Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Warwickshire, in the village of Princethorpe is a well known independent Catholic secondary school - Princethorpe College. Currently it is known for excellent exam results and a variety of sports. Yet soon it will become known for something totally different - amazing weddings within its grounds and buildings that will give the WOW factor to any bride and groom who choose this venue. And your weddings can be celebrant led too.
About
Before it became a school, Princethorpe College was an old 19th Century Benedictine monastery. It stands tall with its Gothic architecture and intricate stonework giving one a sense of timeless elegance that makes it a perfect setting for your unique celebrant led wedding.
The college buildings themselves sit in 200 acres of picturesque parkland and whatever time of year your wedding is, you will be surrounded by the changing scenery that this venue offers.
Visualise yourself in your wedding dress as you are being driven up the sweeping driveway, or exchanging your vows with birdsong in the background and rolling hills all around - that’s romance at Princethorpe.
Wedding Space
Princethorpe has on offer a variety of spaces to choose from for your very individual and personalised wedding style.
These options include:
The Chapel
For a traditional wedding ceremony you can choose the chapel, which is an absolute show stopper. Soaring ceiling, beautiful stained glass and a feeling of complete serenity greet you as you enter. If you are thinking that you would like to exchange vows in the chapel then please talk to the school direct beforehand as, being a Catholic school, there are certain stipulations that have to be adhered to for couples to use the chapel for their bespoke wedding. Yet do not fear, there are other places within the school that can be the place where you say ‘I do’.
The Nun’s Library
This is a smaller offering where you can have that intimate ceremony. Seating 50 you can have your celebrant led ceremony watched by family and close friends only. Then you can move outside for those stunning photographs which are taken in the quadrangle amongst the beautiful flowers and plants with your wedding breakfast close by.
The Atrium
Within the sixth form wing is a large modern atrium, stretching the full length of the building, accommodating up to 120 guests and where your celebrant will lead your wedding. This area gives you another choice of the type and style of wedding you want to have for your special day. As a bride you enter through large glass doors before walking up to the end where you look out over a garden area surrounded by trees. Then with the sun shining in through large windows you have that beautiful setting to exchange your personalised vows, written by yourselves, in front of your guests and family. Open the doors afterwards to access the patio and garden for drinks and photographs.
The area can then be transformed into seating for your guests to enjoy their wedding breakfast, cooked within the main kitchen. Each of these areas is a blank canvas for you to put your own stamp on with your wedding designer. Large, lively celebrations, or small intimate gatherings, Princethorpe College has the facilities to accommodate your needs.
The Details
Princethorpe College, being a school, only have selected dates available for wedding bookings. All applications should be made to the school to see if they can accommodate you on your chosen date. If you are lucky then your hire will start at 2 pm on Friday and finish on Sunday at 2 pm. This givess you the whole weekend to create your special ceremony place.
Prices are around the £125 per person level which includes the venue hire (including a bridal dressing room), 3 course wedding breakfast and drinks. This is your day, so do it your way and have the freedom to make the day your own. Although grand, you won’t find it stuffy or prescriptive. As a celebrant I love venues like this because they work beautifully with bespoke ceremonies. If you have decided to have a symbolic ritual, weave in traditions from your heritage or simply have your love story told, the team at Princethorpe and your celebrant will help you all the way.
Why Have your Celebrant led Ceremony Here?
I might sound a little biased but Princethorpe College and a celebrant led wedding are a perfect match because Princethorpe does not hold a licence for a registrar to attend. As always with a celebrant led ceremony, you will need to do the legal parts with a registrar at the local registry office. However with a celebrant leading your ceremony at Princethorpe you will get
- flexibility to create your own vows, ceremony, commitments, rituals and make it personal to you.
- freedom of location where you can have your wedding in the quadrangle, in the garden or down in the orchard.
Weddings at Princethorpe College will be a very special occasion. Memories will be made in a special and individual venue.
For more information please see their website. https://www.theprincethorpefoundation.co.uk/venues-and-events/weddings-and-special-occasions or contact 01926 634200.
Photos courtesy of Elliot Patching and Princethorpe College.