INDEPENDENT WEDDING RECEPTION VENUES IN STAFFORDSHIRE.
Bishton Hall, Staffordshire.
Where: between Stafford and Rugeley in deepest Staffordshire. Just on the edge of Cannock Chase.
What: A private school in a huge old house.
Weddings: Licensed for weddings with plenty of space for marquees for the reception. Or you can use the school dining room with its adjacent kitchens.
We got married here and did just that and we loved it. Its all ivy-clad with fab gardens and monuments for super pictures. We call it 'faded glory' - a wonderful venue.
Who: Hilary Stafford-Northcote and her team book weddings (and much else), and its probably best to telephone them in the first instance on 01889 881277. You can e-mail them on admin@saintbedes.com but they don't always pick up e-mails, so a phone call is always best for this site.
Web: There is no dedicated web site for weddings (only the school).
Erasmus Darwin House, Lichfield, Staffordshire.
Where: In the centre of Lichfield town.
What: A superb Georgian town house and museum. Its the Lichfield home of Erasmus Darwin, esteemed physician, poet, botanist and amongst other things, Charles Darwin's grandfather. The house is set in a wonderful position with views across to Lichfield Cathedral and an 18th Century herb garden.
Weddings: The house is licensed for civil weddings and available for full hire or individual room hire. Beautiful grounds for photographs.
Who: Call the office on 01543 306260, or e-mail enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org.uk
Ingestre Hall, Staffordshire
Where: In the depths of the rolling Staffordshire countryside, hidden away down a dead-end and miles from civilisation, yet just beyond the very classy village of Ingestre (which has one of the few Wren churches outside London).
What: Huge stately home, now an arts college with lots of grand rooms and 27 acres of sweeping grounds (also yours for the day).
Weddings: Licensed for weddings and plenty of room for receptions with good kitchens that Kemp and Kemp Catering (and others) can use. Our friend got married there recently and it was GREAT.
Who: Contact the passionate Fiona Walklett who books wedding, telephone her on 01889 270225, or e-mail her at fiona.walklett@ingestrehall.lea.sandwell.net
Web: Dedicated site at www.ingestrehall.co.uk
Smallwood Manor
Where: The gentle hills outside Uttoxeter.
What: Large Victorian country house set in sweeping, immaculate grounds, now a prep school. Eat in the dining room and use the original forms and tables - so characterful.
Weddings: If you are a former a pupil or member of staff you can get married at Smallwood, otherwise, its available for receptions.
Who: Jill Stone is so helpful and will discuss your needs. Call her on 01889 562083, or e-mail her at jill.stone@smallwoodmanor.co.uk
Web: Go to www.smallwoodmanor.com
Westwood College, Leek.
Where: Just outside the Staffordshire Moorland's market town of Leek.
What: Westwood College has outstanding facilities, set within a grade 2 listed building and two acres of Victorian parkland. It is surrounded by beautiful woodland with stunning views of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Weddings: Licensed for weddings, and a great venue for a reception too.
Who: Call Julie Buxton on 01538 370930 or e-mail her - JBuxton@westwoodcollege.coop
Web: Visit the website at www.westwoodcollege.coop/facilities/weddings/
Lichfield Guildhall, Lichfield.
Where: Central Lichfield.
What: Hall where council meet.
Weddings: Licensed for weddings, plenty of room for receptions and kitchens available.
Who: Conact is Sarah Wallace, Telephone 01543 258441, or e-mail her on sarah.wallace@lichfield.gov.uk
Web: No dedicated wedding website for this venue.
Littywood Manor
Where: In the middle of no-where down the tranquil lanes of rural Staffordshire, yet (unbelievably) only 4 miles from Stafford and the M6 etc.
What: A lovely house incorporating parts of a moated medieval manor house (with a surviving double moat). Licensed for weddings (40 people), but with a marquee that can hold 120 people.
Who: Alex and Sue Bradshaw will look after you. Telephone them on 01785 780234, or e-mail alex on a.bradshaw3@btinternet.com
National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas.
Where: In the National Forest, so think trees, trees and more trees. Near Tamworth. Easy for M42.
What: A visitor centre for people exploring the fast-growing National Forest and its peace monuments.
Weddings: Licensed for weddings and plenty of room for marquees of all sizes. Kitchens available.
Who: Lynn Barkas books weddings and can be contacted by telephone on 01283 799857, or e-mail her on L.Barkas@thenma.org.uk
Web: www.thenma.org.uk
TAMWORTH CASTLE (Staffordshire)
Where: In the centre of Tamworth town.
What: One of the best perserved Norman motte and bailey castles in the UK with many later, charming additions from all periods since. Very romantic, even magical.
Weddings: Licensed for weddings. Perfect if you want unique surroundings; maybe a themed ceremony in period costume - most things are possible. No reception facilities available on site but try searching www.hallshire.com or the new (2005) village hall at Newton Regis (5 miles away) looks good, google their website.
Who: Contact the bookings team on 01827 709627 or e-mail heritage@tamworth.gov.uk
Web: Go to www.tamworthcastle.co.uk
Idlerocks Farm (Hilderstone - Nr Stone)
Mrs Barbara Dixon is happy to rent out a one acre flat meadow (with parking) for you to site your marquee. All the peace and tranquility of the countryside, views to the Shropshire hills - within a few miles of Stoke or Stone. Check the postcode on 'googlemaps' - its ST15 8RP. Call Barbara on 01889 505450 for availability and prices.
Stafford Cricket & Hockey Club
Situated close to the centre of Stafford town, the cricket and hockey club have twelve acres of quiet riverside meadow for hire - perfect for a large marquee, loads of parking. You can also hire their club-house for a very reasonable charge, and either way use Kemp & Kemp Catering for the food.
Phone Guy Seaton on 07710 898361 or e-mail him on info@riverway-events.co.uk, or see their website at www.riverway-events.co.uk
And... you don't have to be able to play (or understand) cricket!
Derrington Village Hall
Just a few miles west of Stafford and within sight of Stafford Castle is the village of Derrington. You can hire the village hall for receptions. There are several rooms, a kitchen and even a bar. Contact Helen Sammons on 01785 224612, e-mail her on borrisdorris@btinternet.com or check out the hall's little website at www.derringtonvillagehall.btik.com
Pillaton Hall Farm
This is a great alternative for your wedding reception. Pillaton Hall Farm is located on the edge of Cannock Chase (Nr Penkridge)in sweeping open farmland and within the shadow of the Tudor Brick Manor House of Pillaton Hall.
Choose from a range of marquees on a purpose-built site. There is even room (and facilities) for your guests to camp and a fishing lake for your dad!! Peace, tranquility and fishing - but easy access for the M6 (only 10 mins). Call Nikki on 01785 715177 or e-mail her on info@pillatonpools.co.uk or visit their website at www.pillatonpools.co.uk
OTHER WEDDING SERVICES IN STAFFORDSHIRE.
WEDDING CATERERS
1. Kemp and Kemp Catering
Wedding catering that features food that is always homemade by us. We make everything from scratch with nothing brought in or 'from frozen'. Karen Kemp is an inspired, passionate cook, heavily influenced by Nigel Slater, with more than a little 'River Cafe', some early Jamie and plenty of fresh Delia. We don't do 'Package A, Package B' style catering because we believe it is important to design your food around you, your venue and the season.
Visit www.kempandkempcatering.co.uk or e-mail info@kempandkempcatering.co.uk or call Karen on 07967 033332.
WEDDING CHAIR COVERS
1. Janannjue Occasions
Have your wedding chairs covered in the most divine way by a highly respected professional. Contact Janet Lee on 01785 250700 or e-mail her on janannjue@btconnect.com or visit her website at www.janannjueoccasions.co.uk
WEDDING FLOWERS
1. MyFlowerCo
Ellie Wiseman is a contemporary florist with imagination who specialises in reflecting wedding couples in her stunning floral designs. Ellie only ever takes a single project at a time so she can dedicate herself to you. Contact her by e-mailing ellie@myflowerco.co.uk
Or call her on 0790 4410650.
2. Alison O'Mara Floral Design
Alison has a design studio in Stone (Staffs) and when she isn't designing stunning floral arrangements for your wedding, she teaches her own distinctive style of floristry. Phone Alison on 01785 815948, e-mail her on info@alisonomarafloraldesign.co.uk or visit her vibrant, colourful website at www.alisonomarafloraldesign.co.uk
WEDDING MARQUEES
1. Crest Marquees
A new marquee company (2006) based in south Birmingham with a brand new range of equipment. Their planning service includes 3D visualisation of your plans by computer so that you can be sure how the whole set-up will look, even help design it.
Contact Matthew on 0121 773 8444 or e-mail info@crestmarquees.co.uk or visit their website at www.crestmarquees.co.uk
2. Smart Party Marquees
Very stylish marquees with a real difference. Based in Sutton Coldfield and operating throughout the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.
Contact David on 0121 241 9891, or e-mail info@smartpartymarquees.co.uk or visit their website at www.smartpartymarquees.co.uk
3. Millennium mini marquees
If you need some instant accommodation for your wedding reception, but not a huge marquee (sizes from 15' by 20' and above), try Millenium Mini Marquees. John Parkinson runs the company and can be contacted on 08004 580631, or by e-mail on jr.parky@hotmail.co.uk or see his website at www.m-minimarquees.co.uk
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
A1fotograffix Photography
Steve and Helen Parker provide a variety of photographic services in Stoke-on Trent and the region, and specialise in wedding photography. Steve is an Accredited Master Photographer, not an easy qualification to achieve.
Contact Steve or Helen on 01782 520331, or e-mail Steve on stephen@a1photograffix.com or visit www.A1fotograffix.com
Dave Golding Photography
Will travel anywhere. Iconic pictures (see below) that stand out. Dave knows that good wedding photographs result from good planning. Whenever possible he likes to meet with you in advance to learn about the plans. He will make sure he is familiar with the venue and other locations so there are always opportunities for great photography - even if the weather is unkind.
Phone Dave on 07980 700558, or e-mail him from his website at www.davidgoldingweddings.com
Thanks to Dave Golding for the banner pic. We adore this picture.
David & Beverley Foster Photography
Award-winning wedding photography. You get to keep copyright over all your pictures.
Airbrushing and enhanced photography. Phone them on 01538 386403 or e-mail them at admin@bride.org.uk or see their comprehensive website at www.bride.org.uk
LA Collections (wedding photography)
'LA' is Lesley Ann.. Fantastic wedding photography with a big emphasis on FUN. Lesley invests time getting to know you and your preferences beforehand and then literally melts into the background on the big day ensuring the best pictures imaginable - all taken completely unobtrusively.
Phone Lesley on 01782 740526 or e-mail her on lesley@lacollections.co.uk or visit her website at www.lacollections.co.uk
Lilac Productions
For a film of your wedding (rather than a traditional video) get in touch with Steve (see pic) at Lilac Productions. Incredible production values with Hollywood quality and a professional product - but at prices that will really surprise you. Contact Steve on 07812 486565 or e-mail him at steve@lilac-films.com or for a taster of the supreme quality of their work see the website at www.lilac-films.com
WEDDING PLANNING
'Wedding Rooms'
Stressed? Worried? No time to look after everything yourself? - you need 'Wedding Rooms'. Tell Lisa the sort of thing you have in mind, then leave it to them - decoration - entertainment - table-laying - venue - even your Michael Jackson dance-alike!! Call Lisa on 07785 348492, or e-mail weddingroom55@yahoo.co.uk or visit their website at www.wedding-rooms.co.uk. All you have to do is say.... "I do".
OTHER WEDDING SERVICES
Dove Emporium (dove release)
Doves have always been the international symbol of love and peace, crossing cultures and religions. This unique service allows you to release a series of pure white doves at an important point in your wedding day.
Contact Nola Craig on 01782 399153 or e-mail at enquiries@doveemporium.co.uk or visit The Dove Emporium website at www.doveemporium.co.uk
The Staffordshire Wedding Show
One of the most trusted and best-attended regular wedding shows in Staffordshire. The show features a host of suppliers as well as several wedding venues - and all under one roof. To check out what, where and when - go to www.thestaffordshireweddingshow.co.uk
Crock-a-while (crockery hire)
For great crockery, linen, cultlery, glasses and mobile catering equipment from urns to cookers, try 'Crock-a-while'. They deliver and they wash up too. Great people, great service. Call Chris Mellard on 01785 280758, or e-mail them on info@crockawhile.co.uk or visit their website at www.crockawhile.co.uk
AMAZING FAVOURS
Crystal Angels
Handmade jewellery from Suzanne Williams.. for your table, for your guests.. for you!
Call Suzanne on 07526 703674 or e-mail her at thepathofangels@hotmail.com
or visit her website at www.thepathofangels.com
OTHER
'Little Impressions'
Cast your hands on your special day.
Phone Jenny Andrew – 01785 228990 or 07812 113980, or e-mail her on jennya@little-impressions.com or visit the website: www.little-impressions.com
MORE SUPPLIERS/SERVICES TO FOLLOW.
info@kempandkempcatering.co.uk
Tel 07814 919733.