FURTHER INFO.
Upthorpe Wood are members of WVSG and ABWB
What is Dry Hire?
The venue is hired out as a blank canvas. Allowing you to choose your own suppliers (excluding Bar Companies) furniture etc and to set up and decorate to your own individual style. We ask that you leave the venue in the same condition as hired. We have a strict 'Leave No Trace' policy, which includes clearing the site of all decoration, rubbish, food items, bottles etc.
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How is the venue hire fee calculated?
Our blog, which can be found on the Notes page of the website, explains how we calculate our fees. The hire fee includes much more than the venue use on your wedding day alone, in fact the wedding day is only a very small part of the venue fee. In order to run as a sustainable business the fee includes all aspects of our running costs/admin/licences/maintenance/meetings/emails/telephone calls/professional planning advice etc.
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What are your maximum guest numbers?
100 is our maximum day guest number and 120 for evening, this includes children/babies.
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Apart from the venue hire, what else will we need to hire for our wedding?
You will need to book either a Registrar or celebrant. Other things to be considered are Caterers, entertainment and decor.
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Do you have your own In House Bar at the Wood?
Yes, Upthorpe Wood will provide all drinks for your day. Our license doesn’t allow couples, guests or wedding suppliers/caterers to supply/provide drinks (soft or alcoholic) at the venue. You may choose to pre-pay an amount behind the bar, buy a pre-chosen selection of drinks or you can choose for your guests to pay as they go. We will happily create a bespoke drinks package to suit your needs.
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Will you reduce the hire rate if we only have a small number of guests?
Regardless of smaller guest numbers our venue hire remains the same for 15-100 guests. If you are planning a small intimate wedding for up to 50 maximum, with up to 8 hours venue hire (this must include your setting up and clean up time) then we have an amazing elopement or ceremony hire package.
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Does the hire fee include an On The Day Co-Ordinator or Wedding Planner included in the hire rate?
It doesn’t because not every wedding will need co-ordination, although should you wish to include this in your package we have an in-house Co-Ordinator. We can recommend Wedding Planners but it isn’t a role which we provide although we are always ready to help with any advice.
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Do you hold a wedding licence?
Yes we do. For ceremonies, we are licenced for up to 100 people. Our Barn, Cartlodge and Woodland Den are also licenced. Our local Registrars Office is based in Bury St Edmunds. Couples must contact the office directly.
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Do you have accommodation onsite?
We have the cutest little woodland Cabin for our couple to stay overnight and we work closely with the fabulous https://stowlangtoftestate.co.uk/holiday-cottages/
who are located just 3 miles along the country lane. With the hire of a local minibus this offers the perfect luxurious guest accommodation for up to 52 people.
Is there plenty of accommodation available in the area?
Yes there is, within 3 miles you'll find many Air bnbs, hotels and cottages for hire. Our nearest large town is Bury St Edmunds (9 miles away) which has plenty of hotels etc. Just ask us for recommendations
Can our guests camp overnight?
We have lots of local campsites and accommodation, so do not allow wedding guests to camp over, this also prevents guests retiring to their tents during your wedding day!
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If we don’t want a legal wedding, can we have a blessing conducted by a celebrant?
Yes of course.
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​Can we hire the venue for additional hours?
Yes, certainly. Additional hours are possible for Friday or Sunday. Maybe you'd like to extend your hours on Sunday and have all guests back for brunch? Additional Hours are charged at an hourly rate.
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Do staff help set up and clear down?
We leave that to you, friends and family. Stylists can be organised to help set up and style your day. We can offer a Clean Up Service if required.
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Can we have an After Party?
If you're looking for a mad all nighter, I'm afraid we aren't the venue for you. We ask for all music to finish by 11pm.​
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Are we allowed to hire bands to play outside?
Yes of course, although we ask it to be unamplified (no speakers) so acoustic works best. After 7pm all music must be located inside the barn.
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Can we bring in our own food?
You may choose your own caterers/foodtrucks for your day but as it's your wedding day we do not allow couples/family to bring in food. We ask that you sit back and be catered for by a professional caterer/s throughout your day.
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Is the woodland wheelchair accessible?
Yes, there is access through the reception areas and barns, however some areas in the woodland may prove more difficult to access.
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Do suppliers need to provide their own equipment?
Yes they do, this includes adequate staff. Caterers and other suppliers, will need to bring in their own generators, if required, as well as refrigeration units, gazebos and lighting. Suppliers have access to the venue during your hire period hours.
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Children must be supervised at all times.
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We open for weddings between May- September each year and only host weddings at weekends.
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We only allow a pet (belonging to the wedding couple) by written prior arrangement only, due to the wildlife onsite. Unfortunately, we do not allow guests to bring pets.
We have car parking for up to 45 cars, including a supplier car park.
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Receipt of a Non Refundable deposit (£2,000) will confirm your preferred exclusive weekend hire/booking.
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Prices are non-negotiable.