Brocket Hall: the ideal wedding venue... Since the 18th Century the Brocket Estate in Hertfordshire has been one of the most fashionable and romantic locations for weddings and grand celebrations. Full of exciting incident, glamour and intrigue it possesses a sense of drama and anticipation that is felt immediately upon arrival at the gates and which builds as the journey to the illustrious ancestral home is travelled. Few other venues can offer such far reaching and magical amenities and private entertainment only 40 minutes from Central London.
Three perfect places for a wedding venue
The enchanting 543 acre Brocket estate offers three different locations to hold civil ceremony weddings – Brocket Hall itself, Auberge du Lac and Brocket Hall Golf Club – collectively they offer three distinct locations, an extensive choice of rooms fitting the size and scale of almost every guest-list and a character all of their own.
For lovers of history and the elegance of a bygone era the grandeur of the Regency Hall, surrounded by the splendour of the Capability Brown inspired parkland, serves to provide the most beautiful and romantic backdrop for wedding ceremonies and the wedding breakfast. The magnificent Ballroom accommodates up to 150 guests and up to 250 guests for the evening reception, and is available on an exclusive use basis only.
In addition to the grandeur of the ancestral home with its panoramic views of the enchanting Broadwater Lake, the Estate boasts two other wedding or special occasion venues, each offering its own unique identity and privacy. Auberge du Lac, formerly an 18th century hunting Lodge on the Estate, and now a much acclaimed restaurant with a host of private dining rooms, a long, al fresco terrace and charming lakeside setting. Known as the ‘foodie’s favourite’ it has received a steady flow of delighted critics, all charmed by the ambiance and cuisine which most notably included Michael Winner writing: ‘The tart was totally superb. Close to historic’. A perfect setting for sophisticated functions, the dining area can seat up to 62 wedding guests, with a maximum of 100 for an evening reception. The restaurant accommodates only one wedding on each day and offers the attentive personal service and exclusivity required to ensure an unrivalled bespoke experience. This is a wedding venue for aficionados of fine cuisine.
Matt Edmonds took over as head chef of Auberge du Lac earlier this year, leaving Searcys at the Gherkin, and he is exploring a radical new direction for the menu. Along with sous chef Anthony Raffo (from Texture and Pied a Terre), Matt focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, many from the estate. Watermint growing by the lake is used for infusions for crème brûlée and cocktails, nettles are turned into soup, Douglas Fir pine needles flavour one of the pork dishes with whole branches enhancing the canape displays. There is an 8-course tasting menu delivering an experience comparable to foodie heaven.
The Watershyppes Clubhouse may appeal more to lovers of the royal and ancient game which fittingly overlooks the tranquil Broadwater Lake with views of the celebrated, par five, 18th hole with its charming ferry which carries golfers to their final destination. This is no ordinary club and first class private dining facilities in the Oak Room – a stunning oak beamed room with picturesque views – is an ideal location for weddings comfortably accommodating 120 guests for a formal dinner and dance. 150 people for a cocktail buffet with dancing and 150 for the evening reception. On the other hand, the Piano Lounge, encapsulates elegant and timeless surroundings, is perfect for a more intimate wedding, seating up to 26 people for a meal.
And for those that just can’t bear to leave, the lavishly appointed 30 bedroom Hall with its sumptuous accommodation, antiques and works of art is available along with Melbourne Lodge, the 18th century former stables with its 16 luxury bedrooms which also overlooks the beautiful waters of the Broadwater and Brocket Hall. The diversity of the three licensed wedding venues – Brocket Hall, Auberge du Lac and Brocket Hall Golf Club – provides elegant exclusivity in the immersive surroundings of the historic Brocket Hall Estate.
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