blenheim palace weddings

WEDDINGS

AT THE PALACE

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CONTENTS A MAGNIFICENT SETTING 05

THE PERFECT VENUE 07

IT’S OUR PLEASURE 09

CIVIL CEREMONIES & PARTNERSHIPS 11

THE GREAT HALL & THE SALOON 13

THE LONG LIBRARY 15

CULINARY DELIGHTS 17

THE CHAMPAGNE BAR 19

ENJOY THE SCENERY 21

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT 23

CONTACT US 25

LOCATION 27

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY 30

BLENHEIM PALACE - WEDDINGS

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A MAGNIFICENTSETTING

Enviably set in 2000 acres of landscaped “Capability” Brown parkland and formal gardens, Blenheim Palace is the perfect setting to create your own fairy-tale wedding celebrations.

Blenheim Palace is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Marlborough, and is home today to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and their family. It was in 1874 that Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was born in a small ground floor bedroom, adding another illustrious page to Blenheim Palace’s rich history. A house of true style and grandeur, Blenheim Palace is able to offer you hospitality of the highest standard, turning any event into a truly memorable occasion.

As your guests enter Blenheim Palace through the Town Gate at Woodstock the beauty of the Palace, the lake and Grand Bridge will never fail to impress. This view, according to Lord Randolph Churchill, is “the finest view in England” and will live on long in the memory of any guest to the Palace.


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THE PERFECT VENUE

There is a variety of unique and elegant facilities available for you to create your perfect wedding celebrations. The Orangery, with its private entrance and terrace overlooking the Italian Garden provides a stunning daytime and evening venue, whilst The Great Hall and Long Library provide a spectacular evening reception venue. We take particular pride, not only in the excellence of our cuisine, but also our attention to detail, for it is the finer touches that will make your occasion so very special.

Blenheim Palace offers a unique and stunning location for your most important day.


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IT’S OUR PLEASURE

We take great pride in attention to the finest details, and our team of dedicated wedding and event co-ordinators will ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly, so you can sit back and enjoy the occasion. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary style wedding, we will add that personal and elegant touch.

The combination of exceptional service and the magnificent setting will ensure that your special day is truly one to remember.


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CIVIL CEREMONIES & PARTNERSHIPS

By hosting your civil ceremony and partnership in one of our elegant rooms at Blenheim Palace, you can enjoy a personalised touch, and the convenience of holding the ceremony and reception under one roof.

Wherever you decide to hold your ceremony, we can help you create one that reflects your distinct style and personality.


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THE GREAT HALL& THE SALOON

The Great Hall and The Saloon, situated inside the Palace, work perfectly together to provide a spectacular dinner venue. Guests enter the Palace along the up-lit Colonnades into The Long Library and through the State Rooms into the Saloon for a Champagne reception. The Saloon is the State Dining Room where the family still celebrate Christmas every year. Louis Laguerre painted the murals and ceiling, and the two fireplaces create a warm and intimate atmosphere. The magnificent Great Hall can accommodate 150 guests for dinner and 300 for a reception; and the Saloon can accommodate 80 guests for dinner.


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THE LONG LIBRARY

At 55 metres, The Long Library is one of the longest rooms in any British stately home and was designed by Vanbrugh as a picture gallery. The Willis Organ takes pride of place at the north end of the room surrounded by over 10,000 books. All the windows overlook the water fountains and lake. The Long Library can accommodate up to 300 guests for dinner, with a Champagne reception in The Great Hall and Saloon.


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CULINARYDELIGHTS

Blenheim Palace works with a number of carefully selected event catering companies who have been approved to provide catering in the Great Hall, Saloon and Long Library. Each of our accredited caterers have been chosen for their high level of expertise, consistency in the quality of service standards and catering with exceptional attention to detail. Various styles of cuisine can be catered for and we would be delighted to elaborate on the individual merits of different menus available, and help guide you to the company that is most suitable for your budget and style of occasion.


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THE CHAMPAGNE BAR

If you are holding your wedding in the Palace, you can carry on celebrating into the evening with exclusive use of The Water Terraces and Champagne Bar. This room can be transformed to include a dancing area, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere with magnificent views over landscaped gardens and water fountains.


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ENJOY THESCENERY

Blenheim Palace is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of stunning parkland and award-winning formal gardens. The splendour and tranquillity of “Capability” Brown’s landscaped park and great lake fringed by majestic oaks and maples is unrivalled in Britain. Over 100 acres of Formal Gardens include the Secret Garden, majestic Water Terraces, The Rose Garden and the Duke of Marlborough’s ornate private garden; The Italian Garden. Walks to the Grand Cascade or across Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge to the Column of Victory take in views of the magnificent grounds; there is beauty to be found in all seasons.


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DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT...

“The setting was just beautiful, the venue looked stunning, the food was fantastic and every single member of staff made us feel completely at home and couldn’t have been more friendly and accommodating. You even managed to arrange the sunshine for us! We had such a fun, stress free happy time it really was the most magical day. Thank You.”

Mr and Mrs Cannon

“We were greatly impressed with your excellent service offered at every stage and needless to mention how hard and efficiently your team worked to make our daughter’s dream wedding an unimaginable reality. We consider ourselves to be very fortunate and privileged to have our daughter’s wedding at the world famous Blenheim Palace which has very beautiful and unmatched beauty in every corner.”

Dr. A and Mrs.S Gunasena


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CONTACT US BLENHEIM PALACE

Woodstock

Oxfordshire

OX20 1PP

T: +44(0) 1993 813874

F: +44(0) 1993 810580

E: [email protected]

www.blenheimpalace.com


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LOCATION

Blenheim Palace is situated in the picturesque and historic town of Woodstock, 8 miles North West of Oxford on the A44 Evesham Road, and approximately an hour’s drive from both London and Birmingham. Stratford-upon-Avon is only 45 minutes away.

Approaching Oxford on the M40, exit at junction 9 and follow signs to Blenheim Palace. From other directions take the A44 exit from the Oxford by-pass. There is unlimited free car parking for cars and coaches.

The nearest main line train station is Oxford. The number S3 bus runs from the station to Woodstock at approximately 30 minute intervals. Blenheim Palace is located approximately 20 minutes away from the city centre.

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SUPPLIER DIRECTORY

ACCOMMODATION 31

BRIDAL WEAR 34

CAKES 36

ENTERTAINMENT, EVENT MANAGEMENT, SOUND & LIGHTING 39

EVENT INSURANCE 45

FLORISTRY & DECORATIONS 46

MARQUEES 51

PHOTOGRAPHY 54

TRANSPORT 61


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ACCOMMODATION We know it is important to have family and friends close by to enjoy every moment of your special day which is why we have included details of good quality local accommodation offering your guests the opportunity to share your wedding day for a little longer.


AN EXCLUSIVE HOTEL FITTING TO YOUR EVENTIn the historic town of Woodstock, just 500 metres from the gates of the magnificent Blenheim Palace, Macdonald Bear Hotel is an exclusive and suitably exquisite location to accommodate your party overnight. Ideal to host pre-dinner drinks before your main event, accommodate your VIPs or hire exclusively for your party, we have stylish reception rooms, stunning bedrooms, secure car parking and the award-winning restaurant 10 in 8 founded by Alan Murchison.

M A C D O N A L D

B E A R H O T E L

• 54 individually-styled bedrooms• Luxurious rooms for private dining or pre-event drink receptions

• Magnificent period features and old house charm• Plenty of secure car parking• Butler service

• Afternoon tea in the Churchill Lounge• Exclusive use available

Macdonald Bear Hotel, Park Street, Oxfordshire, OX20 ISZ

www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/Bear

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Clock off... wind down... chill out...

Please call us on 01993 812291 or email us with your individual requirements to [email protected]

The Feathers | Market Street | Woodstock | Oxfordshire | OX20 1SX

www.feathers.co.uk

The place to eat, drink and stay in Woodstock

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BRIDAL WEAR With the right dress every bride will look beautiful on her wedding day. A dress to reflect your style and personality.

Your wedding dress probably requires more thought and often more expense than any outfit you’ll ever wear. Shopping for your wedding dress is one of life’s greatest joys. We recommend only the best wedding dress designer to make your wedding day a fairytale.

By enlisting the services of a professional you are guaranteed expert advice on what will suit you. It’s all about looking radiant, styling and reflecting your dreams for the future.


Mae Bridal is a beautifully relaxing wedding dress boutique located in central Witney, with designs including Phil Collins Bridal, Trudy Lee and Veromia, you will be spoilt for choice. Appointments last for 11/2

hours and are tailored to you. A truly special experience.

Please call Hannah on the number below to arrange your appointment.

There’s a warm welcome awaiting you...

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CAKES The grand centrepiece of any wedding feast is the cake. Bringing in the professionals will provide a sumptuous wedding cake to astound your guests.

You can add your individual style when creating your wedding cakedecorations and take inspiration from your wedding theme for ideas about colour and ice your cake to co-ordinate with your place settings, flowers or even the bridesmaids’ dresses. Enlisting the creative talents of a bespoke cake maker or cake designer will help create the perfect lookincorporating your own design and specification.

BLENHEIM PALACE - THE ORANGERY

Fully Bespoke Designer Wedding Cakes

Oxford - London - UKScattercake.co.uk 01865 464264

Scattercake

...made individually and exclusively by leading cake artist, Annie Relph

Here at Sweet Tiers Cakes we specialise in Romantic style

Wedding Cakes. We pride ourselves in our friendly and

professional service, giving you peace of mind from the initial

consultation to the delivery and set-up at your chosen venue.

Please contact us for a free consultation and tasting.

T: 01296 427673 E: [email protected]

www.sweettierscakes.co.uk

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ENTERTAINMENT, EVENT MANAGEMENT, SOUND & LIGHTING

Organising a wedding or special occasion requires great skill and an immense amount of time as there are so many decisions to be made. That is why it is a good idea to enlist the services of a professional who can help you plan a truly bespoke celebration.

Choosing the correct entertainment to please not only you but the entire bridal party and guests will present an array of options.

You want to be captivated by the performance of the singers, musicians and entertainers. You may even decide to treat your guests to a performance which they may otherwise never get to experience. This will create a unique and awe inspiring day for everyone.


AWARD WINNING

PROFESSIONAL STRING

QUARTET WITH REPERTOIRE

RANGING FROM BACH

TO BEYONCE AND TCHAIKOVSKY

TO THE KILLERS. ONE OF

THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER

QUARTETS FOR WEDDINGS

AND FUNCTIONS.

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T: 077 8716 3482W: www.nerostringquartet.comE: [email protected]

I do I do I do!

Call us now on 0845 272 3550 or email [email protected] and let us showyou how we can add a touch of magic to your big day.

www.fantasticweddingfireworks.co.uk

Fantastic Fireworks invites you to celebrate with a display of music and fireworks every bit as breathtaking as the magnificent setting you have chosen for your wedding.

I do I do I do!

Call us now on 0845 272 3550 or email [email protected] and let us showyou how we can add a touch of magic to your big day.

www.fantasticweddingfireworks.co.uk

Fantastic Fireworks invites you to celebrate with a display of music and fireworks every bit as breathtaking as the magnificent setting you have chosen for your wedding.

DJS, BANDS, SOUND & LIGHTING

t: 0845 127 9952

WEDDINGSCORPORATE EVENTS

PRIVATE PARTIES

e: [email protected]

DISCOTHEQUE COUTURE

Matt MauriceEvent Music

Based in London, Strawberry Strings are one of the

Capital’s most prestigious string quartets who work

extensively throughout the UK.

With over 15 years experience, we are a trusted

Blenheim Palace supplier.

Contact Naomi Fairhurst on:Tel. 07973 563034

www.strawberrystrings.com

Strawberry Strings

City Audio Visual is a local professional and specialist provider of Audio Visual equipment.

We help our clients run their events with the minimum

fuss and maximum impact.

If you are organising an event, festival, conference, wedding or party call City Audio Visual to make the best

truly memorable.

City Audio Visual Ltd

Unit 19 Kings Meadow, Ferry Hinksey Road, Oxford, OX2 0DP

T: 01865 722800 E: [email protected]

www.cityaudiovisual.co.uk

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EVENT INSURANCE

If you’re getting married then no doubt you’ll have spent months planning your perfect wedding day. The most important factor for any anyone planning an event is comfort: the knowledge that whatever happens it’s covered.

So if you take out Event Insurance, they’ll do everything they can to make sure that your wedding is financially protected.


Wedding insurance

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Freephone 0800 515 980 www.events-insurance.co.uk

When it comes to insuring your special day, we offer a range of comprehensive wedding insurance packages to suit the style

and scale of any occasion. Backed by one of the UK’s leading insurers, our policies are extremely affordable and totally reliable.

Weddings • Celebrations • Parties

EI_BP_Bride Ad_190x133.5_1_SP.indd 1 01/08/2012 12:23

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FLORISTRY &DECORATIONS

Flowers create a lasting impression on your wedding ceremony and special occasion and the bouquet and table centrepieces are an integral part of your celebration.

A professional floral designer will create the most beautiful floral displays for your special day. Using the finest quality flowers and inspirational, innovative and contemporary techniques they will transform your wedding or special occasion into a remarkable visual delight.

Create a truly bespoke wedding day with chair covers and sashes tailored to your chosen colour scheme or a room decorated entirely to your own individual requirements. Chair covers can really transform a room and create a magical look to enhance your theme.


Tel: 07870 503591

[email protected]

www.joannacarterflowers.co.uk

stylish, timeless

& desirable

D I V I N E F L O W E RTHE

COMPANY

in association with

Tel: 02074042541 and 07817563098Email: [email protected]

www.divine-flowers.co.uk

Combining innovation andcreativity, meticulous attention

to detail and an all-important passionfor flowers, The Divine Flower

Company takes beautiful flowers...and makes them divine.

Charlotte & Dave Small, Ambience Venue Styling (Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire)

Tel: 0800 043 9142 Mob: 07730 134095 Email: [email protected]

www.ambiencevenuestyling.com

Your wedding, your big day. Creating a welcoming ambience at your venue is a key part of creating not just a perfect day, but your perfect day. Our professional wedding venue stylists use chair covers, sashes, and styling accessories to

create your vision.

Call or email us to discuss your Wedding ideas, themes and dream day.

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MARQUEES Wedding marquee hire needs to be stylish and innovative, with attention being given to the overall design, both inside and out, helping to create an altogether unique atmosphere.


Ascot Structures, Alutech House, Green Lane, Heythrop OX7 5TU

T: 01608 683 999 F: 01608 683 111 E: [email protected]

www.ascotstructures.co.uk www.facebook.com/ascotstructures @ascotstructures

Combining our knowledge and experience of modern temporary structures with ingenious and creative design-led interiors and expert project management, we deliver some of

the most stunning structures seen at events today.

THE REASONS BEHIND OUR SUCCESS ARE SIMPLE:-

• Unrivalled reliability & commitment to customer service

• Exceptional kit manufactured & maintained to the highest standards

• Excellent staff fully trained in all aspects of Health & Safety & site etiquette

• The adaptability to meet any design brief

• A passion for our industry that delivers stunning structures

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PHOTOGRAPHY Capture your wedding day or special occasion forever. Enlisting the services of a professional photographer will make the photo album the most treasured memento of your day.

We recommend the use of professional photographers who are familiar with our venue so they can truly capture the most attractive settings. Employing the skills and equipment of a professional will ensure you are not disappointed as you will receive a more superior quality image production.

For unparalleled service, we recommend the following photography companies for your wedding.


Tel: +44 (0)1242 690909www.weddingsbynicolaandglen.com

WEDDINGS BY nicola & glen

StylishEditorialArtistic

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TRANSPORT

Experience the ultimate chauffeur service for your wedding with a highly experienced chauffeur, who is impeccably dressed and has an excellent knowledge of the surrounding area, they will make sure that you arrive in first class style whilst assuring your comfort, safety and security.

Your choice of car will depend on the style and theme of your wedding or special occasion. Fill your day with elegance, and turn heads as you arrive in a luxurious limousine, classic, vintage or sports car with your own personal chauffeur.


We offer a personalised service for you and your guests on your special day.

Choose from our classic range of chauffeur driven vintage limousines, cars, taxis and buses.

For further Nostalgic vehicles please visit our website:

www.nostalgiatravel.com

T. 01865 241444 E. [email protected]

The style of the past at the start of your future

1936 Armstrong Siddeley Limousine Landaulette

1937 Austin London Taxi Landaulette

1955 Bentley ‘R’ Type Sports Saloon

1966 London Routemaster RML 70 seat Double Decker Bus

1949 Bedford OB 29 seater Coach

1966 Leyland PD3 70 seat Double Decker Bus

BLENHEIM PALACE

Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1PP

T: +44(0) 1993 813874 F: +44(0) 1993 810580 E: [email protected]

www.blenheimpalace.com

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blenheim palace weddings

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