Wedding hotels

The Sukhothai

Bangkok, Thailand

Little Good Harbour

Barbados, Caribbean

Royal Crescent Hotel 

Bath, United Kingdom

Wow factor   The hotel is located on the magnificent Royal Crescent, perhaps the most beautiful street in Britain.

Need to know   Though the hotel has 45 bedrooms, it can only accommodate a maximum of 40 guests for the wedding ceremony itself.

Inspiration   The Royal Crescent Hotel team can assist with everything from photographers, flowers and hair and make-up to personalised menu cards and place settings, as well as Bath House bridal spa treats. A horse and carriage can also be arranged. The hotel’s 1920s river launch is available for private charter or champagne cruises.

Château de Bagnols 

Beaujolais, France

Wow factor   Soar into the sky on a morning or evening champagne balloon flight over the château and surrounding vineyards.

Need to know   Up to 50 guests can stay at the château (it can arrange to transfer other guests staying at nearby hotels). You'll need to give hotel staff at least two months' notice, and for spring/summer weddings, you must book six months ahead. Weddings parties must book the hotel on an exclusive basis for a minimum of two nights. The 15th-century St Blaise church in Bagnols can accommodate 70 seated plus 20 standing guests. The château can also arrange musical fireworks, flower displays and entertainments.

Inspiration   The ancient cuvage (winery) dates back to the 18th century, and under its new guise as a restaurant can accommodate atmospheric, candlelit banquets for up to 120 guests, or cocktail receptions for as many as 200. For smaller gatherings, the château offers the Salon de Musique and the Salon Empire with its original Napoleonic decorations. The Bibliothèque is also available for parties of up to 60.

The Olde Bell Inn

Berkshire, United Kingdom

Wow factor   All the charm and heritage of a mediaeval coaching inn, with the added glam of Ilse Crawford’s stylish modern decor.

Need to know   Depending on the number of guests, you can choose between the 16th-century Tudor tithe barn or the smaller, equally historic malt house for your ceremony. The inn can set up marquees all year round (possibly for more than 140 guests, if necessary), and in summer, can position tables under the trees in the meadow garden for the ultimate rustic reception. The Olde Bell maintains a list of trusted suppliers, but is happy to work with your own recommendations too.

Inspiration   With the Thames at the bottom of the road, you can choose to arrive at the ceremony – or slip off for your honeymoon – by boat.

Wheatleigh

Berkshires, United States

Wow factor   22 acres of glorious New England countryside and a lake in the grounds will make the perfect backdrop to your wedding snaps.

Need to know   Wheatleigh does relatively few weddings because, in their words, ‘we don’t want to become a wedding factory’, although they have arranged a few A-list events in the hotel. If you’re lucky enough to secure it as your venue, Wheatleigh can accommodate 100–150 guests at the reception, depending on the time of year, and staff will assist with all arrangements you wish, offering a profoundly personalised service.

Inspiration   End your ceremony by floating away with your spouse in the basket of a hot-air balloon, looking down on that inimitable Berkshires landscape.

Be Manos

Brussels, Belgium

Wow factor   Be Manos’ moodily lit rooftop terrace provides a panoramic-viewpoint venue, and the sharp, retro decor can inspire your dress decisions.

Need to know   Spring and summer are the best months to book if you want to minimise the risk of rain. Hotel staff will be happy to help with arrangements, including flowers, photography and food, etc).

Inspiration   Proximity to Brussels’ Eurostar terminal at Midi Station means UK-based guests can attend with minimum hassle.

Hotel V

Cadiz Province, Spain

Wow factor   Hotel V is at the centre of one of southern Spain’s most atmospheric villages, where whitewashed Moorish-style houses line winding streets.

Need to know   The hotel itself is located just 50 metres from Vejer de la Frontera’s church, and can be rented in its entirety. The hotel has its own wedding planner on hand, and can help with all the organisation.

Inspiration   Dinner or a buffet can take place on its beautiful roof terrace, where guests will be treated to views of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains across the water – a stunning backdrop to any wedding photography.