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Weddings
Exclusive use Country house wedding venue in Essex -
From intimate afternoons spent with your nearest and dearest to full-blown festivities with the whole gang, a wedding at Downham Hall is sure to be anything but ordinary.
We booked our wedding date as soon as we saw the venue, we fell in love, it was gorgeous, the whole team were incredibly I love the family run feel. I didn't just feel like a number I felt like their friend , Dawn was so sweet and helpful and made the process of swapping dates through covid less stressful she was always at the end of a phone or email, the wedding day was perfect literally can't fault it, it run so smoothly. Christina and Andrew are incredible the hard work they put in is amazing.
Entrant to Wedding Awards
Wedding Open Day on Sunday 18th January
Looking to tie the knot at our country house hotel?
Come and view our beautiful venue, meet some of our recommended suppliers and excellent local suppliers who can chat you through how to make your day special. A fabulous event, accompanied by some of our top suppliers: @tjdesignerweddings, @weddingmusicexpert , @arrowvintagecars , @bridalhairbyjennie, @lebeauphotography this day is not to be missed. Have a wander around our grounds as we chat through your vision and help create a bespoke package to suit you on your special day.
Open 11am - 2pm, please pre-register to attend. Contact info@downhamhall.com or call us 01268 422464.
Our setting and views
Downham Hall was built hundreds of years ago and was located as to benefit from the wonderful views in all 360 degrees. Located below the second highest peak in Essex, to the North are fields of crops in a bowl above you, to the South views down to the Thames estuary several miles away. A truly rural spot but remarkably close to greater civilisation. With the gardens in your near view, the landscape in the outer view it sets a wonderful place to be at any time, but more importantly on your special day.
Wedding Ceremonies
Our light and airy Orangery holds commanding views over the North Wing gardens situated at the back of the Hall. It's the perfect space for an elegant, intimate wedding, with stunning natural colours used within the room to reflect the outdoor space.
De Beauvoir Suite - Capacity 87
The de Beauvoir suite, named after the most significant family to have owned the place in the past, carefully decorated in tasteful colours, this is the perfect room to walk up the aisle, with views all around of the hills above and a bay window which perfects outlines our wedding couples when they sit to sign the registrar.
Outside Ceremony - Capacity 110
If you would like to make the most of our stunning outside grounds, our lawns overlooking the moat are the perfect backdrop to say "I Do". Our wedding couples walk along the front of the Hall to the rear of the grounds and enjoy country views all around surrounded by wildlife. Secluded, quiet and the perfect private area for our couples and their guests, this is a fantastic backdrop for our couples to enjoy and make the best memories.
Bridal Changing Room
Our Bridal Changing Room is part of the experience for your wedding day. Typically taken by a bride (or 2 on occasion), but not exclusively. It is a space for a wedding party to prepare, be with friends, get some early day photos and have some food to get you ready. It is equipped ready for hairdressers, make up artists and and for the registrar to chat to you if you are getting married on site.
The changing room also provides you a space to be away from prying eyes, for those who don't want the groom to see you till the right time, and from the changing room there is a route into our main ceremony room so you are first seen as you walk up the aisle, after the last few photos of you looking at your best.
The changing room is also available to hire for those not having their day at Downham Hall.
Rooms on site
We have 5 individually styled rooms onsite, including the Bridal Suite with large bathroom. The rooms are included in most venue hire pricing and include options for families to have pull out beds, perfect for guests with children. More details of the rooms can be seen on our stay page, your wedding coordinator can also provide details or other local hotels for times when you have more guests looking to stay locally.
Guest Information
Address:
Downham Hall, Castledon road, Billericay, CM11 1LG
Telephone: 01268 422464
Arrival and Departure Times
Your invite will inform you of arrival time but this is generally 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. The bar will be open before and after the Ceremony.
The evening finishes at 11.45 last orders at the bar, carriages requested by midnight.
Check in of rooms
If you are staying, check in is from 3pm but we will try our utmost to have a room ready early. Please contact us directly prior to staying to check if this is possible. Check out is 10am.
Getting ready
If you are part of the Bridal party, access to the Bridal Changing room is from 8am.
Cars
You are welcome to leave your car overnight. Please note this at the owners' risk.
Confetti
We allow only naturally dried flower petals due to the wildlife here
Payments
Our bar accepts cash and card but not Amex.
Dogs
We do allow dogs but please check with the bridal couple.
Dietary requirements and allergies
Our bridal couple will inform us of dietary requirements prior to the wedding. Please note if we ask to be informed on the day we will be unlikely to be able to adapt.
Please note food choices are made prior to the Wedding Day and cannot be changed on the day.
Special requests/ requirements
Baby Changing facilities can be found in the house.
Our venue is wheel chair accessible, please inform us if using a wheelchair. Disabled toilets can be found in the main Hall.
High chairs are also available and we would be infromed by the bridal couple prior to the day if needed.
Moat
Please note children must be supervised at all times. We have a part moat which is roped but kindly ask that children and adults are cautious.
How to plan your wedding at Downham Hall
At Downham Hall, we believe that no two weddings should be the same; we carefully plan each and every event to create a day that reflects you. With plenty of options to choose from and a wonderful team of recommended suppliers on hand, you can build a package that perfectly reflects your vision and budget.
We suggest you request our brochure, if you then want a viewing let us know and we will find a time that suits. At your viewing you can then talk about details, pricing and get a quote. If you like the quote we will hold a date for you, then pay your deposit and start the rest of the planning. This is just a suggestion, we've had people book from overseas without ever seeing us in person but we find exploring the venues is part of the fun so come along and see us.
To request our brochure use the form below, don't hesitate to get in touch if you need anything on 01268 422 464 or weddings@downhamhall.com.
Request a brochure
Intimate Wedding Package Offer
Up to 25 guests (Including Wedding Couple)
Available Monday - Thursday (Excluding Bank Holidays & NYE)
£910 Venue Fee
£76 per head Food & Drinks Package
Total for 25 People = £2810.00
● Use of the Bridal Dressing Room from 9am
● Ceremony held in the Orangery
● Post Ceremony Drinks in the Lobby bar - 1 Welcome drink pp
● 3 Course Wedding Meal in the Orangery - ½ bottle of wine & toasting drink pp
● Post meal Drinks in Orangery until 9pm
Drinks charged additionally on consumption
Intimate Wedding Package
£3810 based on 25 people
1) Use of the Bridal Dressing Room From 9 am
2) Ceremony held in the Orangery
3) Post Ceremony drinks in the Lobby- 1 welcome drink pp
4) 3 Course Wedding Breakfast in the Orangery - 1/2 Bottle of Wine & Toasting drink
Please see T's and C's
Email : info@downhamhall.com
Outdoor Ceremonies
Following the pandemic regulations for outdoor ceremonies have been relaxed and as a result we are able to have outdoor ceremonies, which actually includes our marquee space. Our wonderful views and gardens make these so appealing. We are about to create a dedicated space with path as these have proven so popular.
If it rains the registrar holds the decision and may take you inside so having the back-up of the de Beauvoir suite means you don't need to worry too much but most of the time we have been lucky to proceed as planned.
Smaller Weddings
Another legacy of the pandemic was the crazy days of limits of 15 and 30 people at weddings. This was a challenge at the time but we loved them so much that we decided we would love to have many more. Our orangery is perfect for a smaller meal or ceremony and the de Beauvoir suite alongside to provide a new setting for your guests. If you don't need exclusive use then this can be a more affordable choice but no less special.
Twilight Weddings
Some couples prefer to use the late afternoon and evening for a twilight wedding rather than using the full day. An option for those not wanting a formal sit down meal potentially but still want to get everyone together. We offer specific pricing for these days and they are shown in the brochure you can receive by filling the form on this page. If you have any questions, do get in touch.
What we offer
(restaurant service resumes from 7pm within the Hall and separate to your wedding in the marquee)
- Exclusive hire of the venue throughout the day
- Five ensuite bedrooms
- Bridal changing room
- Marquee overlooking the moat and countryside below
- On-site parking
- Wedding coordinator to help with all preparation and during the day
- Trusted collection of suppliers
- Tailor-made packages to suit you and your requirements
- Award winning DJ
