Basildon setting for Pride and prejudice? Bring your own Mr. Darcy

Basildon Park was given to the National Trust in 1978 and was used as a film setting in the 2005 feature film adaptation of Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice. This striking Palladian-style mansion set in extensive parkland could be your venue when you tie the knot with your own Mr. Darcy. The sweeping driveway leading to an impressive facade creates a dramatic and stylish approach to your perfect wedding.

Once the private dwelling of Lord and Lady Iliffe, the South Pavilion is a light and airy wing of the house which is available for exclusive use by those hosting their wedding at Basildon Park. Guests enter through the conservatory, which overlooks a beautiful courtyard, and into the main ceremony room. Here guests are welcomed into another light and spacious room which has a lovely high ceiling and a large functional fireplace which can be lit to create a romantic, intimate atmosphere for winter weddings.

The South Pavilion ceremony room can accommodate 60 guests or a corporate group of 30 guests for a 5-star private dining experience.  After the ceremony or meal service, guests can enjoy a glass of champagne in the courtyard, before moving onto Lady Iliffe's lawn and into her private rose garden. The location is very secluded and provides a perfect backdrop for wedding or commemorative event photography. The entire wing of the house is exclusively reserved for each event and hirers are welcome to add their personal touches to each of the rooms.

The Garden Room at Basildon Park has long been a favourite for civil ceremonies for up to 70 or a formal wedding breakfast with seating or up to 60 guests.  The room is an unusual octagonal in shape with Ionic columns framing the beautifully decorated Eastern influenced designs that adorn the walls. The ground floor of the house is a great location for a drinks reception, with French windows in the Garden Room opening out onto the East Lawn and gardens, to provide a stunning backdrop for wedding and event photographs.

During the Wedding Open Day on Sunday 4^th March 2012, Basildon Park’s event consultants will be available for one-to-one appointments to offer couples free advice on how to plan the perfect wedding at this historic and romantic venue.  To request your invitation to this special event, please call Heritage Venues on Tel: 01235 519222 or email: enquiries@heritagevenues.com and mention the Basildon Park Romantic Weddings Open Day.