FURTHER INFO.
What is Dry Hire?
The venue is hired out as a blank canvas. Allowing you to choose your own suppliers, furniture etc and to set up and decorate to your own style. We also 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.
What are your maximum guest numbers?
If you are considering formal dining in the Cartlodge, the maximum guest number is 100, but for more informal dining, with guests sitting in both the Barn and Cartlodge our maximum numbers can be increased slightly. With car parking limited we would ask all guests to car share or use a minibus where possible.
Will you reduce the hire rate if we only have a small number of guests?
Please get in contact with us, but as a general rule, regardless of smaller guest numbers our venue hire remains the same for 20-100 guests. If you are planning for a small intimate wedding for up to 20 guests maximum, with 9 hours venue hire from 2pm-11pm (this must include your setting up and clean up time) then we can give you a bespoke price for a Sunday evening wedding.
Do you have an On The Day Co-Ordinator or Wedding Planner included in the hire rate?
No, although should you wish to include this in your package we do have an in-house Co-Ordinator, who we request you use. We can recommend Wedding Planners but our staff don't deal with this role.
Do you hold a wedding licence?
Yes we do, After passing all the rigorous checks with the appropriate authorities, we became a Licenced venue last Spring. We are licenced for up to 110 people. Our Barn and Woodland Den are both licenced. Our local Registrars Office is based in Bury St Edmunds. Our couples must contact the office directly.
Do you have an In-House Celebrant should we wish to have a blessing rather than a legal wedding?
Yes we do, Allan is our celebrant at Upthorpe Wood.
Can we hire the venue for additional hours?
Yes certainly. We can extend your wedding day by a further hour. Additional hours are also possible for Friday or Sunday. Maybe you'd like to extend your hours on Sunday and have all guests back for brunch? Hours are charged at an hourly rate.
Do staff help set up and clear down?
We leave that to you, friends/family. Stylists can be organised to help set up and style your day. We can offer a Clean Up Service if required.
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 amplified music to stop at 11pm. Our camping numbers are limited to 20 max.
Are we allowed to hire bands to play in the woodland?
Unfortunately not, due to our close neighbours. No amplified music is allowed outside the barn, although we love acoustic! We would prefer you to choose our recommended DJ. After 7pm all music must be located inside the barn.
Can we bring in our own food?
It's your wedding day and we'd prefer you to sit back and be catered for by a professional caterer.
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.
Do suppliers need to provide their own equipment?
Yes they do, this includes staff. Caterers and other suppliers, will need to bring in their own generators, if required, as well as refridgeration units, gazebos and lighting. Suppliers have access to the venue during your hire period hours.
Is there plenty of accomodation 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.
Ask for recommendations.
Children must be supervised at all times.
We open for weddings between May- September each year and only host weddings at weekends.
We only allow pets by prior arrangement.
We have car parking for up to 30 but caterers and glamping may lower this number.
Receipt of a Non Refundable deposit (£1,500) will confirm your preferred exclusive weekend hire/booking.
Prices are non-negotiable.
