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Thursday December 9 2010

Venues: London Launches

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Very Spectacular Venues…

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London is brimming with gorgeous venues in which to get married from the unique and glamorous One Marylebone to the stylish and sophisticated Claridges. However, if you’re getting married in 2011 and are looking for something different; a venue that your friends haven’t been to and you’re colleagues haven’t married in, and somewhere which hasn’t already graced the pages of the bridal magazines, then look no further.

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Next year, London will be welcoming a number of cool, stylish and luxury new hotels into the capital, many of which will provide great locations for civil ceremonies or receptions…whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner for 40 or a lavish party for 400.

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Here’s our run down of some of the best…

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The W – Opening February 2011
Wow…slap bang in the heart of London in Leicester Square, The new W Hotel is stylish, chic and cool and will provide the perfect wedding reception for an urban and fashionable party couple looking to dazzle their guests with glitterballs, high-end furnishings and an eclectic atmosphere. The hotel opens on Valentine’s Day so it could make the perfect proposal spot or even a place to celebrate an anniversary.

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The Corinithia – Opening April 2011
Situated on the site of the former Metropole Hotel near Trafalgar Square, the Corinithia oozes style and glamour. With 45 suites (some within the building’s turrets), sweeping staircases and glistening chandeliers, and not forgetting views of the London skyline and River Thames, The Corinithia will appeal to city couples who appreciate high quality, opulence and exclusivity. The hotel will be taking bookings from December 13th for 2nd April 2011 onwards.

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Montcalm Hotel – June 2011
Situated on the doorstep of the Old Truman Brewery in the heart of London’s cool east end, The 5 star Montcalm hotel will be opening mid-2011 and will offer over 230 king-size bedrooms as well as amazing new event spaces for weddings, parties and all-round celebrations. If location, history and experience are anything to go by, this hotel is going to be a popular choice for London’s cool crowd so keep your eyes peeled for more news on the opening.

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Firmdale Hotel – TBC
Now this one I am really excited about…situated in the heart of Soho, boutique hotel operator Firmdale are adding to their already successful stable of hotels with their new Soho offering. The new £90m hotel will boast 90 deluxe bedrooms, a restaurant, spa, state-of-the-art cinema and private event rooms. So if you like The Covent Garden Hotel or The Soho or any of the others for that matter then do consider the new kid on the block as its sure to become a firm favourite for Londoners wanting a unique city wedding experience.

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And don’t forget…if you’re looking for help finding your dream wedding venue in London or the South East then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and consider using our Tailored Consultancy Service which provides a bespoke Venue Search and Selection service for couples.

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Have a lovely weekend!

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Credits
Top left: The W Hotel

Top right: The Old Truman Brewery

Bottom left: The Corinithia Hotel

Bottom right: The Haymarket Hotel


Monday July 26 2010

Venues: Destination Weddings

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Foreign Fancy

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I find the idea of getting married abroad quite appealing – guaranteed sunshine, beautiful locations and often-reduced costs. And, I’m not alone, with ‘Destination Weddings’ on the increase as over 50,000 Brits choose to hold their weddings overseas each year.

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The big question is where do you choose? It can seem like an impossible task, planning a wedding and being miles away from the country, not knowing what venue to choose…so I thought i’d share a few of my favourites with you, along with some top tips on what to consider when choosing to get married abroad.

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‘I do’ Italiano: Il Salviatino, Florence

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This gorgeous 15th century villa set high in the Florence hills would be the perfect wedding for an opulent and stylish Mediterranean wedding.

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The villa has been beautifully restored, retaining its cultural heritage, incorporating beautiful art and showcasing the breathtaking views of Florence and Duomo from the lavender-filled gardens.

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The villa caters for up to 200 people and is licensed for civil ceremonies.

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Balearic Brides: Atzaró, Ibiza

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If you’re looking for a venue that has enticed celebrities, musicians and models then Atzaró provides the perfect setting with an abundance of Ibizan style.

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It’s cool, luxurious and romantic with its own temple, landscaped gardens, fountains, chill-out spaces and a large colonial pavilion, ideal to celebrate.

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The magical setting set deep in a private orange grove make it a special place for a very special day.

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The venue can cater for up to 300 guests and is fully licensed for weddings.

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Napa Valley Nuptials: Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley, California

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If you’re looking for a luxury retreat, deep in the Napa Valley Canyon then this is the place for you.

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Couples looking for a ‘back to nature’ feel to their wedding, with good food, delicious wine and unrivalled views, will love the wooded bliss of Calistoga Ranch.

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You can opt for an outdoor setting or an intimate ceremony deep in the wine caves, each providing an intimate and romantic setting for a destination wedding.

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The ranch caters for up to 84 people and is licensed for civil ceremonies.

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Sensational Scenic Celebrations: Gorah Elephant Camp, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

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For a setting unlike any other, the Gorah Elephant Camp set deep in the heart of the Addo Elephant National Park, is the ideal location.

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Catering for intimate weddings for up to 42 guests, the lodge provides the perfect ‘Out of Africa’ experience in a glamorous colonial setting.

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Licensed for weddings, Gorah can arrange everything from silver-service catering, to an authentic African braai and even a game drive for you and your guests to enjoy the stunning scenery and meet some of Gorah’s four-legged guests, up close and personal.

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Top Tips for marrying abroad…

  • Venue: Fully research the venue you want to get married in. Consider transport, accommodation, on-site suppliers and cost
  • Country: Depending on which country you decide to marry in, fully research their wedding laws. Understand how long are you required to stay in the country before getting married, what paperwork will you need, how and where do you register the marriage
  • Weather: Consider the weather and choose your wedding date accordingly. If you want to marry in the Caribbean then avoid the rainy season, likewise, winters in South Africa can be very cold so if you’re hoping for some sunshine and hot weather, research the best months to go
  • Suppliers: Research your suppliers and try to get recommendations from the venue, locals or friends and family who know the area well. Consider taking a UK-based photographer with you but opt for local suppliers for most other elements of the day
  • Distance: Really think about the country you want to get married in and consider the cost and ease for your guests to travel there
  • Wedding Planner: Hire a wedding planner to ensure your destination wedding goes smoothly. If you want to find out more or need help planning your destination wedding, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Credits
Imagery: taken from venue’s own website