With an increasing number of "dinosaurs" marrying for a further time, they do not always want a full-frontal public appearance. Chigwell Hall, registered for marriages, offers such a wonderful alternative to the Register Office or a well-used hotel complex – as nice as they can be. Two huge car parks, one below the Hall and one on a level with it make access so simple. The Hall offers spacious lounges for the early arrivals, with a bar and cafe serving a variety of tasty starters to the celebrations. The grounds are immaculately maintained to walk around in, with a younger children's play area. The moment you walk into the building you feel welcomed and the Belmont Room on the first floor is ideal and discreet as the marriage room, seating and accomodating comfortably for a meal of up to seventy people. Unfortunately there is no lift available for severely disabled people.
A generous choice of menu of affordable, delicious food offers suitability for all diets and the staff fall over themselves to accomodate any requirements. For instance there is an evening menu also offered but, as we had no evening guests and our meal was timed for approximately 5.30 p.m., we suggested a cheeseboard be served after the cutting of the cake and the speeches, which eventually was after 8.00 p.m.! However they did go down very well with our guests.
Colin Pridige, the genial General Manager and his deputy, Sue, cannot do enough to meet any requirements asked of them and assist in any way they can. My, now husband, arranged, unknown to me or any others apart from the management, for a piper to greet me and pipe and escort us round until seated later for the celebration dinner. Then a further surprise, one of our "waitresses" suddenly burst into Nessum Dorme and followed this with a further 30 minutes of beautiful operatic arias. She was in fact a professional soprano, again organised by husband as my wedding gift!
So, please consider this wonderful, happy, considerate location. You will not be disappointed. You may even end up in the huge Hindu Temple-type marquee, seating 1000, if you have that number of guests!
