Bath's Historic Venues

WEDDINGS AT BATH’S HISTORIC VENUES

ASSEMBLY ROOMS ROMAN BATHS & PUMP ROOM VICTORIA ART GALLERY GUILDHALL BATH: A WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Recognised as one of the Built around Britain’s only hot springs, Come to Bath and luxuriate in the most beautiful cities in the Bath gained its greatest importance natural hot springs at Thermae Bath first in Roman and then again in Spa or indulge yourself in the city’s world, Bath is the only city in Georgian times. Today, the city reflects abundant boutique shops. If you are Britain to enjoy UNESCO two thousand years of continuous interested in sport, why not catch a World Heritage status. Bath is habitation, with the spectacular game at Bath Rugby, explore the medieval Abbey soaring above the delightful cycle routes into the the perfect location for your 2,000 year-old Roman Baths and Somerset countryside or spend a wedding or civil partnership elegant Georgian Pump Room. day at Bath races? The city is culturally rich, with the and, with its stylish Bath’s Historic Venues are integral to nationally renowned Theatre Royal combination of beautiful the history of the city and include some close at hand. Numerous festivals of the country’s most iconic buildings. architecture, breath-taking take place throughout the year They provide a truly unique backdrop to scenery and luxurious celebrating everything from music, your wedding day. When you hold your comedy and food to children’s accommodation, wedding or civil partnership with us, literature and Jane Austen. it will sweep you and your you are not limited to using only one guests off your feet. venue – you are able to combine different rooms so that you can sample the finest locations in the city. When you also consider its convenient location and easy access to the rest of the UK, we hope you’ll agree that Bath really is the perfect destination for your wedding day. Matt Lincoln Matt

Our Venues 4 Assembly Rooms 10 Roman Baths & Kingston Room Victoria Art Gallery 34 Guildhall 40 Further Information 46 Booking Information 54 Tailor Made 8 Great Octagon 14 Pump Room 22 and Drawing Room 32 Upper Gallery and Banqueting Room 44 Catering 48 Tea Room 16 Great Bath 26 Temple Pediment Lower Gallery 38 Council Chamber and Wedding packages 50 Ball Room 18 Pump Room 28 and Aquae Sulis 33 Brunswick Room 45 Capacity and availability 52 Card Room 20 Terrace and Sunrise Weddings 34 Bath Register Office 45 Fashion Museum 21 Reception Hall 30 Sunset Weddings 35 BATH: A WORLD HERITAGE SITE 1771 Assembly Rooms built, designed by 863 BC c1090 1580s John Wood the The legendary Prince King’s Bath built over the Queen’s Bath built beside Younger Bladud discovers Bath’s Roman Sacred Spring King’s Bath healing thermal springs 1617 Abbey Church completed 1897 Roman Baths 1661 opens to visitors Drinking Pump installed at the King’s Bath 2002 1702 HM The Queen visits the 1900 Guildhall, Pump Room and Bath’s profile is raised by Queen Anne’s visits Victoria Art Gallery Roman Baths opens 1704 2003 Richard ‘Beau’ Nash Free public concert by appointed Master of The Three Tenors in the Ceremonies Royal Crescent 1706 2006 First Pump Room Thermae Bath Spa opens 1174 opens 1775 c75AD St. John’s Hospital built Guildhall built, designed 2007 beside the Cross Bath by Thomas Baldwin 1795 Romans build the 1727 ‘The Duchess’ with Keira Pump Room Knightley and Ralph sacred baths and Minerva’s Head discovered beneath Stall Street rebuilt, designed by Fiennes, filmed in the temple of Aquae Sulis 1499 1801 Thomas Baldwin Assembly Rooms Building of Jane Austen moves to present Abbey lodgings in Bath and John Palmer started 1742 c400 Royal Mineral Water Romans withdraw and Hospital opens, 1840 Aquae Sulis falls into ruin designed by John Wood 1987 World’s first postage stamp 1539 the Elder Bath’s monastery closed by sent from Bath Post Office Bath designated a King Henry VIII; incomplete World Heritage Site 577 Abbey left to disintegrate by UNESCO Bath captured by Saxons 1767 1880 Royal Crescent started, Roman Baths discovered designed by John Wood 1574 the Younger 973 Queen Elizabeth I orders Edgar crowned the first restoration of Abbey and 1897 king of all England in promotion of hot baths William Harbutt invents Bath’s Saxon cathedral Plasticine in Bath 2 3

Dave Saunders Dave A successful wedding day with us is not weather-dependant. Rain at the Roman Baths simply adds to its unique Be part of the history and hold atmosphere. The hot water creates your wedding in one of Bath’s more steam when the weather is cold historic buildings. outside. At the Assembly Rooms, there are ample opportunities for beautiful What could be more romantic than a indoor photographs under the crystal torch-lit ceremony alongside the chandeliers or from the musicians’ steaming waters of the Roman Baths? balcony. Alternatively, the Great Octagon in the Assembly Rooms is undoubtedly one of the most elegant settings for a Above left: wedding in the country. Add a touch of Chandelier at the Georgian splendour with a reception in Assembly Rooms the beautiful Assembly Rooms, Pump Left: Entrance to Room or Guildhall Banqueting Room the Roman Baths and your day will be truly Below: Celebration unforgettable. in the Pump Room Lee Niel Lee Lee Niel Lee 4 5

Bennett Street ASSEMBLY ROOMS Freia Turland Freia Niel Lee Turland Freia Turland Freia

ASSEMBLY ROMAN BATHS VICTORIA GUILDHALL VICTORIA ART GALLERY

High Street ROOMS & PUMP ROOM ART GALLERY GUILDHALL Housing the Banqueting Room, the finest Georgian interior in Bath, the Guildhall is an imposing Grade I listed Parade The Assembly Rooms is one of Bath’s Situated at the heart of the World The Victoria Art Gallery is the city’s building. Conveniently positioned gardens most prestigious venues and has been Heritage Site, the Roman Baths and public art gallery, with a particularly opposite Bath Abbey and the Roman at the heart of the city’s social life Pump Room is without doubt one of fine collection of art in its care. The Baths, the Register Office for Bath is since the 18th century. There are four the most distinctive buildings in the stunning upper gallery with its cast also located within the Guildhall. ROMAN BATHS rooms on the ground floor, designed country. The Roman Baths, steeped of the Parthenon Frieze houses the & PUMP ROOM for large assemblies and therefore in history, with its origins dating back permanent collection, whilst the BANQUETING ROOM 44 perfect for weddings and civil 2000 years, is a truly magical setting exhibitions in the lower gallery change COUNCIL CHAMBER AND partnerships. Guests can move that will delight and fascinate your every few months. The Gallery is an seamlessly, behind closed doors, guests. Upstairs in the Pump Room, inspiring and unusual venue for a civil BRUNSWICK ROOM 45 from room to room throughout the there is a choice of rooms, and the ceremony or drinks reception. BATH REGISTER OFFICE 45 day. There is a small formal garden, venue can therefore cater for intimate well suited to drinks receptions, and groups as well as much larger UPPER GALLERY AND the world-renowned Fashion Museum, wedding parties for up to 200 guests. LOWER GALLERY 38 located on the lower ground floor, can be a welcome distraction GREAT BATH 26 between other activities. PUMP ROOM 28 FURTHER INFORMATION TERRACE AND RECEPTION HALL 30 GREAT OCTAGON 14 For further information including TEA ROOM 16 KINGSTON ROOM AND wedding packages and catering, BALL ROOM 18 DRAWING ROOM 32 please see p.46 I CANNOT THANK YOU ALL ENOUGH FOR OUR CARD ROOM 20 TEMPLE PEDIMENT AND WONDERFULLY MAGICAL WEDDING. WE KNEW OUR FASHION MUSEUM 21 AQUAE SULIS 33 VENUE WAS AMAZING, BUT THERE IS NOT A WORD FOR SUNRISE WEDDINGS 34 SUNSET WEDDINGS 35 JUST HOW OUT OF THIS WORLD IT ACTUALLY WAS” Nikki Mayes

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Choose a selection of With extensive experience of rooms to suit you holding and organising weddings, we offer hands-on professional Lee Niel Lee People are different and, naturally, Photography Palmer Albert expertise to guide you through the so are their preferences for their most suitable venue options to wedding day. While some choose a match your vision of the day. lavish wedding breakfast, others may We are passionate about the prefer an intimate laid back soirée or buildings we look after and something fun starting bright and feedback from our clients early in the morning. Our philosophy HEART OF THE SMALLER frequently praises the enthusiasm is whatever style or size of wedding and professionalism of our staff. you choose, we will work with your We will work closely with you and individual wishes to create your THE CITY WEDDING your wedding suppliers in the time Brett HarknessBrett Freia Turland perfect day. leading up to your wedding to Our four venues are all within walking ensure that nothing is left to distance of one another, allowing you Another option for the larger wedding For the more intimate occasion, chance. On the day itself, a to choose a combination of rooms if or civil partnership, is to begin your Sunrise Weddings around the Great dedicated Function Manager will you simply like the best of everything day in the Guildhall. Following your Bath are Bath’s best kept secret, ensure that your wedding runs that Bath has to offer. Here are just a UNDER THE FOR ART ceremony in the Register Office or suitable for just the bride and groom seamlessly and that you have a few examples: Brunswick Room, simply climb the or a much larger group. Following the relaxed and delightful time. sweeping grand staircase to the 8.30am ceremony and photographs, We can also provide those little splendid Georgian Banqueting Room you can enjoy a Champagne breakfast extras for you at no extra charge, CHANDELIERS LOVERS such as an easel to display your for drinks and a wedding breakfast. with up to 60 guests in the elegant Alternatively, there are a number of Pump Room above. seating plan, a PA for speeches, beautiful churches nearby for a and even witnesses for your Alternatively, the intimate Kingston ceremony, including Bath Abbey ceremony if required. For weddings with 60 to over 300 Why not exchange your vows Room and Drawing Room overlook and St. John’s. ...WE REALLY CANNOT guests, you could hold your ceremony surrounded by magnificent art at the Bath Abbey and are well suited to a and wedding breakfast in the beautiful Victoria Art Gallery? Follow this with A short stroll away are the lovely daytime ceremony and drinks, or lunch SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH OF Georgian Assembly Rooms. Why not a sparkling drinks reception and then Parade Gardens, which offer fine for up to 40 guests. This can be followed EVERYONE WE HAVE then jump on a vintage London bus for stroll the short distance to the Pump views of Pulteney Bridge and the weir later in the day with an evening party in a grand tour of the city before being Room or Guildhall for a seated dinner – perfect for wedding photographs. the Terrace and Reception Hall if SPOKEN TO OR MET DURING dropped off at the Roman Baths, for a or party. Alternatively, following your ceremony, desired. sparkling drinks reception around the you could choose a traditional Alternatively, for up to 35 guests, you For parties of 40 or less, you could enjoy THE ENTIRE PROCESS. OUR Great Bath, and a lavish party in the afternoon tea in the Banqueting Room could enjoy an intimate celebration at the atmosphere of the Roman Baths Pump Room? before crossing the road to the Roman WEDDING DAY TRULY HAS the Roman Baths Kitchen restaurant. museum. Exchange your vows at Baths for drinks and an evening party. BEEN THE HAPPIEST DAY 7.30pm beneath the magnificent Roman Temple Pediment in the heart OF OUR LIVES...” of the museum and follow this with Duncan Bradshaw celebratory drinks in the Aquae Sulis area. If you have up to 35 guests, you may like to walk across to the Roman Baths Kitchen restaurant for a cosy candlelit dinner overlooking the Abbey Churchyard.

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Our Venues 4 Assembly Rooms 10 Roman Baths & Kingston Room Victoria Art Gallery 34 Guildhall 40 Further Information 46 Booking Information 54 Tailor Made 8 Great Octagon 14 Pump Room 22 and Drawing Room 32 Upper Gallery and Banqueting Room 44 Catering 48 Tea Room 16 Great Bath 26 Temple Pediment Lower Gallery 38 Council Chamber and Wedding packages 50 Ball Room 18 Pump Room 28 and Aquae Sulis 33 Brunswick Room 45 Capacity and availability 52 Card Room 20 Terrace and Sunrise Weddings 34 Bath Register Office 45 Fashion Museum 21 Reception Hall 30 Sunset Weddings 35 A VIBRANT HISTORY Left: Tea Room ASSEMBLY ROOMS Below left: Tea Room Designed by John Wood the Younger in Below: Thomas 1769 for entertainment, tea drinking Rowlandson, and dancing, the Assembly Rooms ‘Comforts of Bath: Ball were at the heart of fashionable at the Upper Assembly With its original 18th century Whitefriars Georgian society. When completed in Rooms’, watercolour 1771, they were described as ‘the most 1798 crystal chandeliers, high ceilings and portraits noble and elegant of any in the by Gainsborough and Ramsey, the Grade I kingdom’. Guests would gather in the rooms in the evening for balls, concerts Listed Assembly Rooms make a stylish and and other social functions, or simply to truly historical setting for a wedding or civil play cards and socialise. Scenes such as this feature in the partnership. novels of Jane Austen, who lived in Bath with her parents and sister from The Assembly Rooms consist of four On your wedding day, the bridal car 1801 to 1805. Her two novels set in splendid rooms, the Great Octagon, can drive onto the forecourt outside Bath, Northanger Abbey and Tea Room, Ball Room and Card Room. the main entrance so that you can Persuasion, both mention the In addition to these magnificent spaces, make an impressive arrival and walk Assembly Rooms, which she called there is a small formal garden well straight down the red carpet to your the “Upper Rooms”. suited to summer drinks receptions chosen room. Charles Dickens visited Bath on several and wedding photographs. Royal Victoria Park, The Circus and occasions. He gave public readings in The Royal Crescent are just a short the Assembly Rooms and mentions walk away and give you a choice of them in the Pickwick Papers (published breath-taking backdrops for wedding in 1837): “In the ball-room, the long card-room, the octagonal card-room,

photographs. PhotographyWaspe Michelle the staircases, and the passages, the hum of many voices, and the sound of many feet, were perfectly bewildering. Dresses rustled, feathers waved, lights shone, and jewels sparkled”. Adaptations of several novels have been filmed in the Assembly Rooms, in addition to films such as The Duchess (2008) with Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes. Harerra Images Harerra Council ©B&NES 12 13

Octagonal in shape and housing CAPACITY four original marble fireplaces and eighteenth century portraits, this Ceremony 120 HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT… room began life as a card room where Drinks Reception 250 parties gathered at tables to play whist …combining a ceremony in and other games of chance. Today, Dinner 120 the Great Octagon with a painted a sunny yellow, the Great wedding breakfast in the Octagon makes an excellent venue Tea Room? Follow this for a memorable ceremony or drinks with an evening party in reception. the Roman Baths and Pump Room. Harerra Images Harerra Marianne Taylor Photography Taylor Marianne Lee Niel Lee

I KNOW EVERYONE SAYS IT’S THE BEST DAY OF THEIR LIVES, BUT IT WAS AND THIS IS DOWN TO THE BEAUTIFUL VENUE, AMAZING STAFF AND PERFECT FOOD. YOU DON’T DELIVER A WEDDING, YOU DELIVER AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!”

Lee Niel Lee Gemma Davidson

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HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT…

Combining a ceremony in the Octagon, with dinner in the pump rooms? Lee Niel Lee

Wonderfully light and well- proportioned, this graceful room features original fireplaces, a double columned balcony and three stunning Whitefriars crystal chandeliers. The Tea Room is the perfect setting for an elegant wedding breakfast, or, bedecked with flowers, becomes a delightful venue for the ceremony itself, prior to a wedding breakfast in the Ball Room. Photography Taylor Marianne CAPACITY

Ceremony 250 Drinks Reception 300 Dinner 170 Dinner Dance 120 Marianne Taylor Photography Taylor Marianne 16 17

The Ball Room is the largest CAPACITY eighteenth century room in Bath. High columns, intricate plasterwork Ceremony 500 and five original crystal chandeliers Drinks Reception 400 make this a breath-taking space. It is ideally suited to the larger wedding or Dinner 310 for those planning a ceilidh dance for Dinner Dance 280 everyone to enjoy. Brett Harkness PhotographyHarkness Brett 18 19

CAPACITY

Drinks Reception 150 Lou Abercrombie Photography Abercrombie Lou

Adjoining the Great Octagon is the lovely Card Room. With access to the small formal garden it is most often used for summer drinks receptions. The room itself also serves as a bar when a larger room is hired for a seated reception.

CAPACITY

Drinks Reception 100

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT…

…hiring the Fashion Museum before your evening party?

Above: Assembly Rooms garden

Left: Card Room

Right: Dress of the Year 2011, Sarah Burton’s Fall 2011 collection for

Kristy Field PhotographyKristyField MattLincoln Alexander McQueen 20 21

From the first century AD to the twenty first century, people have been drawn to this place for entertainment and relaxation.

What remains today is a remarkable sequence of ancient, medieval and later structures that give testimony to the continuous use of hot water here over nearly 2000 years. Lee Niel Lee

deities Sulis and Minerva, the latter being their own goddess of healing. The hot baths, which yield around 1,200,000 litres of water daily at 46°C, were in use between the 1st and 4th centuries. The first Pump Room was built in 1706 and the improved, current structure was built in 1795 by Thomas Baldwin and John Palmer. In 1878, the city surveyor architect

©B&NES Council ©B&NES Major Charles Davis, worried by a leak in the King’s Bath, decided to explore A VIBRANT HISTORY the ground around it. In doing so he found Roman remains and by 1880 had The story of the hot springs in Bath uncovered large parts of the Great began thousands of years ago. Rain on Bath. The Reception Hall and Terrace the Mendip Hills was driven deep were completed in the late 19th underground before rising, hot and century, providing the city with a bubbling, to the surface, warmed by monument for which it is now famed the heat of the earth’s core. The site of throughout the world. this extraordinary phenomenon prompted the Celts to adopt the spring as the home of their goddess Sulis. Left: Great Bath Following the Roman invasion of Above: ‘Pump Room’, Britain, the Romans built a grand coloured aquatint by John religious spa complex on this site in Hill after JC Nattes, 1804 Anthony Bennett PhotographyBennett Anthony Lee Niel Lee c.75AD, which they dedicated to the Above top: The Pump Room 24 25

What could be more romantic and In July and August, when the Great impressive than exchanging your vows Bath is unavailable for private events, amid the flickering torchlight and an inspiring alternative for your rising steam from the waters of the pre-dinner ceremony or drinks Great Bath? Sunrise Weddings can be reception is the nearby Victoria Art followed by a wedding breakfast in the Gallery. Georgian Pump Room. Or in the Ceremonies at 8.30am or 7.30pm. evenings, after a Sunset Wedding, you Drinks receptions from 7pm. Evening can choose to have your reception in events available September to June. either the Pump Room or Terrace and Reception Hall. Alternatively, the Great Bath can be A VIBRANT HISTORY hired for an evening drinks reception prior to dinner. Guests can gather on The Romans originally roofed this area the 2000 year old paving and enjoy of their spa buildings first with Niel Lee drinks and delicious canapés, whilst a wooden structure and then with an enjoying the historic setting. enormous barrel-vaulted tiled roof. Today the Great Bath is open to the sky FROM DAY ONE YOU HAVE BEEN ORGANISED, and surrounded by a 19th century PUNCTUAL, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND HELPFUL. Italianate colonnade. SO I DID THINK I WOULD BE IN GOOD HANDS, BUT THE TEAM WERE FANTASTIC. I CANNOT RECOMMEND YOU HIGHLY ENOUGH!” Hannah Peters

CAPACITY

Ceremony 200 Drinks Reception 300

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT…

…taking advantage of our Sunset Wedding Package? See p35

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The Pump Room remains at the social CAPACITY heart of the city and still has the power to impress, with its tall windows, Ceremony 300 Hansford Jo Corinthian columns and glittering Drinks Reception 300 crystal chandelier. Grade I Listed, with the thermal spa fountain and historic Dinner 200 long case Tompion Clock as added Dinner Dance 160 focal points, this exceptional room has a stage for live music and a fine dance floor for your guests. The adjoining HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT… King’s Lounge, overlooking the spring, makes a convenient location for a bar, …hiring the Victoria for a night you will never forget. Art Gallery for pre-dinner drinks? Available from 8pm Lee Niel Lee Lee Niel Lee EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND A VIBRANT HISTORY SUPPORT FROM EACH AND EVERY The grand Pump Room was opened by the Duchess of York in 1795 as the focal MEMBER OF YOUR TEAM. point for Georgian society. Jane Austen OUTSTANDING SERVICE. WONDERFUL observed people and fashions from within the Pump Room and it features PEOPLE, GENUINE INTEREST IN OUR in her novel Northanger Abbey. This elegant room is much as it was when EVENT AND NEEDS FROM ALL STAFF” first built; the unique spa water still Matthew Chivers flows from the fountain overlooking the natural hot spring and a crystal chandelier still sparkles from the

centre of the room. Niel Lee 28 29

The Terrace is a more intimate alternative to the Pump Room, with a very special view, and can accommodate up to 80 guests for dinner – or more if used in conjunction with the Reception Hall. Overlooking the waters of the Great Bath, the Terrace is a romantic choice for an evening dinner, where your guests can soak up the atmosphere and watch the steam rise. The adjoining Reception Photography Freeman Allister Hall makes a fabulous area for dancing to a band or DJ. The central oval desk can be transformed into a fully stocked bar to set the scene for an impressive evening party. The nearby Kingston Room or Drawing Room may be used as a crèche in the evening, with appropriate supervision. Available from 7pm Evening events available September to June. Allister Freeman Photography Freeman Allister

CAPACITY Above left: HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT… Above and right: Terrace, 1950 Reception Hall with bar Ceremony 150 Above right: Terrace …hiring the Terrace and Reception Hall for an Drinks Reception 200 Right: Exterior view of the Terrace evening party following a Dinner 180 ceremony and afternoon wedding breakfast at the Dinner Dance 160 Assembly Rooms? Allister Freeman Photography Freeman Allister Matt Lincoln Matt 30 31

CAPACITY

Ceremony 40 KINGSTON ROOM Drinks Reception 50 Dinner 40

Below: Drawing Room

Above right: AND DRAWING ROOM Aquae Sulis Below right: Temple Pediment Lee Neil

TEMPLE PEDIMENT CAPACITY Ceremony 40 AND AQUAE SULIS Drinks Reception 40 Dinner 20

The Temple at Bath is one of only two truly classical temples known from Roman Britain. The great ornamental pediment survives, and has been Allister Freeman Photography Freeman Allister re-erected in the Roman Baths museum. This area of the museum For weddings or civil partnerships with Furthermore, the wedding couple are makes an unusual choice for a drinks up to 40 guests, these period rooms are also able to have wedding photographs reception for up to 40 guests. For a perfect. Overlooking Bath Abbey, they taken around the Great Bath small but very special dinner, the are a great choice for a smaller immediately after the ceremony. From Aquae Sulis area is perfect. You can celebration. A ceremony in either of 7pm, celebrations can continue in the dine to the backdrop of the waters these rooms can take place at any time Terrace or, depending upon availability, from the spring overflow, amongst the during the day and can be followed by a a dinner in the museum’s Aquae Sulis museum artifacts. drinks reception next door. area may suit a smaller party. Ceremonies at 8.30am. Drinks Ceremonies from 8am to 7pm. Drinks receptions from 7pm. Evening events receptions & dinners at any time. Above: Kingston Room Photography Abercrombie Lou available September to June. Lee Neil 32 33

Whether you would like an intimate TIMINGS FOR wedding for two, or a much larger THE MORNING ceremony, a Sunrise Wedding will provide a truly romantic start to your 8am special day. It is perfect for the smaller Arrival celebration or for couples wanting 8.30am something a little less formal and Ceremony quite unique. 8.50am Your ceremony will take place around Photographs the Great Bath at 8.30am and the exact position can be decided by you. There 9.15am are plenty of opportunities for Call for Breakfast photographs in this stunning location, 9.20am with the option to follow the ceremony Toast and with a Champagne breakfast in the speeches grand Pump Room Restaurant for up to 60 guests. There is no hire fee for 9.30am the Pump Room as the restaurant Breakfast served opens to the public from 9.30am. 11am The party could also return in the Departure evening for dinner on the Terrace overlooking the Great Bath. HawkinsColin .

SUGGESTED TIMINGS FOR SUNSET WEDDINGS THE EVENING

7pm Arrival A Sunset Wedding is an enchanting celebrations in either the magnificent 7.30pm and atmospheric evening, with friends Pump Room or the Terrace and Ceremony around and family gathered on the Roman Reception Hall. the Great Bath paving around the waters of the Great There are two options to choose from: Bath. Beyond the classical statues on 7.50pm the Terrace above, Bath Abbey will be Sunset Package: Photographs & illuminated, and there will be steam, • minimum 40 guests drinks reception flickering torchlight and Champagne • reception in the Terrace and 8.30pm

Lee Niel Lee – a recipe for a magical evening. Reception Hall Wedding This option suits couples who have 40 Exclusive Sunset Package Breakfast Above right: Great Bath guests or more, who would like the • minimum 80 guests 12am option of following their ceremony • exclusive hire of whole building Right: Terrace Departure with a reception. After your 7.30pm See pages 50&51 for our Summer (or 1am for a ceremony around the Great Bath, you and Winter Romance packages. small surcharge)

Matt Cardy can choose to continue your 34 35

This lovely Grade II listed building was named to celebrate Queen Victoria’s sixty years on the throne. Centrally situated, it houses a fine collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts, including works by Gainsborough, Sickert, Nash and Klee.

The building consists of a grand Upper Gallery and a more contemporary Lower Gallery, with a marble entrance hall, a lovely location for wedding photographs The Gallery makes an inspiring venue for a drinks reception prior to a wedding reception in the Guildhall or Pump Room. Alternatively, why not exchange your vows beneath your favourite painting followed by a sparkling Champagne reception for your guests? Freia Turland Freia The Roman Baths Kitchen restaurant, just across the road in the Abbey Churchyard, is a lovely choice for dinner for up to 35 guests. Available from 6pm Tuesday to Sunday Available all day on Mondays.

CAPACITY UPPER LOWER GALLERY GALLERY

Ceremony 100 *150 Drinks Reception 100 *150 *depending on nature of current

exhibition Turland Freia

Far Left: main stairs

Left: exterior

Above: Upper Gallery

Right: Lower Gallery Freia Turland Freia Freia Turland Freia 38 39

The Guildhall is conveniently situated in the heart of the city near the Pump Room and Roman Baths. An impressive setting for a ceremony and reception, the Georgian interiors and Photography Rabbit Red grand staircases make a magnificent A VIBRANT HISTORY backdrop for a wedding party. Built by Thomas Baldwin in 1775, this beautiful building replaced a Stuart A short stroll away is the beautifully building built in 1625. The Stuart kept Parade Gardens which overlook building and the Georgian one after it the River Avon and Pulteney Bridge. were the centre of Bath’s These gardens are a lovely choice for administrative and judicial life for more wedding photographs if the weather than 350 years, as well as a venue for is fine. corporation celebrations, balls, plays, At the Guildhall, couples are free to and other events. This tradition choose their own caterer. This is continues to this day, although civic extremely unusual for a venue of this hospitality is on a more modest scale quality and further details can be found and many of the functions of the on our website: www.bathvenues.co.uk modern Council take place in other buildings. The Register Office, Mayor’s

Right: Parlour and City Archives are still Banqueting Room housed here.

Below: Parade In 1893 the central dome was added Gardens Sultana Thomas to Baldwin’s building by J.M. Brydon, who added the Victoria Art Gallery soon afterwards. Due to the outstanding architecture inside and out, the Guildhall was granted a Grade I listing status and with its imposing façade it is a masterpiece of the neo-classical style.

Left: marble staircase

Above: exterior,

Matt Lincoln Matt PhotographyLemontree main entrance 42 43

Willowstone Photography Photography Willowstone Photography Willowstone BATH REGISTER OFFICE

Managed by Bath Register Office, the beautifully refurbished Alkmaar Room is another impressive setting for your ceremony. It retains the features of the original court room with wood panelled seating. A ceremony here can be Lee Niel Lee followed by a wedding reception in the Banqueting Room above. For further CAPACITY HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT… Left: Aix-en-Provence Above right: Room Council Chamber information about holding a ceremony and Brunswick in this room, please contact the 360 Above: Ceremony …exchanging your vows in Room the Brunswick Room, Banqueting Room Register Office direct on 01225 477234. Drinks Reception 250 Council Chamber or Register Below right: Bath Register Office Dinner 200 Office before celebrating in CAPACITY the Banqueting Room?

Dinner Dance 180 Ceremony 120 Lee Neil Lemontree PhotographyLemontree

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ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Searcys work closely with their ROMAN BATHS & PUMP ROOM suppliers to ensure that they source the best local produce at the best Searcys are our contracted caterers at price. Their high standards are the Roman Baths, Pump Room and always paramount and Searcys Assembly Rooms. They are a privately- pride themselves on their quality Freia Turland Freia owned catering company and, since and locally-sourced ingredients. 1847, they have developed an enviable For sample menus and further reputation. Today Searcys cater in a information about Searcys, please number of prestigious venues including visit www.searcys.co.uk or call them The Gherkin, The Barbican and on 01225 444477. Blenheim Palace. We work very closely with Searcys’ professional and dedicated wedding GUILDHALL experts. Together, we will guide you through every detailed step of the At the Guildhall and the Victoria Art journey to ensure your special day Gallery we operate a listed caterer runs smoothly and is a truly scheme, where you may choose from memorable occasion for you and your a selection of caterers. All caterers on guests. Whether you are looking for an our list are familiar with the venue and informal cocktail reception with its kitchen, and have been endorsed by canapés, or a more traditional seated previous clients. Alternatively, and wedding breakfast, Searcys will unusually for such an esteemed venue, discuss every element of the food and you are also free to use a caterer of drink in order to deliver your preferred, your choice who meets our terms and bespoke menu. Their experienced and conditions. Further information competent team of professional chefs can be found on our website and service staff will provide peace of www.bathvenues.co.uk or please mind and a seamless service. speak to a member of the team. Lee Neil 48 49

PACKAGES • 20% reduction on venue hire at Bath’s Historic Venues in January and February • Champagne Tea in the Georgian Bath’s Historic Venues and Pump Room for the wedding couple Searcys have created two enticing • Special menu package packages for weddings and civil *terms and conditions apply partnerships: Please see our website www.bathvenues.co.uk for further information including prices, minimum numbers, menus and special offers.

SUMMER ROMANCE Niel Lee PACKAGE WEDDING OUR WINTER WEDDING WAS GIFTS PERFECT. THE ASSEMBLY • 25% reduction on venue hire ROOMS GAVE US ARCHITECTURE, at Bath’s Historic Venues during August We have a lovely selection of wedding AMBIENCE, CANDELIGHT, gifts, favours and mementos available CHANDELIERS AND SPACE • Champagne Tea in the in the Roman Baths, Victoria Art Georgian Pump Room for Gallery and Fashion Museum shops. FOR BOTH CEREMONY AND the wedding couple Please speak to a member of staff for CELEBRATION” • Special menu package more details. Harriet Shortt *terms and conditions apply Lee Niel Lee 50 51

CIVIL DRINKS DINNER DINNER With the exception of the ROMAN BATHS AND PUMP ROOM VICTORIA ART GALLERY CEREMONY RECEPTION DANCE Guildhall, Bath’s Historic The Roman Baths, Terrace, The Gallery can be hired privately from Venues are working visitor ASSEMBLY ROOMS Reception Hall, Temple Pediment 6pm Tuesday to Sunday and at any time attractions and as such, and Aquae Sulis are available to on Monday. Ball Room** 500 400 310 280 hire when the museum is closed: there may be restrictions in Due to the value of certain paintings, before 9am and from 7pm daily. Tea Room** 250 300 170 120 place at certain times of the only clear drinks are permitted in the Great Octagon** 120 250 120 - day and times of the year. During July and August, the museum is Upper Gallery. Depending on the open late to visitors so these rooms nature of the exhibition in the Lower Card Room - 100 60 - Thank you for your patience are not available to hire in the evening. Gallery, restrictions may apply, please Fashion Museum - 150 - - and understanding. The Pump Room is still available for ask for details. private hire from 8pm all year round ROMAN BATHS AND PUMP ROOM and you may also choose to have a GUILDHALL drinks reception, or ceremony in the Great Bath 200 320 - - For couples who would like a ceremony Victoria Art Gallery prior to this. Pump Room 300 300 200 160 only on a Friday, Saturday or Bank The Kingston and Drawing Rooms are Holiday Sunday in the Banqueting Terrace & Reception Hall 150 200 180 160 available to hire at any time of the day Room, guests must be clear of the Kingston Room/Drawing Room 40 50 40 - all year round. building by 1pm with the latest ceremony time at 12pm. Aquae Sulis - 40 20 - ASSEMBLY ROOMS Temple Pediment 40 40 - - Ceremonies can take place between 8am-9pm if either the Ball Room or VICTORIA ART GALLERY Tea Room are hired for a seated Upper Gallery 100 100 - - reception. For ceremonies after 9pm, Lower Gallery *150 *150 - - a surcharge will be applicable. The exception to this is in August GUILDHALL ...YOU HAVE ALL BEEN when we only accept ceremonies and receptions from 5pm. Banqueting Room** 360 250 200 180 ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE For couples who would like a ceremony Brunswick Room 120 130 - - TO US FROM THE START OF without a reception on a Friday, Council Chamber 120 - - - THIS PROCESS AND SUNDAY Saturday or Bank Holiday Sunday in WAS THE DAY DREAMS the Assembly Rooms, guests must be clear of the building by 1pm with the CAME TRUE...SO MANY latest ceremony time at 12pm. OF OUR GUESTS COMMENTED ON HOW SLICK AND *depending on nature of current exhibition **latest ceremony time on a Friday, Saturday or Bank PROFESSIONAL THE ENTIRE Holiday Sunday without a seated reception is 12pm OPERATION WAS...” All rooms are wheelchair accessible with the exception of the Temple Pediment and Aquae Sulis. David Ornstein

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If you would like to make an A46 appointment to view our CARDIFF venues, we would be delighted BIRMINGHAM LONDON to show you around. Please M4 M5 call 01225 477782 or e-mail J18 M4 [email protected] BRISTOL Our website, www.bathvenues.co.uk, A4 A46 A38 contains useful information including A4 special offers and discounts, supplier BRISTOL information, links to photographers’ AIRPORT BATH blogs and additional images. WESTON- A39 SUPER-MARE A37 Please also visit our Facebook page: A367 WARMINSTER www.facebook.com/ M5 BathsHistoricBuildings A36 Follow us on Twitter @bathvenues

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If you would like to hire a venue, you can book through any member of the team. GETTING HERE In order to confirm your booking we will require a 25% deposit, a signed London to Bath: 115 miles, hire agreement and a booking form 120 minutes by car, 85 minutes by train within 14 days of booking. Bristol to Bath: 13 miles, 30 minutes Included in the venue hire fee is a by car, 12 minutes by train Function Manager to manage your Birmingham to Bath: 100 miles, event on the day, operations staff 120 minutes by car, 100 minutes and up to two security personnel. by train Exeter to Bath: 105 miles, 110 minutes by car, 95 minutes by train Cardiff to Bath: 57 miles, 70 minutes by car, 65 minutes by train

Bath’s Historic Venues www.bathvenues.co.uk 01225 477782 /477786 [email protected] Ltd Design SteersMcGillanEves twitter: @bathvenues

facebook: www.facebook.com/BathsHistoricBuildings Designby

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[email protected] Lee Neil