Epsom Downs Racecourse - Vows & Venues

Yvonne Goodright, Conference & Events Marketing Manager at Epsom Downs Racecourse

Weddings can be expensive and we’re keen to help couples who want to take inspiration from the event and are looking to host their very own ‘Royal’ wedding, so here are a few of our top tips and preferred suppliers that can help create a royal affair to rival Harry and Meghan’s.

Bringing the outside in

Harry and Meghan are big advocates of the great outdoors so we’re expecting to see inspired nods to nature throughout the day, be that through the decorations, cake, colour scheme or photo opportunities.

It has already been confirmed that the flower arrangements will incorporate white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves as well as branches of beech, birch and hornbeam. All the flowers are in season and our favourite florist, Christine’s Flowersin Cheam, can provide stunning floral arrangements incorporating the same colours and stems as the royal couple.

At Epsom Down’s we’re also incredibly lucky to have an abundance of stunning outdoor spaces overlooking the Surrey Downs. And the rolling green hills provide the perfect backdrop for photos and capturing those special moments with friends and family.

The great wedding cake off

Gone are the days for overly extravagant wedding cakes with lots of tiers draped in icing. Back in 2011 when William and Kate got hitched it was very much ‘the bigger the better’ and they certainly didn’t disappoint with a towering eight-tiered bake. Now, couples are choosing to strip it back and opt for ‘naked’ cakes, which are beautifully rustic and can be decorated with flowers to provide that subtle, yet elegant, ‘wow’ moment.

Harry and Meghan are also breaking away from the white Victoria sponge tradition and have instead picked an organic lemon and elderflower flavoured cake created by Hackney-based baker Claire Ptak.

For couples looking to recreate this delicious option we would recommend the experts at Cloud Nine Cake Company.The team are always happy to sit down and discuss unique flavourings and designs, all of which are both incredible for the eyes and mouth.

Historic venues

The Royal Box at Epsom Downs Racecourse is a firm favourite with the Royal Family and famously hosts Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, at the Derby each year. It oozes British history and brings an element of luxury to any couple’s special day – no matter what the overarching theme may be. The room has tonnes of character and can accommodate up to 90 guests. And couples who want to steal the show can use the private balcony to recreate the Royal Wedding balcony picture from Buckingham Palace.

For wedding breakfasts and post-nuptial drinks the stunning Downs View Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing breath-taking panoramic views across the protected countryside is a perfect setting to dine and dance. There is also a private outdoor terrace that can host parties of up to 120 guests.

A night to remember

Once the party draws to a close, guests and the happily married couple can retire to the cosy yet expansive Holiday Inn Express London Epsom Downs. With 120 en-suite bedrooms, it provides the ideal retreat for wedding parties, who want to avoid the logistical headache of travelling home the same night. Overlooking the stunning Surrey Downs and the famous racecourse the hotel oozes luxury and sophistication. Couples who say ‘I do’ at Epsom Downs Racecourse can also take advantage of the preferential overnight rates.

We’re hoping this sparks some creative ideas for couples looking to tie the knot and demonstrates that a ‘Royal’ wedding isn’t so far out of reach.