Wrest Park is a country house and wedding venue in Silsoe, Bedfordshire. Both the house and its gardens are Grade I listed and were built in 1834-9 to design by its owner, Thomas de Grey, an amateur architect and the first president of the Royal Institute of British Architects. De Grey was inspired by the buildings he’d seen during frequent visits to Paris, with this reflected in both the front of the house and its expertly manicured gardens. Last used as a private residence in 1939, Wrest Park has been run by English Heritage since 2006, who have restored the estate to its former glory, including the gardens back to Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s designs.
Such historic and dramatic settings mean Wrest Park is a superb wedding venue. The house and gardens combine to create the feel of a French chateau in miniature form, making the perfect backdrop for the all important photos of the big day. Wrest Park is also licensed to conduct civil ceremonies, meaning the whole big day can take place under one roof.
Civil ceremonies are hosted in one of several, each with a unique charm. The Drawing Room is modelled on the court of King Louis XV and features a painted gilded ceiling and elegant original fireplace. The Library is equally grand and historic, complete with floor to ceiling windows and period ceiling corniches. Holding up to 170 guests, The Orangery is perfect for large ceremonies. Once home to the largest orange trees in England, this is just a short walk from the main house and retains its same sense of French countryside grandeur. For smaller ceremonies, there’s The Dining Room. Its gold and white decor is matched by a parquet floor, and it’s also used for evening parties due to its barside location.
Evening parties are also hosted in the Pavilion Marquee on the Petit Trianon Lawn. Shaded by mature oak trees, this can hold up to 1,000 guests for drinking, dining, and dancing.