Timeless Beauty: Travel Through Time At These 5 Historic Gems

Recreate the romance of a bygone era for your modern day nuptials…

Grand architecture, ornate details, and breathtaking locations combine to create pure elegance at these historic gems. The romantic ambience of a historic venue is truly unrivalled. Just imagine saying you I do’s where centuries have passed, holding age-old secrets and stories within the walls. 

If you are seeking a wedding venue with a unique background and distinct characteristics, one of these 5 timeless beauties could be your ideal choice for an unforgettable wedding day. 

The Petersham Hotel

Located in the leafy London suburb of Richmond in Surrey, The Petersham Hotel boasts magnificent views of the famous bend in the River Thames and the surrounding meadows. This much-loved view has been painted by many artists, most notably by J M W Turner who lived across the river for many years.

First built around 1650 as a cottage, the building was then reconstructed as a substantial house in the 1770s. The name of ‘Nightingale Cottage’ was given as reference from the nightingales on Richmond Hill, famous for their beautiful singing.

Completed in 1865, the grand building is full of stunning Victorian character – marble tiled floors, ornate chandeliers and the magnificent Portland stone staircase, which is reported to be the tallest unsupported stone staircase in the country. Such features provide the most wonderful backdrop for an intimate wedding and make for beautiful wedding photographs.

Acquired in 1978 by the Dare family, The Petersham is still very much a family business. The collaborative one-team approach at the heart of The Petersham’s culture is one that successfully enables the team to meet their bride & groom’s needs, wants and desires – to make their wedding day as special as possible.

Rushton Hall

From the second you arrive at Rushton Hall, you will feel special and an overwhelming sense of grandeur and history. Here, dreams turn into reality and wonderful memories are created. Catering for your every need, we will help you to create your perfect wedding day.

The team understand that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. With superb and inspirational food, wines and luxurious accommodation, every detail is handled with the utmost care. Rushton Hall will only hold one wedding reception within the hotel on any day so you can rest assured that it will definitely be your special day.

The beautiful Orangery and extensive grounds and lake are the ideal backdrops for your wedding photos – it is easy to see why so many people simply fall in love with Rushton Hall.

Charles Dicken often visited Rushton Hall and it is believed that our Great Hall was the inspiration in his 1861 novel ‘Great Expectations’ for where Miss Haversham had her Wedding Breakfast laid out.

Enhance their history and get married at Rushton Hall!

28 Portland Place

This beautiful historic building, dating back to 1775, offers abundant charm. Designed by the celebrated Scottish architects the Adam Brothers, it is one of the finest surviving town houses of its type. Sympathetic restoration has allowed the majestic formal rooms to retain all their character and sense of tradition. The combination of an elegant historic setting and modern luxury makes this an incredibly versatile and stylish London wedding venue.

28 Portland Place is licensed for civil ceremonies and comes on an exclusive hire basis, so couples can really make the most of this exclusive house. Receive your guests in the graceful Adam Room with floor to ceiling sash windows, then enter your ceremony through a natural walkway into the adjoining Sainsbury Room; dressed with drapes, neutral fireplace and breathtaking chandeliers.

The lavish Heggie Room on the first floor with its intricate detail ceiling is the ideal setting for a sophisticated wedding breakfast; elegant round tables seat up to 64 guests. Draw back the adjoining doors to the Harben Room and seat a further 40 guests in equally opulent surroundings; return to the Adam Suite to dance the night away!

The Members Room, with original ceiling cameos, is perfect for bridal preparations; while the private balcony overlooking the tree-lined avenue of Portland Place makes an exquisite backdrop for photographs.

{10-11} Carlton House Terrace

{10-11} Carlton House Terrace is one of Westminsters’ hidden gems. With breath-taking views across St James’s Park, The Mall and many iconic London landmarks, these two Georgian Townhouses each have their own distinct character and a charming history.

Built between 1827-33, the terrace was designed by John Nash and quickly became one of the most fashionable addresses in London.

No. 10 was formerly home to coal magnates the Ridleys’ who lived in the property until 1924 and had the London house remodelled in a classical French style you see today. No. 11 was home to the former four times Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone who is said to have held cabinet meetings in one of the rooms. Today, the venue is home to the British Academy for Humanities and Social Sciences.

Upon entering {10-11} you are immediately struck by the classic period detail that gives this Central London Townhouse it’s unique charm.

The Rooms of No. 11 offer classic English beauty. Decorated in Wedgwood blue with ornate plasterwork detailing and high ceilings, as well as an ornate ironwork staircase leading up to the 1st floor which splits into two return wings with beautiful floral balustrades. In the opposing rooms of the building, the grand sweeping marble staircase of the No. 10 Entrance and the majestic corniced ceilings in the Council Room and Lecture Hall provides the perfect backdrop for wedding celebrations.

St Pancras By Searcys

Located above the hustle and bustle of St Pancras International on the Grand Terrace, directly under the intricate display of the Barlow Shed, host your ceremony on the historic Grand Terrace of the beautifully restored Victorian Railway Station.

Say your vows next to The Betjeman Statue, a nod to the man who stopped the demolition of the station, and opposite the magnificent Meeting Place, a statue of a couple locked in embrace, highlighting the stations triumph in bringing people together. Guests can raise a toast to the happy couple in either the ‘French’ or ‘English’ wing of the Champagne Bar, the longest in Europe, whilst admiring the stunning architectural scenery. The 1920’s Art Deco style Brasserie is a true hidden gem, the perfect setting for your wedding breakfast and evening entertainment. It combines the romance of travel from a bygone era with a British menu, which focuses on the UK’s finest seasonal produce.

Stationed opposite the Eurostar, with direct routes to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, St Pancras by Searcys is the ideal location to then be whisked away on the Eurostar to your honeymoon destination.

Ally Vogl

Ally is the Content and Social Media Exec here at WeddingDates HQ. Beyond being obsessed with all things weddings, she loves a good cup of coffee and splurging on beauty products.

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