Pennard House is a hotel and wedding venue near Shepton Mallet in Somerset. A quintessentially English country manor, it has been owned and lived in the same family since the 17th century. The central section of the house dates from 1600 to 1620, with grand reception rooms added in wings built in 1815, resulting in a superb blend of Jacobean and Georgian stylings. There’s also four acres of lush green gardens combined with a surrounding further 180 acres of meadows, woodland and apple orchards. The gardens are home to a croquet lawn, freshwater swimming lake and tipis.
Such an idyllic setting makes for a brilliant wedding venue. Pennard House is licensed for civil ceremonies, meaning the whole day can take place in one place, with guests also able to arrive the night before and stay the night after in the hotel rooms. Civil ceremonies can either take place in the 95-capacity main reception room or outside in the 120-capacity garden pavilion. Those after a religious service can make the short walk over the lawn to the village church, which dates back to the 14th century. Complimentary use of the Orchard Room bridal suite is included in all wedding hires. This overlooks the gardens and features chandeliers and a roll top bath, the perfect place to both get ready for the big day and stay in once it’s finished.
Ceremonies complete, guests are then invited to a drinks reception on the lawn, with its south-facing aspect perfect for capturing wedding photos. The wedding breakfast is held in the Coach House, first built in the 18th century and now converted into a bright and airy space that still retains key period features. This can be styled to the couple’s choosing and seats 120 people.
Food menus are designed alongside a member of the hotel’s team, with local ingredients prioritised wherever possible. This also includes a range of evening food options, such as Somerset charcuterie boards or the venue’s very own pizza van.