STAFFORDSHIRE WEDDING LOCATIONS.
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).
Oakley Hall
Where: Near Market Drayton, but right on the Shropshire/Staffs border.
What: Enormous house that is wonderfully light and is perched on the side of a ridge overlooking a lake with views of woods and meadows - and no sign whatever of the modern day - the stuff of dreams.
Weddings: Two elegant rooms are licensed for weddings and the dining room is also available to you. Great grounds with great picture potential, and room for a marquee if you want a bigger wedding.
Who: Contact Ann Fisher on 01630 653472.
Web: see www.oakleyhallweddings.com
Sugnall Walled Garden, Staffordshire.
Where: Just outside Eccleshall on the way to Loggerheads.
What: The most amazing Indian pavilion located within the total tranquillity of the restored 18th Century 2 acre walled garden at Sugnall Hall. Exclusive use for your reception surrounded by fruit trees, beds of herbs, flowers.
Weddings: The perfect wedding reception venue with parking, a ready-made marquee, power water etc. etc.. Not yet licensed for weddings, but from April 2013 onwards it should be.
Who: Call Karen Jacques on 01785 850820 or e-mail info@sugnall.co.uk
Web: Go to www.sugnall.co.uk
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 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@sandwell.gov.uk
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.
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
HIRE (& DRESS) A VILLAGE HALL
Village Halls can make great wedding reception venues and often have kitchens your caterers can use as well as toilets, tables and parking. To find a hall in your area try www.hallshire.com
What you save on hire charges can be put into hiring a professional hall dresser.
Try Claire Whitelaw at www.theroomdresser.co.uk, or Luisa & Victoria at www.venuestylistcheshire.co.uk
WEDDING CATERERS STAFFORDSHIRE - catering at all sites mentioned above.
Kemp and Kemp Catering
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
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