The Swan at Lavenham

The Swan at Lavenham has stood at the heart of England's best-preserved medieval village since the 15th century, when wool made both the village and the building rich. Ancient oak beams, inglenook fireplaces, and a minstrels' gallery set the scene for weddings that feel steeped in history from the moment guests arrive.

Couples can marry in any of four rooms licensed for ceremonies, from the intimate McCallum (up to 24) to the impressive Gallery, with its high timbers and grand piano (up to 104). Prefer a church wedding? St Peter and St Paul are just two minutes' walk away.

The Swan's kitchen holds two AA Rosettes. Every wedding starts with a glass of fizz and canapés, followed by a three-course meal built around dishes the couple actually loves, not a fixed set list.

With 47 bedrooms and suites, nobody has to leave at the end of the night - and a spa in a 15th-century weaver's house, just thirty steps across the courtyard, gives everyone somewhere to unwind. From intimate elopement-style days for two to exclusive-use takeovers of the whole hotel for up to 104 guests, weddings here start from £4,000.

Throughout it all, one person sees every wedding through: events manager Gillian, who looks after couples from their very first email to their last goodbye on the day.

The Hotel Folk is a charming venue for weddings and other special events in Lavenham, Suffolk.