When Brides Up North got a stylish new look we promised some fab new content to match. One of the new features we will be bringing to our pretty pages is
the insider
, a series focused on the all important venue hunt, where we will go through the doors and over the thresholds of some of the finest wedding venues in the North.Within these posts, brides on the lookout for a stunning location to tie the knot can discover what hidden gems lay nearby whilst finding out, from those who know it best, exactly what the venue has to offer wedding couples and what sets it apart from all the rest.
Today we are starting with the gorgeous Hodsock Priory in North Nottinghamshire. Having grown-up just a stone throw away from this venue, I know firsthand just how truly magical it is.
Set with 800 acres of wonderful countryside, the historic country house is famous for its Snowdrop Garden but Hodsock holds a lot of beauty within as well. So at this point I will hand over to Helen Leach, who looks after the marketing of Hodsock Priory, to reveal more about that beauty I speak off.
Image by Andy Hook Photography
Where is Hodsock Priory located?
Helen says:
On the border of South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, two miles from the A1 at Blyth, near Worksop.Tell Brides Up North about the venue, what is its history?
Lived in by the same family since 1765, as you walk through the archway of our Tudor gatehouse, you enter a truly peaceful place and will see why so many couples immediately fall in love with Hodsock. We’re a family-run wedding venue, following the tradition of the great family weddings held here over the centuries. The garden, which was landscaped in 1820s, is lovingly tended to daily and surrounds the Priory, which has an impressive 36 chimneys.
What facilities does it have and do you cater for weddings?
Yes – we actually only offer weddings and each one has exclusive use of the house and gardens. There is a bridal suite and two guest rooms in the main house, ten bed and breakfast rooms, a 120-capacity dining room with a dance floor, bar, library and floodlit gardens.
Is Hodsock Priory licensed for civil ceremonies?
It most certainly is.
Image by Andrew Fletcher
What makes Hodsock Priory a special wedding venue and sets you apart from others?
Couples love the history, peace and privacy of Hodsock Priory. Also that fact that it’s family-run and we specialise in weddings – it’s all we do!
What sort of bride would be a Hodsock Priory Bride?
A Hodsock bride enjoys affordable luxury, has an eye for detail and wouldn’t say no to a glass of champagne on the floodlit Italian terrace.
Image by Barnaby Aldrick
How can your staff help to make the planning process easier and the big day amazing? Do you work with trusted suppliers?
We have fine-tuned our trusted suppliers to the ones who offer the same personal service as us and know how to pull off a show-stopping wedding without breaking the bank. Our weddings manager, Lynda Pepper, is always showered with thank you cards from newlyweds and their families after the care and attention she gives each Hodsock couple and puts into the smooth running of their wedding. She’s there for our couples from their first viewing to the day after their – see what they say about her here.
Can guests stay over at your venue? If not, can you recommend accommodation nearby?
Both – we have 13 amazing rooms on site, plus five good local hotels we recommend. Inside Hodsock Priory the sumptuous bridal suite and two guest rooms (the Blue Room and the Green Room) are located at the top of the grand staircase. Further bridal party accommodation can be found in the Courtyard B&B, a former dairy, which has ten apartment-style rooms with ensuite bathrooms, kitchenette and living areas.
Image by Andrew Fletcher
Any really memorable weddings at the venue?
Check out Hodsock Wow Weddings .
Just the other day a couple named Sami and Chris tied the knot here. It was one of the most truly magical and romantic weddings we’ve ever had the pleasure of hosting – you could really feel the love.
We also had a lovely couple called Will and Sarah’s whose Narnia-themed 1940’s wedding was so memorable. It was a brilliantly playful theme and they were deeply creative using everything, from decorative lampposts and fur-filled wardrobes, to ration books as their order of service. The autumn colours in the gardens complemented the theme and the house was transformed, we felt like we had gone back in time.
Any funny stories to share?
Playing the Jaws theme tune as a bride’s entrance music.
Image by Barnaby Aldrick
Tell us about your catering services? What makes them special?
We have three of the best local caterers lined up to provide the best service and food for our couples. What grub you choose for your wedding is one of the most important decisions – we arrange a personal meeting with the caterer, florist, cake maker and DJ for each couple. We have a carefully selected wine list we have put together with our caterers so you know you’re in good hands. Our bar is open throughout each wedding as part of our service – it’s a beautiful room and our staff are friendly and relaxed with everyone they meet.
Can you give Brides Up North an idea on price or any special packages available?
Our all-inclusive Grand Wedding Package for £15,500 includes exclusive venue hire, a drinks reception, three course wedding breakfast with wine and toasts for 60 guests (£60 per head thereafter to max 120), your flowers, wedding cake, seating plan, place names, DJ with mood lighting and a night’s stay in our bridal suite.
Where can we get more information/ contact the venue?
Website: www.hodsockpriory.com
Telephone: 01909 591 204
Email: weddings@hodsockpriory.com
Plus Facebook, Twitter and Our Wedding Blog
Do you have any bridal/ special events or open days coming up shortly that my readers should know about?
We have an open day on Sunday 28th December, 2014. During the event couples can see the venue set up for a wedding day with tables laid, music playing, flowers in place and candles lit. They can also meet George, the owner, and have a private tour or a chat by the fire over a glass of fizz.
Is there anything else that Brides Up North should know?
We have the luxury of not being a hotel and being able to walk in the opposite direction of the crowd. At Hodsock we only do weddings and because it’s also where we live, we think it’s really important that everyone who comes to Hodsock has an excellent time. We see it as a great privilege to be at the heart of a landmark occasion in a couple’s lives and if it’s important to your family, it’s important to our family. We’ll look after you and give you a day to remember.
