Sandry Studio Photography

Castle Wedding FAQ’s

We’ve put together a list of questions that we often get asked.

We’ll be more than happy to answer any additional questions you may have,
simply give us a call, drop us an email or send us a contact form.

BOOKING PROCESS

When can we come and have a look round the Castle?
We would be delighted to show you round Eastnor Castle to bring to life what we can offer you for your special day. Please contact Hayley, our Wedding Planner, to book an appointment or see our Wedding Showround page for more information.

How long can you provisionally hold a date for us?
Once you’ve been for a showround, we can provisionally hold a date for you for 5 working days. If we haven’t had any other interest in that date by the end of the 5 days we can extend the provisional booking for you but if we do have other interest in the date then we will ask you whether you would like to book or release the date.

What deposit do I have to pay when I confirm a date?
Once you have booked a date, we will send out a contract and a deposit invoice for 50% of the Castle Hire fee. The balance of the Castle Hire fee is due six months prior to your wedding date and the full balance of payment (to include all catering, a drinks deposit and all bedrooms) will be invoiced 8 weeks before your wedding day.

When do I have to confirm final numbers?
We need an idea of your final numbers 6 weeks prior to your wedding date and actual final numbers need to be given to Eastnor Castle 7 full working days before your wedding.

CEREMONY

How many guests can we invite for a Civil Wedding Ceremony?
We are licensed to hold Civil Wedding Ceremonies for up to 150 guests.

Which room would we have our Civil Wedding Ceremony in?
The Gothic Drawing Room and and Octagon Room are licensed for Civil Wedding Ceremonies for up to 80 guests and the Great Hall is licenced for up to 150 guests. We can also hold ceremonies outside in several different settings. The the most popular choice or room for a civil wedding ceremony is the Gothic Drawing Room. 

How long does a Civil Ceremony take?
A Civil Ceremony normally takes around 25 minutes, a little longer if you include readings or music.

Do we have to book the registrar separately?
Yes, it is a legal requirement that you contact the Registrar separately and ensure they are available to conduct a Civil Wedding Ceremony on the date you have chosen and it is best to do this before you confirm your date with Eastnor Castle. We will give you the contact details of the local registrar when you come for a showround.

Can we use the Church in Eastnor village?
Yes, St John the Baptist Church is in the village of Eastnor and can hold up to 150 guests. Couples from all over the country have been married at the church; you will need to contact the vicar to discuss the arrangements and check availability. We will give you the contact details of the church and church office when you come for a showround.

RECEPTION

What is the maximum number of guests we can have for the Wedding Breakfast?
We can fit 80 in the Dining Room and 150 in the Great Hall for a sit-down meal on 5′ round tables.

Can we have a long top table?
Yes, you can have a long top table in either the Dining Room or the Great Hall but please bear in mind that a long top table reduces the capacity to 78 in the Dining Room and 130 in the Great Hall.

Can we bring our own caterers in?
It is essential that we offer a consistently high standard of catering and therefore only offer our own excellent caterers, A to Zest Catering, who offer an exceptionally high level of service and competitive prices.

Can we bring our own wine in?
Wine and champagne must be purchased through Eastnor Castle and we don’t offer a corkage service. If there is something specific you would like to offer to your guests which isn’t on our wine list we will be happy to try and source it on your behalf.

Why can we not have red wine outside of the Wedding Breakfast?
Red wine can be consumed throughout your Wedding Breakfast but we don’t allow it to be served afterwards. The reason for this is that it can stain our precious flagstone floors and furniture if it gets spilt, causing permanent damage.

Can we have confetti or rose petals?
We don’t allow the throwing of confetti or rose petals in the Castle or grounds. Both leave a residue and whilst we make every effort to clear this up, we would hate for any of our brides to arrive and see the remnants of someone else’s confetti.

Can we have candles around the Castle?
Candles can be used on the tables as long as they are in a safe candle holder (a maximum of 5 candles per table is permitted). We recommend using slow-burning candles if you use candelabras.

Can you provide an easel to hold our table plan?
Yes, we provide an easel which can hold your table plan.

Can we launch Chinese lanterns?
Unfortunately, we don’t allow Chinese lanterns to be launched as the debris impacts on our local residents and farmland. It also causes harm to local livestock. This ruling is in line with recommendations from the Country Land Association.

Can we have fireworks?
Fireworks are permitted on Fridays and Saturdays only and must be fired by 10pm. We ask that you use one of our two recommended suppliers for any firework displays.

Will I need a microphone for the speeches? If so, do I have to provide my own?
A microphone is not needed for speeches in the Dining Room but a microphone and PA system is required for speeches in the Great Hall and we provide these free of charge.

Do we have to use a marquee for the evening reception?
A dance marquee would be required for your evening reception if your guest numbers exceed 150 and/or if you have a band consisting of 5 band members or more. This would be erected on the Upper Terrace, close to the Octagon Room. There is an additional charge for a dance marquee.

BEDROOMS

How many people can stay overnight in the Castle on the night of our wedding?
We have 11 double bedrooms and 1 single bedroom which accommodates a total of 23 overnight guests. We also have 7 z-beds available on request for children. We have 3 holiday cottages around the estate which can sleep an extra 28 guests (if available). We will give you a list of other local hotels and B&B’s when you come for a showround.

Can my guests call independently to book a bedroom?
The couple must co-ordinate the booking and payment of all bedrooms that are required. We are not able to take bedroom bookings and payment from individual guests.

Can we bring our own cots and / or bedding?
Z beds or cots must be booked for children or additional guests staying in the bedrooms however parents may bring their own travel cot and bedding for babies under 3 years old.

Can we have breakfast in our bedroom?
Breakfast is served in the Dining Room or Octagon Room the following morning. Unfortunately, we are not able to deliver breakfast to any bedrooms.

OTHER QUESTIONS

What time can we arrive at the Castle on our Wedding Day?
Exclusive hire of Eastnor Castle starts at 11am. Overnight guests who are not part of the wedding party can arrive from 12.30pm.

Will I have one contact at Eastnor Castle when planning my wedding or will I deal with a number of different people?
Hayley, our Wedding Planner, works full time at the Castle and will work with you right up to your big day. Hayley will invite you to come for a meeting approximately 10-12 weeks before your wedding day to discuss the logistics of your day. At the planning meeting, you will also meet our Operations Team who will be here on your wedding day to ensure that everything runs to plan. Hayley and the Operations Team work very closely together.

Is the Castle lit from the outside at night time?
Yes, the front and back of the castle is lit by floodlighting at night.

Can my photographer come to the Castle before the wedding to look round?
Yes, but please make an appointment beforehand.

Do you have a cloakroom we can use?
We don’t have a dedicated cloakroom but we do have a hanging rail by the front door, where guests can leave their coats.

What time do we have to finish the party?
In order to conform with our Premises Licence and out of consideration for local residents, all wedding parties must finish by 12 midnight.

What time do we need to leave the Castle the next day?
Departure is at 10am the morning after your wedding.

Can we have lunch at the Castle whilst we are getting ready?
Yes, we can provide a light lunch for you while you are getting ready. This would need to be ordered in advance.

Can we drop anything off the day before our wedding?
Yes, you can drop table plans, name cards, favours etc. the day before your wedding and also your dress and suits if you’d like to. The castle may be in use for another event but we have plenty of storage space.

Eastnor Castle Wedding Brochure & Rates

Take a look through our brochure and see how Eastnor Castle could be the perfect venue for the most memorable day of your life, or get in touch to arrange a Wedding Showround

Take a look at our Late Availability offers for weddings within the next 6 months.

Eastnor Castle Wedding Prices