designs from Foontify for fun wedding details. Try visiting your shortlisted venues in person and checking what each package includes so you can find a place that feels right without stretching your budget.

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  • M
    Beginner June 2030 Dubai
    Mich12 ·
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    Choosing a wedding venue can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing the budget, location, and guest list, so it helps to compare a few options before making a final decision. Having reliable support with everyday responsibilities can also make the planning process less stressful, and families in Lahore may find useful options through home tuition services in lahore .

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  • S
    Beginner August 2030 Dubai
    Seiko ·
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    Choosing a wedding venue can get overwhelming when you are trying to balance the budget, guest list, and all the little details that make the day special, so it helps to compare your options carefully before making a final decision. Keeping track of costs and checking the numbers can make planning a lot easier, and tools like visit website can come in handy for quick calculations while working through your wedding budget.

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  • John
    Oregon
    John ·
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    Congratulations on your engagement! Historic venues with character are lovely, but older buildings often have small gaps where mice sneak in, which is why rodent control Bend Oregon matters for event spaces. Installing door sweeps on exterior doors closes the easiest entry points. Keeping waste bins lidded and away from walls limits food sources, so book now to get professional rodent protection for your venue year round.

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  • I
    Dubai
    IntelMag ·
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    Choosing a wedding venue often comes down to the atmosphere, colour scheme, and how well everything works together, including the outfits for the day. A classic brown leather jacket can add a relaxed, stylish touch to pre wedding photos or casual celebrations, especially during cooler months, and Levant Leather offers options worth exploring when looking for versatile styles that complement a coordinated wardrobe.

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  • Johnmullers
    North Carolina
    Johnmullers ·
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    Lovely list, good luck with the viewings! Once you book, plan for wedding day practicalities like spare car keys and venue lockboxes; a reliable Locksmith Boone service shows what a good emergency locksmith offers, so click here to see.

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