The last thing any bride wants to be worrying about on her big day is the dilemma of social distancing, particularly if she’s had to cancel her dreams of having her wedding abroad. For couples looking to plan their nuptials in the UK, The Stafford Collection – which owns The Stafford London in historic St James’s and Northcote in the heart of the beautiful Ribble Valley – specialises in organising stylish, intimate weddings in premises that can be booked in their entirety. With staff at both properties acting as a trusted partner every step of the way, the Stafford Collection is where wedding stories and fairy-tales begin…

THE STAFFORD LONDON

Nestled in the heart of historic St James’s, the five-star The Stafford London is a haven of curated luxury and one of the last remaining bastions of great British hospitality, long considered the height of informal luxury for those seeking a traditional yet individual London experience.

Offering total seclusion and privacy for a small and intimate wedding right in the centre of the capital, The Stafford London is an enchanting heritage venue that oozes character. Licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships, the hotel is characterised by its luxury surroundings and personalised service.

The fairy-tale 380-year-old Wine Cellars in particular exude a magical ambience, especially when lit by the soft glow of candlelight, creating a truly unforgettable romantic setting. The working cellars house 8,000 bottles of the finest wines, including many rare and precious vintages, providing a wonderfully unique backdrop for a memorable day.

The wedding breakfast will be an exquisite feast prepared by Executive Chef Jozef Rogulski and his team. The newly weds can choose from The Stafford London’s seasonal menu, or work with Jozef to create a personalised alternative

Nothing will be left to chance, and the hotel’s dedicated wedding planners have excellent connections with some of London’s leading independent specialists to ensure every detail is perfect. When the big day arrives, an experienced member of the team will be there from start to finish, leaving the wedding party to relax, mingle with guests and treasure each magical moment.

When the evening ends, guests can retire to the all-suite modern Mews House, comprising 26 spacious, elegant suites. Exclusively fashioned by British designer Jane Goff to be modern, unobtrusive and relaxed living spaces, the suites range from one to three bedrooms and all include luxury marble bathrooms. Offering the privacy and independence of a private residence, the Mews House is accessible via an exclusive separate lobby, and can be booked in its entirety.

Alternatively, guests can book the 11 impeccably styled suites of the Carriage House, separate from the main hotel. Set within a historic 380-year-old Grade II listed building – once the former stables of British nobleman and politician, Lord Francis Godolphin – the Carriage House suites serve as a chic and private oasis, offering guests understated opulence overlooking a quiet, cobbled courtyard. Created by internationally renowned designer Alexandra Champalimaud, each suite has been individually crafted with a glamorous, contemporary elegance.

For the happy couple, The Gatehouse – with its own unique interior aesthetic – is a magnificent private townhouse accommodation that can be booked as either a onebedroom Junior Suite, a two-storey suite complete with separate living and dining areas or, in recognition of its full glory, as a stunning three-storey, two-bedroom townhouse, all connected by a private lift.

For more information, visit www.thestaffordlondon.com

NORTHCOTE

Nestled on the edge of Lancashire’s picturesque Ribble Valley, surrounded by miles of unspoilt countryside and pretty villages, Northcote is the perfect country hideaway retreat, offering luxurious, comfortable accommodation and Michelin-starred dining. Northcote is the kind of place you could imagine snuggling up very happily in the company of someone special; a place to relax, recharge and indulge.

Offering total seclusion for small and intimate civil ceremonies and wedding receptions, Northcote’s luxury surroundings are the perfect backdrop for a very special day. For complete privacy, the hotel can be booked exclusively.

Personalised service from a dedicated team will ensure a stress-free experience during the planning stages, and on the big day itself. The wedding party can arrive in style through a private, dedicated entrance, where guests can be greeted with a champagne reception in the pretty courtyard, before heading inside to enjoy exclusive access to the Louis Roederer Champagne Room, decorated with the warm, ambient glow of tealight candles – a truly romantic setting for a one-of-a-kind wedding. An exquisite gourmet menu designed and delivered by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen and her team will ensure that the day is unforgettable. Once the wedding breakfast has ended, a state-of-the-art music system means guests can kick up their heels and dance the night away.

When the night draws to a close, the wedding party can retire to Northcote’s beautifully designed bedrooms. Northcote has 26 imaginatively inspired guest rooms split between two main buildings. There are 18 traditional country-chic rooms in the main Manor House and eight contemporary suites, including a Master Suite, in the Garden Lodge. The design of the Garden Lodge is perfect for those who prefer the luxury of complete privacy, as it may be reserved for guests’ exclusive use.

The elegant design of the rooms is contrasted seamlessly by state-of-the-art technology, while the contemporary features and sophisticated furnishings provide the little luxuries that serve to make a stay at Northcote unforgettable.

For more information, visit www.northcote.com