Living in the Forest of Dean it is astounding at the number of beautiful places there are to hold either a wedding, civil ceremony or reception in and around the area. The first in our Wedding Venues feature is Caradoc Court, a Jacobean manor house situated just on the edge of Ross on Wye.

We were greeted by the new occupants of the house, John and Kathy Handby, on arrival. The couple have now owned the property for two years, making it a family home as well as an absolutely stunning wedding venue. I was amazed by their kindness and ability to recognise their home as the property of the village.

Unlike other wedding venues in the area, Caradoc Court is only home to one wedding a week, ensuring that every wedding is solely devoted to just that one couple. There are two rooms licensed for ceremonies. These consist of a grand entrance hall, with original tiled floors and surrounding arched gallery and a Victorian conservatory with laced iron beams overlooking the Wye Valley.

The manor has a wonderful history and is most famously reputed as being the former home of Caradoc Vraich-bras; one of the knights of King Arthur’s legendry round table. In 1986, the manor was victim to a terrible fire that ravaged the whole ceiling and upper floors. It took many years for Caradoc to be returned to its former glory. Once John and Kathy Handby had moved in, most of the structural work had already been done, so it was down to the couple to work their magic on the interiors and to manage the wild gardens. It is these gardens that add such magnificence to the house with a stunning rose garden, complete with water fountain; guests can even enjoy a game of croquet.

 Caradoc Court will offer a touch of originality and uniqueness to any wedding.

Big thank you to both John and Kathy Handby for letting us explore their beautiful home and sharing its fascinating history.

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