Blake Hall hires out three restored 17th-century barns and 60 acres of gardens for weddings and milestone celebrations of up to 150 seated guests and 200 in the evening. The house is near Ongar in Essex and has belonged to the Capel Cure family since 1789. Each booking is exclusive use, so no other wedding takes place at the same time. The site does not offer meetings or seminars.
Weddings and receptions
A wedding at Blake Hall follows a route through the barns. The ceremony takes place in the Hay Barn, which is licensed for indoor civil ceremonies, or outdoors beneath the canopy of the Saddlery, where guests sit on cedar wood benches on the lawn. Drinks and photographs move to the gardens and terraces, and dinner and the party take place in the Essex Barn.
The standard wedding includes catering. A dry hire option for 50 to 150 guests lets the couple bring their own professional caterer and keep the venue, the barns, the gardens and the support of the Blake Hall team. Twilight weddings are a shorter format with a later ceremony, available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some Sundays from April to October, for a minimum of 80 guests.
Seminars and company events
Blake Hall does not present itself for corporate bookings. The barns are also hired for milestone birthdays, anniversaries and family gatherings, such as 70th, 80th and 90th birthdays, golden and diamond wedding anniversaries and celebrations of life. The hall states that these suit a substantial guest list. A company organizing a private celebration for staff or retirees may ask whether it is possible.
Rooms and capacities
The Essex Barn dates from the 17th century and seats up to 150 guests for the wedding breakfast and is licensed for up to 200 in the evening. The Hay Barn holds ceremonies and is also used for gatherings. The Saddlery is a covered outdoor ceremony space. The gardens consist of intimate rose gardens, formal lawns and ancient trees.
Accommodation
Accommodation is part of the offer. The Old Coach House sleeps seven and is available the night before for getting ready. The Stable Cottage is the wedding night accommodation, complimentary, with breakfast, and the couple keeps it until noon. The Stable Rooms offer more beds for family and friends, and the site lists local hotels.
Catering
Catering is included in a standard wedding, and dry hire is the route for a couple who want their own caterer. The site gives no other detail on menus.
History and setting
The Capel Cure family has lived at Blake Hall for about 230 years. The venue stresses a sustainable approach to the estate and lists the venue map, gallery and guest information on its site.
Getting there
Blake Hall is near Ongar in Essex. The site has a Find Us page and a guest information page with travel details.
