From solar-powered barns and wildflower meadows to our own Blake Hall beehives, we have been caring for this corner of Essex for centuries. We intend to keep doing so.
At Blake Hall, we are not just custodians of history; we are stewards of the future. Our 17th-century barns are powered by the sun, our 60-acre gardens are quenched by the rain, and our menus grow in the fields of Essex. We believe a day that marks your future should protect the future of the landscape we call home.
Our commitment to the environment runs through everything we do, and it shapes every celebration that takes place here. You will find a blend of historic charm and thoughtful modern responsibility: a venue that is genuinely beautiful and genuinely mindful. As an eco-friendly barn wedding venue in Essex, we are proud of what we have built, and we are always working to do more.
Our solar panels provide a substantial proportion of the electricity that powers the barns, paired with low-energy heating and lighting throughout the site. The 17th-century barns do some of that work themselves: their thick walls and high ceilings keep the spaces naturally cool in summer, without the need for air conditioning. Good design, it turns out, has always been a form of sustainability.
Our grounds are looked after with the same care we bring to everything else. Rainwater harvesting, water butts and our own wells keep the gardens irrigated without drawing unnecessarily on the mains supply. We compost on site, plant new trees every year, and manage the land to support the widest range of wildlife we can.
Dotted around the site, you will find wildflower meadows that are much more than a pretty backdrop for photographs, though they are certainly that too. They provide a vital habitat for bees, butterflies and other wildlife, help clean the air and improve the health of our soil. We also keep our own beehives here at Blake Hall, helping to support the local bee population and boost pollination across the surrounding Essex countryside.
We protect local wildlife and ecology with responsible choices throughout all events. We'll handle everything on the day and afterwards, leaving you free to celebrate with a clear conscience.
Nature, nurtured
Spanning 60 acres of historic gardens and woodland, Blake Hall is not just a backdrop for your day. It is a thriving ecosystem. Ancient trees, wildflower meadows and carefully managed borders provide a haven for birds, bees, butterflies and people alike, and the landscape changes beautifully with each season.
Blake Hall’s wedding menus are shaped by a commitment to local sourcing and reduced food miles. Working closely with our preferred caterer, Waters Edge Catering, we prioritise Essex-grown produce, locally raised dairy and meat, and seasonal vegetables wherever possible. Waters Edge share our values on recycling too, so nothing goes to waste that does not have to. It all supports local farmers, keeps our celebrations fresh and full of flavour, and sits comfortably alongside everything else we are trying to do here.
Places to stay
Our guest accommodation has a sustainability story of its own. The Old Stables, Old Coach House and Stable Cottage have been carefully and lovingly repurposed rather than replaced, giving them a new life while preserving the character and craftsmanship of the original buildings. Staying at Blake Hall is not just comfortable; it is another small way of treading a little more lightly.
A three-bedroom cottage perfect for the night before the wedding, offering space for couples and their bridal party to prepare and relax.
Comfortable guest accommodation within the converted stable buildings, ideal for family and friends staying the night of the wedding.
A private cottage reserved for the couple, offering a peaceful and romantic retreat after the celebrations.
“From the very first call, to our visit of your beautiful grounds, we knew Blake Hall was the perfect venue for our wedding! We cannot express the exceptional attention to detail, the love, support and kindness shown to us leading up to, during and after our memorable wedding day.”
Michelle & David
Find out more about how your wedding at Blake Hall can be beautiful, thoughtful and kind to the land.
