A Warm welcome back to Vikki Richman from Your Wedding Friend who is joining us for another exciting venue review.

Today Vikki takes us to Putteridge Bury.

This week we’re looking at the gorgeous Putteridge Bury, on the outskirts of Luton towards Hitchin. It is a grand old house that was converted to be used as part of the University of Bedfordshire, and the building’s exterior reflects this. Its stunning grounds include what used to be a walled garden, which is often used to accommodate a marquee though they don’t have a need for one most of the time. 

Although Putteridge Bury is owned and run by the University of Bedfordshire, they don’t restrict access to the venue spaces to specific times of the year, unlike some academic venues. Their event spaces are available year-round at weekends. They have an extended summer holiday time as well, which means that they have a lot more availability in the peak summer season, so mid-week weddings can also be accommodated. 

I think Putteridge Bury should be hosting more weddings than they do currently as it’s a fantastic site and a great offer. Although it doesn’t have hotel rooms, there are a selection of hotels not too far away. One of the things I love about this venue though is that they have lots of different spaces available, so I’m sure you could negotiate access to a side room for bridal/groom prep. I’ve seen this work at other venues, so long as there is access to water, toilets, natural light and enough space for everyone to fit, you should be fine. There is a Hilton not too far away though if you need a hotel room for the night before or after.

Putteridge Bury has a great team of dedicated staff, from the event team to the catering. And as you’d anticipate, they also have a great list of preferred suppliers they can refer you too, if it’s not included in the package you book. The packages they offer are at the upper end of affordable but that’s to be expected for a non-hotel venue, however they include a lot of added extras such as flowers and chair covers. You can use your own suppliers for some of these though and you may be able to make significant savings. Please be aware that your catering will likely need to come only from the on-site catering team, who are great and hugely experienced and knowledgeable. If your own ethnically appropriate food is of major import for your big day you can ask, but don’t be surprised if they say no.

Putteridge Bury is licensed to host civil ceremonies for up to 120 guests, but you can also use a celebrant if you’d prefer. Please note that you cannot use those licensed spaces for religious ceremonies, so that would need to happen elsewhere. The main space used for wedding breakfast and evening reception is a bit of a walk from the other area and ceremony room. Ceremonies generally take place in the older part of the building so it makes a great backdrop to you vows. The room used for wedding breakfast and evening reception is in the more modern part of the venue, and can feel a little bit cafeteria like, which is what it is used for by the students and staff. However, once this space is dressed it can look amazing, and it can accommodate up to 160 guests in the evening.

The big draw for weddings at Putteridge Bury though is the grounds, which are vast and fantastic. You will likely go from your wedding ceremony to drinks or straight outside for photographs. I mentioned that there are several rooms available, so if you are offering post-ceremony drinks, this will probably be served in one of those side spaces in the older more traditional rooms. This will help you get your guests to your wedding breakfast/reception room, as you’ll spill out to the patio and grounds for pictures and this takes you closer to where you want everyone to end up. Again, after your wedding breakfast you’ll likely head back outside for more photographs, so that the room can be turned around for the evening, you won’t even notice. 

Putteridge Bury is fully accessible with wheelchair ramps and stairlifts; though the main entrance in the old doorway has steps there’s an alternate entrance not too far away. It has loads of parking available – TIP –  get guests to park on the main drive if you’re having both ceremony and reception, as the door out to the drive is far closer than the entrance to the parking by the ceremony room. There’s a bit of a drive to the M1 and the airport/train stations, however it’s on a really easy well-lit  route, no scary country roads. 

With its rural location, amazing picturesque views and the stunning grounds and gardens Putteridge Bury is well worth including on your wedding venue shortlist. If you want to learn more about this venue check out their website (and download their very helpful brochure) or get in touch to find out how I can help you make the most of hosting your wedding here.

Thank you again Vikki for another great review, see Vikki’s other reviews here.

Like the photo’s? See the full styled shoot Skulls meet Boho.