I travel all over the world and always look for a special place for a wedding, or a honeymoon. I just stayed at two properties which would be ideal for this.
Cliveden, Berkshire, 30 minutes from London’s Heathrow airport is a unique hotel. It has fairy- tale architecture in a magnificent setting and opulent interiors. Throughout the hotel there are priceless paintings, china, suits of armor in the lobby, and gorgeous antique furnishings. It was built by the Duke of Buckingham over 300 years ago, set in 376 acres of National Trust parklands with magnificent gardens. The photography opportunities are endless. It is a popular wedding site. Cliveden has a special team who will work closely with the travel professional and the bride to create a spectacular ceremony and reception.
Just imagine having the whole house entirely to yourself and your guests, tailored exactly to your needs. Exclusive use includes 38 bedrooms, and the Spring Cottage, which sits in the grounds alongside the River Thames where Queen Victoria used to arrive by boat to have tea with the Countess. The Michelin star chef plans the reception, and you have the use of the Pavilion Spa and leisure facilities. There are two huge swimming pools and a gym as well.
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For smaller and more intimate weddings, you may wish to consider the wonderfully secluded Spring Cottage, a tall mock Tudor house nestling in the woods on the edge of the River Thames. Its private riverside garden and classic 17th century architecture make it an unusual and romantic location. The bride could arrive by boat.
It is close to Windsor Castle, and several unique little villages with excellent shops and restaurants. 30 minutes from London.
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St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London
I just stayed at this hotel, and was fascinated when I had afternoon tea in the lobby and saw 200 guests walk past to get on board double decker buses to go to a wedding at St. Paul’s Cathedral. All the women had elegant outfits, gorgeous hats, and fur coats. The bride had six maids of honor, all dresses were white, and each gown was different, which I thought was unusual. I asked the Sales Manager about the wedding, and was told that this was a high official from one of the Commonwealth countries who had chosen to have their reception in the hotel, and spend a couple of nights in the Bridal Suite before going downstairs and taking the Eurostar train to Paris – 2 hours and 15 minutes – for their honeymoon. What an honor for the hotel to be chosen out of all the hotels in London, for the reception and have all their guests stay there.
The photo opportunities in this hotel are unbelievable. The Grand Staircase is the number one pick for many movie shoots, and there are several ballrooms to hold a reception in. For a smaller wedding, the Royal Suite is large enough to give a reception in. Marcus Wareing is one of London’s most famous Michelin star chefs, and his team does an outstanding job of catering. The floral arrangements were the most outstanding arrangements I have seen in any hotel around the world.
The hotel was built in 1856, with 22 foot high ceilings and windows, and 12 foot wide corridors to allow ladies in crinoline dresses to pass by. It was remodeled just 2 years ago, and is looking spectacular, keeping the historic design and features, which make it unusual. Throughout the hotel there are several excellent restaurants, all prices, and a wonderful staff. The Assistant Manager, Concierge team, James Elliott, just won the Award for the Best Concierge in the World.
The hotel is next door to Kings Cross Station, and a block from Euston Station. Your guests can plan day trips to Bath, York, and Chester, which are the best of what England has to offer in medieval towns.
Stay a few days in London, see the sights, go to the theatre, then take the Eurostar to Paris.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliveden Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.
