Let’s start at the beginning
The Journey of The Elm Tree
Our Story
The Elm Tree is an independently owned wedding venue in Hundleby, near Spilsby, on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Originally a Georgian home, The Elm Tree has been carefully restored to create an intimate wedding venue with beautiful gardens, characterful interiors and accommodation for couples and their closest guests.
Owners Jonathan and Chris, together with wedding co-ordinator Niki, run the venue as a small, hands-on team. From planning meetings through to the wedding day itself, couples deal directly with the people who know the venue best.
01.
Where it Started
The Journey Begins
The Elm Tree was rescued and renovated by owners Jonathan & Chris. Purchased in October 2014, just weeks before their wedding, Jonathan & Chris saw the potential of what The Elm Tree could become.
Beginning their loving restoration as a newly married couple, they brought The Elm Tree from the edge of ruin to the beautiful building you see today.
02.
The Bed & Breakfast
Opening the B&B
Opening in March 2016, The Elm Tree soon became one of Lincolnshire’s hottest 5-star stays. Picking up not only a faithful client list but also award after award throughout the UK.
The exquisite style, beautiful afternoon tea and attention to detail became the trademark of a stay at The Elm Tree. Luckily wedding guests get to enjoy the experience when they book their wedding package.
03.
The Wedding Venue
niki comes on board
The Elm Tree began offering weddings in 2018 and almost instantly became as well known for their weddings as their Bed & Breakfast. Offering beautiful boutique weddings that continue to gather awards.
Niki, our wedding co-ordinator came on board in 2022 and the venue continues to go from strength to strength. Having a background in theatre Niki left London to embark on family life and found a passion for wedding planning that led her to The Elm Tree.
A Small Team
Not a Wedding Factory
The Elm Tree deliberately specialises in smaller celebrations. Because we host intimate weddings rather than large-scale events, our team can get to know each couple and help create a day that feels personal to them.
get to know us
Meet Team Elm Tree
Jonathan.
Owner & Perfectionist
Jonathan, (AKA J) is often the first person that you will speak to when engaging with the Elm Tree. Jonathan did a Politics degree at Huddersfield university, with a year spent in Copenhagen. On returning he was not sure what he wanted to do and life pointed him towards teaching.
When he met Chris they jointly ventured in doing up properties and breathing life back into them. When Chris found the Elm Tree Jonathan was adamant that he did not want to view it as they would not have the time to do it up – their own wedding was just six months away at this point and they were running a coffee shop 7 days a week.
Through gentle persuasion Jonathan viewed the Elm Tree and from the first moment they arrived knew that this would be their future home and business.
Never one to sit still three years into running the Elm Tree Jonathan decided that he needed another challenge and went back to college to train to be a therapeutic counsellor qualifying in 2021. He now spends his time between the two business’, largely working within a trauma field in therapy then dipping back into the wonderful world of weddings!
Chris.
OWNER & Chief Cook
Chris is Lincolnshire(ish!) born and bred. He was born over the border in Nottinghamshire, but his family moved across when he was young. Growing up in a family where being self-employed was the norm, it was hardly surprising to find that Chris successfully ran his own business. Chris trained as a chef and worked across a range of establishments, from pub kitchens to very busy cafes, before embarking on opening his own in Skegness eatery to critical acclaim.
When Chris met Jonathan they decided to create magic together and set up a coffee shop in the market town of Horncastle. From the get-go Chris and Jonathan were committed to providing locally sourced, high quality ingredients in a seasonally changing menu. This business took flight and was crowned the best tea room across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.
Anyone who knows Chris knows that he has a passion for property. He does not see walls being in the way as a problem (much to Jonathan’s frustration!} and can instantly walk into a property and see its potential.
This passion was ignited when one day he stumbled across the Elm Tree – a virtually derelict building that according to Chris had “lots of potential!”. Just before his own wedding he persuaded Jonathan to come and have a look and as we say the rest is history. The passion he has for the building and the grounds can be seen in his meticulous eye for detail, the garden and the amazing home cooked afternoon tea.
Niki
Wedding Co-ordinator
Niki joined the team in 2022 as The Elm Tree’s weddings and event co-ordinator and has not looked back since.
Having a background in theatre Niki left London to embark on family life and found a passion for wedding planning that led her to The Elm Tree.
When she is not planning weddings, you will find her with her family running around after her 3 boys and her cocker spaniel Rosie. With her husband still working in the business she loves having the evenings that he is away to sit and chat with her couples and make plans.
