Ardington House is a beautiful, quintessential English Georgian Grade II listed stately home, set in 30 acres of grounds in the delightful village of Ardington which is nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside, at the foot of the North Wessex Downs. It is the most dreamy wedding venue and if you are a fan of Bridgerton then it is the venue for you. It is yours to hire for the weekend of your wedding, but is also available to hire for the day.
Ardington House is a marquee wedding venue with accommodation in the main house for up to 25 guests and is available to hire from April to October. It can be hired for one or two nights on a self-catering basis, although catering can be arranged if you wish, for example breakfasts and supper if you are staying on the Friday night. It is a family home and the bedrooms and bathrooms are of a very high country house standard and all individual. There is a beautiful oak panelled dining room, ideal for supper on the Friday night and a well equipped dining kitchen, overlooking the gardens, which is perfect for breakfast on the Saturday and Sunday mornings. Guests staying at the house have the use of the swimming pool and tennis court during their stay and many opt for a barbecue lunch on the Sunday. For those keen fly fishers don’t forget to pack your fishing equipment as the lake in the ground is stocked with trout and you are permitted to fly fish from April to October.
The bridal party and house guests arrive from 4 pm and are greeted by the dream team Giuliano and Corina who are the resident house staff, and although the house is very much yours for the weekend, they are on hand to deal with any queries. They are absolutely wonderful and so ready to help in every way. To ensure a smooth running check-in the couple are sent a rooming list to complete so guests can be allocated to their rooms swiftly. Typically couples will have an informal supper in the house or go out to supper at one of the nearby pubs.
The Wedding Day
The Temple island in the grounds is the place where couples wishing to have either a civil ceremony, or if already married a celebrant led ceremony are held. It is a beautiful, tranquil space and just in case of inclement weather some couples opt to hire a small pagoda style marquee. The hall in the main house can be used if necessary for up to 100 guests if the weather is unsettled. There is also a church in the village of Ardington where it is possible to get married for those wishing a traditional church service.
Following the wedding ceremony the guests wander across to the lawns by the main house for drinks and canapés. The main house is available too just in case it rains. It is a really lovely part of the garden and good for setting up garden games for those more active guests. There is plenty of shade under the magnificent trees if the weather is hot.
A hand bell announces that dinner is served. The guests will make their way down to the lakeside garden marquee for the wedding breakfast. It really is a magical setting. Fingers and Forks are the preferred caterers for Ardington House and they are superb. You will be well and truly looked after and the food is delicious. Guests can then dance the night away, or at least until 11.30 pm when the music must finish. Guests not staying at the house should leave by midnight.
For those staying at the house swimming, tennis and a barbecue are on the menu for the day after.
Ardington House is the perfect luxury country house wedding venue. It has so much to offer and there are so many places for gorgeous photographs both in the house and grounds. The lakeside marquee for up to 200 is included in the hire. Although it is nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside it is easily accessible from Oxford, London and Heathrow.
Why not take a look.
Joanna
Photography: Jonny Gouldstone Photography