Searching for the perfect wedding venue? We’ve welcomed hundreds of couples through our doors at Prestwold Hall, so we understand that choosing the right venue for your big day can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. Nothing sets the scene for your wedding quite like the venue, so of course you want to make the right decision. And, while it often comes down to that gut feeling – we’ve had so many brides- and grooms-to-be tell us they just knew Prestwold was right for them the moment they stepped inside – it’s important to be practical too. Before you book anywhere, make sure your venue ticks all the boxes. Here we share the 11 things every wedding venue needs to have. Checklists at the ready…
The right licence
In England, if you want to legally get married at your wedding venue – rather than just host your reception there – make sure they have an approved premises licence to host civil marriage and civil partnerships. This allows you to have a legal registrar-led ceremony either inside the venue or outdoors within the grounds of an approved premises. If you have your heart set on a religious ceremony, look for venues which have churches on-site, like we do at Prestwold Hall. St Andrew’s Church is tucked away on our estate, just a short stroll from Prestwold Hall. It’s a truly idyllic setting for your religious wedding ceremony.
The essentials
It’s easy to get swept away by a wedding venue, whether its’s the grand architecture or picturesque gardens. But never overlook the essentials. Make sure a wedding venue has all the facilities you need to make your day go without a hitch. Look for things like a well-stocked bar, numerous (clean) toilets, step-free access for guests with accessibility needs and a changing room for you to use.
Plenty of space indoors and out
Look for a wedding venue that offers the best of both worlds. A great venue has plenty of space indoors and outdoors, to accommodate whatever type of wedding you’re after. Our Leicestershire country house wedding venue has a choice of indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, as well as elegant rooms for your wedding breakfast and evening party. Click here to take a virtual tour, to get a feel for Prestwold.
A brilliant in-house team
Never underestimate how priceless an experienced in-house weddings events team can be. Having a dedicated team or one-on-one support as you navigate planning your wedding day is the key to a stress-free and genuinely enjoyable experience. At Prestwold Hall we’re proud of our hugely talented and passionate team who love nothing more than helping couples bring their dream wedding to life.
Gorgeous photo opportunities
Whether you love the idea of a cool barn venue or elegant stately home venue, having beautiful spaces – both indoor and out – to take your wedding photos is a non-negotiable. When you visit a wedding venue for a viewing, ask to see some of the best spots couples use for their wedding photographs. This will give you an idea of what you can expect for your big day.
Recommended suppliers
An established wedding venue will have hosted many weddings and will have worked with numerous wedding suppliers over the years. From florists to photographers, the best venues can recommend the very best local suppliers – the ones they know deliver top results and know the venue well. It helps you feel like you’re in safe hands, with suppliers who really get the venue and understand how to show it off to perfection.
Accommodation options
If you’ve got guests travelling a distance for your big day, choosing a wedding venue with accommodation on-site is always going to go down well. It makes life so much easier for you and your guests and means you can really make yourselves feel at home. We have a choice of luxury bedrooms and on-site self-catering accommodation available to book at Prestwold Hall. If a venue can’t offer overnight accommodation, check to see if they have links with nearby hotels instead.
A flexible approach
Your wedding should reflect your couple style, so find a venue that offers some flexibility when it comes to planning your day. Look for venues that allow you to bring your own décor and outside entertainment or are happy to work with you to come up with creative menu ideas, like we do at Prestwold Hall. Also look for venues that offer a choice of packages to suit your big day style and budget. It should never be ‘one size fits all’.
All the back-up plans
Some things are out of your control on your wedding day – whether that’s a downpour when you’ve planned an outdoor ceremony or your sound system packing up mid-speech. That’s why all the best wedding venues have a ‘just in case’ back-up plan for every eventuality.
The right location
If you want a wedding venue that feels secluded and intimate, it’s still important to make sure it’s easy to get to for your guests. Check transport links and book a venue with plenty of parking. Prestwold Hall feels like it’s a million miles away from anywhere else, tucked away in a glorious corner of the Leicestershire countryside. But we’re just a short drive from Loughborough and less than half an hour from the M1.
Sustainability credentials
Considering the carbon footprint of the average wedding, it’s important to look for venues that are dedicated to eco-friendly practises. Venues which use renewal energy, source local produce for their menus and support sustainable suppliers – like we do at Prestwold Hall – are the way to go.
Finding your luxury Leicestershire wedding venue
Searching for a stylish country house wedding venue in Leicestershire? We’d love to show you around Prestwold Hall. Our Grade I listed stately home wedding venue, sat in the heart of the Leicestershire Wolds, is the perfect choice for a wow-factor wedding. Prestwold Hall is a luxurious, exclusive-use venue with a dedicated events team behind it. Please do get in touch to chat to us about how we can make your dream wedding a reality. Click here to book a viewing or to ask any questions you may have. One of the team will get straight back to you.
