Two Beautiful 'Blank Canvas' Wedding Venues - with 2012 availability!

Every so often we get to work with a venue that seems so obvious and perfect for weddings that it is almost too good to be true. Surely this venue would have been used for weddings for decades? Certainly there must be a queue of giddy newly-engaged couples banging on the door, having known that this was their dream location for years and now finally being able to sign the contracts. Without doubt all the summer dates will be booked for the next 2 years as with so many English historic properties that open their doors to marriage celebrations. It couldn’t be possible that only a handful of couples have been before, sealing their nuptials under these decedent ceilings, amongst such history-adorned ornate décor and surrounded by these original open fireplaces and quirky features.

But no, it is an exciting coincidence that this month, Esc Weddings have been lucky enough to start collaborating with not one but two such venues! We are so ecstatic at the prospect of being involved with them that we want to shout their names from the rooftops. We did think about keeping them to ourselves and being able to astound our brides with these hidden gems that they may never before heard mention of and that still have dates available for summer 2012. But that would not be fair as these are places that need to be shared with the world, or at least the wedding world (as that is surely all that matters) ;-)

The first is 45 Millbank. An Edwardian Grade II listed property built in 1907. This venue is easy to find as it is right next door to the iconic Tate Britain, on the bank of the river Thames. With its central London location, this setting fortunately doesn’t boast central London, excessive prices.

There are 2 entrances, one on Millbank, overlooking the river, and the second, quieter courtyard entrance just round the corner which houses an original Henry Moore sculpture. This courtyard is available for the use of weddings, and offers a more peaceful and serene arrival for the bride.

On entering the grand foyer you are greeted with a sweeping staircase leading from the marble floor up to the 3 reception rooms, all of which you are given free reign of for your wedding.

The space is a blank canvas, inviting you to put your personal stamp on it to create your dream wedding. High, open ceilings and wooden carved walls welcome you into the 2 main rooms, each of which are licensed for weddings and can seat in total up to 200 guests.

A particularly attractive feature to me is the balcony situated in the banqueting hall. This unusual addition can be used as you wish but reminded me of the first kiss for William and Kate – a chance to recreate the scene perhaps? Or an impressive platform for a harpist or even the speeches; for those who have a wedding party with nerves of steel! At the very least it lends itself to a feature floral decoration with trailing ivy.
Another bonus is the grassed outdoor space, available for a drinks and canapé reception on a clear British summer day.

As well as the attractive interior, the main selling points for us at Esc Weddings are the fantastic location, short and long term availability and the blank canvas opportunity.

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The second venue is Fetcham Park. A Queen Anne Mansion based in Surrey, near Leatherhead, this property lends itself perfectly to a stylish country wedding for up to 100 guests.

A family property which opened its doors to the public for wedding celebrations in October 2011 following the beautiful day enjoyed by family member and now venue wedding manager and custodian; Laura, in 2010.

The venue is everything you need; grand and stunning yet homely and unassuming. Mural scenes from classical mythology have been painted on the ceilings and staircase by renowned French artist Louis Laguerre in the early 1700s.

This staircase if a particularly striking feature and one which the super-savvy Laura correctly suggests all brides should arrive via, to afford them a grand and memorable entrance.

The fact that Laura is so insistent on this is just one example of her passion for the property and that all her brides experience its full potential. This is not a conveyer belt wedding money cow, churning out repetitive affairs that involve minimal input and maximum revenue. In fact, it couldn’t be more to the contrary. Laura has painstakingly and lovingly chosen a select list of preferred suppliers who are shared with her brides once a relationship is established. It is still down to the bride to work with whomever she wishes, as Laura wants the day be personal and perfect to each couple.

There is a beautiful, landscaped lawn to the back and side of the property featuring illuminated ornate fountains.

Adjoining the grounds is St Mary’s Church, a gorgeously quaint and picturesque church whom have offered to bless any wedding ceremonies held at Fetcham Park if the couple do not meet the requirements to hold them in the Parish. This adds to the appeal of this hidden gem which we are so pleased is on the wedding circuit and available to those brides lucky enough to find it.