SIXTEENTH century Ravenwood Hall Hotel is an idyllic wedding venue.

Steeped in history and situated within seven acres of beautiful country gardens, the hall’s magnificent Edwardian Pavilion is one of the most popular wedding venues in Suffolk.

Fully licensed it can cater for civil ceremonies up to 150 guests and evening celebrations up to 200.

With over 23 years of knowledge of creating truly wonderful weddings, the Ravenwood team is highly experienced and professional.

They have helped arrange hundreds of weddings, working closely with the bride and groom before the wedding, and are always on hand throughout the day offering peace of mind and assistance when needed.

Their objective is to ensure the special day runs as smoothly as possible, leaving the bride and groom to relax and enjoy every moment.

Before the big day, the bride and groom are invited to a wedding breakfast tasting. Here they are presented with a wide variety of dishes enabling them to choose their preferred menu, including any special dietary requirements. Dishes are freshly prepared to two-rosette standard, using only the finest seasonal ingredients, and are delicately presented.

Accommodation at Ravenwood is truly luxurious. The romantic bridal suite and a further 13 double en suite rooms are individually designed and decorated with many elegant finishing touches.

The gardens, with their mature trees and woodlands, provide the perfect backdrop for wedding photographs, as does the historic hall with its charming exterior and original oak beams inside.

Ravenwood Hall really is the perfect wedding venue, whether you’re considering a winter wedding with roaring log fires and a glass of mulled wine, a wedding set among glorious red and orange autumn leaves, or a spring or summer wedding by the pool.

And as it’s located just off junction 45 of the A14 it couldn’t be easier to find.

For an intimate wedding Ravenwood’s sister hotel, the Black Lion, couldn’t be more suited. The lovely Georgian hotel overlooks the green in the popular village of Long Melford, just 15 miles from Ravenwood Hall.

With its secluded Victorian walled garden and room for a marquee, the Black Lion is an ideal setting for summer or winter weddings.

Inside there is a cosy bar and plenty of dining areas. The study can cater for up to 30 guests, the Georgian dining room up to 50 guests, while double doors can be opened up to create space for up to 70 guests.

The bridal suite is beautiful and with nine other individually decorated, double en suite rooms for guests there is the possibility of exclusive use of the hotel.

The Black Lion’s wedding menu is exquisite. The hotel has won awards for the quality of its food, which is all prepared by renowned head chef Annette.

Being in the heart of Long Melford also provides guests with an opportunity to stay longer and explore the local area. They can stroll through the village, browsing the individual craft shops and antique centres along Melford high street, or visit two of the finest stately homes in the county just across the green. Historic towns such as Sudbury and Bury St. Edmunds are also a short drive away.

Both venues offer something totally unique, creating memories to cherish forever.  See www.ravenwoodhall.co.uk or call 01359 270345 or www.blacklionhotel.net or call 01787 312356.

PICTURES: ARCHANT