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About

On Hitched.co.uk since 2020

Last update: July 2025

Martels Bridal Boutique is a wedding dress shop located within Martels Wedding Village in Barnston, Essex. Owner Abi has a love of fashion and retail, studying at London College of Fashion and has spent 25 years in retail. The boutique team is headed up by Vanessa who has over 10 years of bridal experience and knows everything a bride needs to know when choosing a wedding gown, her brides trust her explicitly and her reviews reflect that! Samantha and Carole complete the team and also have many years in the bridal industry. Together the team creates an amazing bridal journey, you really are in good hands with Martels Bridal Boutique and they will ensure that the brides moment finding their dress is as special and unique as it should be.

Martels Bridal Boutique has an extensive range of beautiful designer wedding dresses including Stella York, Dando London, Paul Zeni Bridal, Emma Bridals, Richard Designs, and British Bridal. They also have a huge selection of bridesmaid, teen bridesmaid, and flower girl dresses by Emma Bridals and Richard Designs and have recently added the ever popular Multiway dresses by Jacqueline Louise. Contact Abi and team today to arrange an appointment. They look forward to welcoming you into the boutique and helping you find your dream dress.

  • Woman-owned

Frequently asked questions

What services do you offer?

Sale of wedding dresses
Sale of wedding accessories
Sale of gowns for maid of honour, bridesmaid, flower girls...
Advice on beauty and style

What services do you offer?

Sale of dresses for bridesmaids
Sale of wedding accessories
Image and style advice

How far in advance should I contact you?

Two weeks notice for appointments is advised

Do you have an outlet section?

Yes

Do you have an outlet section?

Yes

Do I need to make an appointment?

Yes

What is the style of your designs?

Glamour
Modern
Original
Princess
Romantic

What kind of accessories do you offer?

Shoes
Jewellery
Veils
Shawls
Headdresses, hats and hair accessories

How do you work?

Appointment only

Operating hours:

Bespoke to clients

What are the forms of payment?

Credit card, bank transfer, debit card or cash

Served in

Essex and Hertfordshire

illustration notebook

Do you have any questions?

Reviews for Martels Bridal Boutique

C
Caitlin Sent on 03/07/2025
5 out of 5 rating

10/10 couldn’t be happier!

Had the most amazing experience here after feeling very nervous about dress shopping! Vanessa was amazing with knowing what dress would be perfect on me as I honestly had no idea of what dress I wanted. My bridal party and I had such a fun time and was so relaxed during the whole experience. A very friendly environment with zero pressure. Could not recommend more to any other future brides! :)
Sarah
Sarah Sent on 17/06/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful experience

Vanessa at Martels made my wedding dress shopping a wonderful experience. From the moment I arrived Vanessa made me feel comfortable. She is a very friendly lady with lots of great advice and knowledge. Being an older bride and my second marriage I was nervous to find something suitable but I needn’t have worried. The appointment was very relaxed and never did she try to push me to try on something I didn’t like. Vanessa listened to all my worries and found the perfect dress at my first appointment.
I enjoyed the experience so much I took along my bridesmaid to get a dress too. Being young she was also nervous but Vanessa was brilliant with her which led her to choose her own dress. Martels are very flexible with appointments and keep you informed through the whole process.
Extremely satisfied and would recommend Vanessa at Martels to anyone. Can’t wait to show off my dress.
S
Shanice Sent on 04/06/2025
5 out of 5 rating

A FAR better experience

This was by far the easiest 5 stars to give in a review. I had been to a couple of dress shops with people who didn't listen, or were pushy, but Vanessa, treated me like her own daughter, in the sense that she listened, was patient, and wanted me to make sure I didn't rush the decision, and hat I was absolutely happy with my dress before saying yes. Honestly, my experience beforehand left me pretty deflated, and I wasn't feeling overly excited about the process until I stepped into that room. And I didn't think this would happen, but when I found the dress, I did have tears, and along with my mum and nan, Vanessa shared them too! Vanessa is extremely helpful, has good advice, and is such a happy, funny person to get along with. Thank you! Im glad you were the one to flip the experience and help me find my dress!

Shanice
Alice
Alice Sent on 07/07/2025
5 out of 5 rating

100% recommendation!

I booked a dress appointment with Martels Bridal Boutique after visiting one of the Martels wedding shows. Before my appointment, I had a style in mind but struggled to find my perfect dress. I spoke with Vanessa about what I was looking for and she then selected a number of dresses for me to try on.

I was looking for a dress with sleeves and a boat neckline front and back – which I was struggling to find. However, Vanessa suggested I try on a sleeveless, strappy dress and she modified it with an extra piece of clothing to give the idea of a dress with sleeves and a boat neckline. Vanessa’s creative ideas really helped me picture how the dress could look with some modifications. Vanessa and Julie (the amazing seamstress) were both so lovely and patient and I can’t recommend them enough. The before and after photos of the dress are vast and I received so many compliments on the wedding day (and after). Vanessa, Julie and the team really helped bring the vision I had in mind to life. Thank you so much!
Amber
Amber Sent on 06/04/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing Experience

I found my perfect dress with Martels during my first visit. I cannot recommend them enough; the process and appointments flowed and we're genuinely enjoyable, and I always felt welcomed and never rushed (like you may get with some other vendors). Vanessa and the rest of the absolutely amazing team really are the best you could ask for. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Thank you Vanessa and the team! AW xxx
M
Megan Sent on 17/03/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic!

I found my dream dress all thanks to Vanessa.
The most exciting experience, wonderfully changing facilities and range of dresses. Vanessa was always on hand to answer any questions. I cannot wait to wear my dress on the day ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
B
Bobily Sent on 16/02/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Cannot recommend Vanessa enough!

After visiting a few bridal shops and being made to feel 'picky, out of my depth and too big for dresses', we then went to Martels Bridal Boutique and met Vanessa. From the minute we met her, I felt listened to and my opinion was prioritised. Vanessa completely knew what style I had in my mind and what I would feel comfortable in. She made me feel so beautiful and made the experience so positive and wholesome. When I went back for my fitting, I started to have other poeple's opinions in my head, but she reminded me that my opinion is the only one which matters. I honestly cannot recommend Vanessa enough, I found my dream dress and wouldn't have had such a positive experience if it wasn't for Vanessa.
Thank you so much Vanessa!
Charlotte
Charlotte Sent on 17/03/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic!

After meeting Vanessa at the Chelmsford Racecourse wedding fayre, I knew instantly that I would be choosing my dress at Martels. From the first visit, right up until the day I collected my dress, I couldn't fault my experience with Vanessa and Martels. Unlike other shops, I wasn't felt pressured in commiting to "the one" and felt that Vanessa really helped me out in finding me the perfect dress. I am sad that my wedding dress adventure has come to an end, but delighted that Martels were able to help me find the most amazing dress and bridesmaid dresses.
Thank you Vanessa xxx
Maria
Maria Sent on 08/04/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Personalised friendly service

Vanessa at Martels Bridal was absolutely amazing, it was like having a friend by your side through out the whole process.
From start to finish no question was a silly question and Vanessa gave a personalised service from start to finishing. I chose a beautiful dress but I really wanted sleeves . Vanessa helped me to visualise this and convey they to the seamstress when the time came.

We had an amazing wedding day and I can’t thank Martels Bridal enough.
K
Katrina Sent on 03/04/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Great experience.

From the first meeting at Down Hall Wedding fair the whole experience was amazing. Vanessa's help, advice and guidance was above and beyond my expectations. The showroom and bridal room was clean and comfortable. My dress was perfect. I wasn't sure what I wanted but was so pleased with what I got....the hug from Vanessa when I had my wobble was so reassuring and appreciated! I would recommend Martells to any future bride...whatever age...or size! Thank you Vanessa.
F
F Ryan Sent on 14/04/2025
5 out of 5 rating

My Dream Dress!

I visited Martels back in July 2023 on one of their open days, in the hope to find my wedding dress and veil. We were greeted by Vanessa and the team with big smiles, and they were very happy to help. I noticed a dress immediately hung up on the dress rail and asked to try it on. Vanessa suggested picking out a few more to try first to get an idea of shape and style, which was a great idea. After trying on all dresses I decided on the one I had wanted originally, it was beautiful. I wanted a little more sparkle so Vanessa suggested adding a layer of sparkle under the top layer, what a difference! It was perfect. Vanessa was extremely kind and helpful throughout the whole experience and I cannot thank her enough. She made my dress shopping experience really special for me and I can’t thank her enough. Faye x
Nicola
Nicola Sent on 13/04/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Brilliant place for Bridesmaid Dresses

I bought my 5 bridesmaid dresses from Vanessa. I did an initial visit where we picked out 10 or so dresses that I liked, then the girls and I all came together so we could choose and try on. I didn't know what I wanted in terms of colour, or co-ordination, but Vanessa supported me through and never made me feel rushed. The result was amazing, and my friends and sister looked fantastic on the day. They are proper dresses, well made, stylish and there was a lot of choice.
I felt that Vanessa cared, and supported my decisions. I also bought my veil from Vanessa after I couldn't find an online retailer that I trusted. The boutique itself is well set up for large groups to try on dresses, and it's comfortable and private. I highly recommend getting Vanessa and her team on your team, especially if you're looking for bridesmaid dresses without the hassle or doubt of online shopping.
A
Anne Sent on 19/03/2025
5 out of 5 rating

A Wonderful Experience for an Older Bride

I had the most amazing experience at Martells Wedding Village! As an older bride, I was a little nervous about finding the perfect dress, but Vanessa made me feel so welcome and valued from the moment I walked in. She listened to my vision, provided thoughtful suggestions, and made sure I felt confident every step of the way. The selection was fantastic, and I never felt rushed or overlooked. Vanessa’s kindness and expertise turned what could have been a stressful experience into a truly joyful one. I highly recommend Martells Wedding Village to any bride looking for exceptional service!
J
Julia Sent on 18/01/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Perfection

I honestly couldn't have been happier when it came to choosing my dress. I met Vanessa at a wedding event and booked in with her instantly. Choosing the dress was relaxed and Martel's provided such professional and honest advice. I tried on a variety of dresses and we discussed modifications and adjustments for all. The service provided from start to finish was great and the price of the dresses were very affordable compared to other places I'd looked. Vanessa always had a smile on her face and was happy to offer advice and guidance all the way up until final collection. Would highly recommend!
H
Holly Sent on 06/01/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Thank you!

Vanessa and team really are amazing! I got my bridesmaid dresses here and we had a great range to choose from, they really were top quality too! The team were flexible with appointments, and I had bridesmaids overseas in Ireland which added a challenge - Vanessa was able to do a FaceTime fitting and the dresses needed minimal adjustments! Great service and everyone is so friendly! Can't recommend enough!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to make your big decisions easier.

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Martels Bridal Boutique Real Weddings

Rebecca & steve
19 photos · 06/04/2023

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Map

Martels Wedding Village, High Easter Road CM6 1NA Barnston (Essex)

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