Creeksea Place: An Elizabethan Manor House, Wedding Venue & Event Estate in Essex
Nestled on Ferry Road in the picturesque waterside town of Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, Creeksea Place is one of the county's most remarkable heritage estates. A Grade II* listed Elizabethan manor house dating back to 1569, the property has been in the hands of the Bertorelli family since the 1940s, and since 2004 it has been opened to the public by Christina Bertorelli as an exclusive wedding venue, holiday retreat and event estate. Set within 36 acres of lush English countryside, with manicured gardens, natural lakes, a walled garden and an orchard, Creeksea Place blends centuries of history with the polish and warmth of a family-run hospitality business.
Creeksea Place does not produce wine, run a tasting room or operate a vineyard. What it offers is a thoroughly English country house experience: weddings beneath a marble pagoda, history tours through Tudor gardens, Christmas markets in the walled garden, and a High Tea on the lawn. Below is everything you need to know about visiting, marrying or spending a night at Creeksea Place.
An Elizabethan Manor Steeped in Four Centuries of History
Creeksea Place was built by Arthur Harris, a prominent local figure who, in 1569, pledged to Queen Elizabeth I that he could raise a hundred men to defend the monarchy in the event of civil unrest. Harris came from Prittlewell, near Southend, and his family flourished in the centuries that followed; there are now thousands of Harris descendants around the world, particularly in the United States. The estate remained in the Harris family for five generations before passing to the Mildmay family when Arthur's great-granddaughter married Lord Mildmay, a man so influential that Charles I appointed him Keeper of the Crown Jewels, a position roughly equivalent to today's Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Lord Mildmay's role in history, however, took a darker turn. He was one of twelve men who signed the death warrant of Charles I. Following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, he was sentenced to death for regicide, though his sentence was eventually commuted. Legends about Creeksea Place persist to this day, including tales of secret smuggling tunnels running from the house to the River Crouch (though the absence of any cellars, due to the area's high water table, casts doubt on this myth) and the ghost of a heartbroken bride, known as "The Lady of the Lake", who reportedly walks the lawn down to the lakes.
The late 17th century brought the imposition of the Window Tax, which led to the demolition of the north wing, a structure that apparently extended into what is now the car park, with bricks said to have been shipped by barge to London and reused in a street still called Creeksea Lane. Two ten-foot-deep ice houses, used historically for preserving vegetables and grain, remain on the estate, as does a gravity-fed fountain pipe running from the house down to one of the lakes.
The dawn of the 20th century brought a renaissance under William Rome, a London coffee-house proprietor who bought the estate in 1900 and renovated both house and grounds, added the magnificent South Wing and cultivated oysters in the River Crouch for his fashionable London cafés. After Rome's death in 1909 and a brief, unhappy tenure by a German owner, driven out by torch-bearing villagers at the outbreak of the First World War, the estate was requisitioned during the Second World War. The Ministry of Defence renamed it HMS Saint Matthew, training marines and commandos on the grounds and gun emplacements along the river.
The Bertorelli Family and the Modern Era
In 1947, following the war, the estate was broken up and sold at public auction. The jewel in the crown, the Manor House and its immediate grounds, was bought by Luigi Bertorelli, a businessman originally from Italy who had settled in Southend. His granddaughter, Christina Bertorelli, later realised the house once again needed significant renovation, and began inviting film and television companies to use the house and grounds as locations. Perhaps the best-remembered of these is the BBC's production of Great Expectations starring Stratford Johns, although the estate has more recently been used for the BBC's The Murder Game.
It was Christina who, in 2004, first opened the house to the general public, creating the wedding and events business that thrives today. She remains closely involved, describing her role with characteristic modesty: "It has often been said that of the English Country House that no-one actually owns them - one is merely their custodian for a while... I feel privileged to have been such a custodian in my time." Restoration of the house is supported by Historic England, Maldon District Council and Burnham Town Council, and the project has been helped enormously by descendants of the Harris family, particularly Jim and Okyul Harris of Virginia.
A Wedding Venue with Endless Character
Creeksea Place is, first and foremost, an exclusive-use wedding venue. Couples who book the house for their wedding take the entire estate to themselves, choosing from a remarkable variety of ceremony and reception settings. As Christina puts it: "The inherent beauty of this exquisite Elizabethan Manor House, with its vibrant history, wondrous tranquillity and meticulously kept gardens; provide each guest with a unique and magical escape."
Wedding packages can be reviewed in detail on the Special Offers page, or in the full wedding brochure (PDF). The venue's key selling points are its flexibility and the warm, family-run service provided by Manager Claire and her team.
Ceremony Spaces Across the Estate
Four distinct licensed ceremony areas are available:
- The Orchard with the Marble Pagoda: an open-air, fairytale setting for couples who want to marry beneath the sky.
- The Walled Garden with silk-lined canopy: a romantic and secluded courtyard option.
- The Lake Gazebo: perfectly framed by the natural lakes on the estate.
- The Regency and Panelled Rooms: elegant indoor options for cooler months.
Drinks receptions can be hosted on the lake lawn or in the walled garden, with canapés served by the venue's award-winning banqueting professionals. After sunset, the buildings and grounds are illuminated with spotlights, candles and burning torches, and the silk-lined marquee, complete with a starlit dancefloor ceiling, hosts the wedding breakfast and evening reception.
Wedding Packages for Every Vision and Budget
Creeksea Place offers a thoughtful range of wedding packages. Prices correct at the time of writing (2026/2027 seasons).
Summer Wedding Package 2027 - From £11,500
The flagship offering, based on 50 day guests and 100 total evening guests, includes:
- Exclusive hire of Creeksea Manor House & Grounds from 3pm
- Bucks Fizz welcome reception drink
- Three-course meal from the selected menu
- A glass of house wine per person
- A sparkling toasting drink
- Choice of evening food
- Resident DJ
- Bridal Cottage for an hour to freshen up
- Cake stand and knife, tealights and illuminations creating a fairy garden after dark
- Silk-lined marquee with starlit dancefloor
- Full bar facilities and dedicated Event & Banqueting Managers
Pricing tiers: £11,500 Mon - Thu, £13,750 Fri, £14,500 Sat, with additional day guests at £169pp and evening guests at £25pp.
Twilight Wedding 2027 - £6,495
Available Monday to Thursday only, this rustic woodland-themed package is based on a minimum of 100 guests and includes exclusive hire from 5pm, free use of the licensed Orchard ceremony area, street food for 100 guests (6oz gourmet burger, jumbo all-pork hot dog, or vegan burger, all served with skin-on fries and side salad), bridal cottage use, DJ, the silk-lined marquee with starlit dancefloor, fully staffed bar and a dedicated wedding manager. Extra guests are charged at £20pp.
Twilight Wedding 2027 - Limited Saturday Dates - £6,995
A rare Saturday opportunity for the twilight format, available on 19 June 2027 and 3 July 2027. Exclusive hire from 4pm with the same marquee, DJ and street food setup, based on 100 guests.
Summer Garden Package 2027 - £5,250
An intimate option for up to 30 day guests, with four hours of exclusive hire from 2pm. Includes free use of the Orchard ceremony area (a 3pm ceremony is suggested), sparkling wine reception, four-course meal under the silk-lined canopy in the Walled Garden, half a bottle of house wine per adult day guest, sparkling toast drink, full bar facilities in the Cigar Lounge, and both a Wedding Coordinator and Banqueting Manager. Additional day guests £149pp. An evening reception extension can be added for £2,250, with street food for up to 100 guests (£25pp per additional evening guest).
Ceremony Only - £2,500
For couples who want to marry at Creeksea but host their reception elsewhere, this package offers two hours of exclusive use of the House, Walled Garden and Orchard, your choice of the three outdoor ceremony areas (Orchard, Walled Garden or Sun-Drenched Regency Room), full bar facilities, bridal cottage use pre-ceremony and a dedicated Event Manager.
Sunset Soiree - £35 per person
A versatile package suitable for any special occasion, with a minimum of 80 guests Mon - Fri. Includes exclusive use of the House and Walled Garden from 5pm, illuminated lawns, the fairy-tale lit pagoda, the luxury silk-lined canopy (five round tables and 50 chairs with black tablecloths), finger buffet or gourmet street food, full bar facilities, DJ, free parking, cake stand and knife, and a personalised Event Manager. Optional extras include a glass of fizz on arrival (£7.50pp), lawn games (£175) and beer buckets (£400).
The Cottage - A Romantic Elizabethan Escape
Beyond weddings, the Eastern Wing of Creeksea Place, affectionately nicknamed "The Cottage", is available as a self-contained holiday let. Guests staying here will be the only tenants in the entire 36-acre estate, with unfettered access to the surrounding grounds and gardens. The Cottage doubles as the Bridal Suite for weddings, and is also listed on Airbnb. It can be booked on Airbnb.
The setting is described as "romance and tranquillity personified", and the location is superb for outdoor pursuits: horse riding, sailing, fishing, golf and shooting can all be found within walking distance, and the picturesque riverside town of Burnham-on-Crouch is on the doorstep. Secured parking is included, and there is an award-winning café next door. The estate's credentials as a filming location (for Great Expectations and BBC's The Murder Game) hint at the cinematic quality of the surroundings.
Public Events and Experiences
The current calendar of upcoming events includes history tours, themed evenings, a wellbeing festival and Christmas celebrations.
History Tour and Open Gardens
A one-hour guided tour of the estate, beginning at 1:00 pm. Visitors can immerse themselves in centuries of history, hidden stories and architectural charm. £20 per person, with the option to add a hot drink and a slice of homemade cake. Sensible footwear is recommended; booking is essential (call or text 07779 646685). Upcoming dates include 11 August 2026, with further dates to be announced.
Disco Anthems Through The Decades
On Saturday 5 September 2026, 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm, dance and sing along to the biggest disco hits from across the decades. £20 per person; booking essential via 07779 646685.
Enchanted Pathway Festival
A full-day festival of wellbeing, healing, inspiration and community returns to Creeksea Place on Saturday 12 September 2026, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. With over 50 stalls and experiences including holistic therapies, tarot and psychic readers, wellness talks, artisan makers and organic beauty products, the festival is run in association with @the_yoga_effect. Tickets will be released soon.
Creeksea Christmas Outdoor Market
The Christmas festivities kick off on Saturday 21 November 2026, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, with handmade gifts, hot chocolate, mulled wine and twinkling lights in the outdoor market setting. Entry is just £1 per person; parking is limited.
Tea, Cake and Christmas Decoration Making
The festive programme continues on Saturday 28 November 2026, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, with a hands-on workshop making a fresh Christmas wreath or table decoration using materials grown on the grounds. £60 per person, including unlimited tea, coffee, hot chocolate, homemade pastries and mince pies, plus a selection of baubles and ribbons. Add a glass of fizz for £5pp. Booking essential via 01621 784535.
Country Hoedown
Although the 25 July 2026 Country Hoedown has now passed, this 18+ event with live country music, a one-hour line-dancing lesson and an open bar is well worth keeping an eye out for in future years. Tickets were £20pp.
Summer High Tea
Run in previous years (the 16 September 2025 edition has passed), the alfresco Summer High Tea pairs delicate sandwiches, cakes and a fine selection of teas with a complimentary glass of Pimm's. Champagne upgrade £5; add a private history tour for just £10pp when combined with the High Tea. £29.50 per person when it returns.
End of Life Celebrations
A distinctive service that sets Creeksea Place apart from most wedding venues: the Walled Garden can be hired for end-of-life celebrations, a peaceful, reflective setting for up to four hours to gather, share stories and honour a life well lived. Call 01621 784535 to enquire.
The Team Behind Creeksea Place
The estate is run by a small, dedicated team.
Claire - Manager
Claire came to view Creeksea in 2004, fell in love with the venue during her initial meeting with Christina Bertorelli and was offered the role of Event Manager. She is now the Manager at Creeksea Place and is very passionate about the family-run business. Her favourite wedding moment is walking each bride up to the archway before they set off down the red carpet.
Lai-fong - Bar Manager & Bookkeeper
With many years of bar-running experience in London and an accountancy degree, Lai-fong combines her role as Bar Manager with bookkeeping duties during the quieter months. She particularly loves the magical evening atmosphere at Creeksea, when the fairy-tale tree lighting makes for unforgettable photo opportunities.
Megan - Wedding Coordinator
Megan joined the team in 2018 as a Business Administration apprentice, progressed to Marketing Administrator and is now one of the venue's Wedding Coordinators. She cites the first dance as her favourite wedding moment, the part that always brings a lump to her throat.
Esteemed Suppliers
Couples booking Creeksea Place benefit from a hand-picked list of esteemed suppliers covering every aspect of a wedding. Highlights include:
- Limeberry Catering (01245 351114): award-winning wedding caterers offering formal three-course meals, laid-back BBQs and grazing tables.
- Pyrovision Fireworks (01775 630114): bespoke fireworks displays designed around the couple's preferred colours, effects and wedding theme.
- The Bridal Rack (07488 368550): by-appointment bridal boutique in Essex.
- Pure Image Photography (07709 285724): Burnham-on-Crouch-based wedding photographer who has shot many weddings at Creeksea and knows all the best spots.
- Boutique Wedding Films (07887 641698) and Scott Miller Photography: highly experienced photography and film teams.
- Bear's Weddings: female vocalist for ceremonies and receptions.
- Hayley Gold Vocals: bespoke singing and music playlists tailored to each couple's love story.
- Delicate Daisy (01245 806496): award-winning bespoke florist using flowers hand-picked from New Covent Garden market.
- Katy & Co (07929 738942): fresh, bespoke floral arrangements for bouquets, buttonholes and ceremony decor.
- All Dolled Up Essex (07921 257287) and Emma Gooch (07714 329728): bridal hair and makeup specialists.
- Divinely Dolled by Ruby Onslow (07535 038275): award-winning bridal hair.
- Smiles Better Entertainment (020 7887 2687): photo booths (Magic Mirrors, traditional booths, London Taxi, Horsebox, Social Pod and Vogue), plus an ice-cream trike with around 30 flavours.
- Civil Weddings (07449 555501): independent celebrant covering Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.
- Toby Magic (07525 395760): close-up magician with 15+ years of experience entertaining wedding guests.
- Gourmet Kitchen: burgers, dirty fries and street food.
- The Party Theme Company: balloon arches and bespoke party decor.
- Annie Hodgson: wedding cellist currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music.
Planning Your Visit
Creeksea Place is conveniently located for visitors travelling from London, the Home Counties and East Anglia.
- By road: around 50 minutes from the Dartford Tunnel via the M25.
- By rail: direct services from London Liverpool Street to Burnham-on-Crouch.
- By air: Stansted Airport is the nearest major airport.
- By boat: berthing facilities are five minutes away.
- By helicopter: landings available by prior arrangement.
For wedding enquiries, history tour bookings, Christmas workshop reservations or any other questions, contact the team on 01621 784535 or info@creekseaplace.co.uk. The venue is also active on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, real wedding galleries and event announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Creeksea Place a vineyard or winery?
No. Creeksea Place is a Grade II* listed Elizabethan manor house operating as an exclusive-use wedding venue, holiday cottage and events estate. It does not produce or sell wine.
Can the public visit Creeksea Place without attending a wedding?
Yes. Public events include history tours (£20 per person), the summer disco events, the Christmas market and the Enchanted Pathway Festival. The full events calendar lists upcoming dates.
How many guests can Creeksea Place accommodate?
Wedding packages are typically based on 50 day and 100 evening guests (Summer Wedding Package), with options for larger twilight-style weddings up to 100+ guests, and intimate ceremonies with as few as 30 day guests for the Summer Garden Package.
Is there accommodation on site?
Yes. The Cottage in the Eastern Wing is available to book via Airbnb. Guests have exclusive use of the entire 36-acre estate during their stay.
How do I book a tour of the venue?
Contact the team via 01621 784535 or info@creekseaplace.co.uk to request an exclusive tour of the house and grounds. Wedding Preview Evenings and Wedding Open Days are also held periodically.