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From the finest city venues to garden splendour and European glamour, it’s time to say yes to the address, as revealed in the Tater Wedding Guide 2022
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JOHN BRACEGIRDLE / Alamy
1/20
Chelsea Physic Garden, Chelsea
Thanks to the swains of SW3, this walled retreat – established in 1673 by apothecaries as a space to grow medicinal plants – is now one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the capital. Sprawled across four acres behind Cheyne Row, this beautiful site boasts more than 5,000 plants, including rare pomegranate and ginkgo trees. Its hidden, secret atmosphere redefines boho chic.
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Noah Two By Two
2/20
Kensington Palace, Kensington
What could be more glamorous than getting married on the door- step of royalty? Kensington Palace has been the setting for some of Britain’s greatest royal romances, from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to its current occupiers, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. A royal home for more than three centuries, it radiates opulence – from the Old Masters hanging in the state rooms to the immaculate garden topiary. Little wonder, then, that W8’s most exclusive place for saying ‘I do’ hosted the 2015 wedding of Nicky Hilton and James Rothschild. Whether you opt for The Orangery (the crisp white dining room built for Queen Anne in 1705) or the state apartments awash in gold tones and rich drapes, love reigns here all year round.
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3/20
The Connaught, Mayfair
Nowhere does pure five-star luxury quite like The Connaught. The Mayfair hotel was a favourite of Edward VII and Cecil Beaton. From its Aman spa to its elegantly simple rooms, it just exudes utter fabulousness.
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4/20
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Knightsbridge
This grande dame of hotels has glittered by night for 115 years. A hub for London society, it is as much a favourite of The Queen as of fashionistas such as Christian Louboutin. A dedicated wedding specialist will enlist the best florists, caterers and DJs, and they can even personalise flags with your names to hang above the ballroom’s Royal Entrance.
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5/20
Corinthia London, Westminster
A name synonymous with A-listers – as regulars Lily James and Bill Clinton will testify. Weddings here never fail to impress, nor does the number of venues to choose from under one roof: go big with the Grand Ballroom or the Courtroom, or keep it understated in the chic European restaurant, The Northall. Kerridge’s Bar & Grill is ideal for smaller parties, while the cocktail bar Bassoon evokes the glamour of 1920s New Orleans.
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Simon Upton
6/20
NoMad London, Covent Garden
For more than 250 years this Covent Garden building was the infamous Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station, where Oscar Wilde was once detained. The original courtroom has been transformed into the Magistrates’ Ballroom, where a dramatic sky-scape mural by artist Claire Basler makes it a magical space for a metropolitan marriage.
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Rob Tarren
7/20
Elmore Court, Gloucestershire
This 13th-century, Grade II-listed mansion will make your Cotswolds wedding dreams come true. Home to the Guise family since 1274, Elmore Court is now helmed by ‘hedonistic heir’ Anselm Guise, who has transformed it into a sustainable venue. Highlights are The Gillyflower, a dining space built from estate materials, and the wild swimming pond. Brides take note: luxurious tree-houses are set to open in 2023.
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8/20
Kimberley Hall, Norfolk
Set among vast lakes and mystical woodlands, Kimberley Hall is Norfolk’s crown jewel. Beneath the Capability Brown landscaping is a famous hidden underground night-club, which is about to undergo a revamp by Loulou’s designer, Freddy van Zevenbergen. There are also two private airstrips for guests (such as their neighbours, the Cholmondeleys) arriving by plane.
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Rebecca Allison
9/20
Middleton Lodge Estate, North Yorkshire
Standing in 200 acres near the Dales, this 18th-century country house boasts stunning grounds, and menus using produce grown on the estate. For weddings, the Main House, replete with original Georgian splendour, is entirely yours. Couples seeking a more laid-back ambience will love the Fig House and its views across the garden.
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Paul Lehane
10/20
Adare Manor, County Limerick, Ireland
Adare Manor’s 840-acre estate enjoys grand staircases and glittering chandeliers in the Grand Ballroom. Sitting on the banks of the River Maigue, the former seat of the Earls of Dunraven and Mount-Earl offers fully bespoke weddings, from tiara to train, as well as fine dining at its Michelin-starred restaurant, The Oak Room.
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Phil Wilkinson
11/20
Barnbougle Castle, West Lothian, Scotland
Fairytales do come true at Lord Dalmeny’s ancient pile, just 30 minutes drive from Edinburgh. Once the country retreat of Prime Minister Archibald Primrose, it can host micro-weddings and grand celebrations. Happy couples have the run of the entire venue and its 2,000 acres of parkland. So soak in views of the Firth of Forth over a glass of their signature vermouth, or watch a dramatic sunset from the private beach.
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Louise Abdby
12/20
Cowdray Estate, West Sussex
This glamorous home of British polo needs no introduction. The Buck Hall’s vaulted ceilings and minstrels’ gallery make the most romantic setting. Ushers, don’t pass on a wedding-morning water polo match; brides, Sam Hay, head of operations, is a dream. He’ll be up at the crack of dawn to deliver room service on the morning of the big day and on hand at 3am to fix the bowling alley (the site of every after party).
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Pete Seaward
13/20
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
With an exterior this impressive, extravagance is the watchword at Blenheim, the home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill. Whether you want to order a million red roses or a 12ft-high wedding cake, no request is too big for the team at this Unesco World Heritage Site. The dazzling Grand Hall (a top choice for sophisticates) holds up to 2,000 guests.
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Marius Godeanu
14/20
Château de Versailles, Versailles, France
Versailles. A byword for luxury and gravitas, this former royal palace, just west of Paris, is pure Baroque fantasy, with gold leaf walls and luxury Pierre Frey fabrics through- out. The pièces de résistance are the magnificent symmetrical gardens, with their impeccable topiary and ponds.
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Andreas Holm
15/20
Trasierra, Seville, Spain
Andalucia’s best-kept secret, Trasierra is a 16th-century private villa nestled among fragrant orange and olive groves. Its mountainous views make it the perfect setting for summer romance. Although the establishment specialises in small weddings (of up to 60 guests), it is looking to expand in the coming years. Meanwhile, you can keep the wedding party going with the villa’s famed riding safaris and yoga retreats.
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16/20
Villa Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy
Built by Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua, this 18th-century villa is Italy’s most romantic new opening this summer. So what to expect from its restoration? Italian elegance at its finest: ornately decorated walls, water fountains and classically painted ceilings. And being on the edge of the lake, you might spot the Clooneys whizzing past by speedboat. There really is no place like Como.
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17/20
Poseidonion Grand Hotel, Spetses, Greece
Post-pandemic society’s most in-demand Aegean destination, the picturesque island of Spetses is a pebble’s throw from Athens. And if you’re after your very own big fat Greek wedding, this impressive haunt will deliver the goods. Exquisite food is sourced from Bostani, the hotel’s very own organic farm; and each wedding party can enjoy a bespoke itinerary – horse-drawn carriage rides and Saronic sea-front picnics being high on the list.
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18/20
Badrutt’s Palace, St Moritz, Switzerland
Dreaming of your own winter wonderland? Look no further than the Alpine luxury of this historic hotel, a playground for the world’s upper classes since 1896. Stunning mountain views surround you, and a Raphael Madonna hangs in its own special room. No request is too big or small for the dedicated team of hair and make-up artists, event planners, florists, chefs, butlers, bartenders and more. Make a royal arrival at your nuptials in the hotel’s own Rolls-Royce.
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HERVE FABRE
19/20
La Bastide de Marie, Ménerbes, France
This Provençal jewel in France’s Luberon National Park is set among lush vineyards. Mireille Baud, the events manager, is an expert in that je ne sais quoi – she can arrange a live orchestra, a cocktail bar with bespoke menu and, for the bride’s arrival, a ride in a vintage Citroën 2CV. Très chic.
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20/20
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina, Sicily
Channel former guests Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor when your wedding party visits this grand property for a slice of la dolce vita. Built in 1873 on the hills of Sicily’s most fashionable coastal town, Timeo’s breathtaking views of Mount Etna and flawless service have long drawn celebrity guests. Whether you are looked after by Belmond’s in-house team of planning experts or the local wedding fairy godmother, Liz Gaan, magic will be in the air.
This article was originally published in the Tatler Wedding Guide 2022. Subscribe now to get 3 issues for just £1, plus free home delivery and free instant access to the digital editions.
