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3 November 2011
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Weddings in a Palace
If you want to feel like a queen on your wedding day, and what girl wouldn't, why not get married in a palace. Not surprisingly London has the best choice in the UK but I have included some alternatives for those of you in other areas.
To the west of London, on the banks of the Thames, stands Hampton Court Palace, which is well worth a visit even if you're not getting married. This beautiful building was once the home of Henry V111 who knew a bit about getting married. Hampton Court can host a lavish celebration for over 400 guests though it will also host much smaller events.
Eltham Palace, on the other side of London, also has a connection with Henry V111 as it was his childhood home. The Great Hall is the only part of the original Palace still in use, and fortunately it is used for weddings as it can hold up to 200 for the wedding ceremony and for dining. Using a marquee Eltham Palace can host up to 420 guests while the Entrance Hall can accommodate up to 100.
If you want to be nearer to central London you might consider the Palace of Westminster or Kensington Palace. The former is now licensed for civil weddings, where 80 guests can be catered for in the Jubilee Room and up to 150 in the MPs' Dining Room. If your wedding is on a grand scale, Kensington Palace can host a wedding with up to 1000 guests by the use of marquees, while up to 300 guests can be accommodated in the Orangery.
In north London is Alexandra Palace, which can host weddings ranging from 5 star events to small informal celebrations. With 196 acres of beautiful parkland surrounding it, you are sure to find somewhere for your wedding photos.
Moving out of London, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, would provide you with a grand setting for your big day. The Orangery can cater for 180 guests while the Marlborough Room can be used for slightly smaller gatherings. The Great Hall and Long Library make an ideal setting for wedding receptions for up to 300 guests. Not many people can claim to have held their wedding at a World Heritage site.
On a smaller scale is the Old Palace in Lincoln, near the Cathedral, which was once the home of the Bishop of Lincoln. This venue can hold between 20 and 72 guests, with the number increasing to 120 when a marquee is used.
The final venue in this selection is Scone Palace in Perthshire, which was once the crowning place of the kings of Scotland. As well as making you feel like a queen, your husband-to-be can feel like a king! The Long Gallery, which is the longest room in Scotland, can seat 100 guests at round tables. Just the place to make a grand entrance and to show off your wedding dress.
I hope the above selection has been of interest or has at least inspired you to look for palaces nearer home.
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