Holkham Hall is a grand mansion in North Norfolk designed for the 1st Earl of Leicester in the 18th century.
The private estate is massive at 25,000 acres (100 square km) with two dozen farms, livestock enterprises and managed forests, so it really is the beating heart of the local area.
It's a truly unspoilt part of the country here and was the perfect location for a summertime wedding (hence our visit).
The reception was held within the Lady Elizabeth Wing in a former pottery building near the hall. http://www.holkham.co.uk/weddings-venue/the-lady-elizabeth-wing/introduction
With a large, enclosed lawn out front and contemporary event space inside, it made for a terrific venue for 150 guests (it can accommodate up to 400).
The organisers were like a well-oiled machine, as everything ran like clockwork (my fellow ushers and I helped with the set up the morning of the wedding).
It's a gorgeous part of Norfolk amidst the sprawling grounds of the country house - if you get the chance to visit here you're in for a treat. Designated walks allow you to explore the 3,000-acre grounds (be sure to look out for the herds of deer). read more