If you are searching for a beautiful wedding venue in the heart of the Essex countryside, then look no further than the stunning High House in Althorne. This gorgeous barn wedding venue not only boasts an idyllic countryside location but is adding to it's charm with a brand new Orangery for wedding receptions from 2025. The venue also boasts magical indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces and even a pool!
Discover some of our favourite features of High House and explore your wedding ceremony and reception options here...
The Ceremony
High House has incredible options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies offering you the perfect backdrop for your big day, no matter your vision.
The restored Grade II listed wedding barn is a magical option for your ceremony. Dating back to 1750 and lovingly restored to the glory you see today, the barn retains its wonderful character with rustic oak beams and exposed red brick. Full height windows allow for bright natural light to flood the space, helping to create a wonderful atmosphere and accentuate the settings beautiful features while you say 'I do'.
Alternatively, you could say 'I do' outdoors in the beautiful thatched gazebo. Offering stunning views of the heart-shaped lake, a range of wildlife and stunning wild flowers. This space really is the most idyllic backdrop for your outdoor wedding ceremony at High House.
Getting Ready Spaces
Adjacent to the main house and overlooking the swimming pool, is the oak framed orangery. High House provides you exclusive use of The Dressing Room from 9am on the morning of your wedding. This space is luxuriously furnished with dressing tables, a changing room and generous ensuite. It's the perfect way to start of your wedding day - getting pampered by your wedding hairstylist and makeup artist whilst being surrounded by your closest friends (and a glass of fizz of course!).
Additionally, the swimming pool is offered exclusively to the wedding party using this space on the morning of the big day, perfect for relaxed getting ready photos and dipping your toes before the celebrations begin.
Entertainment Space
Once the ceremony is complete you will want to sneak off for some beautiful photos as a newlywed couple. There is plenty of space for your guests to mingle during this time with the roomy Stable Bar area just outside the wedding barn. The perfect place for your guests to gather, enjoy a drink and some socialising before you all collectively sit together for your wedding breakfast.
Plus, being perfectly positioned next to the Monet-inspired bridge and pretty pond also means that all of your guests are in one place ready to be grabbed for any group photos. The entertainment spaces at the venue are very easily accessible, meaning your guests will be ready to move location as one making the transition into the reception area smooth and without fuss.
Photo Opportunities
High House has a number of stunning spots to take beautiful photos to help you capture your big day forever. With a thriving neighbouring vineyard providing privacy for your couple photos and creating a naturally framed backdrop, it's just perfect!
The Monet-inspired bridge, in front of the wedding barn also offers a pretty setting for couples to be surrounded by the natural beauty that High House has to offer. No matter the time of the day, whether that be at midday in the warm natural sunlight or at twilight, with the bridge lighting this is an incredible photo opportunity that should not be missed at this venue.
The Reception
High House's new wedding reception space, The Orangery is the perfect place to celebrate after you say "I do". Designed to be bright and airy, with exceptional lighting in mind, the elegant glass structure offers a space that's perfect for year-round celebrations.
What's more, The Orangery boasts advanced heat and sound insulation, ensuring an environmentally friendly setting that ensures a comfortable celebration regardless of the season. For the warmer months, sliding doors seamlessly connect the space to a raised terrace, ideal for guests to soak in the picturesque views and enjoy lawn games.
With its neutral interior finishes, the Orangery provides a blank canvas for you to personalise the space and reflect your unique style. This stylish space is great for those planning a large wedding reception, with up to 140 guests able to be seated for your wedding breakfast and a total of 200 guests for your evening celebrations.
Accommodation
High House has plenty of accommodation on offer, all of which is extremely high quality.
First, the Couples Retreat. A secluded cottage, tucked away in its own secret garden. Couples enter the secret garden through a hidden solid oak door and are greeted by the beautiful cottage standing proudly amongst blooming flowers. Inside offers a cosy bedroom, snug lounge, a kitchen, ensuite and even a freestanding bath! This is the perfect place for a peaceful escape after the excitement of the day and offers plenty of privacy for your first night as newlyweds.
Secondly, High House has the Courtyard Rooms to offer. With the same luxurious finish and amenities as the Couples Retreat, the detached guest lodge offers an additional two en-suite bedrooms. Ideal for your immediate wedding party.
Finally, High House recently introduced a brand new Farmhouse to its accommodation. The White House and the Black Barn together offer 11 luxurious ensuite bedrooms exclusively for guests attending weddings at the venue. The White House and the Black Barn beautifully adjoin to ensure your friends and family can enjoy privacy and comfort after a night of celebrations, with a continental breakfast served within the White House the following morning.
Love the look of High House? Visit their page on Guides for Brides to learn more about this venue, see more photos get in touch with their team.
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