History

Wivenhoe House was originally constructed in 1759 for opulent Colchester merchant and active politician Isaac Martin Rebow.

His descendant and successor, General Rebow, returned from the Peninsular Wars with cork oak cuttings hidden in his boots, and these very trees stand tall in the grounds to this very day!

However, having survived 'The Great Colchester Earthquake' of 1884, Wivenhoe House, like many other historic buildings in the area, was requisitioned by the Government during the War.

Notable 20th-century figures, including Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela, were guests at Wivenhoe House, shortly after the University of Essex acquired the building in 1964. Today the splendid old house enjoys its new lease of life as a 4-star hotel.

Facilities

The Garden Suite

This contemporary room is the largest of Wivenhoe House's function suites, and as a whole can seat up to 120 guests for ceremonies and receptions. It can be partitioned into smaller spaces for more intimate events, or can be arranged so as to use one space for the ceremony, the other for the reception.

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 70 Guests
Formal Reception Capacity - 60 Guests

The Drawing Room

The stunning Drawing Room is the best space for ceremonies, thanks to its historic splendour and views across the parklands. The room, with its three bay windows and impressive fireplace, can seat up to 80 guests. Additionally, The Drawing Room has a terrace which leads out to Wivenhoe House's sunken gardens.

Ceremony Capacity - 80 Guests

The Signatures Room

This smaller space is found next to the Garden Suite (and can be hired in conjunction with it), and can seat 60 for a ceremony and 30 for a cosy wedding breakfast and an intimate reception.

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 60 Guests
Formal Reception Capacity - 30 Guests

Catering And Accommodation

Wivenhoe's talented in-house catering team whip up a culinary storm of various delights. There is plenty of cuisine to choose from - here's a sample menu from their 'Constable Package':-

• Butternut squash soup, pine nuts, Parmesan
• Caesar salad, croutons, shaved Parmesan, pancetta crisp
• Smoked trout, beetroot, horseradish crème fraîche, dill vinaigrette
• Goats' cheese mousse, pistachio, compressed melon

• Free-range breast of chicken, duck-fat fondant potato, root vegetables, smoked bacon and shallot jus
• Red wine braised beef, mushrooms, shallots, bacon, roasted carrot, potato cake
• Braised sea-bass, clam and cauliflower chowder
• Onion tart, Gruyère custard, onion gratin, garlic chives, Thai shallots

• Ultimate chocolate brownie, orange sorbet
• Irish coffee crème brulée
• Lemon meringue pie, yoghurt sorbet

Accommodation

You and your wedding party are welcome to take advantage of Wivenhoe House's 40 amazing bedrooms. Some are located in the Main House and others in the lovely contemporary Garden Wing. Your wedding party will be entitled to a special discount.