[wpcol_1quarter id=”” class=”” style=””]Stratford-upon-Avon, the world famous birthplace of William Shakespeare, is steeped in history and is culturally, very important to our nation. Set in the picturesque rural south Warwickshire countryside, nestled closely banks of the river Avon, it is also one of the most important tourist destinations in the UK. Stratford-upon-Avon is about 22 miles [/wpcol_1quarter] [wpcol_3quarter_end id=”” class=”” style=””][/wpcol_3quarter_end]south-east of Birmingham and 8 miles south west of Warwick.
Stratford has Anglo-Saxon heritage and has grown up as a market town through the middle ages. The town was officially granted a charter in 1196 which makes it well over 800 years old. The name Stratford is an amalgamation of the Old English word strǣt, which means “street”, and the word ford, which means that a road forded the River Avon in the town itself. Up until the late 1800’s, it was in the middle of an important sheep producing areas and was regarded as a hub for the slaughter and distribution sheep and wool. As a consequence, Stratford became a centre for the tanning of hides between 15th – 17th centuries as the town was on a trade route served by both the River Avon and the Roman road that came through the town.
Stratford-upon-Avon is an extremely popular tourist destination due to fact that playwright and poet, William Shakespeare was born here. As a result, the town receives roughly three million visitors a year from all around the world. All intent on visiting his birthplace, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Mary Arden’s Farm & Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Ettington Park Hotel near Stratford upon Avon is situated on 40 acres of parkland in the Warwickshire countryside, in a lush valley with the River Stour meandering through it. The hotel is a Neo-Gothic Mansion and is furnished with exquisite antiques, fine paintings, and decorated with many friezes which give away secrets of its long history. Weddings can be carried out in many of the magnificent rooms within the hotel, including the splendid Library. The evening reception can also be held in a variety of breathtaking rooms. Two examples of this would be The Chapel, which is meant for the more intimate wedding celebration and can cater for up to 14 people, or the Long Gallery which can entertain up to 96 guests. Ettington Park Hotel will provide such a stunning backdrop, your Stratford wedding photographer will be over the moon to share it with you.
Situated on Banbury Road in Warwickshire countryside, Ettington Chase is a beautiful blend of modern luxuries and Victorian Character. With its 11 acres of exotically remodelled gardens, it offers a perfect place for reportage wedding photography. With its luxurious banquet halls, you can hold a lavish and stylish wedding you have always dreamed of. Whether you decide to have a modern style elegant indoor reception or a rusty outdoor garden wedding, Ettington Chase provides extraordinary scenic views in both settings which are worth capturing.
Welcombe Hotel was built in 1866 in a Jacobean style and it imposes itself on the serene 157 acre estate with it’s elaborate gables, tall chimneys and protruding bay windows. Hosting your wedding at such a prestigious venue would bring a certain amount of panache and distinction to your wedding celebration that will keep them talking for a very long time. With such fabulous gardens and the beautiful lake, your Stratford wedding photographers will create images you have always dreamed of.
Alveston Manor is a stunning Tudor mansion built just over on the south side of the River Avon set in amongst gorgeous landscaped grounds. The centrepiece and claim to fame for the hotel is their magnificent Cedar Tree, where apparently the first ever performance of a Midsummer’s Night Dream happened. The hotel has kept with the traditional antiquated feel by retaining the original period features like the leaded window, Elizabethan staircase and the wood panelled lounge bar. The Alveston Manor can accommodate up to 150 guests and has three available rooms to choose from depending on the size of the wedding.
The Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Hotel is a 4 star hotel right in the heart of Shakespeare country. With black wooden beams and log fires this Tudor hotel is the perfect location for your special day.
Each of the 74 rooms have been named individually which adds to the charm of the venue that can cater for 100 guests at your wedding.
Compton Verney was home to the Verney or Willoughby de Broke family for nearly 500 years. Now completely renovated this 18th century Georgian mansion was turned from near dereliction to an art gallery of international esteem. The Adam Hall, with its marble floor and beautifully ornate ceiling, is the perfect setting for your civil ceremony and wedding breakfast and can cater for up to 100 guests.
Superbly positioned at the centre of Stratford Upon Avon, you will find The Falcon Hotel. A picturesque Tudor building with parts of the hotel dating back to the 16th Century.