Springkell: 10 Reasons To Choose This Wedding Venue
Springkell has been in the same family for over 100 years.
And as with many of these country estates, the current owners have had to open their doors to the public, to help finance the running costs.
Recently undergoing a £2.5 million refurbishment, Springkell is now available for special events, bed and breakfast, and of course weddings.
Its size allows for a lot of flexibility with regards to accommodation, ceremony options, and reception spaces.
Let’s get to know the place a little better shall we?
Springkell Location
Springkell is located less than 10 miles from the English border, close to the village of Gretna Green.
This is interesting because Scottish law, especially with regards to outdoor ceremonies, is much more relaxed than in England, and this area is already famous for runaway weddings.
Could be the perfect venue for hopping across the border to.
Glasgow is the closest Scottish city, but is still a 90 minute car journey away.
However when you arrive the beautiful drive will take you through half a mile of parkland, and over the Kirtle River up to the mansion house.
It’s a stunning country location.
Springkell Exclusive Use
The tranquil country setting at Springkell, can also be combined with complete privacy.
This is because you can take the entire estate exclusively for one night, or the entire weekend.
It does come at a price of course, however when compared to other exclusive use wedding venues, the cost seems very reasonable.
Just imagine having the run of this place for the duration of your celebrations.
With so much to explore, it’s something you and your guests are certain to enjoy enormously.
And with no strangers there to spoil the fun.
Springkell History
In 1893 Springkell was sold to Sir Jabez Edward Johnson Ferguson.
He completely reconstructed the interior of the house, adding a new Victorian east wing and also the terraced gardens on the south lawn.
The central building was created in the Georgian style, however inside the mansion has both Regency and Edwardian themes.
In 1929 Jabez was succeeded by his son Sir Edward, and since then the house has been passed down through the family to its current owner James Johnson Ferguson.
James is very much involved in the running of the estate today.
Springkell
The original Palladian mansion was actually built around 1734, and without question it is both elegant and charming.
It’s the interior though that is really exciting.
Having undergone a comprehensive and costly program of refurbishment, it now has all the theatre of a period home but done to a very high standard.
Paintings, treasures, and relics now sit alongside modern conveniences.
There’s a great sitting room which seats up to 20 people, and is perfect for relaxing.
And a bar with beer on tap, and a range of wines and spirits.
For the kids there’s even a Playstation room, complete with flatscreen TV and DVD player.
It’s a wonderful place to spend a weekend.
Springkell Accommodation
There are 14 individually designed, luxury bedrooms as Springkell.
In fact they were decorated by the same designer who did the bedrooms at the Goring Hotel.
This is the hotel Kate Middleton stayed at, the night before her wedding to Prince William.
Seven of them have Emperor beds, three have ensuite’s, five have private bathrooms, and some are on the ground floor for easier access.
In total 33 people can sleep in the main house, but there are also two cottages on the estate, both of which can sleep a further 4 people.
Springkell Ceremony
There are indoor and outdoor ceremony options available at Springkell, and they are licensed for civil, religious, and humanist weddings.
The Wedding Room is light and spacious with neutral colours and beautiful wood panelling.
It also has the most incredible mirror surrounded by Italian marble, and two heavy oak doors so the bride and groom can enter separately.
With views over the formal gardens and seating for 100 guests, this is your best indoor choice.
Although you can make use of the Entrance Hall, Portrait Gallery, and Music Room if you wish.
Outside there is the romantic Round Garden, if you are keen to brave the elements and tie the knot al fresco.
Springkell Reception
For your drinks reception, the Entrance Hall with its black and white marble floor and four imposing pillars is an excellent option.
It has features similar to that of the Palace of Versailles, and can hold up to 250 guests.
Then for your wedding breakfast, there is the Ballroom with its massive windows.
The ceilings are tall and the decor light and neutral, with excellent views south over the gardens.
Tables, chairs, chair covers, and sashes are all included, and you can seat up to 100 people comfortably.
Springkell Bridal Suite
If you choose to take Springkell for two nights, you will start your wedding day in their incredible bridal suite.
As with all the bedrooms it is decorated to a very high standard, plus it has lovely south facing views over the formal gardens.
More importantly though, it can act as the perfect staging area with plenty of room for bridesmaids, hairdressers, and makeup artists.
It’s also an excellent place to open your first bottle of champagne.
Springkell Wedding Photographs
If you are lucky enough to get some dry weather on your wedding day, the gardens and grounds at Springkell provide excellent backdrops for wedding photography.
The sweeping Italian stone staircase and balcony is especially nice.
Lady Johnson Ferguson came from a family of expert gardeners, and she is largely responsible for the beautiful scenery.
More importantly though, if the weather turns there are some great rooms inside the mansion, flooded with natural light.
Either way you’ll get some great shots.
Springkell Wedding Packages
For accurate wedding prices and availability, best to get in touch with Springkell directly.
However to give you a rough idea of what’s on offer:
- Sandwiches, tea, and coffee on arrival;
- Wedding Room or Round Garden for your ceremony;
- Canapes and glass of Prosecco after ceremony;
- Three course wedding breakfast, with half a bottle of wine (Prosecco for speeches);
- Evening buffet, tea, and coffee;
- Saturday night accommodation (14 bedrooms), including breakfast;
- Price £7,250 (33 people), £13,870 (100 people);
- Add Friday night accommodation, including bar snacks and breakfast for £3,900.
Springkell Conclusion
So those are my 10 reasons you should consider Springkell as your wedding venue.
Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.
However if you are looking for an exclusive use mansion house, recently refurbished at the cost of millions, with everything under one roof, and in close proximity to the English border; then Springkell just might be the place for you.
Whilst you are here, you should take a look at some of the other wedding venues, featured on White Rose.
You can also find Springkell’s website here.
Good luck with your wedding planning.