We’ve just won the coveted title of ‘Best Small Wedding Venue in the Cotswolds 2023’!
So how have we reached this point in such a short space of time? That’s an easy one to answer – it’s mostly because of you, so thank you!
For those of you who don’t know us yet, let us introduce ourselves, we are Symon and Ruth and we bought White Birch Manor just over 4 years ago at the end of 2019. Our intention was to convert old barns and combine our skills of Head Chef and Events Manager, to create a large rural wedding venue. The arrival of the COVID pandemic in early 2020 put a stop to our plans, however what it did do was just take us in a slightly different direction and one that we are now very grateful for.
After what seemed like an eternity, weddings were finally allowed go ahead again in Spring 2021 with the restrictions of no more than 15 people and the celebrations could only be outdoors.
A challenge you may think, but around this time, several couples asked whether we would consider hosting their wedding for themselves and their closest family and friends, as they felt White Birch Manor would be the perfect backdrop. We were glad to assist, and our first wedding celebration took place as soon as was allowed in early April 2021 for a beautiful couple and 13 of their guests. A yurt from @cheltenhamyurthire on the front lawn set the scene for a beautiful and very special day which was highly emotional for so many reasons!
Post COVID, it’s wonderful to see that smaller guest numbers have remained much more acceptable as the realisation was borne that intimate wedding celebrations could be just as special and, in some ways, even more beautiful. Loved ones can be very much involved in truly meaningful ways; couples who prefer to avoid the spotlight of a much larger setting feel far more at ease; the day can be much more about them as opposed to the pressures of what everyone else expects; couples who are coming together with complex family dynamics from blended families can ensure everyone feels involved; there are so many reasons why we can be the perfect alternative to much larger wedding plans.
We were therefore surprised to find that there appeared to be very few venues that catered for truly intimate numbers. Accommodating a maximum of 20 people in total, we aim to give couples the opportunity to hold their celebrations in a setting that provides the perfect space for themselves and their guests to stay in a luxurious and picture-perfect venue that is completely stress free. With an experienced team of staff and a private chef onsite we guide couples through the process and are as flexible as we need to be to provide an experience and precious memories that will be as unique and as wonderful as each couple.
So, what’s next? Well, we never sit still! Each year we add and improve the facilities and space to keep what we offer moving forwards and exciting, both for guests and for ourselves! Symon writes new menus, so our catering stays fresh and current, and we are forever increasing the varieties of organic fruit and vegetables that we grow in the Manor gardens and orchard so these can be incorporated into our dishes.
2024 is going to be exciting! We look forward to meeting everyone for your special occasions and intimate celebrations. The house comes alive when you’re all here and although some are disappointed to learn there are no ghosts(!) there is most definitely a happy feeling when the house is full of love. It’s perfect and exactly how it should be…