Shhhh, don’t tell everyone. If you’re looking for a traditional yet relaxed summer wedding, it’s difficult to get much prettier than the rightly popular English Country Garden theme. Add an element of surprise by making your traditional garden affair a Secret English Garden Party. Naturally, it’s difficult to keep your wedding location a surprise from guests so how do you conjure up an unexpected twist to proceedings? It helps to find a venue with beautiful touches that will astonish guests and leave you with fond memories and those all-important wedding pictures to look back on. How many wedding locations boast a house in the clouds, a magical lake dotted with tiny islands, a secluded beach and a picture-perfect English country garden? We are of course talking about Thorpeness Country Club. An utterly unique and charming beachside hideaway, just a pebble’s throw from the sea on the beautiful Suffolk coast. We can help you create wonder and amazement during your wedding. Leading up to your big day we will work with you to offer you something a little different and ensure you make the most of the stunning surroundings here in picturesque Suffolk. Here are just four ways we can help you create a Secret English Country Garden Wedding with us:
1) A Quintessentially British Reception:
The Country Club, originally known as the Kursaal, is a gabled black clapboard building sitting on top of a sand dune. Say I do under vaulted ceilings adorned with summery flowers at our charming 1920s venue or at one of two nearby village churches. Our Country Club is located just steps from the beautiful Meare garden and Boathouse, making this an ideal location for photographs and outdoor drink receptions. Or why not surprise guests and serve coffee, liqueurs and chocolates at this location. And there’s nothing like the sound of a harpist or pianist, playing during your meal or welcome drinks.
2) Local Produce and the Best of British:
It doesn’t get any more quintessentially British than afternoon tea on the lawn. We can create a Secret English Country Garden theme to your food whether you would like a 5-course wedding breakfast or why not surprise guests with an unexpected spread of all your favourite afternoon tea fancies served on the lawn. Our chefs use the best, freshest seasonal produce and will be more than happy to tailor any menu to your personal taste and theme. We can accommodate up to 140 guests for a sit-down meal and 200 for an informal reception.
3) Picture Perfect in an English Country Garden:
Our extensive gardens have direct access to the beach making it a truly wonderful backdrop for your photographs and a beautiful setting for you to enjoy canapés and drinks. Set within Thorpeness village, a location different from any other wedding location. Being the creation of Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie, it’s still unspoilt since it was built in the 1920’s. Ogilvie’s idea was to create the ideal holiday village “for people who want to experience life as it was when England was Merrie England”. Absolutely English - with a hint of British quirkiness.
A house in the clouds:
The House in the Clouds, one of the country’s most famous follies. It was built as a water tower in the 1920s and is today a beautiful guest house. This unique building which sums up the quirky side of the British countryside has a real “Alice in Wonderland” feel. It is clearly visible from our grounds and many people like to take a short stroll and include it as part of their wedding photoshoot.
A magical lake dotted with tiny islands:
Beautifully situated at the edge of Thorpeness Meare, a magical lake dotted with tiny islands, there are many other relaxing ways to unwind during our stay with us. Treat yourself and your guests to some time on the water – there are a selection of punts and sailing boats, a plethora of ways for you to kick back on the water.
A secluded beachscape:
Just a pebble’s throw to our beach, you’re guaranteed to have a private spot of the beach to yourself for any photographs. And, a gentle 15-minute stroll with your partner and wedding photographer will take you to the iconic Aldeburgh shell, “The Scallop” which makes a beautiful backdrop. Surprise your guests and serve canapés and drinks on the beach!
4) The Cherry on Your Cake:
We can recommend local suppliers to help bring your theme to life. From your marquee hire and entertainment providers to the talented florists who designed these beautiful flowers for a recent wedding, right through to the fabulous bakers and bunting hire companies who can help create your picture-perfect Secret English Country Garden theme. Top tip: If you’re looking for a Secret English Country Garden bouquet and any other themed wedding flowers, head over to Rachel Lou Flowers based in Framlingham. These creative blossoms put a very big grin on this Bride and Groom’s face recently. And you can see why. 
Our wedding planners are on hand to help organise your wedding from start to finish and we’ll make sure that everything happens just as you want it to.
Simply call us 01728 451021 or email using the contact form below