Macdonald Berystede Hotel

Six acres of Berkshire garden and woodland sit right behind the Macdonald Berystede, which is more than a hotel this close to Ascot has any need for. It means we can take you out to tall hedges and proper trees for the couple portraits and have you back inside within five minutes, so nobody misses much of the party. Indoors, the building does the work for us - a sweeping panelled staircase under a gilt chandelier that takes you coming down in the morning and the two of you leaning on the banister at night, wood-panelled lounges hung with oil portraits, open fires. The ceremony suites are big and naturally lit, so the vows shoot on daylight and we work several angles without having to move anybody. Confetti goes under the glass and timber porch, which still works in rain. Bring a car if you’re bringing one, because the drive suits it. The evening runs on a chequered floor with uplighting, and the entrance glows from the chandelier inside once it’s dark.