Say “I do” in the sunshine

Summer is the most popular time of the year for weddings, simply because the warmer weather presents so many delightful opportunities to create a magical occasion in the great outdoors.  Clevedon Hall is the ideal venue for a ceremony and celebration in the fresh air and in this post we share some great ideas that you will hopefully find useful and inspirational. Tie the knot in the garden

Holding the ceremony outdoors, weather permitting, of course, is a wonderful way to wed – and at Clevedon Hall, we have just the right setting.  As well as gorgeous gardens with a tranquil lake, sweeping lawns ringed with mature trees and dramatic views over Clevedon Bay, we also have our very own gazebo.  You can exchange your vows in this most romantic of spaces with seating for up to 150 guests on the circular surrounding terrace.  Brides can make a stunning entrance as they walk down the curved pathway through the grounds.  And of course, it makes a marvellous feature for fabulous wedding photos.

Cocktails and canapés alfresco

There’s nothing quite like chilled drinks and delicious nibbles served on the terrace outside a quintessential English stately home – and at Clevedon Hall, we know how to do it in style.  Just beyond the traditional Victorian orangery is a circular patio with a central fountain and immaculate lawns rolling down to the picturesque lake.  Topping the fountain is a classical statue of Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth and cupbearer who served her elders with nectar and ambrosia.  Nowadays guests prefer Pimms, Mojitos and fizzy Proseccos but the setting is hard to beat for sheer atmosphere and sense of occasion.  It’s also a great spot for taking group photos and video from the vantage point of the house.

Afternoon tea with all the trimmings

Our Orangery, overlooking the terrace and fountain, is the perfect space in which to serve that most traditional of treats, classic afternoon tea.  Some guest, of course, will want to continue with the alcoholic beverages (and who can blame them?!) but others will love the opportunity for a refreshing cuppa served with delicate finger sandwiches, sticky pastries, rich cakes and freshly baked scones with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry jam.  Plus there’s nothing to say that a glass of bubbly cannot be enjoyed as a naughty but nice accompaniment!

Let do barbeque

The summer months, with their long warm evenings and clear starlit skies, just cry out for a barbeque – and our chefs don’t need much encouragement to oblige.  Whether it’s classic case of burgers and hot dogs or a full on hog roast with mountains of crispy crackling and dollops of tangy apple sauce, a Tex-Mex affair with spicy chicken wings and racks of ribs, or a street food fest with the fresh flavours of the Caribbean, Far East or South America, the choice is yours.  

Fun and Games

A popular summer wedding theme is the mini fete or festival.  You can let the guests (and we’re talking grownups here, not just the kids) entertain themselves with everything from a coconut shy to giant Jenga and treasure hunts to space hopper races.  When you have acres of lovely lawn, as we do at Clevedon Hall, the possibilities are endless – rounders, croquet, apple bobbing, boules, horseshoe tossing, limbo dancing, twister, lawn scrabble…    It’s a great way to break the ice for friends and family who might be meeting for the first time, and certain to get everyone involved and having fun – plus you’ll get loads of priceless photo moments too.

So if you are thinking of getting hitched in the summer make sure you think outside the box a bit and pick a venue that isn’t going to cramp your seasonal style!   Clevedon Hall has it all – and if you are quick we may even be able to find you a date this summer.