10 unique National Trust properties to get married or hold your reception

As you all know I love to promote the advantages of marrying at Osterley Park but we are not the only National Trust property which can hold a wedding. There are many located throughout the country, which like us, have licensed rooms for marriages. As much as I would love to persuade you all to look no further and pick Osterley, I thought it would be nice to look at some our other properties and what they can offer.

Every one of us is unique and many of you like to pick a venue which reflects your personality. We have stately homes, towers, abbeys, castles and ruins, pubs, homes of former Prime Ministers, and even a dairy available for hire. Or how would you feel about marrying on a film set? And all of these properties are unique in themselves just like you!

 

So here it goes! A list of 10 different National Trust properties to get married or hold your reception…

 

1. Steam yacht Gondola, Cumbria

 

 

Rebuilt Victorian steam-powered yacht on Coniston water, ideal for romantic wedding receptions. Treat you guests to a private charter on the Coniston lake.

 

2. Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire

Cistercian abbey, elegant Georgian water garden and medieval deer park. Immerse yourself in British history and one of the finest remaining examples of 18^th-century landscaping.

 

3. Basildon Park, West Berkshire

Basildon Park is an impressive Georgian mansion, surrounded by glorious parkland, which was lovingly rescued from ruin by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the mid 1950s.

 

4. The Kymin, Wales

One of the highest points in Wales, it commands views stretching all the way to the summits of the Brecon Beacons.

 

5. Aberdulais Tin works and Waterfall, Swansea

What could make your wedding day more romantic and dramatic than set against the backdrop of a fabulous waterfall?

 

6. Stowe, Buckingham

One of the most remarkable creations of Georgian England, Stowe was created by a family once so powerful they were richer than the king. Today enjoy the scale, grandeur and beauty that Stowe still has to offer!

 

7. Smallhythe Place, Kent

Get married on stage in the charming 17^th-cenutry thatched Barn Theatre which was added to the 16^th-century cottage by renowned Victorian actress Ellen Terry.

 

8. Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Originally commissioned to house the 19^th-cenutry Baron’s prize winning cattle, the Dairy is now a licensed room set amidst glorious gardens for your wedding.

 

9. Scotney Castle, Kent

Voted one of the most romantic gardens in England, Scotney castle allows you to marry within the medieval Old castle or outside under the white wisteria archway.

 

10. Calke Abbey Riding School, Derbyshire

Set in the rolling hills of the Calke estate, the Riding school is now a place for celebrations and marriages.

 

I’m sure wherever you choose, your day will be just as special as the locations shown in these pics!

Osterley Park!

‘April is a promise that May is bound to keep’ – Hal Borland

The month of April is vastly shaping up to one of the busiest for me so far this year. What with Easter Bank Holiday and the end of financial year for most places, it’s always a wonder why everything seems to happen at once. Here at Osterley with Easter Trails, Easter egg giveaways, longer opening hours and unpredictable weather, we truly feel like were getting into the swing of the open season here! However, none of the latter is what is taking up my time. Instead I am faced with an abundant amount of household tasks, pre-planning, and checklists!

With April being the start of our seasonal wedding period (April-Sept) it is no wonder things have started to pick up in the wedding & Functions department. In this months blog post I will talk about 5 individual happenings, developments or just something of interest for the month of April.

1)

 

Spring Clean! So keeping in tradition with the seasonal spring clean which happens in most homes this time of year, we went with that initiative at Osterley too! However, instead of throwing out unwanted clothes or dusting of our summer attire, we got on our yellow rubber gloves and armed with a bucket and some ‘extra sensitive’ boots washing up liquid; we headed for the Temple of Pan for our spring clean. The Temple of Pan set in our formal gardens was treated to some TLC. Our ‘Premises & Collections’ Manager, Claire Reed, ‘House Steward’, Judith Evans and ‘Commercial Manager’, Megan Tanner all assisted me with the prep clean for our first wedding due to take place next week. At the start of season the walls get a wipe down, the cob webs pulled away which build up during the winter period and a few sparkles can be seen in the glittering sunlight (when we have sun). We must say we were very pleased with our work, with compliments from our Head Gardener the next day!

Myself, cleaning the Temple of Pan, armed with protective yellow rubber gloves!

Myself and our ‘House Steward’ Judith, really trying to scrub all the dirt out of the small corners, being careful to protect all the fine paint and plaster work.

A close up of the artwork and detail found in the Temple of Pan.

2)

The whole spring clean was preparation for our first 2013 wedding. The first to take place will be happening in the Temple of Pan and is the first of many, 8 to be exact and were still counting! It has been a daunting feeling for me in the office, not carrying out a wedding for 6 months; I’m questioning whether I will remember everything. I’m sure it will all come back to me on the day – that’s the mindset I am relying on anyhow!

This will hopefully be a nice smooth transition back into the busy period, with things picking up even more in May.The Temple of Pan has proved to be our most popular venue room this year with an increase from 3 weddings in 2012 to 8 this year, as you can see more than double. With 6 remaining ceremonies taking place in the house, compared to the 13 last year, you can see the dramatic decrease in effect that weddings will have on the house. The remaining 4 events taking place will be receptions only.

Inside the Temple of Pan.

3)

 

Thinking about the 2013 season and how busy we are going to be led to the advertisement of a seasonal position . We are looking for some extra hands on help, offering a part-time position for those interested in learning something about the industry. It will be a 1-2 day role that will play a vital part in helping us carry out and execute all our weddings, functions and receptions we have for 2013. The National Trust is in a great position to offer these seasonal roles which are often perfect for those still studying, who have family commitments or generally want to broaden their range on skills.

This is exactly how I started with the Trust, and it just goes to show where things can lead for individuals afterwards. So to add to my work load I am collating CV’s, planning interview questions and intending to carry out formal training sessions all within the month of April! (Recruitment period ends 19th April 2013)

 4)

 

The above point coincides with preparing for 2013 season! With trips to Ikea planned (not just for the meatballs – I promise!), more cleaning of ceremony rooms, testing of equipment, ironing of tablecloths and moving of furniture, not to mention actually attending all ceremonies and receptions we have planned this year, I have got a very busy time ahead! With menu choices to be made, layout ideas discussed and finer details to consider, it is always an ongoing process.

This year we have a bigger team to support the wedding business here at Osterley, an exciting time for them all to be part of someone’s special day. With a ‘Front of House Supervisor’ to oversee catering, a new chef to assist the Catering Manager in preparing canapés and the seasonal role which will support the execution of ceremonies at Osterley as well as set-up, it will be a big team effort.

5)

Oh and by the way were already taking bookings for 2014! So forget 2013, it’s not as if it’s just getting started or anything, there are a whole other bunch of couples getting engaged and planning their 2014 weddings! In the month of April I also took my first deposit payment for a summer wedding next year, it made me realise about all the pre-planning in this industry and why we have to continually think about the next step, the next stage and the next year!

With 2014 prices sorted, brochures being updated, catering menus being extended and new suppliers coming on board we are very much in full swing for 2014 as well! It’s sometimes hard to remember what year you are working in, when thinking about past weddings, preparing for current weddings and carrying out viewings for future weddings; I think I can be forgiven for forgetting what year I am currently in!

 

And let’s just look at the date…its only the 9^th April…!

 

Something Sweet…

 

5 Reasons to marry in The Temple of Pan

Set in our formal gardens, away from any hustle and bustle of the city, the Temple of Pan really does give the feel that you are in the middle of the countryside. It has a capacity of 50, meaning that couples are restricted with their guest list and is therefore more suited to those looking for a quieter affair.

The end of 2012 and beginning of 2013 has really shown a pattern in the size of weddings and how more and more couples are opting for the smaller, intimate ceremonies with only close friends and family. The reason for me to take note of this particular trait is the fact that our smallest ceremony venue, The Temple of Pan, is in fact the most in demand for up-coming nuptials this year.

With over 60% of our ceremonies taking place in the Temple of Pan this year, we are faced with the question, is it the truth concerning the economic state for smaller weddings and maybe it all comes down to money? Are couples choosing smaller venues and a tighter guest list to save the pennies? Are couples therefore being forced to settle?

Whatever the reason for the smaller wedding, here I highlight why marrying in the Temple of Pan is certainly not settling and why weddings have been taking place in this particular venue for a numerous amount of years…

Reason 1: It’s untouched and original! Apart from a lick of paint a couple of years back, the Temple of Pan is very much what it was in the 18th Century. Built as a place of relaxation for summer days, it is used by visitors to the formal gardens. Pre-dating the House, this building still displays fine rococo plasterwork and needs very little in terms of decoration on the day. Its mutual grey/green walls and intricate detail of the plaster walls make the perfect setting for a unique ceremony room, accompanied by some colourful flowers on the window ledge to really brighten up the room on a summer’s day.

 

 

Reason 2: Location! As mentioned previously the Temple if set in the formal gardens, away from the main on-goings of the property. You would probably not know it even existed unless you were an avid NT member who enjoyed discovering the gardens of our past eras, but it is there, unlike the late Orangery which was destroyed by a fire during the Second World War. Set back, not far from the great meadow, couples would be forgiven for thinking they were strolling through the country, admiring the cows that occasionally graze on the wild meadow and not in fact only a few miles from central London. It is therefore of high importance that this building is not only preserved, but enjoyed by new couples today as ceremony room with its existing 18^th Century virtues.

Reason 3: The guest list!  With a maximum capacity of 50 you have every reason to be strict with your guest list. It’s not the time to be inviting your long-lost friend from primary school, or re-connecting with the neighbour who moved half way across the country. You can choose those special people who you want to be there to make your day special. It also gives you reason to make the ceremony a smaller occasion and follow it with a big party and celebration with everyone else you might want to celebrate with later in the evening!

Reason 4: Walking! Because of the location of the Temple, yes there is some walking involved. But still – let’s look at it from this way. As a bride you arrive in your chosen transportation, right up to the door way. You are greeted by your waiting fiancé and together you say those magic words ‘I do’. Afterwards, once you have sipped champagne, you can accompany your guests the 5 minute walk back to the main house. During this walk you can chat to friends, take photos in the walled garden and actually appreciate the venue you just got married in.

c2a9national-trust-images-megan-taylor

Reason 5: Picture perfect! It’s true what they say; a picture says a thousand words. Here is the Temple of Pan in all its glory.

 

5 Reasons to Marry in a Stately Home

Have you always imagined marrying in an elegant aristocracy manner? Do you believe that this is where you would find yourself in a previous life, surrounded by royals, riches and charm? Or like many of us, do you just want something which is the ‘WOW factor’, which will not only impress your guests but look fabulous in your wedding pics for years to come!?

Well…if the above is everything you long for in a wedding venue then read on!

Marrying in some of the country’s most grand properties, over flowing with stories, heritage and culture could be exactly what you need to make your wedding day special. The possibilities are now endless with more and more noticeable buildings becoming licensed wedding venues. From a steam Yacht in Cumbria, a waterfall in South Wales and the more idyllic setting of a Temple ( all National Trust places), you can think outside of the box and stray away from the traditional journey up the aisle.

Reason 1: Photo opportunities! You cannot get away from it as much as you try; no wedding day is complete without those special moments being captured so you have memories to cherish forever. Marrying at a stately home gives you some amazing backdrops, and these are often a lot less common to see again when looking through your best friends wedding pics the following year! With dramatic settings, magnificent ruins, and romantic stories laced behind a lot of stately homes, these can come to life once again through your photos. At Osterley Park we have the backdrop of the 18th Century mansion, the grand Entrance hall which is entered through impressive columns either side, and the small Temple of Pan which becomes a romantic summer-house, all at hand for photo opportunities on the day of your wedding (or for pre-wedding photos).

 

Ian Baker Photography: The West Lawn view of Osterley House

Reason 2: Space! It’s simple; stately homes in most cases are surrounded by acres and acres of land. This means that on the day of your wedding you and your guests are treated to heavenly and peaceful surroundings making you feel in the middle of nowhere (even if you are only 6 miles from central London like when at Osterley Park). The grounds at most properties are kept by specialist gardeners who are there to make sure the brightest and most fitting flowers are in bloom during the seasons to match the era of the house. The surrounding land can be used to your advantage, whether it makes perfect photo opportunities, a space for your younger guests to run around and occupy themselves or becomes just enough space between you and that awkward guest you had to invite because your mum made you!

 

Flowerbeds in the Pleasure Grounds in June at Osterley, Middlesex

 

Reason 3: The History! Well it goes without saying doesn’t it really; I cannot write a list of reasons to marry in a stately home without stating the obvious. The reason that most of them are ‘historic’ and are so special and protected in our world today is because the culture which is enriched in the properties is vital and key to marrying in one. With many being listed buildings, belonging to conservation charities such as the National Trust or heritage organisations such as the English Heritage, the history of the property and its previous owners is brought to life in the 21st Century. By marrying in a stately home you are often putting your money back into an organisation that is there to preserve the culture and heritage of our old historic English buildings. So think of it this way, not only do you have a lavish backdrop for your big day but you’re such kind people who you are helping protect our history at the same time!

 

The Kitchen with wooden table, and range, at Osterley Park, Middlesex

 

Reason 4: Tours! Why marry in a glorious and grand manner and not let your guests experience the history of the house. Many places may offer this in their wedding package and if not it is always worth asking how the house and its rooms can be incorporated into the day. Depending on the time you marry will affect whether this is something the property offers, many historic houses are open to the public and it is very common for this to be the case even on your wedding day. For some couples, just marrying in the property may be enough but for those history boffs out there, a private tour or sneak peek of the best rooms could be that little added extra to make your day stand out!

 

Visitors on a tour in the garden at Chastleton House, Oxfordshire.

 

Reason 5: Capacity! Bringing us back to Reason 2 and there being a lot of space, this usually goes hand in hand with there being a lot of capacity on site. For those looking for marquee weddings, stately homes are perfect to have as your backdrop! With acres of land to erect your marquee on, with space sometimes to go into the thousands, stately homes are perfect for the larger weddings. It is a common theme now that mansion houses and their surroundings are becoming increasingly popular for the Asian Wedding market. With their guests sometime ranging around the 800 mark, they opt for a marquee reception in the grounds to accommodate everyone. Don’t let the ‘large’ aspect of things put you off though. Many historic properties have many different locations on site which can be used on the day. At Osterley the Temple of Pan holds 50 for a ceremony, the Entrance Hall can seat 100 and we have marquee capacity up to 800. It is safe to save we have something to cater for any size wedding!

 

Marquee Reception on the West Lawn at Osterley

Winter time…

2013 in mind  

With Christmas and New Year fast approaching we look forward to welcoming all the newly engaged couples in 2013. With a New Year and New engagements in January and Valentines day in February; the first two months of the year are always busy and full of busy brides-to-be searching out their potential venues. At Osterley we look forward to welcoming all the new couples for a show around of the venue. Why not treat yourself to a brisk walk in the gardens followed by cream tea in the tea rooms after? A perfect way to end your wedding viewing with us! 

Cream tea in the tea rooms…

Afternoon tea with fruit scones, clotted cream and jam in the tea rooms.

Osterley at Christmas

We are very limited when it comes to winter themed weddings here at Osterley. Working in a glorious 18th Century Mansion house is sometimes not so wonderful in the winter months. With no heating and limited lighting we are apprehensive about offering weddings in the winter season, mainly November, December and January. Would you fancy a winter wonderland wedding at Osterley? Are we missing out on an opportunity by excluding these months. Or is it better to stick with the warmer summer months and offer Osterley at its best for a truly unique and pleasant experience for all.

Long view of West front of Osterley Park, Middlesex, in the snow

 Will we have snow this year…?

Snowy scene at Osterley Park, Middlesex, with trees with snow laden branches in the foreground and snow spattered conifers

Hello world!

So this is my first ever blog for the new Osterley Park Weddings site! I thought it would be a good for you guys to see exactly what we can offer for those who are interested in a country mansion wedding.

About Osterley Park:

We can be found in Isleworth, Middlesex and is home to one of the last surviving country estates in London. Yes that’s right, WERE IN LONDON! We offer a secluded wedding venue, just outside the hustle and bustle of London city. To make it a bit more visual for you all…we are 1 mile walk from the Piccadilly line!

We are a National Trust property and are open to the public Wednesday-Sunday for those of you who wish to take in the historic property and its history and charm, or take a walk through our pleasure grounds, see the walled gardens and the green house and imagine it as a backdrop for your gorgeous wedding photos!

Anyway – i’m not going to say too much on my first blog, I hope in the next few months to make this page somewhere for wedding couples to get ideas, inspire those out there who have just got engaged to visit a National trust property as a potential wedding venue and see the world of opportunity that is out there waiting for you!  

Thanks,

Becki (Weddings and Functions Coordinator for Osterley Park and House)

VISIT US HERE