Taking in the grand front gates, at the pinnacle of a winding drive surrounded by an expertly trimmed box hedge, Brocket Hall conjures up a timeless British elegance from the very first glimpse. One of the greatest stately homes, witness to some of the most pivotal moments and characters of English history, Brocket Hall, under new management, embarks on an exciting new era, reawakening the classic magic of this historic property.

We attended a gorgeous event to see this amazing historic venue for ourselves.

Displaying quintessential British grandeur and available solely for exclusive use, this exceptional ancestral home stands proudly within a manicured 543-acre estate and is conveniently located just 22 miles from central London. This distinctive destination features not only one of England’s greatest stately homes but also two championship golf courses with outstanding practice facilities and coaching for beginners to elite players, as well as a host of activities that epitomise the best of Britain, such as motorised sports, falconry, clay-pigeon shooting, archery and croquet.

Individually tailored arrangements with dedicated butlers and a brand new team of chefs; corporate events, private parties and weddings bring Brocket Hall back to life. Showcasing every inch of the unforgettable property, these exclusive events reawaken the fine furnishings, the collection of stately paintings, the historic connections found in each bedroom, and the captivating, intriguing narrative of scandals.

Guests can sense its stories past whispered between the walls.  Built in 1760, few stately homes, if any, can claim to have had two prime ministers live and die within their walls. A country retreat for some of the most famous royal and aristocratic figures, including King George IV, Lord Melbourne and his close friend and counterpart Queen Victoria, the estate also features Melbourne Lodge, the 18th-century former stables with 16 luxury bedrooms, many of which overlook an expanse of beautiful Broadwater Lake.

The grandeur of the Regency Hall and the glamorous splendour of its Ballroom, surrounded by beautiful parkland and coupled with traditional butler service, Brocket Hall provides a most superior backdrop for those looking for the very finest elements of all that makes Britain Great.

A reputation as one of the most innovative out of London dining destinations, the Estate also plays host to Auberge du Lac. A charming fine dining restaurant, housed in the Estate’s former hunting lodge that dates back to 1760 and boasts a stunning lakeside setting, exceptional cuisine and the highest standards of service.

Brocket Hall, an exclusive venue for corporate events, weddings and parties, is fully staffed with butlers discreetly anticipating guests’ needs as well as a team of chefs delivering the highest culinary standards. The Hall’s exceptional meeting facilities and luxurious accommodation are regularly used by politicians, captains of industry, and businessmen to meet, discuss and relax in a discreet and convivial environment. It is just as popular a venue for weddings, company outings and private parties, providing an extraordinary and memorable experience to all.

The beautiful Regency stately home boasts 30 luxurious double bedrooms, all named after individuals who have either lived in or been closely associated with Brocket Hall. Providing breathtaking views across the country estate, the luxury accommodation retains a quintessentially British look and feel while meeting modern standards, befitting Brocket Hall’s international reputation.

Close to the capital and near the convenience of London Luton Airport, Brocket Hall is also easily accessible for private jet users, and the large Estate allows for helicopters.

Visit Brocket Hall’s website to find out more.

1. What are the different venue options within the estate? Brocket Hall offers three distinct vibes:

• Brocket Hall (The House): Exclusive-use Regency mansion for grand, traditional weddings.
• The Oak Room: A rustic-chic space at the Melbourne Club with vaulted ceilings and a barn-like feel.
• Auberge du Lac: An intimate, former hunting lodge perfect for “foodie” weddings and smaller gatherings.

2. What is the maximum capacity for a wedding?

• Indoor: The Ballroom can seat up to 150 guests for a wedding breakfast.
• Outdoor: For larger-than-life celebrations, the grounds can host a marquee for up to 700 guests on the Front Lawn.
• Intimate: Auberge du Lac is perfect for groups of 40–60.

3. Is “Exclusive Use” actually exclusive? Yes. If you book the Hall, the entire house and its immediate gardens are yours. You will have a dedicated team of Brocket Hall Butlers (a signature of the New Era) to ensure total privacy and a seamless experience.

4. Can we have our ceremony and reception in the same place? Absolutely. The estate holds a full civil ceremony license. Popular choices include the Library (50 guests) for intimacy or the Boardroom (150 guests) for a grander entrance.

5. What is the accommodation like for guests? There are two main options:

• The Hall: 30 luxurious, individually styled bedrooms (including the Prince Regent suite).
• Melbourne Lodge: 16 additional en-suite rooms in the converted 18th-century coach house, just a short stroll or buggy ride away.

6. Is there a “secret” photo spot on the estate? The Broadwater Lake Ferry is the icon’s best-kept secret. It’s a hand-pulled ferry that takes the couple across the water—it makes for incredible, unique photography with the Hall and the Paine Bridge in the background.

7. Can we bring our own caterers? While the Hall prides itself on its world-class in-house culinary team, dry-hire options are available to meet specific cultural requirements. You must use their approved list of high-end external caterers to ensure the Grade I listed interiors are protected.

8. What is the policy on fireworks and music? As a sprawling 543-acre estate, fireworks are generally permitted (usually until 10:30 PM or 11:00 PM), provided you use their professional partners. Music is allowed in the Hall until midnight, with the option to extend via a late-license application.

9. How do we handle the “New Era” tech integration? Brocket Hall now uses digital planning portals. You’ll have access to 3D floor-planning software to visualise your seating in the Ballroom and an AI-assisted concierge to help your guests book their rooms at Melbourne Lodge directly.

10. What does a 2026 wedding roughly cost? Pricing is bespoke, but for the “New Era,” expect:

• Intimate Packages: Starting around £3,000 – £5,000 for small groups.
• The Oak Room: Packages often start around £12,000+ for 60-80 guests.
• Exclusive Hall Hire: Usually requires a significant venue fee plus a per-head “platinum” package.

Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

Not to be mistaken for Balmoral Castle, the Queen’s home in the Highlands of Scotland, The Balmoral Hotel looks out towards the ascetic majesty of Edinburgh Castle. Here you can celebrate your wedding with traditional Highland music played on bagpipes by a genuine piper and enjoy a champagne reception in the Bollinger Bar. The rooms are elegant and the staff attentive, with attention to detail extending to a sprinkling of rose petals across your bed in the honeymoon suite and a champagne breakfast provided for the happy couple the following morning.

As one of the top 10 UK luxury wedding venues outside London, the Balmoral Hotel provides graceful surroundings at a respectable price of just £26 per head plus catering as an extra. This price is based on at least 60 guests being included in the wedding party. The Balmoral Hotel is supremely good at providing the best in wedding receptions, having been the venue of choice in Edinburgh, Scotland, since 1902.

Blairquhan Castle, Maybole

This castle dates from the early 1800s and still retains much of its original furniture. This Regency venue is surrounded by manicured parklands and exquisitely cared-for gardens. Blairquhan Castle, in Ayrshire, Scotland, is one of the most exceptional of the top 10 UK luxury wedding venues outside London and certainly my choice of venue, if only for its exquisite location and sumptuously appointed rooms. The exclusive use of this castle for the ceremony and reception will not be a cheap option.

In fact, this luxury Blairquhan Castle comes at a high price: the facility fee alone is £1,900, with further costs available only on application!

Castle Rushen, Isle of Man

The famous motorcycle TT races take over the Isle of Man every year. If you are booking a wedding on the Island, make sure it doesn’t clash with this date, as you will find all the ferry bookings and flights have been booked at least a year in advance, and your guests will never manage to get to the Island.

For those who don’t know the location of the Isle of Man, it is a small island, just 33 miles long by 13.5 miles wide. Its total land area, home to 81,000 residents, is 221 square miles. To get to the Isle of Man by ferry from Liverpool can take 2 hours 40 minutes by catamaran or 4 hours if you take the conventional car ferry, although you can also fly from various domestic airports on the UK mainland to the Isle of Man’s only airport at the south of the island, at Ronaldsway, not too far from the town of Castletown.

Flying in for your wedding would probably be a better choice for your guests, as this medieval castle is located at Castletown, not too far from the airport. The castle dates back to the 13^th century and is among the best-preserved in Europe. You will be absolutely blown away by the impressive limestone walls of the castle that tower above the luxurious grounds, ideal for your wedding photographs. This is certainly one of the most deserving of the top 10 UK luxury wedding venues outside London, and certainly a unique location to hold your wedding ceremony and reception. Castle Rushen can accommodate 130 guests for the ceremony, with exclusive hire costing in the region of £600.

Epsom Downs Racecourse

Racing buffs will know that Epsom Downs has hosted the Derby since 1780, and it is a famous sporting event attended by many well-heeled and famous people from around the world. Given the history of such a unique location, this had to be included among the top 10 luxury wedding venues outside London. The room hire is quite reasonable, ranging from £350 to £850, depending on the room required. The wedding itself is performed by the Registrar from Leatherhead Register Office, with 5 rooms licensed at the Racecourse for civil wedding ceremonies to be solemnised.

The Queen’s Stand offers incredibly breathtaking views across the Epsom Downs and over towards London, with the capacity for up to 250 guests for the actual ceremony. The Queen’s Stand can accommodate up to 400 guests for the reception. There are different wedding packages on offer, starting at £60 per head.

Llechwedd Slate Caverns

Llechwedd Slate Caverns is very well-deserving as one of the top 10 UK luxury wedding venues outside London, and is an absolute dream of a location for the romantic bride with that capacity for adventure. The Deep Mine at Llechwedd Slate Caverns is the location for the wedding ceremony, with the wedding party descending deep into the bowels of the earth aboard the steepest passenger railway in Britain. This would most certainly be a wedding to remember, as the railway has a gradient of 1 in 1.8, which is not far off vertical and not for the faint-hearted!

What actually makes the Deep Mine so popular as a venue for weddings is the atmospheric splendour of the underground lake. This chamber soars so far above people’s heads that it is reminiscent of a cathedral. The acoustics are incredibly imposing, and around the lake, beacons of light bounce across the waters from little lanterns lining the shores. There is sufficient room for a wedding party of 70 people, with the quaint charms of the traditional hostelry, the Miners’ Arms, close by, or Plas Waunyd, which offers private dining rooms for wedding parties to hold their receptions.

Portmeirion, Minffordd, Gwynedd

Staying in Wales, the Italianate village of Portmeirion has to be included among the top 10 UK luxury wedding venues outside London for its sheer splendour and chic architecture, if nothing else. Portmeirion is set amidst the Meironnydd mountains, with the Traeth Bach estuary providing the frontage.

For romance, this venue is second to none and is a truly memorable place to hold your wedding ceremony and reception. The bride and groom can choose from 4 rooms for the ceremony, and 6 function rooms for the reception. The wedding party can actually stay at this location if they choose to: there are self-catering facilities available in 17 cottages that each sleep between 3 and 8 people, as well as hotel facilities offering a further 53 bedrooms. For true romance, this exquisite fairytale setting will charm any bride.

The Guildhall, Windsor

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, celebrated their wedding at the Guildhall, set close to the residence of the Queen, Windsor Castle. It was also the venue for the civil partnership ceremony of Sir Elton John and David Furnish. The Guildhall, Windsor was designed and built in the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren, whose other claims to fame were the construction of St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

There is sufficient room in the Ascot Room for a small wedding party of 30, whilst the Council Chamber has room for up to 120 guests. When you take into account the Guildhall’s charm and history and the sheer dignity of this building, it really has to be included as one of the top 10 UK luxury wedding venues outside London. This elegant location, whilst popular, will probably not break the bank: if you live within the boundaries of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, you will be charged just £250 per hour and, for non-residents, £350 per hour.

Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire

This castle in Gloucestershire is home to the Dent Brocklehurst family, with Lord and Lady Ashcombe currently living there. Sudeley Castle ranks among the top 10 UK luxury wedding venues outside London without having to prove itself! This castle, located amongst the gentle hills of the Cotswolds, has been described as ‘the most romantic castle in England’ – and truly a dream of a location for any bride on her wedding day.

This castle is truly beautiful, richly decorated with the most elegant rooms imaginable, which, together with 1200 acres of parkland and gardens which have won many accolades, will provide the most memorable wedding day and the most glorious of photographs. Sudeley Castle is a luxurious setting, offering true luxury to any wedding party, at a price that can only be described as luxurious!

Tylney Hall, Hampshire

Another exquisite and romantic stately home is the Grade II listed Tylney Hall, set amongst the Hampshire countryside in the south of England, offering 66 acres of delightful gardens and parklands for some unique wedding photographs set amongst the giant redwoods, or surrounded by the Rose Gardens.

Alternatively, stand on the Boathouse Bridge and enjoy the sunset on the panorama of the lake below. Tylney Hall has 112 luxuriously appointed bedrooms, many offering spa baths and four-poster beds, and all offering excellent views of the Hampshire countryside. Tylney Hall is close to the M3, making it a particularly convenient location, and a perfect choice as one of the top 10 UK luxury wedding venues outside London.

Tythe Barn, Oxfordshire

Last but not least, this venue is particularly deserving of the accolade as one of the top 10 UK luxury wedding venues outside London. Suffused with character, history and charm, the Tythe Barn is listed as an English Heritage site and has survived intact since the 14^th century.

Despite the history of the Tythe Barn, many contemporary features were incorporated with empathy during its renovation. It can now be hired as a luxury and exclusive venue for the wedding ceremony and reception.

To see more luxury wedding venues, visit 5starweddingdirectory.com

Article by 5starweddings

This article is copyright-protected. 2018 – 5 Star Wedding Directory

“Looking for a country escape near the city? Read our Ultimate Guide to Horwood House in Buckinghamshire.“

Her children and grandchildren, including Prince William and Harry, were notified about her health concerns earlier today and have all managed to be by the Queen’s side during her final moments.

The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and reigned for 70 years on the throne, making her the UK’s longest-serving monarch. With her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. “The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

All the Queen’s children traveled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.

Queen Elizabeth II’s tenure as head of state spanned some of the most significant moments in history from the post-war austerity, the transition from empire to Commonwealth, the end of the Cold War, and the UK’s entry into and withdrawal from the European Union.

She lead as Queen passing through 15 prime ministers starting with Winston Churchill and appointed Liz Truss as the current Prime Minister just 2 days before her passing. She held weekly audiences with her prime minister throughout her reign and was a prominent figure when it came to the UK’s international affairs.

Crowds filled out the street outside Buckingham Palace in London, awaiting updates on the Queen’s condition began crying as they heard of her death. The Union flag on top of the palace was lowered to half-mast at 18:30 BST.

The Queen was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, in Mayfair, London, on 21 April 1926 and very few could have imagined everything she would have gone through as Queen. She would become monarch but in December 1936 her uncle, Edward VIII, abdicated from the throne to marry the twice-divorced American, Wallis Simpson. Her father became King George VI and Lilibet, as she was known in the family, became heir to the throne.

Within three years, Britain was at war with Nazi Germany. Elizabeth and her younger sister, Princess Margaret, spent much of wartime at Windsor Castle after their parents rejected suggestions they are evacuated to Canada.

After turning 18, during the war, Elizabeth started exchanging letters with her Philip, Prince of Greece, who was serving in the Royal Navy.

Their romance blossomed and the couple married at Westminster Abbey on 20 November 1947, with the prince taking the title of Duke of Edinburgh. She would later describe him as “my strength and stay” through 74 years of marriage, before his death in 2021, aged 99.

Their first son, Charles, was born in 1948, followed by Princess Anne, in 1950, Prince Andrew, in 1960, and Prince Edward, in 1964. Between them, they gave their parents eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953, aged 27, in front of a then-record TV audience estimated at more than 20 million people. She has since been described as the best monarch the UK has ever had.

Our thoughts are with the Royal family during these difficult times. Rest in Peace Queen Elizabeth. God save King Charles III.

The biggest platform for the destination wedding industry – DWP Congress- is set to host its 7th annual on the cosmopolitan island of Rhodes, Greece, from 9-11 November in partnership with the Greek National Tourism Organization. Mr Konstantinos Zikos, Deputy Secretary-General Greek National Tourism Organization, at the event will present the opening keynote.

Speaking on the collaboration, GNTO states that – Greece and GNTO (Greek National Tourism Organization – www.visitgreece.gr) are very excited to welcome the 350 tourism professionals from approximately 40 countries who will participate in the 7th Annual Destination Wedding Planners Congress in Rhodes.

In the context of the Organization’s 2021 strategic communication planning, GNTO supports the event aiming to highlight the county’s offered possibilities and opportunities for promoting wedding and conference tourism, as well as luxury tourism.

The country has impossible natural beauty, both on the mainland and on its islands, as well as particularly hospitable residents and authentic Mediterranean cuisine, which in combination with its rich history and the unique cultural monuments that visitors can admire, make it the ideal destination internationally for honeymoon trips and weddings.

Greece was the first country to open to tourism the last summer after having shown significant performance in dealing with the pandemic. Thus, it emerged internationally as a safe destination that can adequately meet all its visitors’ requirements, allowing them to experience unprecedented holidays.”

Leading wedding professionals from across the globe will meet at the Mitsis Alila Resort & Spa to discuss the latest wedding trends, showcase some of the finest destinations, venues, creative partners, and services offered, connect, and collaborate in future events, while highlighting Greece as an attractive destination for wedding events and honeymoon.

Mr Ackash Jain, Director QnA International, organizers of the DWP Congress, says – “We, at the DWP Congress, are incredibly excited to be returning to Greece for the 7th Annual after the inaugural edition was hosted in Greece itself. This time, we welcome GNTO to the DWP Congress as the Official Destination Partner.

We are constantly working towards building unique experiences for global wedding connoisseurs visiting the Congress in a new wedding destination every year to discuss the trends and highlight the growth of the billion-dollar luxury wedding industry. The USP of the Congress lies in the international clientele it brings in to focus on cross-border collaborations, business development and marketing opportunities, and Greece has always been a top destination for couples’ choices for weddings.”

DWP Congress

The DWP Congress, recognized as the world’s most prominent business platform for the destination wedding industry, is a luxury by-invitation-only platform.

Over the past years, the DWP Congress has been bringing together leading connoisseurs from over 70 countries under one roof in exotic destinations to provide the ultimate platform for the top international luxury wedding planners and suppliers, helping them establish business relations, showcase their services, and pave the way for future global collaborations.

For more information:

Visit: https://www.visitgreece.gr/
https://destinationweddingcongress.com/greece/

Executive Pastry Chef, Daniel Pearse, has created six-light, floral pastries which herald the finest ingredients of the season – from the beautiful British strawberry to the transient Mirabelle. The essence of summertime is distilled into The Savoy Seasonal Summer Fruit Tartlet; destined to be a showstopper, the filling of the tart vary as different fruits come into season, guaranteeing optimum flavour throughout summer months.  Further evocative seasonal delicacies include the Tropical Roulade Biscuit Joconde with Mango and Passionfruit Jelly and Banana Cremeux and Pistachio Madeleines with pistachio cream, which is served warm.

For this new menu, The Savoy team has worked closely with the expert team at JING to ensure that a cup of tea is never an afterthought, instead, it is integral to the afternoon tea experience, accenting and drawing out the subtleties of each delicate sandwich and pastry. The Savoy also embraces the quiet ceremony of tea-drinking, ensuring that every cup is brewed at the optimum temperature and served in the perfect vessel to elevate the experience.

The flavour notes of the tea have also been incorporated within the design of individual pastries, such as Apricot and Jasmine Religieuse which features jasmine tea-poached apricot compote topped with white Chocolate Feuilletine and a floral jasmine mousse.

The Savoy London Afternoon Tea

Tel. + 44 (0)20 7836 4343

savoy@fairmont.com

The Savoy – The Strand – WC2R 0EZ London

Appointed Louis Vuitton’s creative director in 1997, Marc Jacobs created the brand’s very first ready-to-wear line. But alongside building Louis Vuitton’s name and fortune, he was carefully, and sometimes unpredictably, raising his own name in the fashion game.

The Marc Jacobs Woman

Featuring celebrities from Victoria Beckham to Cher, Marc Jacobs has moulded a recognisable ‘Marc Jacobs woman’. A mixture of demure, maybe sullen and unbelievably racy, Marc’s vision for his collections has never been to shock, but to be interesting – to put things together that don’t match, not to have a trademark but to be delightfully unpredictable, colliding concepts. And for that to be recognisable as Marc Jacobs.

Grunge

He was the pioneer of ‘Grunge’, full of rebellion and individualism, moving from the music to the fashion scene. Models wore unlaced combat boots, oversized layers and mis-matched prints. It’s the trend that ultimately got him fired after his 1992 collection for Perry Ellis, but it’s still his favourite collection. And it launched his solo career.

#castmemarc

For his Spring Summer 2014 collection Marc decided for the first time to rely purely on social media to cast the models. With his #castmemarc hashtag, Jacobs attracted 70,000 entries, repeating the process for his next campaign.

Spring Summer 2018

There was nothing to the Spring Summer 2018 show. Well, it was silent, at least. With only the sound of their shoes on the wooden floor, all 56 models strutted down the runway to their own beat. Jacobs described the show as a ‘reimagining of seasons past somewhere beyond the urban landscape of New York City’. A nod to his hometown and a joyful trip through Jacobs’ archive.

Taking old concepts and reimagining them, a bright, vivid palette of retro was seen on the catwalk. Huge flowers, sequins and silk turbans followed jumpsuits, oversized jumpers and more sequins. But it was an odd twist to leave it silent. Music creates atmosphere, mood and a backdrop, and here there was none. The bright boldness and joy somehow took a more twisted turn.

With trademark clashing concepts, Marc Jacobs has collected a number of fans who just love his unpredictability. Ready for your turn…? #castmemarc!