An Essex Wedding - Page number 20 - July/August 2021 (Issue 99)

COLCHESTER TOWN HALL 01206 506 905 | www.colchester-weddings.co.uk WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? A Victorian building completed in 1845, Colchester Town Hall is found on the High Street in the heart of the town, with Castle Park close by for beautiful photographs. A prestigious building rich in history, the impressive façade conceals a hidden gem. The magnificent function rooms are all decorated in an opulent style with ornate and original features, such as stained-glass windows, oil paintings and murals. LET’S CELEBRATE! There are many stunning spaces for weddings. The Council Chamber (70 guests) is ideal for ceremonies with its impressive windows and wooden pew-style seating giving a church-like feel. The Moot Hall is the biggest space (300 ceremony guests and 200 reception guests), and is blessed with high ornate ceilings and abundant natural light pouring though the stained-glass windows that depict Colchester’s history. The Mayoral Suite is a more intimate setting (100 ceremony guests and 70 reception guests), which allows couples to celebrate among the mayor’s regalia and use the impressive marble fireplace as a photo backdrop. WE LOVE… The mayor’s balcony is a memorable spot for couple’s portraits. LAYER MARNEY TOWER 01206 330 784 | www.layermarneytowerweddings.co.uk WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Layer Marney Tower is a stunning Tudor building set within formal gardens. The grounds flow seamlessly into oak avenues, a pond, parkland and the Blackwater Estuary in the distance. The building’s soft red brick and terracotta façade has been weathered over 500 years and is the perfect backdrop for weddings. Although magnificent – this is the tallest of all the Tudor gatehouses – it has a homely, welcoming ambience. Floodlit in the evenings, its beauty is breathtaking. Having welcomed visitors such as Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, guests might expect the interior to feel imposing. In reality, its subtle tones, beautiful hangings and oak finishes create a timeless beauty, which has been brought into the 21 st century. LET’S CELEBRATE! Ceremonies normally take place in the Corsellis Room (120 guests) on the first floor. Alternatively, couples with smaller guest lists should consider Tuke’s Chamber (50 guests) or the oak-panelled Hall of the Gatehouse (18 guests). Most receptions are held in the Long Gallery (140 guests), with its impressive Jacobean fireplace and oak flooring offering a wonderful blank canvas. For smaller parties, the Corsellis Room is also available for receptions (50 guests). The Medieval Barn is currently being renovated to launch later in 2021. This reception space will retain its rustic charm while benefitting from under-floor heating. Included in the price of a wedding reception is use of the bridal suite with its stylish four-poster bed, double-ended bath and powerful shower. WE LOVE… Couples are treated to a chauffeur-driven service in the venue’s Rolls-Royce. www.ivorywhitephotography.com www.naomibarkerphotography.com 20