BBC’s beloved weather presenter Carol Kirkwood tied the knot in a romantic, intimate ceremony at the luxurious Cliveden House, a five-star venue with a rich history and a surprising connection to Meghan Markle. What makes this opulent estate the go-to for celebrity nuptials?

When Carol Kirkwood, the radiant face of BBC Breakfast’s weather forecasts, said “I do” to her partner Steve Randall in December 2023, she chose a venue that exudes timeless elegance: Cliveden House. Nestled in the heart of Berkshire’s sprawling countryside, this Grade I listed stately home has become a magnet for high-profile weddings, including a notable connection to the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. Described by Carol as “the most perfect and romantic and intimate wedding,” her special day at Cliveden has sparked curiosity about what makes this venue so irresistible to celebrities. From its lavish interiors to its royal history, here’s an inside look at why Cliveden House is the ultimate backdrop for love stories like Carol’s.

A Venue Fit for Royalty

Set across 376 acres of picturesque Berkshire countryside, Cliveden House is more than just a hotel—it’s a historic masterpiece with an “opulent history” and “luxuriant interiors.” The estate offers a range of wedding options tailored to every couple’s vision, whether they’re planning a grand affair or an intimate gathering like Carol’s. For smaller weddings of 8 to 16 guests, packages start at £510 per adult and £100 per child, including two reception drinks, a three-course wedding breakfast, and an overnight stay in a luxurious bridal suite. Larger weddings of 30 to 60 guests cost £330 per adult, while exclusive-use ceremonies for over 60 guests can accommodate up to 130 for the day and 180 for the evening celebration. For those dreaming of an even bigger bash, a marquee can host 121 to 230 seated guests, ensuring every couple finds their perfect fit.

Beyond its stunning event spaces, Cliveden offers an array of post-wedding luxuries. The hotel’s spa is a haven of relaxation, featuring a steam room, infrared sauna, hot tubs, an indoor pool, and the iconic “Profumo” pool—the last listed outdoor pool in England. For Carol and Steve, who posed for photos in a majestic archway framed by winding tree trunks and later celebrated in a wood-paneled room adorned with intricate carvings and vintage carpets, Cliveden provided a breathtaking backdrop that blended grandeur with intimacy.

A Celebrity Favorite with a Meghan Markle Connection

Cliveden House has long attracted famous faces, from Queen Victoria to Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin. However, its modern claim to fame includes a special tie to Meghan Markle. The night before her 2018 royal wedding to Prince Harry at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, Meghan and her mother, Doria Ragland, stayed at Cliveden. Her makeup artist, Daniel Martin, shared a glimpse into their relaxed pre-wedding morning, describing a “chill” atmosphere with cereal, fresh fruit, and Meghan’s dog, Guy, by their side. This royal connection only adds to Cliveden’s allure as a venue that combines historic prestige with modern celebrity appeal.

Carol Kirkwood’s choice of Cliveden for her wedding further cements its status as a go-to for stars. The 63-year-old presenter stunned in a Bardot-style satin gown with a fitted waist and A-line skirt, her blonde hair swept into a classic updo. Steve, a 49-year-old police officer, looked sharp in a black suit with a silver tie. Their intimate ceremony, attended by close friends and family, was initially planned as a secret, with Carol revealing to Good Housekeeping Live her intention to “just go and do it and tell everyone later.” However, she later clarified it was a “private” rather than secret affair, writing, “We had the most perfect day. It was a tiny wedding but so romantic and intimate. A day we will never forget.”

A Love Story with a Romantic Proposal

Carol’s journey to Cliveden began with a heartfelt proposal from Steve in spring 2022. During a picnic by the river near their Berkshire home, Steve got down on one knee, catching Carol off guard. “I thought he was joking,” she told HELLO!, “but he said, ‘No, I really do mean it. Will you marry me?’ I said, ‘Yes!! Of course!’” The moment, which Carol announced live during a BBC weather forecast for the Chelsea Flower Show, marked the start of their wedding plans. After a 25-year marriage to her first husband, Jimmy Kirkwood, which ended in 2008, and Steve’s own divorce in 2017, their love story is a testament to second chances.

Why Cliveden Captivates

What sets Cliveden apart? Its ability to cater to both lavish and low-key weddings, paired with its rich history and stunning aesthetics, makes it a dream venue. For Carol, the estate’s romantic ambiance and versatile spaces perfectly matched her vision of an intimate celebration. Yet, its appeal extends beyond aesthetics—Cliveden’s legacy of hosting icons and its proximity to royal landmarks like Windsor Castle add a layer of prestige that’s hard to resist. Could this be why celebrities keep returning?

Carol Kirkwood’s wedding at Cliveden House wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a moment that highlighted the venue’s enduring charm. As she embarks on this new chapter with Steve, her story leaves us wondering: What other love stories will Cliveden inspire? And could your dream wedding find its home in this historic haven?