Though city weddings can be stylish, pub receptions can be fun and back-garden dos charming, few things can beat the beauty, atmosphere and grandeur of a real country house wedding. Offering the perfect venue for a summer ceremony, or a winter wedding, stately homes will provide you with the stunning backdrop, the evocative setting and the great memories you want from your big day.
Luckily in the UK we have a great selection of country houses to choose from. Although almost all will offer brides-to-be a beautiful setting for their big day, there’s something especially magical about getting hitched at a former royal residence like Gosfield Hall in Essex. As @hitchedcouk says, the venue “is a stunning Georgian manor house set in picturesque rural Essex. Winner of Wedding Ideas Magazine ‘Best Wedding Venue’ 2011 and ‘Wedding Venue of the Year – Heritage’ at the 2012 Essex Wedding Awards.” One of the most beautiful venues in the country, it’s the perfect choice for your big day.
Gosfield Hall history
The Grade I listed Gosfield Hall is located near Braintree, Essex and was built by Sir John Wentworth in 1545. Shortly after it was completed, the hall hosted several visits from Queen Elizabeth as she travelled around the country. In the late 17th century, the house was restored and expanded by Sir Thomas Millington who added several guest rooms and reconstructed the Grand Salon. During the 18th century, the house underwent significant remodelling. The ballroom was added and the deer park landscaped by the Marquis of Buckingham who used Gosfield Hall as his family home.
Royal connections
During the French Revolution, Gosfield Hall gained more illustrious residents when King Louis XVIII and Queen Marie-Josephine-Louise of Savoy moved in. The couple, and their 350 attendants, lived in the house from 1807 to 1809, and it was during this time that the stunning Rococco Suite was developed which is now one of the most beautiful bridal suites in the UK according to Hitched UK. In the 20th century Gosfield Hall was used to house troops in the Second World War before starting life as a wedding venue.
Gosfield Hall today
Today Gosfield Hall is a beautifully restored exclusive use wedding venue. Able to welcome up to 250 guests for your reception and 110 for your wedding breakfast – the house is a great choice for couples who want to celebrate their marriage in style. Ceremonies are held in the stunning oak panelled gallery, or couples can choose to say their vows in the newly licensed outdoor carriageway. Gosfield Hall also boasts 23 beautifully decorated bedrooms that your wedding party will be able to use on the night, ensuring your nearest and dearest don’t have too far to go when they’re all danced out.
Offering an unbeatable atmosphere, a breathtaking backdrop, and a setting that will leave your guests speechless – Gosfield Hall is the perfect choice for your big day. Get in touch today to find out more.
