Blake Hall is a stunning 17th century barn wedding venue in Ongar, Essex, available for exclusive hire for civil weddings and partnerships. This historic venue boasts 60 acres of surrounding gardens and parkland. In fact, Blake Hall is so countrified, it's hard to believe that it is also so close to central London - the capital is just a short drive or train journey away, and the likes of Epping, Brentwood and Harlow are even closer.
Wedding ceremonies are held across three wonderful barns on site. The beautifully-restored Essex Barn seats between 50 and 150 guests for the wedding breakfast and can accommodate 200 guests in the evening, making this the primary venue for meals and dancing. Meanwhile, the Hay Barn is licensed for civil ceremonies for up to 150 guests, and with its beam-lined aisle and magnificent picture window provides a beautiful setting whatever the time of year.
Ceremonies can also be held outside under The Saddlery, which makes a lovely al fresco wedding venue in the summer months. It also doubles up as a pavilion from where musicians can play if you want to hold a celebration party and reception outside as well.
If you've always dreamed of a church wedding, don't fret - the parish church of Bobbingworth is short walk from Blake Hall, and couples often get married at the church then return to Blake Hall for a reception.
While the barns are stunning on the inside, outside is arguably even better, with a spacious lawn and terrace directly outside the barns where couples and their guests can enjoy reception drinks and garden games and also explore the tranquil rose garden and surrounding ancient trees. The gardens also make a beautiful backdrop to wedding photographs, from the banks of daffodils crowding the edge of the lawns in springtime to the herbaceous border and rose garden in summer and the explosion of golden foliage in autumn.
Leading Essex catering company Waters Edge Catering is in charge of the food, using locally sourced produce wherever possible on their comprehensive menu, though they are also happy to work with individual preferences and any favourite recipes and dishes.
Various accommodation options, meanwhile, include the Old Coach House, a three-bedroom cottage, the Stable Cottage honeymoon cottage, as well as bedrooms for wedding guests.