A wedding is supposed to be one of the most memorable celebrations of your life, so it’s no wonder wedding couples put so much effort into creating their perfect day.
While the sky is blue and the flowers are blooming, there is no better place for a summer wedding than in some of the beautiful venues Burton and South Derbyshire has to offer - So here are just a handful for you to consider.
1. The Pirelli Stadium
The Pirelli Stadium is a must-have wedding venue for any football fanatics - or none fanatics - looking to get married in style. Built in 2005, the stadium is home to Burton Albion, and can seat up to 6,912 people.
From small and intimate to big and beautiful, the club offers the choice of three rooms for a civil ceremony, with decor and layout tailored to the happy couple. The on-site catering is available for your wedding breakfast or luncheon with a range of cuisine and dining styles.
Staff at the Pirelli work closely with local companies who can ensure the decor is styled to perfection and there is a resident DJ who can cater for all music requirements, spanning from the 60s through to the present day.
The football club can cater for all types of private functions and parties, with guests numbers from four to 250.
2. The Winery
The Winery, in Manor Drive, Burton, boasts a stylish modern wine bar and contemporary restaurant in the idyllic setting of an 11-century abbey on the banks of the River Trent.
The venue, which dates back to 650 AD, say they are dedicated to ensuring both the bride and groom are able to celebrate their special day in style down to every last detail – which is why they work with local suppliers to cater for all wedding needs; such as chair covers, cotton linen, table arrangements, balloons, red carpet and cake stands.
The Boutique Wedding package at The Winery involves a civil ceremony in the garden room for up to 30 guests and a wedding breakfast for up to 60 guests.
A selection of arrival drinks, canapés and tailor made drinks packages are available if required.
Wedding bookings can only be made over the phone or in person. An enquiry form can be filled out here and the company will contact you at the earliest opportunity.
3.Alrewas Hayes
Alrewas Hayes is a stunning grade-two listed manor house located in Alrewas, Burton.
The 1740 countryside residence, nestled alongside the picturesque village of Fradley, near Lichfield, offers the perfect backdrop for any newly married couple and their guests to enjoy the beauty of East Staffordshire.
For larger wedding parties, the venue offers a large lakeside marque, meaning guests will always feel comfortable whilst maintaining that crucial feeling of space.
For the perfect end to the perfect day, the honeymoon suite is available for the newlyweds at £255.00.
For more information, call 01283791625 or email info@alrewashayes.com.
4.Newton House Barns
Newton House Barns is an exclusive wedding venue based in Newton Solney, near the historic village of Repton, South Derbyshire.
The venue offers beautifully landscaped lawns surrounded by formal walkways and woodland pathways, providing the perfect setting for unique and individual photographs.
The venue pride itself on being a wonderful place to hold civil wedding and partnership ceremonies. However, located nearby is the picturesque church of St Mary’s, who will consider marrying couples outside of their Parish.
For more information, call 01283 701918 or email newtonhouseweddings@aol.com.
5. The Mecure Newton Park
If you picture your big day in a historic 18th century country house, look no further. The Mecure Newton Park is a spectacular grade-two listed building in the gorgeous landscape gardens of Newton Solney, Burton.
The venue offers an experienced wedding planner, free menu trials, a wedding host, a personal memory box and a complimentary first anniversary dinner.
6. The National Brewery Centre
The historic environment of the National Brewery Centre is an impressive setting for any wedding. With function suites ranging from character suites for 50 up to a 300 capacity marquee, the listed Victorian buildings at the brewery centre are sure to blow you and your guests away.
Wedding packages could include a carriage drawn by one of the Shire horses or if you really want to make an entrance – arrive in one of the brewery’s vintage cars.
7. Tutbury Castle
If you’ve set your sights on a unique wedding, Tutbury Castle, in Castle Street, Tutbury, holds amazing opportunities for couples to say their vows in the historic grounds of the castle ruins.
The ceremony will take place in the Great Hall – the room where King Charles 1 stayed in the Civil War.
The Great Hall is furnished with authentic Tudor and Stuart furniture, which can seat 45 guests for a wedding ceremony and 34 for a small intimate reception.
Staff at Tutbury Castle say they have had people marrying in full suits of armour, elegant Georgian costume and being serenaded by pipes and harpists. The venue believe people should be able to have the most romantic wedding they can imagine – and they try and make it happen for you.
This venue is very popular, so booking well in advance is advised. You can contact the venue by calling 01283812129 or emailing weddings@tutburycastle.com.
8.Branston Golf and Country Club
Situated in the spectacular settings of a local parkland golf course, Branston Golf and Country Club would be an ideal location for those looking to tie the knot in the summer months.
Whether you’re looking for a wedding reception or a civil ceremony, the club, in Burton Road, Branston, can cater from 50 to 250 guests.
The Branston Pavillion and Chatsworth Suites offer magnificent views through French windows overlooking the golf course and guests can enjoy exclusive use of the private garden room.
Summer weddings range from £3,025 and winter weddings begin at £1,925.
For more information, contact 01283 528336.
Top tips on how to plan the perfect wedding:
Plan your research carefully
Research is the key ingredient for the perfect wedding. Visit wedding showcases for inspiration on colour schemes, perfect dress and venues.
Pinterest is a favourite app amongst brides-to-be when it comes to gathering wedding ideas. Be sure to make your wedding board private so friends and family don’t find out what plans you have in mind.
Do it together
A wedding is between two people, so should be a joint effort from both parties involved.
Plan ahead
Weddings take lot of organisation to ensure every detail is down to a tee, so should be given ample time in advance to plan.
It could be helpful for brides-to-be to have a wedding planner with dividers. Dividing important factors into sections such as venue, photographer and invites ensures no important pieces of information are lost.
Make it personal
Every wedding is special and should be tailored to your own personal needs. Be sure to prevent anyone influencing your wedding decisions.
Talk about gifts
Creating wedding gift lists to send to those attending can help save guests from wasting money on a home appliance you do not need.
Enjoy your day
Although weddings can be stressful, once the big day comes around, you can finally relax those nerves and enjoy the celebration you have been waiting for. With most big occasions, there may be some mishaps along the way, but it’s important for you to cherish every moment of your big day and soak up the memories.
