unforgettable
Twilight Weddings
Exchange vows as the sun goes down.
Twilight is the most romantic time of day, when our beautiful country houses are lit up for a fairytale feel. If you choose a Twilight Wedding package, you’ll have exclusive use of the house and grounds from 3pm, giving you all morning to get ready.
Celebrate your wedding with drinks, dinner and dancing, as you continue to enjoy the venue until midnight.
What is a
twilight Wedding?
A twilight wedding takes place in the evening, with the ceremony leading straight into the celebrations.
This can make the wedding day feel less formal and more intimate, which is why more couples are opting to wed later in the day.
Like traditional daytime weddings, twilight wedding ceremonies are tailored to suit the couple’s tastes. Those who love fine dining can celebrate with a sit-down dinner, while people who prefer to party can hire a DJ and take to the dancefloor. A twilight wedding can be as simple or as extravagant as you wish.
However, the main reason many of our couples choose to wed in the evening is the inherent romance of a twilight wedding. From summer sunsets to candlelit winter halls, this is the most beautiful time of day to get married.
What are the benefits of a twilight wedding?
There are lots of reasons why couples are choosing a twilight wedding.
- More informal and relaxed
- Evenings are a romantic time of day – perfect for a wedding
- More budget-friendly – a twilight wedding costs less than hiring a wedding venue for a whole day
- Twilight weddings feel more “grown-up”, with more focus on the sit-down meal or the party
- It may be easier for more guests to attend in the evening
- Beautiful decor options, such as candles, lanterns and string lights
Choosing the perfect wedding venue
Choosing the right venue is so important when you plan a twilight wedding.
Our country house wedding venues are perfect for evening celebrations, with light-filled rooms for sunset ceremonies and outdoor spaces that can be lit with lanterns and fairy lights.
The lovely rural locations give you clear, star-filled skies, while the elegant old rooms are perfect for candlelight and glowing winter fires.
We offer a twilight wedding package at all our venues.
St Audries Park
The sweeping deer park is a breathtaking space at twilight, lit by stars and surrounded by trees.
Bourton Hall
Enjoy evening cocktails and canapes or even a hog roast at this beautiful country house venue.
Holmewood Hall
Lit by chandeliers, the Gold Room is the perfect space for your twilight wedding ceremony.
Clearwell Castle
Celebrate in the traditional Main Hall or take the party to the Cellar with its dancefloor and bar.
Leez Priory
The Tudor Great Hall makes a sumptuous venue for an evening wedding celebration.
Gosfield Hall
Lantern-lit terraces bring a touch of extra magic to your twilight wedding at Gosfield.
How to Plan a twilight wedding ceremony?
Planning an evening wedding is the same in many ways as organising a daytime ceremony. You still have to think about the guest list, the menus, the colour scheme, the outfits… However, there are a few specific things to take into account when you plan a twilight wedding:
The timeline
Do you want a sunset ceremony or to get married after dark?
How late is too late for your guests? Create a clear running order for your wedding.
Refreshments
Without the classic wedding breakfast, what sort of refreshments do you want, and at what stages?
Spaces
Which spaces in your venue do you want to use for the ceremony and the celebration, and how will these be lit in the evening?
(we know that we’re talking about lighting a lot, but this is a major feature of evening weddings!)
Accommodation
Do you want to extend the celebrations by arranging overnight accommodation for you, your family and your guests?
Tips for choosing the perfect dress and attire
How do you dress for a twilight wedding?
temperature
Even in the summer, it will be cooler outdoors in the evening.
Add a bolero or cape to your dress, or choose suit fabrics that naturally regulate temperature (like wool or cotton)
changing your attire
If you’re dancing the night away, choose clothes (and shoes) you can move in.
Are you planning on changing between the ceremony and the party?
dress code
Be clear about the dress code on the invitation: twilight weddings don’t have the same conventions as traditional weddings
Have fun with colour. If your venue has lower lighting in the evening, you may need a brighter or richer shade.
Capturing the magic
Wedding photography is an art and skill of its own. Capturing the moments of a twilight wedding requires thorough preparation and a keen eye for detail. As the evening light changes rapidly, timing and techniques become crucial to preserve the magic of the event.
What Are the Costs Associated
Setting the mood with décor
There are lots of wonderful ways to make your twilight wedding venue even more romantic. Speak with your Personal Wedding Manager about ways to personalise your wedding venue.
lighting
Candles and lanterns add traditional touches, casting a low, warm glow.
Fairy lights and string lights bring sparkle, especially to outdoor spaces. Can you add subtle lighting to floral displays?
outdoors
Can you make the most of the evening timing with fireworks and sparklers?
What exterior flood lighting options are available?
extra touches
Ask your wedding planner about evening extra touches.
Things such as hot chocolate stations, LED letters and signs, and candle packages
Frequently
Asked Questions
If you’re thinking about having an twilight wedding,
here are a few things to consider.
What is a twilight wedding?
A twilight wedding is as simple as it sounds: a wedding ceremony that takes place later in the day. Twilight weddings are often shorter than daytime weddings, because they go straight from the ceremony to the celebrations, and they can be as intimate or extravagant as you wish.
What are the benefits of a twilight wedding?
There are lots of excellent reasons to choose a twilight wedding:
● It’s a romantic time of day, with lots of options for personalised decor
● Reduced downtime between separate celebrations
● Easier for guests to travel on the day
● Perfect if the party is the main event
● Lower cost than hiring the wedding venue for a whole day
How can I plan a successful twilight wedding?
Approach how you plan a twilight wedding in much the same way as you would a daytime celebration, but take a look at our tips (above) for specific planning needs. Discuss your ideas with your Personal Wedding Manager.
Are twilight weddings cost-effective?
Yes, they are, because you hire the venue for a shorter time and you don’t have to host a wedding breakfast.
What decor elements are popular for twilight weddings?
Lighting is key for twilight weddings, from traditional lanterns and candles to neon signs. Country houses naturally have romantic elements such as chandeliers and open fires, while outside, floodlighting brings a dramatic ambience to your photographs.
How can I ensure good photographs and videos at a twilight wedding?
Choose professional photographers and videographers who specialise in evening events and shooting in low light.
What personal touches can I add to a twilight wedding?
As with a wedding at any time of day, you can add any personal touches to a twilight wedding that you’d like to, from floral arrangements to firework displays. Lighting plays an important part in evening weddings, so think about candles, lanterns and string lights.
How to Make Your
Intimate Wedding Special?
It can be easier to add your own personal touches to a smaller wedding.
What can you do to make your intimate wedding feel extra special?
