wedding venues

[quizzywig]

My daughter is planning to marry next september-ish and wants to get married at a venue in Oxford or surrounding area. I've looked a few up and they can be costly I know. Does anyone have any experience of venue weddings in Oxford area, especially ones that don't cost the earth?
All views appreciated.

[natalie_1982]

Depends what budget you are looking at but I had a fantastic wedding on a budget in Oxford, a lot of this was to do with the fact that I had it out of season (early March) and so all venues were available. It also depends what kind of ceremony and day you would like. This is what I had, if you want more info on anything (bridal shops, flowers, etc) then let me know.

I married at a small village Church where my family are from, although I didn't / don't live there so had to stay there for 2-3 weeks while the Banns were being read. If you look at "Church Times" on the link it shows you the Church.
http://www.kbsonline.org.uk/

We went to Hawkwell House hotel for the wedding breakfast, who were very good value (an initial look might make you think it is expensive, but in comparison to the other places round here it's excellent and not as pricey as you might think). The food was fantastic, the staff were wonderful, everything was just magical. I can't remember the name of the room we had but it is the part-conservatory one. Some of the other rooms I found to be a bit too dim, the restaraunt was light and beautiful. The location is just fab and so pretty, I can't say anymore about this place - just go have a look!
http://www.hawkwellhouse.co.uk/

[natalie_1982]

As the daytime was for adults only (we were limited to 50 during the day due to our budget) we decided that the evening should just be a huge party that everyone can enjoy (especially the little ones), so we decided to have a cheapy knees up at the Rover Cowley Sports and Social Club in the Empress Room. It's pretty plain, but the room was big enough (there are 3 rooms, one for up to 100 guests, one for up to 300 - the one we used, and one for up to 600) and they can provide a disco if you like. We arranged our own music. The only condition they have is that they supply the food, this is negotiated with the chef as to what your budget is and what you are looking for food wise so they are very helpful. The staff are provided and hall hire (which is very reasonable although I can't remember how much off the top of my head) includes cleaning up after the event. Their number is 01865 717166.

Let me know how you get on and what you decide! X

[natalie_1982]

I think a civil ceremony Oxford Town Hall can be fairly reasonable too, again, depends what you are looking for. The rooms in the building are beautiful and you're right next to the university parks so could get some excellent photos outdoors too.
http://www.oxford.gov.uk/leisure/town-hall-wed ding.cfm

I have never even been to Eynsham Hall but I know a friend who went to a wedding there who said it was magnificent, and that the prices were surprisingly reasonable (it doesn't quote on the website but a phone call might help)
http://www.eynshamhall.com/weddings.html

Lastly, I probably shouldn't say this, but the two places I certainly would not try are the Four Pillars hotels. I have only been to a wedding at the Spires hotel and it was really disappointing, I also found them to be VERY expensive compared to other better venues. There is also a Four Pillars at Sandford on Thames although I have not been there I have heard it is much better, although when I got quotes I still found it to be very expensive.

Hope this helps. Whereabouts do you live?

[quizzywig]

Many thanks for your views, it's just the sort of feedback I was looking for. My daughter lives in the Wantage area. I spotted the Hawkswell House Hotel on line and thought it looked good.
I shall pass on all this info to my daughter.