We asked Handpicked Hotels to come up with a list of venues that are perfectly matched for different times of year. Here’s what they suggested…
It’s always best to consider the season you’re getting married in, rather than just planning the wedding day you’ve always thought of having, without considering the weather, the time of year and where you’re actually getting married.
Some venues are just made for summer weddings – we’re thinking venues with large gardens that you can serve drinks on. If you’re marrying in the spring or autumn when the weather is a little uncertain, then maybe consider a barn venue, where you can bring the inside out and the outside in, depending on what the weather throws at you.
Spring
Check out a venue like The Priest House Hotel, Castle Donington, Derbyshire. It has a riverside setting, flowerbeds full of colour and beautiful lawns for your drinks reception.
Summer
In summer there’s much more natural daylight so look for a venue like Buxted Park Hotel, Ashdown Forest, East Sussex.
The ballroom has plenty of natural light and you could have an outside ceremony. The Orangery opens directly on to the lawns outside and there are plenty of photo opportunities by the lake within the grounds – picture perfect for shots of the new bride and groom.
With the brighter weather of summer, weddings in a more rural setting are popular. Think teepees, marquees, seating your guests on haybales outside. However, this being the UK, you’re going to still have to have a wet weather back-up plan. We think conservatory venues work well in summer, too – you can open up the windows to enjoy the great outdoors, but you have somewhere to retreat to if the heavens open and conservatories are usually filled with flowers and plants so you’ll have plenty of greenery. Take a look at the beautiful Nash Conservatory at Kew Botanic Gardens in West London.
Autumn
Autumn is so picturesque, with trees changing colours into rich golds, oranges and browns. You’ll be able to enjoy these changing shades at Nature at the Wood Hall Hotel & Spa near Wetherby, West Yorkshire.
The views in all directions are dazzling and the venue has spacious grounds and interior rooms for you to spread out your party. You might also like to consider holding a hen party here because there is an onsite spa for treatments, which you could also enjoy before your wedding.
Winter
Planning on getting married in Scotland? A winter wedding in Scotland is quite likely to be snowy. Get married at the Norton House Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh and you’re on the fringes of Scotland’s capital. The hotel is set in a stunning 55 acres of ground and it’s licensed for humanist ceremonies so worth considering if you’re having a more unconventional wedding day.
Like dancing? Then you’ll love the original ballroom, which has been refurbished in a contemporary style – perfect for dancing the night away after your wedding ceremony and reception.
