The Staunton Harold Estate is a traditional country estate of some 2000 acres, centred on the great Georgian mansion, Staunton Harold Hall. Family run, and ‘hands on’ in its management style, the estate has embraced modern uses for its diverse assets.
The Hall itself became a family home again in 2003, after fifty years of institutional use. With some eighty three rooms, the main building easily accommodates three generations of our family. Son-in-law, Tony Cantrill, has taken over the West Wing, now converted into high quality managed offices and conference facilities, known as LION COURT.
The suite of fine ‘State Rooms’ on the east and north front lend themselves to large functions, and here we host weddings and other events up to twelve times a year.
Your Wedding at Staunton Harold Hall
We make the splendid suite of State Rooms available for weddings up to eight times a year, between April and September. You could think that these rooms were designed for this purpose, spacious, closely connected, with kitchens and other facilities close by. We provide tables, chairs and other items, with staff on hand to help you all the way. Civil ceremonies are conducted in the Saloon, on the first floor. This is reached by the Grand Staircase and can seat a hundred guests. There is also a lift. Receptions are held in the Great Hall, with the wedding breakfast in the Ballroom adjacent. We also set aside a private room for the bridal party, a games room where children can be entertained and a quiet room (the Library) for the older guests.
Please contact the office on 01332 864435 or caroline@andrewlargesurveyors.co.uk to make an appointment.
A HIDDEN GEM
‘Mi casa, su casa’ – my house is your house. The setting may be splendid, the State Rooms very grand, but we want you to feel relaxed and at home on your wedding day. Below are some frequently asked questions which will help you decide whether Staunton is the right fit.
This is a family home and we only host ten weddings each year. This means that each wedding is a special occasion for all concerned and the staff at Staunton Harold can tailor the day to accommodate your requirements.
WHO WILL DO THE FOOD, AND OTHER ELEMENTS?
We have a list of caterers who have worked here many times and we know to be good. This gives you a range of prices and the opportunity to consider different menus. If you have someone you know yourselves we’ll be happy to talk to them. We charge no corkage or commission to any of our suppliers.
Staunton Harold Hall is a splendid house, and we can put you in touch with professionals who will handle every aspect of the occasion. However, if you have friends or relatives who can do the flowers, make the cake, take the photographs, play the piano – do please feel free to use them; it helps to make the day more personal. For our part we will do all we can to make it one which you will always treasure. We have over 13 years experience in holding weddings and so are happy to help in anyway possible with planning the day.
WHAT HAPPENS OUTSIDE THE HOUSE?
Signposts direct guests to our Melbourne Lodge entrance, usually closed to visitors. The bridal party arrives at the front door, and parking is in the Lion Court car park, immediately behind the hall. Guests usually spill out onto the lawns leading down to the lake and the photographer is much in evidence.
In the evening there is often a hog roast or a mobile pizza oven by the front door and some weddings conclude with a firework display, set up on the far side of the lake.
Cars can be left here overnight and we can supply numbers to pre-order taxis.
FACILITIES INSIDE THE HALL
We have friendly staff on hand at all times to look after the wedding party. Beside the usual rooms available to the guests we have three others. One is for the bride and attendants, one is a room where children can play under supervision, and the library acts as a quiet ‘sitting out’ room for the older guests.
WHAT EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED BY THE HALL
We have seating and tables for up to 100 guests. We also have small bar tables we can put out in the great hall, a cake table and easel. We keep many of our furnishings within the rooms to ensure that the house retains its character. There is also a catering kitchen on site and access to electricity for any external requirements.
TIME CONSTRAINTS
We like to make the preparation process as stress free as possible. Setting up can be any time from 8.00 on Friday morning and we will have already ensured all tables and chairs are set out. We ask that any items you bring are taken away by midday on Sunday. The bar closes by 11.30pm, and Cinderella hour for the bridal party is midnight.
WHICH WEEKENDS ARE AVAILABLE?
We don’t allocate any set weekends for weddings as hopefully this means you get exactly the date that you want. The venue works equally as well in either summer or winter. In the warmer months you can take advantage of the extensive grounds, and in the winter you can make the most of the roaring log fires. One of the best attributes of the house is the ample amount of space, putting fears over wet weather to rest.
*Information was correct at time of publication. For any bookings or further requests please contact the venue directly – details above.