Blenheim Palace Orangery reopens for weddings
Blenheim Palace has announced the reopening of its Orangery following vital £2 million restoration.
You’ve said, “Yes”, and now you’re in search of an exceptional wedding venue to say, “I do”. Where better to celebrate your nuptials than at the UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes its beautifully restored Orangery.
The Orangery, restored to its former glory, now embraces a captivating bar area and opens onto the Italian Terrace overlooking the private Italian Garden. This harmonious merger of contemporary chic with timeless charm amplifies the allure of this historic venue, creating a unique and memorable setting for your special day.
The impressive venue and dining experience features locally sourced ingredients, using fresh fruits and vegetables from the Palace’s own kitchen garden.
The Orangery is licensed, offering an ideal spot for your ceremony before heading over to the Palace to continue the celebrations. Or why not host your ceremony in the formal gardens or Marlborough Room before returning to the Orangery for your wedding breakfast and evening entertainment.
Heather Carter, Managing Director at Blenheim Palace said: “Providing the ultimate ‘wow factor’ for friends and family, promising memories that will last a lifetime, The Orangery within the inspiring setting that is ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’ is a spectacular setting for weddings. The Palace’s 18th Century baroque architecture, over 2,000 acres of picturesque, landscaped parkland and award-winning Formal Gardens, make the perfect backdrop for photographs. We’re so proud of the vital work that’s gone into the restoration of The Orangery and can’t wait to once again open our doors to couples on their big day.”
During the recent ground-breaking restoration project of the 18th century Orangery, fully funded thanks to visitors to Blenheim Palace, the glass ceiling was replaced with a timber and slate structure in the spirit of Vanbrugh’s original design. This is believed to be the first type of reinstatement programme carried out on a Grade 1 Listed building. The Orangery roof was last restored in the 1970s but the 19th century glass roof came to the end of its natural life and needed entirely replacing.
Steeped in history and often a special talking point and conversation starter, as its name suggests, The Orangery was originally a greenhouse with large windows creating the perfect climate to support the growth of oranges and lemons over the winter months. Over the past 300 years, The Orangery has been transformed for various uses including as a greenhouse, theatre, offices, an art gallery, and now an idyllic wedding venue.
Whether you’re planning a large extravagant wedding, or a more intimate one, Blenheim Palace has an experienced events team who provide an outstanding tailored service to create a bespoke wedding day. Including The Orangery there are a number of unique and hugely versatile locations at Blenheim Palace for ceremonies and receptions like the Marlborough Room, the Great Hall, the Saloon and the Long Library as well as outdoor locations.
For more information about hiring The Orangery visit www.blenheimpalace.com/hospitality
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