A GLOUCESTERSHIRE hotel has fought off fierce competition from hundreds of venues to win the prestigious title of Best Wedding Venue in the Country.

Manor by the Lake in Cheltenham was given the title at a glittering ceremony at the Wedding Industry Awards in in London, which saw over 500 elite wedding suppliers from across the UK gathering to celebrate the best providers in the business.

The hotel was established in 2013 by entrepreneur Michael Chittenden and his partner Tammy Madge, who started with a run-down Victorian mansion and turned it into an exclusive, historic setting with picturesque landscapes hosting over 150 weddings a year.

The UK’s wedding venue business is worth an estimated £3.3 billion a year and employs many thousands of people, making this a key element within the hospitality sector.

Manor by the Lake is also a popular business meeting venue as well as hosting a range of celebrations, family parties and other events.

Cotswold Journal: The award-winning team from Manor by the Lake - Arron Chew, marketing manager, Tina Nicol, customer journey director, Jose Marques, managing director and Louis Givens, systems managerThe award-winning team from Manor by the Lake - Arron Chew, marketing manager, Tina Nicol, customer journey director, Jose Marques, managing director and Louis Givens, systems manager (Image: Manor by the Lake)

“This is the pinnacle of our journey to date,” said Michael.

“And it’s thanks to the incredible hard work and dedication of our entire team.

"Weddings are something every couple will remember for the rest of their lives and we strive for perfection and to make each of them unique.

“The award is important for the local economy too, we have over 100 staff working for us, and our weddings also help support a host of local suppliers.”

MD Jose Marques said: “We believe in creating moments that not only celebrate the couple’s love but also provide magical experiences for their guests to enjoy.”

Tina Nicol, Customer Journey Director, said, “Our passion is to care for our couples from their first enquiry, through to their big day, and even beyond. It’s about more than just one day; it’s about creating a lifelong memory. We are so proud of the team and thank all our wonderful couples for voting for us.”

The Wedding Industry Awards are known for their rigorous and client-focused judging process, and feedback from newlyweds and their families played a crucial role in clinching this award.

“The journey to here has taken us 10 years,” concludes co-owner Tammy Madge, “but we are still looking for ways to make our weddings even more memorable. This is a highly competitive business, and constantly striving for perfection is what keeps you ahead.”