Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have already chosen a venue and the date for their spring 2018 wedding, but we can still dream, can’t we?
Personally, we feel that Leigh Court is a venue befitting any Prince or Princess and we’re sure even Her Majesty would approve of a royal celebration within the grounds of our beautiful 200-year-old mansion.
Her Maj would be especially pleased to know that our 25 acres of private parkland includes plenty of excellent walks to entertain the corgis, St George’s Chapel doesn’t have its own woodland, does it? No.
We asked our talented wedding coordinator Lauren what she would do if Meghan called her tomorrow and made our royal wedding dreams come true.
For Prince Harry and Meghan, as with all couples, I would want to know exactly what they want, not just what tradition demands.
He may be a Prince and she might be about to become one of the most famous women in Britain, but they’re still just a boy and a girl in love and about to say ‘I Do’.
My first thought is that everyone knows Harry is a sporty chap, so how about a pre-wedding polo match on the lawns? This has the added benefit of exercising away any nervous energy!
Whenever a bride or groom enquires about a wedding at Leigh Court I invite the couple to a private viewing of the house and grounds to help them visualise the ceremony and reception in our grand rooms.
Seeing people’s eyes light up when they walk into the Great Hall is one of the best things about my job.
Speaking of the Great Hall, Meghan would look stunning walking down the suspended double staircase to meet Prince Harry. I can just picture a long white train flowing down the steps behind her, followed by Prince George and Princess Charlotte as Paige Boy and Flower Girl.
Many brides choose to walk down the aisle to the sound of our original Flight and Robson organ (fittingly, their instruments were built with royalty in mind as they were official ‘organ builders to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent’), but I can imagine Meghan being serenaded by an orchestra hidden in the galleries.
Our sweeping drive provides a dramatic entrance to Leigh Court but the Royal Family might want to forgo the golden carriages on this occasion, a host of vintage silver cars would add a touch of American glamour in honour Meghan and glide over the speed bumps a little easier!
When it comes to food, our award-winning in-house caterers, Berry Blue, have never failed to delight and Meghan would be one of the first brides to sample the new menu launching in early 2018.
And, if Meghan needs any more inspiration for her wedding day she could come along to The Bristol Wedding Show being held at Leigh Court on Sunday 14th January.