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Venue type: Castle / Fort
Description:
This fairytale 17th century castle is a stunning location for a wedding. Commanding a spectacular hilltop setting with views across the Vale of Scarsdale, Bolsover Castle offers a choice of four rooms licensed for civil ceremonies. Two are inside the Little Castle, built by Sir Charles Cavendish in 1612. With its high walls, towers and turrets this picturebook building is like a medieval castle in miniature. A stone staircase leads to its stunning Jacobean interiors. At its heart lies the Star Chamber where couples can exchange their vows witnessed by up to 50 guests. With an elaborate carved fireplace, ornate wooden panelling and magnificent blue ceiling with stars gilded in gold leaf, it is an exquisite setting. The atmospheric Pillar Parlour, also within the Little Castle, can seat 30 guests. For larger ceremonies, couples can choose either the former Stables or the Riding House which has a magnificent oak beam roof. Built by Sir Charles’s son William in 1630, the Riding House was once used by Sir William to train his horses in the art of menage, a kind of ballet for horses, where they elegantly circled, leapt and knelt. Able to hold 200 guests for a ceremony, this large and unusual room looks spectacular when styled for an evening dinner dance, when it can host 175 guests. The Outer Courtyard is able to hold a marquee for larger parties.
This 17th-century love palace was originally intended by Sir Charles to be a retreat to an imaginary golden age of chivalry and pleasure. But the finishing touches added by his son included symbolic and erotic wall paintings, a charming garden for lovers complete with bowers, secluded seats and Venus fountain – and of course his impressive Riding Range for his horses – which became one of the most famous in Europe.
The garden which has been lovingly restored by English Heritage is still perfect for lovers’ trysts today and makes a wonderfully romantic backdrop for photographs.
Couples who choose to make their commitment at Bolsover Castle may choose from a list suppliers, carefully chosen by English Heritage to meet their high standards of quality and service, to add the finishing touches on everything from food and flowers to photography, music and lighting which will ensure their special day at Bolsover Castle is both unique and memorable.
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Contact Bolsover Castle
