A guide to getting married in Rutland

Rutland, known as England’s smallest county, offers an intimate and picturesque setting for weddings. With its stunning countryside, charming villages, and the serene Rutland Water, this area provides a perfect backdrop for couples looking for a romantic and idyllic wedding location. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Rutland’s unique charm and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for your special day.

The best wedding venues in Rutland

Rutland boasts a variety of stunning wedding venues, from historic estates to scenic lakeside locations. Here are five of the best wedding venues in the area:

Normanton Church: Located on the edge of Rutland Water, Normanton Church offers a truly unique and breathtaking setting for your wedding. The church’s picturesque location, surrounded by water, provides a romantic and memorable backdrop for your ceremony.

Barnsdale Lodge: Nestled in the heart of the Rutland countryside, Barnsdale Lodge is a charming and rustic venue that combines historic charm with modern amenities. With its beautiful gardens, elegant interiors, and excellent service, it’s an ideal choice for a countryside wedding.

Hambleton Hall: This luxurious country house hotel offers a stunning setting on the shores of Rutland Water. Hambleton Hall’s elegant rooms, beautiful gardens, and award-winning cuisine make it a perfect venue for a sophisticated and intimate wedding.

Exton Park: Situated in a picturesque estate, Exton Park is a grand and historic venue that offers a blend of elegance and rustic charm. The park’s stunning grounds and magnificent interiors provide a perfect backdrop for a fairytale wedding.

Ladywood Estate: Ladywood Estate offers a unique and exclusive setting for weddings, with its luxurious manor house, beautifully landscaped gardens, and versatile event spaces. The estate’s seclusion and grandeur make it an ideal choice for a lavish and unforgettable celebration.

Getting a wedding dress in Rutland

Finding the perfect wedding dress is a crucial part of your wedding planning journey. Rutland and the surrounding areas offer several bridal boutiques and designers who can help you find or create the gown of your dreams. Here are five top places to consider:

The Dress Place: Located in Oakham, The Dress Place offers a wide selection of designer wedding dresses in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Known for their personalized service, they ensure that every bride finds the perfect gown for her special day.

Grace & Ivory Bridal: Situated in nearby Stamford, Grace & Ivory Bridal specializes in elegant and timeless bridal gowns. Their friendly and experienced staff provide a personalized shopping experience, helping brides find the dress that reflects their style and vision.

Rosa’s Bridal: Located in Uppingham, Rosa’s Bridal offers a carefully curated selection of wedding dresses from leading designers. The boutique is known for its warm atmosphere and exceptional service, ensuring that every bride enjoys a memorable dress shopping experience.

Melanie’s Bridal: Based in nearby Market Harborough, Melanie’s Bridal offers a range of bridal gowns from both established and up-and-coming designers. Their personalized service and attention to detail make them a popular choice for brides in the Rutland area.

Bellissima Bridal: Situated in Peterborough, Bellissima Bridal offers a luxurious bridal shopping experience with a focus on high-end designer gowns. The boutique’s elegant setting and expert staff ensure that every bride finds her dream dress.

The best wedding catering companies in Rutland

Delicious food is a key element of any wedding celebration, and Rutland offers several outstanding catering companies that can create a memorable dining experience for your guests. Here are five of the best wedding catering companies in Rutland:

Hitchen & Hitchen: Based in Oakham, Hitchen & Hitchen is known for its bespoke wedding catering services and commitment to quality. They offer a wide range of menus, from traditional sit-down meals to innovative, contemporary cuisine, ensuring that your wedding catering perfectly matches your style and tastes.

Harbour Kitchen: Located in Uppingham, Harbour Kitchen specializes in creating delicious and beautifully presented dishes for weddings. Their focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and attention to detail make them a popular choice for couples in Rutland.

Browns Catering: Based in nearby Grantham, Browns Catering offers creative and personalized wedding catering with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Their team works closely with couples to design a menu that reflects their tastes and enhances the overall wedding experience.

Kay Catering: Situated in Oakham, Kay Catering provides bespoke catering services with a focus on flavor and presentation. Their experienced team is dedicated to creating a memorable dining experience for you and your guests.

Strand Catering: Located in Stamford, Strand Catering offers a wide range of catering services, from elegant sit-down dinners to relaxed buffets. Their commitment to using high-quality, fresh ingredients ensures that your wedding meal will be a highlight of the day.

Getting a wedding cake in Rutland

The wedding cake is a centerpiece of your celebration, and Rutland is home to some talented cake designers who can create a beautiful and delicious cake for your big day. Here are five highly recommended shops for your wedding cake needs:

Rutland Cake Company: Based in Oakham, Rutland Cake Company is known for its bespoke wedding cakes that are as stunning as they are delicious. Their creative designs and attention to detail make them a top choice for couples in Rutland.

Sugar ‘n’ Spice Cakes: Located in Uppingham, Sugar ‘n’ Spice Cakes specializes in custom wedding cakes with a focus on quality ingredients and beautiful presentation. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or modern, Sugar ‘n’ Spice Cakes can create a cake that perfectly matches your wedding theme.

The Cake Company: Based in nearby Stamford, The Cake Company offers a range of wedding cakes, from classic designs to more contemporary styles. Their commitment to quality and creativity ensures that your wedding cake will be a memorable centerpiece.

Lucy Cakes: Located in Grantham, Lucy Cakes is known for its beautifully decorated and delicious wedding cakes. Their personalized service and ability to create custom designs make them a popular choice for Rutland weddings.

Bakerlina Cakes: Situated in Market Harborough, Bakerlina Cakes offers bespoke wedding cakes with intricate designs and bold flavors. Their attention to detail and commitment to using high-quality ingredients ensure a cake that is both beautiful and delicious.

The best hotels in Rutland

After the excitement of your wedding day, it’s important to have a luxurious and comfortable place to relax. Rutland offers a variety of high-end hotels that provide both comfort and elegance. Here are five of the best hotels in the area:

Hamilton Grand Hotel: Located in the heart of Rutland, Hamilton Grand Hotel offers a blend of contemporary luxury and historic charm. With its stylish rooms, excellent dining, and stunning views of Rutland Water, it’s a perfect place to unwind after your wedding celebration.

Barnsdale Lodge: Situated on the shores of Rutland Water, Barnsdale Lodge offers luxurious accommodations in a tranquil setting. The hotel’s elegant rooms, beautiful gardens, and excellent service make it an ideal retreat for newlyweds.

Hambleton Hall: Located in a stunning countryside setting, Hambleton Hall is a luxurious country house hotel known for its exceptional service and exquisite dining. The hotel’s opulent rooms and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy your first days as a married couple.

Stapleford Park: Situated just outside of Rutland, Stapleford Park is a grand country estate offering luxurious accommodations and top-notch amenities. The hotel’s stunning grounds, elegant rooms, and excellent spa facilities make it an ideal choice for a romantic getaway.

The George Hotel of Stamford: Located in the nearby historic town of Stamford, The George Hotel offers a blend of traditional charm and modern comforts. With its cozy atmosphere, elegant interiors, and excellent service, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy your honeymoon.

Rutland offers a wealth of options for couples planning their wedding, from stunning venues and beautiful dresses to delicious catering and luxurious accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, this charming county has everything you need to make your wedding day truly unforgettable.