Wedding FAQs

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DORFOLD HALL – GENERAL INFORMATION

How many guests does your venue hold?

Our venue holds up to 180 seated guests for your day, 200 total guests for your evening reception.

Does your venue have minimum numbers?

We have minimum numbers of 80 guests for all weddings held at Dorfold, with the exception of Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Do you hold winter weddings?
Yes, we most certainly do! More information on venue pricing for winter weddings is available within our “A Winter’s Tale” section of the brochure.
Do you hold New Years’ Eve weddings?
New Years’ Eve weddings are possible, as well as some dates around Christmas, please enquire with one of the team for more information on pricing.
Does your venue allow fireworks?
Yes, however please note as we are only allowed two per year, this is given a first-come first-serve basis and we advise couples to book this with their confirmation of the venue hire if available.
How much parking do you have?
Our car park can accommodate in excess of 100 cars.
Can guests leave their cars overnight?
Yes, but we do ask that the cars are collected no later than by 10am the day after the wedding.
Do you hold weddings all year around?
  • In 2021 our wedding season will run from May until December.
  • For 2022 and beyond, we will be able to host weddings all year round.
Does your venue allow dogs?
Dogs are allowed for the ceremony and reception drinks. They must be on a lead at all times.  Due to the delicate nature of the historic house and associated cottages, their fabric and the artefacts within, we are unable to allow pets to stay overnight; however, we can recommend dog-sitters.
Do you have WiFi?
WIFI is available in the Main Hall, Cottages and L’Ecurie (from 2021).
Do you have a PA system?
Yes, we have a PA system available for both the ceremony and wedding breakfast. This can be used for speeches and to play music from a mobile phone or tablet. We also will have a state of the art sound system to ensure that the music in the evening is extraordinary!
Can we hire the venue for multiple days?
Yes, please see our brochure for prices on extending your stay with us and also our three day ‘Weekend Extravaganza’.
Are we allowed garden games?
Yes, we provide croquet but you are more than welcome to bring alternative garden games as long as they do not damage our grass. Ball games are restricted to the lower Sough Lawn to protect the windows!!
Can we bring our own dancefloor?

L’Ecurie has a dedicated space for your band and dancing area in the evening, however if you would prefer to hire in your own dancefloor, that is no problem at all.

 

Are tables and chairs included for the wedding breakfast?
Yes, they are included in the price. Do check with us the type of tables and chairs we offer. If they are not suitable you can hire in your own if necessary.
Do you provide any venue décor such as chair covers or table centres?
No, we do not provide this service, but we are happy to recommend companies we have worked with in the past and who can do this for you.
Is linen included in the venue hire?
No, this will be included in the quote provided by your caterer.  Please speak to your caterer for any questions regarding linen hire.
Do you allow coaches on site?

Yes, however, they will be asked to enter Dorfold via an alternative entrace and if they are taller than 10ft (most larger coaches are) they must enter through our Showground entrance ONLY and not via the main gate.  Guests will then walk from the car park to the reception by foot.

Are children allowed?

Yes, however, please note that certain restrictions apply in terms of which accommodation we can offer for different age groups, and in which  part of the Hall and Cottages.  Please enquire for more details.   

Is your venue exclusive?
Yes, you will have completely exclusive of the Hall, associated buildings and cottages, for the duration of your hire of the venue.
Do you provide a wedding coordinator?
Yes!  Either Ceri or Jen will be assigned to your wedding and help you every step of the way.
Do you have air conditioning in L’Ecurie?
Yes.
What time can we arrive on the wedding day?

This depends on the day of the week that you have booked, but the bridal party are always granted earlier access, generally from 10am if you are not staying on-site the night before. Please contact us for more details and schedules.

Can we set up our own decorations?
Yes, a suitable time can be arranged with your wedding manager. Timings and dates depend on when other events are being held on other days.

ACCOMMODATION

Do you have on-site accommodation?

Yes, 20 of your guests can stay on site in 10 double bedrooms. From 2021 we will have an additional 1 bedroom cottage available, which will then bring the number of guests we can have staying on site at Dorfold, to 22.

FOOD AND DRINK

Can we bring in our own caterer?

We have two fabulous accredited caterers, The Cheshire Dining Experience and Samuel James Events. 

You are required to choose one of the above caterers for your wedding day, unless you have specific religious requirements. Please enquire directly for further details.

Can we provide our own drinks?

Dorfold Hall provide ALL of the drinks for your wedding, however, corkage is also available for your wedding reception drinks and/or wedding breakfast, please see our Drinks Menu for more information. In our accommodation, you will be able to bring in your own alcohol for whilst you are getting ready, subject to our corkage fees.

What time does the bar and music finish?
Our licence finishes at 12am with all guests needing to be off-site by 12.30am.
Can we have a late night extension?
This may be a possibility subject to availability – please ask us for more details.

YOUR CEREMONY

Is your venue licensed for weddings?

Yes, we are fully licensed to host civil weddings in both the Coach House and South Lawn for up to 180 guests. For more intimate weddings, you can also occasionally hold your ceremony in our Morning Room or Drawing Room within the main Hall.

For information on our local Registrars or Churches, please click here.

Can we hold our wedding outside?
Yes! We are licenced for civil ceremonies on the South Lawn, as long as the official documentation is signed indoors after the ceremony.
How many guests can you seat for your ceremony?

Our maximum capacity is 180 guests.

Our Coach House can seat 164 guests with the option to hire a separate ‘cloak’ extension to enable you to accommodate a further 36 guests (the total number seated could then be 200 guests for your ceremony).

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIERS

Do you allow bands?

Yes, you can bring in either a band or DJ, or both, this is completely up to you! We do ask that any suppliers provide us with a copy of their PLI (Public Liability Insurance) and PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) certificates.

Do you allow external caterers for evening food?

Yes, however as above, they will need to provide their Food Safety certificates along with their PLI and PAT certificates.

Can we bring our own suppliers?

Yes, apart from the caterers and the bar.

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