A cemetery might not be top of your list of romantic locations, but if you are looking for a wedding venue in Bristol, then don't rule out Arnos Vale.


                                                     

Steeped in local history and with two stunning locations for civil ceremonies and Anglican ceremonies, there is lots of choice and flexibility. The Spielman Centre can hosts civil ceremonies and receptions and the attached cafe and terrace makes a great chill out area and bar for your guests.


                                                      

The Anglican Chapel can host wedding ceremonies as well as offer space for a sit down meal if you marry in the Spielman Centre. The chapel is neutral and a real blank canvas for you to decorate.


                                        

The food is provided by Whisk! who cater exclusively for all weddings and offer a wide choice of food from bangers and mash to buffets, tagines and curries.

                                        

The cemetery really is a fascinating place and has a very calm and serene atmosphere rather than feeling cold or sombre. It really suits weddings and as you enter the Chapel it's really no different to walking through a graveyard for a church wedding.

If you are looking for a unique historical wedding venue, then make sure to have a look around and make up your own mind. I think you'll fall in love and if you do marry there you'll support the work to restore and maintain an important part of Bristol's heritage. Visit the website for more information www.arnosvale.org.uk

Images Courtesy of Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust

Today let's take a look at a real hidden gem of a wedding venue in Bristol. St George's Bristol in an historic listed building nestling on a hillside between Park Street and Brandon Hill. Originally a church built in the Greek Revival Style in the early 19th Century, St George's Church lost popularity and was saved in the 70s by the St George's Music Trust.

                             
                         
                         

                                         


Today it flourishes as a thriving music venue hosting concerts and events. It also lends itself beautifully to weddings due to the large hall (the former church) which can seat up to 200 for a sit down meal. The stone walled crypt offers a fantastic art filled bar and if the weather permits guests can be greeted with drinks and canapes in the gorgeous grounds that surround the building.


                        

                       

The food is provided by Goldbrick House who offer a wide choice of catering options and from 2014 there will be even more choice for couples. Drinks are provided in house with the bar offering a wide choice of options as well as a pop up bar in the hall.

There are lots of hidden treasures in the hall and the grounds. A star in the ceiling marks where a world war two bomb crashed through the roof onto the alter and luckily did not explode and the grounds are full of hidden plaques and benches depicting poetic inscriptions inspired by music.

                         

                         

If you are looking for a gorgeous Bristol wedding venue then St George's should be added to your must see list. If you'd like to arrange a viewing,  please contact Louise Orchard by . or call 0117 929 4929.

Almonry Barn is a gorgeous new wedding venue in Somerset and I'm delighted to share these stunning images featuring lots of talented wedding suppliers from a recent shoot by Photography by Kerry.


                               

                                               

Historic Kings Weston House was closed just over a year ago and bought by the new owner Norman late last year. Local businessman Norman is currently lovingly restoring the building as his home and as a top wedding venue.

The Square was originally founded as Bristol's no.1 art hotel. It is now a great venue lavished in quirky, boutique furniture and stunning art and nestled perfectly in Berkeley Square just off the Clifton triangle. Not only do they welcome reception meals and parties, they are also fully licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies.


                                                 

Some of the most recent weddings they have held have been tea party themed, autumnal wonderland and vintage. Having their own resaurant means they do lots of different menu options from afternoon tea to hog roasts to the more traditional three course meal with champagne reception and canapes.


                            


                            

They offer an in house wedding planner and the team say " The Square is a contemporary, unique boutique venue for weddings and civil services in Bristol. We cater for the full package from the ceremony right through to the wedding breakfast and party.

The Square aims to provide something different to the large corporate hotels and make sure your day is tailored specifically to suit your needs. We are proud to be one of Bristol’s most sought after wedding and civil ceremony venues."


                                        

The Square offers a range of spaces for your civil ceremony or receptions including a secluded outdoor terrace that can be lit by fairy lights, a cocktail bar, lounge and restaurant. You can find out more on the Square's website here.

Images courtesy of the Square website and Pinterest

If you are looking for a beautiful wedding reception venue  in Bristol, have you considered the impressive Clifton College? Situated in stunning Clifton, right next to Bristol Zoo Gardens and steeped in history, it really is worth adding to your venue short list for your special day.

   

                               

Clifton College dates back to 1862 and boats a number of different options for Wedding Receptions. The Cricket Pavilion is perfect for small parties where guests can enjoy the outdoor space for drinks and you can choose a formal three course meal or a relaxed barbecue in the grounds.

For larger wedding parties of up to 180 guests, you can welcome your guests with a drinks reception in the Newbolt Room and the adjoining East Cloister.  The Grand Hall, with its high ceilings and beautiful windows is another fabulous space where your guests can dine in style before dancing the night away.




                               

Clifton College offers exclusive use as well as on site catering. The beautiful Chapel is available for blessings, though only Old Cliftonians can marry there with special consent. The Chapel can be used as a superb backdrop for your wedding photography to take place.

                     

To find out more visit the Clifton College website or to request a brochure and arrange to visit. Please note that Civil Ceremonies cannot take place on site and receptions can only take place during the school holidays. Term times are available to view on the website.

Images taken from Events at Clifton College. Credits © Lee Hatherall Photography and West Photography

If you are looking for a venue slightly outside Bristol with a country feel, but that's still easily accessible for your guests, then the Hare and Hounds near Tetbury could be your perfect venue. Accessed easily just 15 minutes from Junction 18 of the M4 and close to Westonbirt Arboretum, the Hare and Hounds offers modern neutral interiors combined with a cosy country feel, on site accommodation and lovely grounds.

                                                 

They are fully licenced for civil ceremonies and has 48 rooms for guests to stay on site. There is also an on site bar and restaurant, making a great space for guests to mingle before the ceremony. There is also the option to marry outside in the new thatched Breeze House.

Find out more about weddings at the Hare and Hounds here.

You may associate Longleat with lions, Lord Bath or Center Parcs but did you know they also offer weddings within Longleat House? As well as the famous safari park, Longleat boats a beautiful house with over 450 years of history as the ancestral home of the Thynne family and the current family home of the Marquess of Bath.


                             

Longleat House offers a range of historic spaces available for civil ceremonies and receptions from the Orangery to the Great Hall, Library or Lord Baths Banqueting Suite. There is also the option of a marquee in the grounds and drinks receptions in the secret garden.


                              

Catering options range from buffets to barbecues, hog roasts and more formal three course meals with choices of organic lamb, chicken or beef plus duck or venison and some great vegetarian options.


                              

To find out more about Longleat House, visit their website now or contact Rachel Sprules, Corporate & Wedding sales Executive by .

Image Credits: Longleat House