A Delightful Stay in Prague
From the arrival at Prague’s stylish modern airport, Prague was a delight. Our first stay of the tour was in the Augustine hotel, a impressive converted monastery. It opened it’s doors in 2009 and is already the preferred retreat for many celebrities including Seal & Pink. The rooms are minimalist with signature Cubist pieces. The soft furnishings are in the purples, reds and oranges which were the colours of the original monastery.
Weddings can be held in either the courtyard adjoining the hotel which although it is a public park is sheltered and the surrounding pillars give a feeling of privacy. The venue is reminiscent of the Cloisters in Sorrento. Neighbouring the hotel is the church of St Thomas, this ornate Roman Catholic church gives a striking setting for couples to tie the knot. The church allows Roman Catholic services only.
For the reception the hotel offers a choice of venues, from the modern St Thomas’ cellar bar with it’s original cellar walls and part glass floors, suited to small parties to the Grand ballroom decked in wall hangings of the Monastery colours, which holds around 150 guests. Outside bordering from the restaurant is a courtyard and bbq area with comfortable seating and patio heaters makes a romantic setting for an evening reception.
Prague's Surrounding Areas and Castles
Next day began with a tour of the Lesser town and Prague castle. Lesser town is a section of winding streets and an ecliptic collection of buildings in varying styles which sit together to make a scenic tapestry in pinks and golds.
The castle took century’s to complete and has resulted in a variety of styles depending on which side the castle is viewed from. The castle is no longer a residence but houses offices of the government. The cathedral housed in the courtyard is Gothic in style and has stained glass window designed by famous artists. It is possible to get married here but due the number of tourists it would not be a private event although photos could be taken further away from the cathedral but this is not easily reached in wedding attire.
Hotel Aria
Lunch was taken at the Aria hotel this funky boutique hotel is situated next to the Vrtba gardens, weddings take place here in the late afternoon after the tourists have gone. Weddings can take place at 30 minute intervals. Weddings are held in the Sala Terrena with a decorated wedding table and 10 decorated chairs for the families of the engaged couple. Other wedding guests remain standing during the ceremony. Also provided are floral decorations for the wedding table. The ceremony includes a toast for the newly-married couple prepared by the garden manager, which is included in the fee for the organization of the wedding ceremony.
Wedding guests are not allowed to give a toast or have any sort of refreshment on their own.The Aria hotel can arrange tables to be set up on the terrace above the gardens for a wedding buffet. The garden manager is ready to offer advice as regards music and photographers with experience in the premises of the Vrtba Garden and the Vrtba Palace.
The wedding party can also host their reception in the Aria hotel depending on numbers will be the amount of space opened up, from the Coda restaurant off the piano bar to the piano bar itself. The Aria also has a private cinema which can be hired and seats around a dozen people. It is also possible to get married on the roof top terrace (small parties only) which breathtaking views over Prague it also make it a perfect venue for a cocktail reception.
The wedding party can also host their reception in the Aria hotel depending on numbers will be the amount of space opened up, from the Coda restaurant off the piano bar to the piano bar itself. The Aria also has a private cinema which can be hired and seats around a dozen people. It is also possible to get married on the roof top terrace (small parties only) which breathtaking views over Prague it also make it a perfect venue for a cocktail reception.
The hotel itself is designed around music each floor is based on a style of music and each room a segment of that style. The hotel also has a collection of around 15000 cd’s which are free of charge to hire for guests during their stay. This hotel offers a distinctive location for a honeymoon.
Following lunch we took a boat trip down the Vltava river, the river cruise boats are a delightful excursion for guests before the wedding and a great way for the two families to get to know each other.
Seeing the Stirin Hotel
Day two began with a trip out to Chateau Stirin and the Stirin hotel. This Chateau is located a couple of mile outside of the city. Whilst the hotel is traditional inside it has many quirky features within the venue. Within the chateau there are three wedding rooms which can be used for the ceremony or the central room can be used for the bride and groom to get ready, they then exit through French windows onto a grand outdoor staircase each taking opposite paths down into the gardens around the manicured garden to join again at the wedding gazebo at the bottom of the gardens.
The wedding breakfast can be taken in several restaurants including the country styled restaurant with French windows out on the gardens and golf course or in the Gaudi styled Atis restaurant that boasts a putting green and a tree though the centre of the room. The next stop was the Cervena Lhoto where we got to see our first real wedding, The stunning fairytale castle is set around a beautiful lake. The wedding rooms are small but pretty and are being refurbished this winter. Alternatively there is a chapel but as this is on a sharp incline it is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties. The wedding breakfast can be held in the restaurant, who not only provide gourmet food but can also arrange fireworks, d j or many other extras to make the day extra special.
In the afternoon we transferred to the state Chateau of Hluboka. This Chateau was styled around Winsor Castle, although not a private locatino, the gardens would make a stunning backdrop for photos.
The evening was spent at the hotel Stekl which had a beautiful garden terrace for wedding parties with views over the Czech countryside.The next morning sees us heading to Chateau Zbiroh, the approach to the venue doesn't prepare you for when you turn the corner and the chateau comes into view it is awe-inspiring. At the entrance is a stylish gazebo which can weddings can take place. A grand staircase leads to a impressive hall for 150 guests equipped with stunning chandeliers. Smaller parties can be accommodated in an Art Nuevo style room designed by Edward Mucha.
The chapel can be reached through a cobbled courtyard which can be furnished with a red carpet. The Roman Catholic chapel can also be used for civil ceremonies. It has a small organ and is lit with candles and decorated with fresh flowers. There is also accommodation for 100 guests in 50 rooms and 10 apartments.
Once again there are choice of venues for the reception including a medieval restaurant with ceramic steins and kebabs on swords for the real castle feel. After lunch we proceeded to hotel Mlyn Romanticky just 10 minutes from Karlstein castle in a idyllic lakes and mountains location, where we were given a very warm welcome. The interior is rustic in style and the bridal suite a room is a real romantic retreat. Decking leads from the bar out towards the river past this lawns meander down to the pretty wedding gazebo. Past this is a marquee with dance floor and bbq area and fire pit. The management of the hotel is extremely approachable and gives you faith that the wedding couple would be well catered for. The hotel itself can cater for fifty guests and would be perfect to twin centre with a short break in Prague itself.
The Riverside Hotel
The last night's accommodation was at the Riverside hotel a lovely modern American styled accommodation, within walking distance of the Charles bridge and it’s artists. For the evening we headed to the Zofin Palace located on a small island on the river it is like slipping into a bygone age of elegance. With it’s high ceiling glittering ballrooms it echoes of past masked balls attended by the nobility. The caterers for this venue are rated amongst the best in Prague. Certainly gives the wow factor.
The last morning after a walking tour around the old town of Prague we stopped to take in the famous astrological clock of the Old Town Hall. The spectacle of the parade of the saints, the skeleton ringing the bell and the jesters fanfare are a delight. The interior of the Old Town Hall is surprisingly modern and minimalist. At 8.30 several brides can already be seen on the street as we leave. 
Across the square sits St Nicholas church it is a stark contrast to the interior of the Old Town Hall, this grand Protestant church serves as both a place of worship and a concert hall. Despite being a protestant church couples of any religion can marry here. Weddings can take place on any day of the week apart from Sunday between the hours of 9am and 1pm (later by request). The service can be in either English or Czech by the cheerful celebrant. The fee of 10,000 ck (400 euro) includes flowers, souvenirs for the bride and groom and a choice of organ music.
The final lunch was at the trendy Buddha Bar, this ultra modern hotel is luxury in a fun concept. This hi tech hotel would be wonderful for honeymooners.
The last hotel visit was a real hidden gem, The Pachtuv Palace was partially hidden from view by the building of a new restaurant to the side of the hotel. Walking through the reception you stumble upon a magical courtyard, like so much of Prague it houses some very individual works of art. In this case it is bronze figures secreted around the garden. 2010 is the first year the hotel as hosted weddings but the garden is perfect for an intimate ceremony, the garden in turn leads to a balcony ideal for cocktail receptions and with the addition of the restaurant it should do very well. For a special stay there is the honeymoon suite decorated with frescoes of Italian art and atmospheric lighting it is something very special.
The Czech Republic offers culture, style and diversity to be able to offer the perfect venue for that special day.
For further information and to speak to our Prague Wedding Specialist, Sheila Mottram about your big day, please email Sheila directly: sheila@perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk, call us on 0844 770 8270 or visit our Perfect Weddings Abroad website and check out some Prague Wedding Ideas
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