Describe the best wedding that happened at Kingsettle Stud at The Cholderton Estate?
Every wedding held here is completely unique, and we love to see what our couples come up with for their day. Obviously our own wedding day here was an important one... Honestly by the time the weddings happen, our couples feel like family, and they are all very special in their own way!
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Try not to sweat the small stuff! I see so many couples get bogged down in little details like favours. When you book with us, you essentially have four things left to organise; a caterer, a florist, a band and chairs. Although we have an open-supplier policy, we do have a little black book of local suppliers who we think are great. If you're supported by good suppliers, everything shall go without a hitch! We are a dry-hire venue, but as we only hold a small number of weddings a year (about 10-15) we are always on hand to support our couples with their planning as much as is needed.
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
We did have one couple called Kitty and Niek who grew flowers in pots at home, and then brought all these things from their garden in to decorate the Venue. I think they might have even brought in a tree! They created a huge floral arch from roses foraged from home. They also had guests bring in cakes (kind of like a fete) instead of having one big wedding cake. Everyone came and stayed over 3 days and helped set-up culminating in a big party over the weekend. It felt so familial and warm. Then there's Ben and Becky who had all of their guests camping in vintage tents in the field. Also love it when the family dog gets involved! I think this year one of our couples is bringing their pony!
Describe Kingsettle Stud at The Cholderton Estate in 5 adjectives
Relaxed, flexible, unique, fun, beautiful
Where’s the best photo spot at Kingsettle Stud at The Cholderton Estate?
Photographers LOVE our venue! My favourite spot is out in the wildflower meadow during 'golden hour', although the 'tunnel' in the Arboretum is pretty unusual!
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at Kingsettle Stud at The Cholderton Estate?
We have... although we pride ourselves on our discretion, and would never dream of telling!
What’s your favourite canapé?
I love canapes. All canapes. Every shape and size. You cannot have too many canapes in my view! I frequently recommend Nyama catering to our couples, and they produced the most exquisite canapes for a wedding last year which were prepared over flame and served in our Walled Garden. They did this stuffed pepper one which was next level.
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
Woodfired pizzas! Best enjoyed around our huge antique Kadai fire pit. Our courtyard is perfectly suited to street food vans.
What is Kingsettle Stud at The Cholderton Estate most unique feature?
The dance floor is in the Archway where the horses used to be washed down; your guests are literally dancing in the moonlight (but safely under cover of the Arch if it's wet) and the Glitter Ball reflects little stars on the woodland surrounding the venue. It's completely magical. The Bar is also in the original Harness Room, complete with tack and Victorian features. I don't think there's any other venue quite like it!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
That our business has grown organically. We have plenty of other strings to our bow (Rory farms the Estate and I am an Equine Vet), which means we don't need to put the hard-sell onto couples when they visit. Wedding planning is meant to be relaxed and enjoyable, the venue sells itself!