The Hospital of St Cross, originally founded by the grandson of William the Conqueror in 1132, is one of the oldest almshouses in the country that is still in use today. Located near the banks of the river Itchen in Winchester, this is the ideal venue for couples after a stunning countryside wedding that is easy to get to; it is just 60 miles from London and a straightforward drive from Heathrow airport. The exquisite grounds and architecture at St Cross are guaranteed to impress your guests and are also practically unbeatable in terms of providing a magnificent backdrop for your wedding pictures.
The nearly 900-year-old Norman church is fully licensed for Church of England ceremonies and looks as if it’s truly straight out of a fairytale with towering ceilings and stained-glass windows. Pre and post-ceremony there are a variety of spaces and rooms to accommodate all parties, from intimate familial ceremonies to lavish celebrations with all your family and friends. Receptions are welcome in the Master’s Garden before continuing for dinner elsewhere or opt for a marquee on the Bowling Green for a sit-down meal with up to 200 guests. Smaller parties may be interested in the Hundred Men’s hall, which can accommodate 40 seated or 60 standing but is only available for hire outside the summer season as it is used as the tearoom.
Plenty of local boutique hotels are available nearby for you and your guests, and it is recommended to arrange transport from the car parks or hotel to the venue as parking may not be permitted during wet months. The Hospital boasts long-standing relationships with local suppliers to take care of everything from the catering to the flowers and the dedicated wedding team will of course be on hand to assist with any preparations required for your special day.
01962 435021
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Food And Drink
We are delighted to recommend caterers for the occasion. They will be responsible for serving drinks throughout the wedding day and for the tidy packing of rubbish and bottles for disposal. You are free to provide your own selection of drinks which may be delivered in advance and chilled by the caterers ready for you when you would like them. We ask to meet your caterer in advance so that we may discuss your needs for the day and how this is arranged.
Photographer
It is wise to book your choice of photographer for your wedding early. Please ask us if you would like help to source local providers.
Flowers
Church flowers are organised and arranged by our talented, experienced in-house flower Guild team due to the delicate fabric of the church. Reception flowers for your marquee can be done by your chosen florist or by the flower Guild with prior private arrangement.
Marquee
If you select a marquee on the Bowling Green we ask you to arrange what you would like with Marlin Marquees who for archaeological reasons are the sole agreed providers of tents for this location. Do contact them directly or ask for their brochure when you visit us to view the different tent options available. Marlin Marquees may also provide tables and chairs, cooling equipment for your food and drink, generators, heaters and even toilet arrangements too. Please contact them on 01725 55 11 17 or info@marlinmarquees.co.uk
Payment
We are happy to hold a date provisionally for you for 14 days. After that we ask for a non-returnable deposit of 50%. You will be invited to a wedding briefing at St Cross early in the year that you plan to be married and full payment will be required one month prior to the wedding date.
Wheelchair Access and Dogs
Both the Church and the grounds have wheelchair access, but the Brethren’s Hall has steps leading to it. For more guidance do feel free to ask. We regret no dogs are allowed onto the site (beyond the outer quad) other than formally registered assistance dogs.
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