Is Coworth Park The Wedding Venue For You?

Why book?

For five-star magic in a quintessentially English countryside setting. The venue feels a world away from London life yet is under an hour away by car and perfect for outdoor weddings.

Venue style:

This grand hotel is made for those seeking a whimsical wedding sanctuary, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Your dedicated wedding manager will take care of everything, with their in-house team and working with leading industry suppliers. There are beautiful spaces indoors for both ceremony and reception – and the outdoor options will take your breath away. It’s glamorous and modern, yet steeped in heritage.

The Dorchester Hotel www.jamesbedford.com

Set the scene:

From the moment you begin to wind up the driveway through fields of wildflower meadows, you’re transported to an enchanting oasis. The whitewashed manor-house-turned-hotel has been tastefully modernised, retaining all its original charm and character. First impressions count (and the double-heighted reception area won’t disappoint). Staff are extremely friendly, smartly dressed – and nothing is too much to ask for. The hotel is beautifully designed throughout, but it’s the great outdoors which seriously wows here with country pursuits galore.

Event spaces:

If your heart’s set on a magical outdoor setting, look no further than Coworth Park. Couples can get married amid the delicate wildflowers in the meadows, the scent-filled rose garden, the lime grove or the sunken gardens – the wonderful alfresco options are truly endless. Inside, the light-flooded Oak Room with hanging sculpture of copper oak leaves provides a charming backdrop for an intimate ceremony and can be turned around for dinner and dancing. Downstairs, the Garden Room accommodates up to 120 and is a blank canvas for couples wanting to put their own creativity into their day. Lavender Green Flowers, with studios in Windsor and in Chelsea on the King’s Road, are the masterminds behind the hotel’s floral displays and can create something spectacular for your wedding day.

Food and drink:

Your wedding menu is destined to wow as it will be curated under Executive Chef Adam Smith, whose skills earned Restaurant Coworth Park a Michelin star. The restaurant is currently under refurbishment and will be relaunched as Woven, set to be one of the hottest reopenings of 2022. There’s also The Barn restaurant – just a short walk from the main house and with a more relaxed ambiance. The Drawing Room is a glamorous setting for afternoon tea and light bites, while The Bar has a gorgeous outdoor terrace that overlooks the gardens.

Accommodation:

For the most splendid start to married life, book the Mansion House Premium Suite. It’s the largest suite at Coworth Park and delivers all the luxuries you’d expect from a prestigious five-star property, including a wrought-iron four-poster super-king-size bed, wonderfully deep roll-top copper bath (complete with copy of The Book of Idle Pleasures), large walk-in wardrobe and open fireplaces which come to life in winter months. Soak up the beautiful views of the formal gardens, flowering meadows and polo fields from the adjoining living room, which has its own balcony. Little touches add to the excitement, such as fresh blooms, Champagne on ice and even a personalised balloon to welcome you. Opt for breakfast in bed to make the most of your spoiling stay.

Guests can check into one of the stylishly designed rooms and suites (The Dower House and North Lodge are great for larger groups). Children are very much welcome to stay too. They’ll delight in milk and cookies delivered by the butler at 6pm and have the run of Coworth Park Kids house for playtime. The hotel is also available for exclusive hire.

Mansion house premium suite at Coworth Park

The story:

The landscape of Coworth Park has a rich history dating back to 1066. Built in 1776 for William Shepheard, the manor house has hosted many aristocrats over the years, including the Prince and Princess of Wales (the future Edward VII and Queen Alexandra) when they attended the races at nearby Ascot. In the 1980s, Galen Weston, owner of Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges, bought the estate. He created a polo field and village area with stables to house the polo ponies and their grooms. In 2010, after an extensive restoration, Coworth Park opened as a Dorchester Collection hotel and has fast become a go-to for discerning guests seeking luxurious staycations, fabulous events, country pursuits and more.

Spa:

Built into the landscape, the futuristic Spa at Coworth Park provides a blissful sanctuary for unwinding both pre and post wedding. Treatment rooms are fresh and professional with clean lines and glossy white surrounds. For the ultimate bridal glow, book the Germaine de Capuccini Radiance Vitamin C Face and Body Signature Therapy. The treatment includes a full-body exfoliation followed by a deeply hydrating vitamin C body wrap to firm and tone the skin. It’s finished with a brightening and illuminating Timexpert Vitamin C facial. Facilities include an indoor pool, nail salon and relaxation rooms overlooking a lavender-filled garden.

Eco-friendly:

As part of the Dorchester Collection, Coworth Park has many eco credentials that go way beyond seasonal menus and recycling. The Spa at Coworth Park is one of the UK’s only spas to use carbon-negative hemp walling with natural lime render to provide thermal and environmental performance. You’ll also notice the living roof of plants and herbs such as St. John’s wort, camomile, lavender and thyme. The roof reduces solar gain and increases the building’s insulation. The spa also has recycled zinc fascias, gutters and downpipes, natural limestone and granite flooring.