A few weeks ago, we showcased Blenheim Palace's stunning feature in Brides Magazine in anticipation of my trip to Europe to see these gorgeous venues firsthand. The Vivid Experiences team has coordinated and designed weddings internationally, but this was our first time to Oxford -about an hour away from London – which is rich in history and full of breathtaking views. Part I of this series is featuring the fantastic venues we had the pleasure of touring during our stay.

The first stop on our venue tour is Lyne House.  This beautiful venue offers very special accommodations in an excellent location near Oxford. Originally part of Lyne Farm, the main house was built in the 17th century and formed part of the Duke of Marlborough’s Blenheim Palace estates. Today, it's four elegant, double rooms and large sitting room offer personalized comfort and old world charm with all the modern conveniences and quality food that our discerning guests expect.

Next up is The Old Swan, which captures the charm of bygone years. You'll enjoy their mix of modern convenience with the laid-back atmosphere of the gastro-pub inspired dining room and log-fired bar. The setting couldn’t be more romantic if it tried. Next door at the Minster Mill, you’ll find a slightly less posh country-cousin. A bit of an upstart; funky modern rooms, smaller and without the history but all with the familiar style and personal touches while offering flexibility for small groups and private parties. At the heart of the Old Minster village and with a history going back almost 600 years, the Old Swan & Minster Mill couldn’t be more quintessentially English. The perfect spot to escape the city and explore the Cotswolds. Or just relax, spa and dine.

The Feathers is a chic town house hotel in Woodstock, next-door to Blenheim Palace. Step off the street in this pretty Cotswold market town and into a welcoming hotel with great food and stylish furnishings. Here you can relax, recharge and enjoy a hotel with history, high housekeeping standards and those little extras that make a stay ‘great.’

Macdonald Bear Hotel is one of the finest 4-star hotels in Oxfordshire. Set in Woodstock, in what was once a 13th century coaching inn, the hotel combines history and culture with exceptional facilities.

The Cary Arms: The Inn on the Beach just exudes charm, fun and all the values of a good English inn with the style and comfort of a boutique hotel. Great seaside gastro-pub dining, local ingredients, family friendly (including dogs) complemented by chic rooms and cute cottages. Sitting in the sheltered and sunny spot of Babbacombe Bay on the south Devon coast, the outstanding setting and views are breathtakingly beautiful, 365 days of the year.

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, England from Zane Karl Studios on Vimeo.

Thank you to Paul Liczbinski, with Blenheim Palace, the perfect place for weddings and celebrations of any kind, for an incredible experience in London. From transportation, to shopping, dinners, bridal shows, accommodations, etc. – the trip was wonderful. Thank you Lisa Light with Destination Bride LLC for the opportunity to film – we are looking forward to many weddings & events there. The accommodations and meals, were amazing. Thank you to the Lyne House, Old Swan & Minster Mill, Madeline Bonvin with Bicester Village , The National Wedding Show, Kirsty Ashdown, Andrew Nightingale, and Michelle Carey, Feathers Hotel Woodstock, Macdonald Randolph Hotel, The Trout Lyne Guest House Accommodation Oxford, and Rene Kraus.

Stay tuned for Part II of our Vivid Experiences Goes To Europe to hear all about the wonderful Vendors we had to privilege of getting to meet during our travels.