Winter weddings are increasing in popularity and it’s easy to see why. There’s no fretting about the weather and you can often benefit from some really great out-of-season packages. Here Molly Miller reveals why tying the knot during the chillier months is the hot new thing…
If you’ve recently said ‘yes’ to the one you love during the festive period, Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park Hotel are here to turn your dream wedding into a reality. Nestled in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, both venues, part of the Elite Leisure Collection, offer a perfect blend of luxury, flexibility, and award-winning service that sets them apart in the world of weddings.
The holiday season is more than just a time for joy and celebration; it’s also the peak time for proposals. According to Bridebook, a popular wedding planning app, December is the chosen month for 26% of those who popped the question, with Christmas Day and Christmas Eve standing out as the top picks among those who proposed in 2023.
If you’re one of these recently engaged couples, congratulations are in order! As we enter a new year of new beginnings, now marks the perfect time to start your wedding journey, considering the rising trend of making this season your chosen time to say ‘I do’.
Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park Hotel have earned their stripes as award-winning venues in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Salomons Estate, a Grade II listed Victorian manor house on 36 acres of gardens, is a multi-award winner at the Kent Wedding Awards, boasting titles such as Events Team of the Year and Heritage Venue of the Year.
On the other hand, its sister venue, One Warwick Park, a luxury, four-star hotel near The Pantiles, claimed the title of Boutique Venue of the Year at this year’s awards.
Both venues have seen a rising trend in winter weddings, challenging the notion that summer and spring are the only seasons to tie the knot.
Karen Emberson, Event Manager at One Warwick Park Hotel, notes a significant increase in winter weddings from December to March, indicating a shift in the traditional wedding calendar.
“Over the past month, we had the pleasure of hosting eight winter weddings,” Karen told SO magazine.
“It’s becoming the preferred choice for those seeking something a bit different and memorable… they bring an enchanting and magical touch that stands out from the typical summer wedding.”
While Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park Hotel are known for their lavish ceremonies in luxurious surroundings, they also cater to intimate celebrations and bespoke requests.
Melissa Omer, Event Manager at Salomons Estate, adds, “We offer tailored and bespoke solutions and accommodate unique requests too – one couple wanting their dog to accompany them down the aisle!”
Melissa highlights the evolving landscape of UK weddings, emphasising individuality and straying from tradition.
“Our wedding plans are created element by element, so we can build a bespoke celebration for each couple based on their unique requests,” says Melissa.
The whole team, including chefs, goes above and beyond, providing options like pizza ovens, paella stations, gourmet burger bars, pimp your prosecco stations, and pop-up gin bars.
Partnering with local suppliers such as Bows Hire and Rare Nature Design, the venues transform their function rooms into enchanting spaces with fairy lights, candles, floral arrangements, and sweeping drapery. They collaborate with recommended suppliers, covering everything from hair and makeup artists to photographers and DJs, ensuring that every detail of your special day is taken care of.
“Couples are not restricted to our recommended suppliers; they have the freedom to bring their own teams on board to shape their dream wedding” Karen explains.
“We prioritise working around our guests, ensuring they don’t have to make compromises.”
Whether you want to say “I do” surrounded by 36 acres of breathtaking grounds or tie the knot in a luxurious boutique hotel, Elite Leisure Collection’s award-winning events team and venues are nothing short of exceptional, promising magical memories to last a lifetime.
To enquire, you can contact the team by emailing Salomons Estate at leisuresales@salomons-estate.com or sales@onewarwickpark.co.uk for One Warwick Park Hotel.
Wedding brochures can also be downloaded by visiting their websites.
