Mention Sedgefield, the bustling County Durham market town and what springs to mind? Thoughts of Tony Blair’s long reign as MP including his tenure as Prime Minister? Images of George Bush sampling a pint with fish and chips in the local pub during his 1997 visit? You may even have seen video of what looks like a violent rugby scrum as the annual ball chase takes place on Shrove Tuesday.
But Sedgefield in 2020 is quite the up and coming haven for those looking for some peace and tranquillity, a friendly high street brimming with fine eateries and comfortable lodgings and an escape to somewhere where things move at a slightly slower pace. With cute boutiques and gift shops in the town centre and the beautiful Hardwick Park on the doorstep to stretch those legs, it’s the perfect place to while away a weekend.
So imagine how your wedding guests would feel if you were inviting them not only to celebrate your love story with you, but to take the time out to relax for a few days enjoying all the areas has to offer? If only there was somewhere in the town for a wedding that let you do it your way? Well, now there is and luckily, I was invited along to The Manor House, an impressive Grade II* listed building in the heart of High Street to sneak a peak at this unique and quirky venue.
The Manor House is steeped in history having originally been built as a Queen Anne mansion house in the 1700’s. Throughout its history it has witnessed a whole range of uses including judges lodgings, as the offices of Sedgefield Rural District Council and in more recent years as a Magistrates Court, evident by the original cells still in situ in the basement. Its current use is a mixed-purpose venue, hosting serviced offices for a number of small local businesses, including Sanction Gin who will lovingly help create the perfect tipple for your occasion. Alongside supporting local businesses, The Manor House also operates as a venue for a range of celebrations from wedding and commitment ceremonies, vow renewals, birthdays, parties and conferences. And don’t forget the live music with some of the world’s greatest niche artists having benefited from some acoustics.
Vows With A View
So what could your wedding look like at The Manor House then? The beauty is that you’re hiring a blank canvas that is exclusively yours – that means no other bridal parties competing for attention and the flexibility to create the exact wedding that you want – from start, to finish. With the enthusiasm and creativity of owner Ean Parsons, you can make your day into exactly what you and your partner are dreaming of, without having to work to anyone else’s rules, timings or traditions. With a celebrant service you can make the vows that are meaningful to you, include the rituals that represent your story, and take as much time as you need to reflect your love. Just you, your guests and a whole building to yourselves to create the perfect memories.
In terms of how you can use the space, some brides choose to sweep down the huge, open staircase, with swooping banisters as guests observe the ceremony from the large reception hall below. Some choose the Old Court Room, with its stone fireplace and parquet floor to host the ceremony, before taking canapes and bubbles in the Reception Hall or Gallery, as The Old Court Room is prepared for a luxurious wedding breakfast. Catering is provided by long time partner Jacob & Tori who will work with you to create the menu that reflects your style and preferences. As mentioned, The Manor House residents Sanction Gin will ensure your guests are delighted by personalised cocktails, classic wines and a range of alcohol free options that reflect they personality of your celebration. When it comes to partying until the early hours, The Manor House has all your needs covered. For summer weddings, there is outdoor space for pop-up gardens, hog roasts and drinks under the stars whilst the amazing acoustics of The Old Court Room provide the perfect backdrop for your choice of live band or DJ. And without giving away too many secrets, there’s a fabulous surprise in the basement that’s sure to delight and amaze your guests in a really intimate and special way.
This all reads a bit like any venue brochure though so what was it I LOVED about The Manor House and inspired me to share it with you guys? Well two things really struck my Rebel Heart. Firstly, it was Ean, the owner of this fab place – just a great guy who I know would work really hard to help make yours a very special day. Creative, generous and passionate about the small things, he’s the sort of guy you want on your team when planning your big day. And secondly, it’s what’s at the core of the Rebel Heart ethos, in that you can tell your story, your way. There aren’t fixed package deals that you can’t change, specific seat colours or room dressings that are neutral and bland – from start to finish it’s all about doing it your way, in your style. And this quirky little place has buckets of personality that will only enhance the vibe and creativity of you and your other half!
So if your Rebel Heart’s beating hard at the thought of a wedding like no other, brought to life through the magic of The Manor House why not get in touch and see how we can bring your journey to life? Email me now on [email protected] and let’s talk!
More details about The Manor House can be found by clicking here