How to Plan a Destination Wedding

Planning a destination wedding is one of the most exciting, yet daunting, tasks for any couple. Combining the magic of a dream location with the love of your life is an unforgettable experience, and there are few places more enchanting than Woodhall Manor. With its charming countryside setting, luxurious facilities, and a rich history, Woodhall Manor in Suffolk offers the perfect backdrop for couples looking to say “I do” in style.

Woodhall Manor is the epitome of elegance and charm, offering an exclusive, romantic, and luxurious setting for your wedding. This stunning Grade II listed property is nestled within acres of beautiful parkland, providing a picturesque location for a ceremony and reception. The venue combines historic charm with modern amenities, making it the ideal venue for couples seeking a traditional yet contemporary feel.

Woodhall Manor’s dedicated wedding coordinators are experts in creating a seamless experience, and they’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure your destination wedding is stress free and magical.

• Location: Woodhall Manor is in nestled on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, providing all the countryside destination wedding feels, with sprawling acres of woodlands surrounding the manor, but also just a stones throw away from the coast line. Also located a couple of hours north of central London.
• Stunning Outdoor and Indoor Ceremony Options: Choose from a charming outdoor ceremony under a beautiful oak tree or opt for the impressive indoor ceremony in the elegant manor house.
• Bespoke Packages: Tailor your wedding to reflect your style and preferences with customisable packages.
• Accommodation: The manor offers luxurious accommodation for you and your guests, ensuring everyone feels pampered during the celebration.
• Incredible Photo Opportunities: From the lush gardens to the grand interiors, every corner of the property provides a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding photos.

Planning a destination wedding as a couple coming from abroad can raise a few legal questions. The good news is that Woodhall Manor is licensed for weddings and civil partnerships, which means you can have your legal ceremony right on-site without any additional travel or legal hurdles.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Civil Ceremony: If you’re a couple based outside of the UK, the first thing you’ll need to do is give notice of your intention to marry. This must be done in person at a registry office in the UK. Be sure to do this at least 28 days before your wedding day.
• Religious Ceremony: If you wish to have a religious ceremony (e.g., a Christian wedding ceremony), you’ll need to check with your chosen place of worship in advance to ensure they can accommodate your needs and adhere to the relevant legal requirements.
• No Need for a UK Residency: There’s no requirement to be a resident in the UK to marry at Woodhall Manor, but you must fulfil the legal notice requirements. Make sure to consult the local registry office for specific details.
• Documents You’ll Need:
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of address (e.g., utility bill)
  • If applicable, a decree absolute (if previously divorced) or a death certificate (if widowed)
  • If you were born in the UK but reside abroad, a parental consent may be required.

Tip:

It’s highly recommended to work with a local wedding planner or solicitor who specialises in UK weddings, as they can handle the legal paperwork and make the entire process much smoother.

The day you’ve dreamed of will unfold in the most magical way at Woodhall Manor. Here’s what your perfect day could look like:

The Ceremony: Indoors or Outdoors?

Your wedding ceremony at Woodhall Manor will be nothing short of magical. If you’ve chosen to exchange vows outside, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere. For a more classic setting, the manor’s indoor ceremony rooms boast high ceilings, intricate decor, and plenty of character.

Whether you’re looking for a grand entrance or a more intimate vibe, Woodhall Manor offers flexibility, so you can design the ceremony of your dreams.

The Reception: A Celebration to Remember

Once you’ve said “I do,” it’s time to celebrate. Woodhall Manor offers a range of reception options, from intimate dinners to large banquets. The venue’s exquisite dining rooms provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding breakfast, and you can choose from a range of menus created by their talented chefs. With a selection of drinks, from champagne to cocktails, your guests will be treated to top tier hospitality all night long.

The wedding planners at Woodhall Manor will ensure every detail, from table settings to floral arrangements, reflects your unique style and vision. And as the evening progresses, the grand ballroom or outdoor terrace becomes the perfect place to dance the night away, surrounded by your closest family and friends.

The Honeymoon: A Stay to Remember

What better way to end your destination wedding than with a luxurious honeymoon right at the venue? After your reception, you and your spouse can enjoy a peaceful retreat in one of Woodhall Manor’s suites, many of which offer stunning views of the surrounding gardens and parkland.

• Visit in Advance: While Woodhall Manor offers incredible virtual support, visiting the venue ahead of time will help you visualise your day and meet the team in person.
• Keep Guests in Mind: Woodhall Manor can accommodate up to 200 guests, so it’s perfect for both small and large weddings. Be sure to plan accommodation and transport for international guests who may need help with logistics.
• Consider the Time of Year: Suffolk offers stunning scenery all year round, but consider the weather when planning your wedding date. Summer offers beautiful greenery, while the fall can provide a cosy, romantic atmosphere.
• Work with Local Vendors: Woodhall Manor’s wedding coordinators can recommend trusted suppliers such as florists, photographers, and musicians to ensure every aspect of your wedding day is covered.

Woodhall Manor offers everything you could want in a destination wedding venue: charm, luxury, history, and personalised service. Whether you’re coming from abroad or locally, planning your dream wedding at this stunning location is seamless with guidance from the Woodhall Manor team.

Ready to say “I do” at Woodhall Manor? Start planning your destination wedding today, and let this magnificent venue be the place where your happily ever after begins.