Nestled in the heart of the English countryside, Retreat East blends timeless luxury with rustic charm—making it the sought-after wedding venue Suffolk dream. We caught up with our recent bride to find out about her magical experience at our luxury wedding venue in Suffolk, complete with planning insights, venue highlights, and unforgettable day-of moments.
Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue in Suffolk
Olivia had always craved the ambiance of a sun-drenched destination wedding—but closer to home. Living in Northamptonshire, she fell in love with Retreat East's countryside setting and easy reach, thanks to a friend's recommendation and a trip to a wedding fayre. The exclusivity and elegance of the accommodations, alongside onsite spa and bike amenities, offered exactly the relaxed, mini-break feel she envisioned.
The Planning Journey
Support & Logistics
From the start, Retreat East's team was instrumental in supporting the plans. The couple secured their own suppliers early, but the venue arranged a stay prior to the wedding for food and wine tasting. A comprehensive run-through with the wedding coordinator ensured no detail was overlooked.
DIY Meets Venue Expertise
While Olivia managed most decisions, like booking the florists and hiring a local table plan expert, Retreat East helped arrange special touches: from axe throwing to a pre-wedding BBQ.
Styling & Décor
Focused on a classic, timeless aesthetic, the bride selected white flowers and greenery to complement the outdoor setting. Minimal yet elegant styling accentuated the natural countryside vibe. She opted for simple but high-impact styling, letting the venue's beauty shine through.
Photography & Film
With an editorial vision in mind, Olivia sought candid yet polished photo coverage. Starting 18 months ahead made booking photographers difficult with the number of options available, but eventually, she found a team who understood her goal: luscious, magazine‑style images with a relaxed, natural feel.
Wedding Breakfast Delights
As self-proclaimed "foodies," the couple prioritised a standout menu. The culinary team impressed with:
- Starters: Burrata & pâté
- Mains: Fillet beef with chips and salad — reportedly "the best beef ever eaten"!
- Pre-wedding Feast: A famous barbecue the night before, lauded for its freshness and quality
All dishes received rave reviews, with the team seamlessly replenishing food late into the evening.
Highlights From The Big Day
Favourite Moment
Olivia's standout memory was the ceremony itself—particularly the moment she walked down the aisle. The combination of perfect weather, the venue's natural beauty, and the overwhelming emotion of seeing all their loved ones gathered together created an unforgettable experience.
Venue Highlights
The outdoor ceremony space proved perfect, with the natural backdrop requiring minimal additional decoration. The Great Barn provided an ideal setting for the reception, offering both intimacy and grandeur. The couple particularly appreciated the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful surroundings throughout the day.
Advice for Future Couples
Olivia's top tip? "Trust your instincts and don't overthink the small details. The venue's natural beauty means you don't need to add much to make it special." She also recommends taking advantage of the venue's expertise—their team has seen it all and can offer invaluable advice.
Why Retreat East?
For Olivia and Ross, Retreat East offered the perfect blend of luxury and authenticity. The venue's commitment to sustainability, locally sourced food, and genuine hospitality created an experience that felt both special and personal. The fact that guests could stay onsite and enjoy the full Retreat East experience added an extra layer of magic to their wedding weekend.
Their wedding at Retreat East truly was a dream come true—a celebration that perfectly captured their love story against the stunning backdrop of the Suffolk countryside.