Butterley Grange Mansion - Butterley Review
Well, what can I say? It ticked all the right boxes. The only problem is price. It's 11 grand to hire it all out. But, then again I was told that if I only wanted to hire out certain rooms it would bump the price down a lot.
The place is amazing though. I've driven by it so many times and loved it. I used to joke about it being my house. I didn't even know that it could be used as a wedding venue!
I was invited by the owner Timothy Godkin (The Godkin's are a rich family who have lots of property in the area. Very well known.) to come to the wedding fayre that was being held. It's only a walk away, so I obviously couldn't resist.
The place is epic though. You walk up the huge driveway, past lots of horses, turn through a hedge archway and up to the house itself. There are stone steps leading down to the front doors and the hallway is lovely. The room straight ahead is the pool room. A gorgeous indoor pool with lots of sofas and it's own bathroom and french doors that lead out to the gardens. To the left and right are lovely little reception rooms and two dining rooms. To the left is the Versace dining room and the right is the dining room that I want for my sit down meal. It's past the staircase and through the doors.
Upstairs there is the bridal suite. Holy cow, it's brilliant. Huge bed, gold columns and tons of windows. The ceiling is great too with ornate carvings and such.
The gardens are beautiful. just outside the front doors is a large pond with lily pads and the actual garden round the back is huge. It has it's own band stand and everything.
One thing I'm glad I went for was the fact that it put me off having a marquee. It was stifling in there! We were sweating buckets. Horrible.
I found a person though to make my cake and to also make my bouquets and accessories, as well as a pianist and violinist.
Check out the venue though and click on the gallery: http://www.butterleygrangemansion.com/
[UPDATE]
Today we were invited back to have a more private viewing of the place with the wedding coordinator, Jane. She showed us round again and we sat down, discussed what we wanted etc. Normally the place would cost like... £10,000/£12,000. She offered it for £6000. Included is the venue, her services, exclusive use of the house and a free brunch the day after for ALL guests and use of the bridal suite AND the other bedrooms for up to around 16 guests. The brunch is a pool party brunch too. Hah! It's so tempting! I have until the end of the month to decide.
[UPDATE #2]
Me and Lee have settled on this venue and were offered and incredible deal. We will be booking ASAP for either the 25th and 25th of July 2014, 2015, or 2016.
Here is what we have been offered:
Exclusive Hire of Butterley Grange Mansion and grounds for the 24th July 2014 is £4000
This includes with a reduction of £1000 for not using the night club
24/7 assistance from wedding planner throughout planning and on the day.
late Civil ceremony within the bandstand (house) followed by receptions drinks on the lawn,
wedding breakfast for approx £35pp for 40 guests carvery with family service veg(+mash, steak for groom)
drinks package £10pp 1 receptions drink, 1 glass of house wine and glass of sparkling wine for toast
midnight snacks approx £5 per person for 25 guests
Bridal suite, castle suite and Hadley suite for the night of the wedding
Staffed bar till 2am in main house.
Free engagement party in Hangar 69 ( to be taken in 2012)
use of the pool area for post wedding pool party brunch on the 25th (min of 20 guests at £20pp)
All drinks on bar £3(wine, lager, spirits soft drinks £1) (subject to inflation)
All food to be discussed with Chef Stephen Harrison
Total (with discounts) based on your numbers and style of food and drink £6045.00
(Food prices are subject to inflation)
