Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol Centre According to the National Historic Ships’ Committee the iron steamship patiently awaiting restoration in the Dry Dock of Bristol’s Floating Harbour is Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s famous ocean-going ship, the SS Great Britain that was launched in 1843. Perhaps this is one of the more unusual venues to get married, but the SS Great Britain does hold a Civil Wedding license and is very much sought after as a venue in Bristol. Weddings and receptions held on this ship are carefully choreographed by the ship’s staff and crew, with the catering, especially, of gourmet standard cuisine. Where else could you be taken on a full historic tour of a ship and dry dock in all your wedding finery?
UniLit – the University and Literary Club The UniLit is perfectly situated in the center of Bristol in Berkely Square, one of the most fashionable locations within the City of Bristol, just off Park Street. The UniLit really is the cream of all the places in Bristol to hold a really luxurious 5-star wedding. The UniLit is officially a Gentleman’s Club as well as focusing on the top strata of weddings within the Bristol area. Housed in a Georgian building designed by the much sought-after architect and stonemason of his day, Thomas Parry, the function rooms are reached up the ubiquitous sweeping staircase.
This staircase is genuine Georgian and exquisitely elegant: any bride would delight to have her wedding photos taken here. To reach the function rooms which are located on the first and second floors of this building you and your guests need to ascend this romantic staircase. As you do so, look upwards and enjoy the light being drawn down from the incredibly surreal glass cupola. The service here at UniLit is second to none; the staff is attentive and courteous and no small detail is overlooked.
You know you have quality by the standard of the service and, at UniLit, the service cannot be faulted. Your wedding ceremony itself will be held in the first floor Cabot suite that looks out over the City Museum, the University Tower, and the formal gardens of Berkeley Square. Beyond that is the sight of Brandon Hill on which stands Cabot Tower. Where lovelier for your wedding photos than the sweeping staircase and the charm of Berkeley Gardens?
Halswell House, Goathurst, Somerset The Goathurst Estate focuses their wedding concept on ‘Happily Ever After’ and sheer romance, so what could possibly be more perfect than arranging to hold your wedding in the mansion nestling tranquility amongst the Somerset countryside, just a few miles from Bristol? The 17th Halswell mansion is an elegant setting for your Civil Wedding and a perfect place for your guests to relax and unwind afterward at your Reception held at Halswell House.
The staff at Halswell House enjoy a good wedding and will do everything in their power to ensure that your wedding is the most perfect day it could possibly be. Halswell House is so easy to reach from Bristol. It is just off the M5 motorway, at Junction 24, south of the City of Bristol. So, if your wedding dream includes opulence and sumptuous decor plus the elegance of sophisticated stairways sweeping around in a great swathe, from which you reach the 20 guest bedrooms and suites, then Halswell House is clearly for you.
Folly Farm, Stowey, Pensfold nr Bristol Folly Farm is located within a 250-acre nature reserve where you can marry amidst spring flowers, summer roses, or the golden leaves of autumn. Folly Farm is licensed to hold Civil Weddings and, with its beautiful location and laid back style, this is certainly a fun location to hold your wedding nuptials.
The Clifton Club, Clifton, Bristol Newly refurbished, The Clifton Club is a small location that makes an ideal setting for a smaller wedding party. Celebrate your wedding in this historic building where the intimacy of the setting will ensure that all the ‘i’s’ are dotted and all the t’s’ crossed for your day to be romantic and memorable, a wonderful day full of memories that you will enjoy looking back on.
Clevedon Hall, Clevedon If it is grand you are looking for, then Clevedon Hall is most certainly the place for you. This is the south-west of England’s answer to those exclusive 5-star wedding venues that are very few and far between. Clevedon Hall is truly an exclusive setting that has only just begun accepting a few select wedding parties. Enjoy the Victorian grandeur and majesty of the decor and the lovely grounds where you can meander and enjoy the peace.
Imagine exchanging your marriage vows in the Grand Library, lit by the refracted light from its exquisite chandelier. Sweep up the magnificent staircase that is a perfect foil for your wedding photos or spend some time dallying on the balcony outside the Great Hall, offering you and your guests a 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside.
Of course, there are lots of places to hide away from your beloved and share some much-needed space:
Try the Orangery or the Snug. Both are perfect places for you to re-charge your batteries! Wander at leisure through this lovely mansion and take in the beauty and timelessness of the Dame Roas Burden and the Conrad Finzel Rooms.
If the weather is good photographs outside are an absolute ‘must’. There are nooks and crannies galore where you can stand so you have the perfect backdrop for your photos. Try standing beside the lake, or looking towards the statue of Hebe, drape yourself luxuriously in the Conservatory, or have your photos taken in front of the majestic bay windows.
The bride who chooses Clevedon Hall will appreciate the gourmet cuisine prepared for the wedding breakfast as well as the attention to every little detail that will make your exclusive, 5-star wedding more than just a memory.
