Wonderful Weddings!
Get ready to say ‘I do!’ with our essential guide to East Anglia’s array of exceptional wedding venues and suppliers
Baker Brothers
This historic, independent and family-run boutique in the heart of Bedford has a sparkling reputation. Aside from being a diamond connoisseur that has specialised in engagement and wedding rings since 1839, the business is also the only official Rolex retailer in the county and stocks brands such as TAG Heuer, Tissot and Tudor. If you’re looking for a special gift for the groom, peruse the range of watches, jewellery and cufflinks.
Lavender & Jude
This beautiful boutique can be found on the picturesque high street of the coastal Suffolk town of Southwold. An intimate setting which only sees one bride at a time, you will be in the safe hands of founder, owner and self-confessed ‘bridal geek’ Claire Evans and her stunning collection of dresses.
Here, you can count on reliable, friendly advice, all geared towards making brides feel incredible on their special day. Aside from dressing brides, Claire also gathers local experts to host events designed to offer guidance and insight for those preparing to say ‘I do’.
lavenderandjude.co.uk
The Old Hall Ely
The Old Hall Ely is an exclusive-use wedding venue, located just outside the historic city of Ely. Offering both ‘Classic’ and ‘Intimate’ wedding packages, its Jacobean manor house is surrounded by luxurious grounds, with picture-perfect views of Ely Cathedral.
The Old Hall Ely is a dynamic and unique venue, also hosting adults-only hotel stays and fine dining in The Orangery restaurant. Boasting some of the most elegant indoor and outdoor spaces in East Anglia, it’s guaranteed to provide an unforgettable setting to tie the knot.
To book your next private show round, visit theoldhallely.co.uk
What the Fleur
Cambridge-based florist What the Fleur offers ‘the full shebang’ when it comes to weddings with its quirkiness and creativity – be it whimsical moon-gates, wild hanging installations, showering bouquets or jam jar-style posies.
Founder Julia Zimmerman has turned her talented hands to all kinds of matrimonial arrangements, whether it’s last-minute requests for a small bouquet for a registry office wedding or couples who book years in advance and have their entire venues dressed in flowers. “We will happily accommodate both the extravagant and the intimate when it comes to weddings,” says Julia. “We work closely with every couple we meet, taking pride in bringing their floral visions to life. We offer a wedding consultation service, providing a bespoke quote tailored to their individual requirements.”
If you prefer a wildflower-style arrangement, What the Fleur sources flowers locally from Willingham if they’re seasonally available. If using flowers that are not available in the UK, they’re sourced from one of the business’s Dutch suppliers. Ideally, couples should enquire a year before the big day to kickstart the planning process. “As with all wedding suppliers, popular dates get booked up. If you have your heart set on our fleurs for your big day, get in touch as soon as you have a date!”
South Farm
Nestled in gorgeous countryside on the border of Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire, South Farm is a beautiful and romantic setting for a wedding. Offering exclusive use and various reception and ceremony options, the venue’s expansive grounds and idyllic gardens are a stunning backdrop for weddings large and small.
Sustainability is high on the agenda, with a field-to-fork ethos making the most of the 200 varieties of fruit, vegetables and herbs grown on-site. The delicious wedding menus feature seasonal food and locally sourced produce. There’s a host of other sustainable initiatives too, and guests will love the charming sheep grazing in the paddocks and piglets playing in the barnyard!
Flexible on food, drink, decorations, entertainment and party size, South Farm is proud to accommodate every preference. From your first visit to the end of your special day, the experienced and friendly team will guide you through every detail, unobtrusively efficient, approachable and focused on making your wedding dreams a reality.
Clopton Courtyard
Although not predominantly a wedding venue, this small country retreat offers an idyllic spot to host your post-ceremony reception, including accommodation. A complex of charming barn conversions, Clopton Courtyard can accommodate 30 wedding guests, with 24 people staying on-site.
Parties need to hire out the whole accommodation, so you’re guaranteed exclusive use and privacy. The venue works best for those looking for a rustic, relaxed, informal and shabby-chic-style event, and even hosted the celebration of owners Cathy and Duncan when they tied the knot in 2015.
Today, couples should get in touch between six and 12 months in advance of their planned date. The property works with a select list of tried-and-tested suppliers to cover all aspects of the big day, particularly for catering. In terms of the site itself, a large trestle table and outdoor picnic bench seating for up to 30 can be provided, while the covered (but open-sided) Dutch barn looks particularly picturesque when hung with festoon lighting.
For more details, visit cloptoncourtyard.com
The Old School House Rooms
For those attending weddings in and around Cambridge, The Old School House Rooms in the quiet village of Waterbeach provides a restful stay. Guests can rent out the entire B&B, with seven beautifully refurbished en-suite bedrooms and an immaculate on-site restaurant.
Better yet, you can also use the venue to host your own wedding breakfast and reception – a great option for those marrying in the charming village church. Hosts Lisa and Phil ensure a warm welcome and will turn their hands to many requests – whether it’s a champagne reception in the conservatory or a live entertainer in the scenic garden.
For a homely wedding celebration with a laid-back feel, visit theoldschoolhouserooms.co.uk
The Swan at Lavenham Hotel and Spa
Save the date for Sunday 6 October when this picture-perfect 15th-century hotel in neighbouring Suffolk will be hosting an open day to help newly engaged couples with planning their big day. This charming historic venue will be dressed and wedding- ready, including its three private rooms that cater to smaller events of between four and 40 guests.
Alongside the hotel’s own wedding team, there will also be a host of suppliers on show, including photographers and makeup artists so you have everything you need under one roof. Stop by between 11.30am and 3.30pm for a glass of fizz and to get the ball rolling.
Harriet Kelsall
Every love story is completely unique. Harriet Kelsall understands this, creating bespoke jewellery tailored to each couple. The business won both Bespoke Jeweller of the Year and Ethical Jeweller of the Year at the 2024 UK Jewellery Awards. Specialising in engagement, wedding and eternity rings, they design each piece to fit your specifications. With various cuts, colours, birthstones and bands, they work within your budget to craft the perfect ring.
Visit the Green Street shop to explore its rings, featuring matched pairs, Celtic knots and other designs for inspiration. Alternatively, design your own ring from scratch, creating a piece with personal meaning for you. “We love talking to customers, hearing their ideas and turning them into reality,” the team enthuses.
Prefer to shop from home? You can borrow a ring sizer and schedule an online consultation.
Find out more at hkjewellery.co.uk
