MINA AND CHRIS AT ADDINGTON PALACE
As a North Londoner, I’m always primed to joke about getting my passport stamped before going South of the River. But here’s the thing. Addington Palace is not only NOT in Croydon, it is not in London at all, but swish, posh Surrey. It is however only a hop and a skip from central London, so if you are heading here from elsewhere, it is within easy reach.
And don’t be fooled by the bustling tramlines and the modestly-named Gravel Hill. Addington Palace is high class sophistication all the way, from it’s grade II listed Palladian-style mansion architecture, to it’s 163 acres of prime English countryside.
The history of Addington Palace begins with a Manor House, which was here before the Norman Conquest. However the Palace really came to prominence in 1771 when Barlow Trecothick, an Alderman of the City of London, began planning his new country mansion – a spectacular Palladian-style residence with two main storeys incorporating single-story wings and pavilions. Home to no less than five Archbishops of Canterbury, the gardens were designed by the Capability Brown
But today it is a wonderful wedding venue, chosen by Mina and Chris for several very good reasons..
If you’re getting ready here, there is the most wonderful bridal suite with more than ample space, lots of natural light and lots of lovely original Georgian features
There are lots of beautiful rooms for portraiture, and group shots too, if it rains; as it goes, we actually had a lovely sunny day, and still it was impossible to resist the allure of these exquisite, perfectly-furnished rooms, which the venue staff are more than happy to guide you around.
The spacious and characterful Great Hall, replete with chandeliers and oak panelling gives ample space for your party and wedding breakfast. Guests can bask in a real sense of history and sophistication, before letting go on the dance floor.
Mina and Chris actually had their ceremony in the ornate and lovely Greek Orthodox church on Crystal Palace high street, with all the wonderful classic traditions and rituals, and their party was a full-on, fantastic text-book Greek Wedding celebration, complete with money dance, greek dancing, warmth, love, hilarity and an amazing energy. Congratulations to Mina and Chris.
