Bridal Hair & Makeup at Monkey Island Estate
10 min from Windsor · Berkshire
About the Venue
Monkey Island Estate
A luxury boutique hotel set on its own private island in the River Thames, Monkey Island Estate is accessed by footbridge and surrounded by seven acres of landscaped riverside gardens. Two Grade I listed heritage pavilions dating to 1723 create an utterly romantic and wonderfully secluded setting for your wedding day.
Monkey Island is unlike anywhere else Jade works — a private island in the Thames, accessed by footbridge, with 300 years of history and the most incredible sense of seclusion. There’s something utterly romantic about knowing your entire wedding is happening on its own little island, and the boutique luxury feel makes every moment special.
Location: Bray, Berkshire SL6 2EE — approximately 10 minutes from Windsor.
Getting Ready
The Wedgewood Suite serves as the bridal suite, blending historic glamour with modern design and offering a luxurious space to begin your preparations. The Floating Spa — housed on a riverboat moored on the Thames — is a lovely option for pre-wedding pampering.
The suite has a wonderful boutique hotel feel, and the island setting means the morning is incredibly peaceful. No traffic noise, no outside world — just the sound of the river and the anticipation of the day ahead. It’s one of the most special getting-ready experiences you could ask for.
Capacity & Setting
Up to 130 guests indoors in the Marlborough Ballroom, or up to 300 with a marquee on the lawns.
A private Thames island with heritage pavilions dating from 1723, riverside gardens and complete seclusion from the outside world. Guests can arrive by boat or even helicopter — it’s that kind of venue.
What Brides Love
The exclusivity of having an entire island for their celebration, the impeccable staff who make you feel like the only couple in the world, the incredible photo opportunities along the river, and the unique experience of guests crossing a footbridge to reach your wedding — it sets the tone from the very first moment.
Your Wedding Morning
What to Expect on the Day
Jade will arrive at Monkey Island, cross the footbridge with her full kit, and set up in the Wedgewood Suite. She always allows extra time for the island access and arrives with everything she needs so there’s no back-and-forth across the bridge.
Getting ready on a private island in the Thames is something truly unique — the peace, the river views, the sense that this morning belongs entirely to you. Jade keeps everything running to schedule while you soak in the atmosphere with your bridal party.
She stays with you until the ceremony, making sure every detail is perfect. There’s something particularly special about stepping out of the suite and walking across this beautiful island to meet your partner.
Jade’s Tip
Hair & Makeup at Monkey Island Estate
The island setting means all suppliers should allow extra time for access via the footbridge and loading arrangements. Jade always factors this into her morning schedule to ensure a completely relaxed start to your day — she arrives earlier than usual so there’s never any rushing.
Monkey Island is about 10 minutes from Windsor, so Jade knows it well. She recommends staying on the island the night before — waking up surrounded by the Thames on your wedding morning is an experience you’ll never forget.
If you’re planning to use the Floating Spa, just avoid any facial treatments that might cause sensitivity in the days leading up to the wedding. A relaxing body treatment or massage the evening before is lovely, but keep facials to at least a week beforehand.
Explore More
More from Jade Victoria
View all venues and services in Berkshire, or explore Jade’s full bridal hair and makeup services including trials, pricing and what’s included.
Browse hundreds of real bridal looks in the bridal gallery.
Check Availability
Getting married at Monkey Island Estate?
Jade’s bridal dates go quickly, particularly between May and September. Get in touch with your venue and date and she’ll come back with availability and a tailored quote within 48 hours.
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