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Introduction
Stratford Upon Avon in Warwickshire is best known for William Shakespeare, The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the River Avon. Set to the south west of the county town of Warwick, Stratford is host not only to the theatre and the many statues of Shakespeare and his characters, but to plenty of good restaurants and hotels which host weddings.
One hotel which is an outstanding wedding venue is the Alveston Manor Hotel, steeped in history, brimming with charm and just set back from the hustle of the town centre, yet within walkable distance to any amenities brides and grooms and their families may need on their special weekend. It also lends itself to having a celebrant led wedding within the grounds and building.
About
Alveston Manor Hotel is a Tudor style manor, with a timber framed exterior and beautifully landscaped gardens, exuding history, elegance and romance. In fact, it could have been plucked from a Shakespearean love story. Considering that rumour has it the very first performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ took place in the gardens, it is only fitting that magical weddings take place here and celebrants can tell the love story of their couples.
With the beautiful gardens and period architecture, there is plenty of choice for backdrops to your photos - in front of the entrance, under the tree or on the patio to name a few.
With the hotel on the edge of town you could turn your wedding celebrations into a 2 day affair, or a weekend celebration, enabling you to relax with family and friends prior to your special day and afterwards, making your wedding truly special.
With the Alveston Manor just a stone’s throw from the River Avon, a gentle stroll will take you into another world and more perfect pictures to create those memories.
Your Wedding Venue
Alveston Manor is a stunning hotel with plenty of charm. The interiors are luxurious and offer a wide range of versatile event spaces. It blends the classic charm of the Tudor style entertaining rooms with the modern comfort of their bedrooms and spa. You will find everything you need here whether you are planning a grand celebration or intimate gathering.
If you are staying the night before your wedding you can make use of the spa and pool to relax and rejuvenate in. Have your nails done or a relaxing facial. Try out the swimming pool, which I believe is the second biggest pool in Stratford Upon Avon.
There are approx 113 bedrooms in the hotel including the bridal suite and although there isn’t a dedicated bridal ‘get ready room’, if you book the bridal suite then you have access to that to get ready in. Other members of your bridal party and friends and family can also book their rooms, so not only can they relax before your big day, but they don’t have to worry about taxis at the end of the night either.
Alveston Manor has been superbly well added to over the decades, so that along with the Tudor style main building you have modern wings merged into it, which accommodate the spa and the Coach House which has 7 further bedrooms, all available to hire.
The details
Available to the wedding party is the bar for both pre ceremony drinks and post ceremony drinks - very important for the time when the bride and groom are having their precious memories captured by their photographer.
The Blue Lounge is theirs to use and is where you enter the Cedar Room from, to start your ceremony. Once you have said ‘I do’, the hotel staff will turn this room around to create a stunning setting for the wedding breakfast where you can seat 120.
However, if it is a wonderfully sunny day then how about having your ceremony out in the gardens, maybe in front of the amazing tree? If they can perform Shakespeare under it, then you can certainly say ‘I do’ under it.
Following your wedding breakfast in the Cedar Room you will have the ability to carry on celebrating up until midnight. Celebrate on the lawn with an evening reception with BBQ. Food and BBQ are all supplied by the Alveston, but if you want anything else then you will need to provide it.
Your venue dressers can gain access early on the Saturday morning of your wedding, If they have not had a wedding the previous day, then you may be able to get in on the Friday evening to set up. At the end of the day the hotel staff will pack everything up for you to collect the following morning.
Different packages attract different prices so it is best to talk to the wedding planning team at the hotel to find out what is available and which one is suitable for you.
Why have your celebrant ceremony here?
As with any celebrant led ceremony, you have the ability to personalise your wedding and do anything you want to. As the celebrant I can help you create that personalised and flexible ceremony. Choose your own vows, commitments, music and perhaps a symbolic ritual too.
Because a celebrant led wedding isn’t bound by licensed areas, we can go anywhere - under the gorgeous oak tree, on the terrace overlooking the river, or even in one of the reception rooms.
You don’t need rigid scripts as your ceremony will be crafted around what you want, be it traditional, light-hearted or something completely different.
Choose your own songs, readings and ask anyone you want to join in. That is how a celebrant will help you have your special day at the Alveston Manor, by creating a bespoke ceremony. And remember that having your celebrant led ceremony at the hotel means that your ceremony does not have to be rushed - you can enjoy the moment along with close friends and family.
Conclusion
Alveston Manor Hotel is a special hotel with a wonderful history. It provides a setting steeped in charm, history and elegance within a picturesque location. It can provide everything that you might want for your wedding.
Within this setting you will be able to have the personal, heartfelt ceremony that only a celebrant can give you.
If you are still wondering about where to have your wedding, then take a very close look at Alveston Manor Hotel.
Photographs courtesy of the Alveston Manor Hotel.