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.

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

The Mansion House is a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away near Bristol Zoo in Clifton. It manages to perfectly combine the grandeur of a stately home with the relaxed feel of a more modern venue, making it a perfect choice for a wedding.




The Mansion House is in fact the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Bristol and offers a range of flexible spaces that can be hired for a wedding, from the atrium with it's sweeping staircase to the spacious drawing room and dining room with adjoining conservatory.

The house also boasts two gardens and even has it's own Gazebo, perfect for summer drinks receptions and canapes. It's position also means you can almost feel that you are in a remote country location and not just a few minutes drive from the busy city centre.

The Bishop's Palace has just reopened for the season following some exciting refurbishment works. Situated in the heart of Wells, the 800 year old palace is still the residence of the Bishop of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, as well as being open to the public and available to hire for special events and weddings.




They have 14 acres of stunning gardens and a new cafe and visitor facilities, so it would make a lovely setting for a family day out or romantic valentines day stroll tomorrow.

If you wish to get married at this historic venue, you will have the choice of the 13th Century under croft seating 50-120 guests and use of the Long Gallery, terrace or the Entrance Hall for a drinks reception. You will also be spoilt for choice when it comes to locations for photographs with a moat, drawbridge, beautiful gardens and atmospheric ruins to pick from.


  

For more information on getting married at the Bishop's Palace, please call Helen Garrett, Assistant Visitor Services Manager on 01749 988111 ext 209. You can also find out more about weddings and download the full wedding brochure here.

Image credits: All images are taken from the Bishops Palace website