Getting myself into the swing of all things weddingy in Bristol I'd like to introduce you to my 5 favorite woodland wedding venues. Despite it being a big city there are lots of areas of green and one specific woodland wedding venue in the city (plus a secret smaller one for your more eco wedding reception). The others are a short drive away in and nearby gorgeous Bath, Cotswolds, Glastonbury and Clevedon.
1. Splotts Moor Farm. Glastonbury. 1 hr from City Centre.
www.splottsmoor.blogspot.co.uk/
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| From Splotts Moor website |
A 4 acre meadow, stone circle and varied gardens for you to use as you wish! I defy any couple not to find the exact spot they are looking for amongst this stunning spot. One essential thing for anyone planing a woodland or outdoor wedding is accommodation as the weekend party is not complete without your guests staying on site. Splotts Moor has self catering accommodation plus space for camping, the perfect addition to their timber framed marquee!
They can have up to 180 guests in the marquee or feel free to add your own additions of yurts, stretchtents or big tops!
They are big on using their own renewable energy so plus points for the Eco rating.
Not licensed though - will have to do the legal bit elsewhere.
2. Folly Farm. ChewValley, 30min from City Center.
www.follyfarm.org/weddings
Set amongst a beautiful wildlife reserve run by Avon Wildlife Trust, Folly Farm has orchards; wildflower meadows, canopy's in the woods, barns, any of these on your wedding wishlist? I think you'll find what you're looking for here!
Ceremony (yup this one's licensed) can hold up to 100 guests then around 150 in the evening. However if you are adding marquees and outdoor spaces I'm sure you could have much more.
Overnight guests can camp or stay in the barns and self catering accommodation.
3. Rocks East Campsite. Bath. 30 minutes out of City Center.
www.rockseast.org.uk
Looking for something more rustic? That real woodland experience is available at Rocks East near Bath. A campsite with woodland, showers, toilets and washing up facilities plus a room available to hire. I'd suggest negotiating a weekend rate to book out the site so you have Friday to set up all your marquees, stretchtents or yurts and the Saturday to enjoy.
4. Wildwood Bluebell. Cotswolds. 1hr 10min from City Centre.
www.wildwoodbluebell.com
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| From Wildwood Bluebell website |
A little further away than the others but the perfect location wedding venue. Specialising in woodland, boho weddings they also have a traditional Cotswold barn for ceremonies and accommodation. Other places for your guests include glamping shepherds huts and gorgeous tents.
Beautiful woodland walks and pathways make this such a gorgeous outdoor venue, especially when the bluebells are out.
And at the woodland ceremony site is a stunning willow heart arch to be the perfect backdrop to your nuptials.
5. Arnos Vale. Central Bristol.
www.arnosvale.co.uk/weddings
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| Matt Willis Photography |
Having always had visions of beautiful gatherings in my mind from being a young girl, the one that has always held the most excitement for me is the twilight ceremony. Last year it became legal to hold an evening wedding ceremony and Arnos Vale are providing these! Under their lovely wooden shelter in the middle of glorious woodland you can exchange promises as the sun sets and you candles start flickering. Perfect.
The best (in my opinion) company providing extra canopies and cover for your woodland wedding are Freestretch.co.uk check them out for something your guests won't have seen before.
Don't forget Festoon provide exciting, unusual vintage hire items, foraged and colorful floristry and festoon & fairy Lights to hire. Be my first Bristol bride to be to book and pay in full and you will receive 35% off your order!
www.festoonsworld.tumblr.com
