When we got engaged, we initially discussed having a registry office wedding. We were both conscious of costs and wanted to avoid extravagant venues that might feel overly posed or artificial.
However, we quickly realized that the registry office couldn’t accommodate all the people we loved. This led us to explore the newly renovated Croft Hotel, just down the road, which is licensed for marriages. The beautiful ceremony room caught our eye in the online pictures, and the brochure prices seemed very reasonable. After booking a tour, we instantly fell in love with the space. The venue’s character and charm were undeniable, with a fairytale garden vibe that felt magical yet unpretentious. After seeing it in person, the question wasn’t if we’d get married there—it was when.
From the very beginning, our wedding coordinator Paige was incredible. She was assigned to us just days after booking, which made the planning process seamless. Anytime we had a question, we could email or call her and get quick, helpful answers. On more than one occasion, what started as a “quick question” turned into a long chat with Paige patiently answering everything. She was always enthusiastic and made us feel like our day was her top priority. About five weeks before the wedding, we had a final meeting with her to confirm guest numbers, meal and drink choices, and all the finer details. The level of personalization was fantastic. We could tweak the schedule and choose from an impressive menu selection. We opted for an indoor BBQ, crepes, canapés, and bacon sandwiches, all of which were delicious. This meeting marked a turning point for us—our excitement soared as we began to visualize the day from start to finish.
The night before the wedding, I stayed in the hotel’s beautiful bridal suite. My husband and I met with our wedding manager Megan that evening to review all the details of the day. Afterward, he headed home while I enjoyed a luxurious night with my bridesmaids. The Garden Suite was the perfect space for getting ready. At times, there were more than ten people coming and going—bridal party members, hair and makeup artists—but the room never felt cramped. There was ample space to hang dresses, get ready, and relax on the sofas. Megan checked in periodically to ensure we had everything we needed and to keep the atmosphere calm and stress-free.
Our wedding day was everything we dreamed of and more. The venue was stunning, and our guests couldn’t stop praising its charm—from the cozy reception area to the elegant ceremony room and the versatile Garden Room, which hosted both the wedding breakfast and evening reception. Every detail seemed to flow seamlessly. Personalized playlists played at just the right moments, and master of ceremonies Ethan expertly guided everyone throughout the day. The staff thoughtfully arranged all our personalized decor and signage, and the food and drinks were exceptional.
The staff’s attention to detail made all the difference. They anticipated our needs without us even asking. Whether it was replacing a lost drink, bringing me a glass of water with a straw before I walked down the aisle, or setting aside canapés for us while we were taking photos, they consistently went above and beyond. An especially meaningful touch was that the hotel is dog-friendly, so our beloved dog Ozzy could be part of the ceremony. Cameron from Wagging Tails Weddings helped make this possible, and we can’t recommend him enough.
The Garden Room was a fantastic space for the evening reception. Our band’s lighting transformed the dance floor beautifully, and there was plenty of room for dancing and relaxing. Just beyond the sliding doors, the outdoor area, with fire pits and blankets, provided a cozy, quieter retreat for guests who wanted a break from the lively energy inside.
We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful venue or a more perfect day. We’re incredibly grateful to all the staff who helped make our wedding so special, and we wholeheartedly recommend the Croft Hotel to any couple searching for their dream venue.