Hestercombe House & Gardens: a breathtaking LGBTQ wedding venue in Somerset
Nestled in tranquil countryside and boasting sweeping lawns, three stunning historic gardens and the iconic Ham Stone Lutyens-designed Orangery, it’s no wonder Hestercombe is one of the top wedding venues in Somerset.
As a same-sex or LGBTQ couple getting married at Hestercombe you’ll get access to the entire grounds during your big day – that’s fifty acres of beautiful landscape and formal gardens for you and your guests. We want your wedding day to be the most special day of your lives, so when you book a wedding with us, you’ll be the only couple getting married at Hestercombe that day. Exclusivity is what we’re all about, and we’re here to make your day perfect.
Licensed for civil ceremonies, Hestercombe has the advantage of being able to hold your ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening party all at one spectacular and spacious location. Our friendly and accommodating team have many years of experience and will work with you to make your special day truly unforgettable.
“Our wedding at Hestercombe was just amazing! It is such a beautiful setting. As soon as I saw the Orangery I knew I wanted to get married there. The team organised everything perfectly and the whole day went so smoothly.” ~ a previous Hestercombe wedding couple
Lakes, cascades, temples, shadedappled pathways and romantic corners coupled with views to take your breath away. Hestercombe provides the pictureperfect backdrop for spectacular photographs. We’re based only 3 miles from Taunton and just 15 minutes from junction 25 of the M5 and there is plenty of local accommodation nearby.
To help you make the most of all the options at Hestercombe, our Wedding Coordinator Julie is always on hand. Hugely experienced and full of great ideas, Julie will guide and support you when you require it. On the day, Julie, together with her team, will make sure everything runs smoothly, right down to the last detail.
The Dream
Imagine your wedding set among this hidden paradise…
The stunning Orangery is the perfect setting for an elegant ceremony, which you can then follow with a drinks reception in the spectacular Edwardian Formal Gardens. Our grand Bampfylde Hall can house all your guests for a classic wedding breakfast and to finish, enjoy an unforgettable afterparty making the most of the stunning covered courtyard.
Each element of your wedding day is tailormade for you, with our staff on hand at each stage of planning to help you bring your vision alive and offer advice when you need it. It’s our job to make sure your day is perfect, so you can feel at ease knowing the hard work has been taken out of your hands.
Our team of talented chefs will work with you to create a menu to complement your day and the professional and experienced front of house team will help from conception to completion, providing top class service to you and your closest friends and family.
Seeing is believing - book to come and see our beautiful venue. We will be very happy to give you ideas and a quotation without obligation.
The Venue
Getting married at Hestercombe you’ll have access to the entire estate for your wedding day – fifty acres of beautiful gardens and a collection of historical buildings for you and your guests to enjoy with just one overall venue hire cost.
With a selection of venues from grand and formal to small and intimate, all situated in an inspiring and beautiful setting, we have the perfect gay-friendly space for your wedding ceremony and reception.
Our special gardens and buildings have been skilfully restored back to their former glory over the last 20 years and the beautiful scenery is tended by a team of skilled gardeners all year round, providing the perfect backdrop for the wedding you’ve been dreaming of.
Food & Drink
Food is an important part of your big day. It needs to be delivered on time, impress your guests and of course be mouth-wateringly delicious.
At Hestercombe we pride ourselves on delivering a menu fitting for your dream day, with all of your requirements taken into account.
Hestercombe’s kitchen and front of house teams are talented, helpful and hardworking. Ready to help you plan your perfect day, they will allow you freedom with your menu choice, supporting and guiding you as you need.
Whatever you choose, be it an elegant drinks reception or a tantalising afternoon tea, an enticing evening buffet, or classic three-course dinner, we can accommodate your choices. Below are some suggestions and guide prices but please come and see us to discuss your ideas and we can create a bespoke menu just for you.
Banqueting
An elegant drinks reception
Enjoy a drinks reception on the Orangery Lawn or Victorian Terrace in warm weather or inside the wood panelled Dining Room on a cooler day. Champagne, Pimms or even mulled cider – just tell us what you’d prefer and we’ll arrange it. Handmade canapés complete a stylish afternoon, with choices from mini Yorkshire puddings with beef, mini crab pots with a hint of chilli or even afternoon tea inspired minis for a twist.
Wedding Breakfast Menus
Choose from tempting starters, mouth-watering main courses and sensational puddings. The Hestercombe chefs use top quality ingredients (local wherever possible) to cater for your individual tastes. Pick and choose your perfect meal to complement your wedding day.
Evening Buffets and Hog Roasts
To accommodate all your evening guests, we can offer a selection of cold buffets, a whole hog roast, ploughman’s, sandwiches or a more personalised selection to suit your taste.
All our food is made freshly on site. We can offer you professional advice and give ideas, but tell us what you would like for your special day and our chefs will create a bespoke menu just for you.
If you have a specific theme in mind give us a call on 01823 413923 to speak with Julie who can help you plan your big day.