Elmhay Park, Orchardleigh
Set on the stunning Orchardleigh Estate in Somerset, Elmhay Park offers a majestic backdrop for traditional weddings. This exclusive-use venue features a regal Georgian manor house surrounded by 20 acres of sweeping lawns and mature gardens. The fictional couple Sasha and Milan have chosen this stately setting to host their nuptials and craft a sophisticated celebration with classic details. Read on for an in-depth look at this iconic venue and the couple’s vision for their special day.
About Elmhay Park, Orchardleigh
Built-in the mid-18th century, Elmhay Park exudes neoclassical elegance with its symmetrical architecture, sash windows, and columned portico. Inside, soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, antique rugs, and fine art create a refined ambiance. The estate spans 20 private acres of sculpted gardens and idyllic countryside.
Some key features that make Elmhay Park an exceptional wedding venue:
- Conveniently located just 10 minutes from Bath
- Exclusive use of the Grade II listed Georgian manor house
- 20 acres of stunning formal gardens and parkland
- Elegant banquet room for receptions of up to 160 guests
- Luxury on-site accommodation in cottages and suites
- Civil license for ceremonies in the banquet hall
- Panoramic views of the countryside
- Seasonal cuisine from a renowned catering team
- Full coordination services for weddings
- Flexible indoor/outdoor facilities
- Perfect backdrops for photography across the grounds
Blending heritage with luxury, Elmhay Park promises a majestic setting rich in grandeur.
The Grounds at Elmhay Park
In addition to the soaring Georgian manor, Elmhay Park’s 20 acres encompass picturesque gardens, rolling hills, and leafy avenues perfect for outdoor celebrations and photographs.
Highlights include:
- Formal parterre garden – Symmetrical hedges, gravel paths, and statuary
- Walled garden – Secluded garden with roses, herbs, and lawn
- Arboretum – A curated collection of beautiful specimen trees
- Woodland walks – Winding paths under mature oak trees
- Ornamental pond – Tranquil pond surrounded by willows
- Stone terraces – Elevated patios overlooking the estate
- Manicured lawns – Lush green lawns for ceremonies and tents
- Tree-lined avenues – Grand wooded avenues with draping branches
Paired with the stately architecture, these quintessentially English grounds promise a wealth of regal photography backdrops.
Ceremony, Reception & Capacity
Elmhay Park provides versatile indoor and outdoor options for ceremonies, receptions, and more.
Ceremony Spaces & Capacity
- The Round Room – Stately room in the manor for up to 100 guests
- The Lawns – Sprawling hilltops and gardens for up to 160
Receptions & Capacity
- The Banqueting Hall – Ideal for dinners and dancing up to 160 guests
- The Round Room – Elegant room for more intimate receptions
- Marquee – Canvas tent can be erected on the front lawn
Catering, Music & Dancing
- The renowned in-house catering team
- Outdoor space for live music performances
- Stone terraces for drink stations and lounge areas
- The Banquet hall can accommodate a band, DJ, dancing
With its elegant interior spaces and sprawling exterior options, Elmhay Park promises a versatile canvas to paint your wedding visions.
Accommodations
For an extended wedding experience, Elmhay Park provides a selection of luxurious on-site accommodations nestled across the estate.
Lodging choices include:
- Manor House Suites – Elegant suites overlooking the gardens
- Dovecote Cottages – Charming cottages ideal for families
- The Coach House – Three-bedroom luxury house with a private garden
- Lakeview Lodges – Contemporary timber lodges by the lake
Scattered across the grounds, these options allow wedding parties to continue the celebrations in this tranquil countryside escape.
Amenities & Services
To ensure a flawless event, Elmhay Park provides superb amenities and coordination:
- Dedicated wedding planner throughout the planning process
- Fine dining courtesy of the experienced catering team
- Full bar service and carefully curated wine list
- Stylish bridal dressing room for wedding day preparations
- Referrals to trusted local wedding vendors
- Staff for wedding setup, service, and cleanup
- Groundskeepers maintain the gardens and exterior spaces
- Audiovisual equipment, power, and lighting
- Parking management and on-site coordination
- Options to accommodate disabled guests
- Month-of emergency kit for unexpected needs
The seasoned team at Elmhay Park tends to every detail behind the scenes so the big day goes just as envisioned.
Timeline & Format
Sasha and Milan anticipate inviting 140 loved ones for a weekend of wedding events allowing guests to fully experience Elmhay Park’s grandeur. Their tentative schedule includes:
Friday:
- 5:00 pm – Guests arrive at Elmhay Park
- 8:00 pm – Welcome drinks and canapés in the gardens
Saturday – Wedding Day:
- 11:00 am – Ceremony on the front lawn
- 12:00 pm – Cocktail hour with live music on the patio
- 1:00 pm – Seated luncheon in the banquet hall
- 5:00 pm – Lawn games and evening barbecue
- 8:30 pm – Sparkler send-off
Sunday:
- 11:00 am – Farewell brunch in the Round Room
- 2:00 pm – Guests depart
With the weekend schedule, Sasha and Milan’s loved ones can fully soak up Elmhay Park’s refined ambiance.
Design & Decor
To complement Elmhay Park’s neoclassical architecture and manicured grounds, Sasha and Milan aim for timeless elegance with:
Color Palette
- Creamy ivories and champagnes
- Pastel pink, sage green, and lavender
- Metallics like gold, rose gold, and silver
- Lush greenery and eucalyptus
Centerpieces & Florals
- Cascading arrangements down banquet tables
- Loose floral designs in glass vases and urns
- Suspended floral chandelier over the dancefloor
- Garlands intertwined with candles on the fireplace
Tablescapes
- Ivory linens with delicate lace overlays
- Gold-rimmed china and flatware
- Candelabras with trailing vines and tapers
- Framed table numbers with sprigs of baby’s breath
Ceremony Decor
- Floral swags drape the wedding arch
- Aisle adorned with flower-filled urns
- Vintage luggage trunks flanking the aisle entrance
Personal Touches
- Framed photos of grandparents on cocktail tables
- Signage made from reclaimed barn wood
- Lawn games like croquet, bocce ball, cornhole
Timeless florals and vintage accents will help create a romantic ambiance befitting this sophisticated estate.
Menus & Catering
Elmhay Park’s on-site catering team will prepare seasonal British cuisine with an elegant presentation using the freshest local ingredients. Menu highlights for Sasha and Milan’s wedding include:
Canapés
- Smoked salmon blinis with dill creme fraiche
- Chicken liver parfait on toasted brioche
- Mini crab cakes with lemon aioli
- Beetroot tartlets with goat cheese
Starter
- Carpaccio of English beef fillet with truffle and Pecorino
Mains
- Guinea fowl ballotine stuffed with spinach and pine nuts
- Herb-crusted cod loin with lobster sauce
- Ricotta and wild mushroom Wellington (v)
Desserts
- White chocolate cheesecake with raspberry sorbet
- Treacle tart with clotted cream
- Farmhouse cheese board
Evening Snacks
- Fish and chips cones with tartar sauce
- Stone-baked pizzas with assorted toppings
- Mini Yorkshire puddings with roasted beef
Meticulously crafted menus promise to delight the palate in the sophisticated setting.
Entertainment & Music
To complement the refined mood, Sasha and Milan will incorporate:
- A string quartet playing pop covers for the ceremony
- Solo jazz pianist during cocktail hour
- 10-piece swing band for dinner and dancing
- Magician performing sleight-of-hand at tables
- Caricature artist sketching quirky drawings of guests
- Classic lawn games like croquet and giant chess on the lawn
- DIY hot chocolate and liqueur bar in the evening
These traditional and interactive elements will keep guests entertained while matching the sophisticated venue.
The Wedding Party & Guests
Sasha and Milan look forward to sharing their wedding day with 140 of their closest friends and family.
Wedding Party
- Bridesmaids – Sasha’s 2 sisters
- Groomsmen – Milan’s 2 best mates
- Best Man – Milan’s brother
- Maid of Honor – Sasha’s lifelong friend
- Flower Girl & Page Boy – Niece and nephew
Guests
- Family – 25 guests each
- Friends – 60 guests
- Work colleagues – 15 guests
- Overnight Elmhay Guests – 15 rooms
With their nearest and dearest surrounding them, Sasha and Milan will feel the love on their big day.
Transport & Parking
Elmhay Park offers ample parking and transport coordination for guest convenience:
- Shuttle service to ferry guests between lodgings and events
- Designated drivers from the wedding party
- Local taxi and car service details provided
- Secure guest parking areas with valet service
- Vintage car hire for couple’s arrival
Sasha and Milan plan to book a classic Bentley or Rolls Royce to arrive and depart in style. With cohesive transport plans, guests can easily access all wedding activities.
Accessibility
To accommodate all guests, Elmhay Park can provide:
- Suites and cottages with wheelchair access and grab rails
- Ramps into ceremony and reception venues
- Lowered buffet lines and bars
- Expanded aisle width and seating space
- Banquet chairs with arms, cushions, and back support
- Hearing loop amplification system
- Large print menus and signage
- Adjustments to music volume and lighting
- Dedicated parking spaces close to the venue
By communicating any accessibility needs to their coordinator, Sasha, and Milan can ensure comfort and inclusion.
Reviews
Elmhay Park earns outstanding feedback, including:
“We were blown away by Elmhay Park’s sheer elegance, hospitality, grounds, and delicious food and drink. They perfectly executed all our wedding plans so we could just soak up the joy!” – Emma D.
“Our guests are still raving about Elmhay Park months later! It exceeded our dreams – getting ready in the bridal suite was magical. We’d relive our wedding there again in a heartbeat.” – James S.
“If you seek a sophisticated venue oozing old-world grandeur, look no further than Elmhay Park. We felt like royalty on our big day and the settings were unparalleled.” – Amelia G.
These reviews encapsulate the splendor and luxury that make Elmhay Park a world-class wedding destination.
Wedding Photographer, Michael Gane
To artfully capture their celebrations, Sasha and Milan have booked award-winning local wedding photographer Michael Gane. Michael’s documentary style and emphasis on natural moments ensure he captures authentic emotions.
Highlights of Michael’s approach:
- Extensive experience photographing weddings at Elmhay Park
- Brings an assistant for dual photographer coverage
- Shoots candid reactions and interactions with minimal posing
- Captures wide venue vistas and fine details
- Consults on schedule, must-have shots, and lighting
- Arrives early to shoot preparations
- Blends into the background until perfect moments unfold
- Provides color and artful black-and-white edits
- Delivers high-resolution digital gallery and prints
Michael will align with the wedding planner to optimize lighting and placements. By blending into the festivities, he will capture Elmhay Park’s grandeur and Sasha and Milan’s joy.
Conclusion
With its palatial Georgian architecture and quintessentially English grounds, Elmhay Park provides an iconic backdrop for elegant weddings. Sasha and Milan look forward to celebrating their love there in a refined style, surrounded by their closest family and friends. The day’s memories will live on in stunning photographs and stories of the dazzling estate.
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