A SPECIALIST wedding venue in Althorne has received recognition from a leading Wedding Awards panel.

High House Weddings was awarded ‘Wedding Venue of the Year - Countryside 2020’ for the East of England in the Wedding Industry Awards this week.

The Hollingsbee family created the wedding venue in the grounds of their home.

A spokesman said: “We are absolutely delighted with the achievement, especially being in such great company with all of the venues in the region.”

The venue consists of 10 acres of landscape gardens, a grade II listed Essex barn, thatched gazebo, private vineyard, a cottage for the bride and groom and marquee with a hidden dance floor.

The award is judged based on couples’ feedback as well as by industry experts.

High House is now up against seven other venues in the national finals.