Historical Romance: Seckford Hall is one of the county’s favourite romantic places to get married and there are plenty of reasons why.

In the heart of Suffolk is Seckford Hall Hotel, one of most romantic wedding venues you’ll ever come across.
The Tudor manor house nestles peacefully in a valley between lpswich and Woodbridge, hidden from the modern world, yet just a stone’s throw from the junction where the region’s two main arterial roads converge.

It’s this combination of old world charm with 21st centuary convenience that makes it so appealing. No matter where your guests hail from, you can transport back to the age of elegance, more or less effortlessly, via the A 12 and A 14.

Seckford Hall was once home to the Seckford family. As well as updating it to provide all the creature comforts we expect from a top class hotel, today’s owners have been careful to preserve Seckford’s 520-year heritage. All the original architectural features are there, plus little touches of more recent history that add to its charm, such as pieces of furniture that once graced Buckingham and Windsor Castle.

Seckford provides an attractive venue, complete wedding service and top quality accommodation all under one roof. The hotel has beautiful gardens and a lake, which provide an attractive backdrop for photographs and there is also a golf course, which can be a great way to get rid of some of those pre-wedding nerves.

The hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies in the oak panelled Great Hall, which can seat up to 30 people or in the larger Lakeside Suite, which can accommodate 120. There is also a marquee, which can be given an original look depending on the colours and theme of your wedding and is particularly suitable if you’re planning an evening party after the main celebration.

Seckford caters for one wedding reception only in any given day and offers a complete wedding co-ordination service that includes drinks and the wedding breakfast —a ‘Finger-piece buffet where you stand, mingle and sit at occasional chairs and tables, a carved buffet with laid tables and a seating plan, or a formal seated and served hot lunch.

Functions co-ordinator Sonia Colchester can recommend local firms that can supply cakes, photography, cars, entertainment and a toastmaster, but Seckford can also work with your preferred suppliers and incorporate your ideas for your individual celebration.

The hotel has a choice of luxury suites, some with private lounges, four-poster beds and spa baths, which can be reserved for the wedding couple’s first night. There are five other bedrooms available to guests if the wedding is held at a weekend.

Sonia Colchester suggests couples consider getting married during the week
“It can particularly good for smaller weddings .We offer a reduced rate and therefore more flexibility with accommodation for guests:’ she said.

For more information about Seckford Hall phone 01394 385678 or click here to visit our weddings page

Printed with kind permission of Suffolk and Essex B&G - Spring Summer 2006 issue.