Ceremony
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What is your maximum capacity for a ceremony?
We can seat a maximum of 120 including the Bride and Groom. You can bring up to 250 evening guests (including your day guests).
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Can we have music for our ceremony?
You can decide whether you wish to have live music, such as a string quartet or harpist, for your ceremony. Alternatively, you may wish to provide your tracks on an iPod and we can play them for you. We recommend you have a couple of songs whilst your guests are waiting; one for when the Bride enters; two for the signing of the Register; and one for your recessional.
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Can my priest/vicar marry us at the venue?
A priest or vicar cannot marry you legally at Bourton Hall as our licence is for civil ceremonies only. However, you are welcome to have a blessing with your priest/vicar following your civil ceremony.
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Are chair covers included?
Chiavari chairs are included in our package with a sash colour of your choice – We have lots of colours to choose from!
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Do you provide an aisle carpet?
Yes, the aisle carpet is provided as part of your package for either the Italian Room or The Chapel.
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Is the ceremony price included?
The room is included in your package, but you will have to call Rugby Registry Office to arrange your ceremony. They guarantee that they will marry couples at Bourton Hall every day of the year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, so you can book your venue first!
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What time should I have my ceremony?
Between 1pm and 3pm is ideal, although we can accommodate most times.
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What if I want an outdoor ceremony and it rains?
Your outside ceremony will be confirmed on the morning of the wedding, as we can never guarantee the weather. The indoor options will always be available for the ceremony if the weather is inclement.
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How many ceremony options do you have?
We have two indoor options in the Chapel & Italian Room, and one outdoor option by the Portico.
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How long does a civil ceremony last?
Usually between 20 and 30 minutes.
Logistics
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What is your maximum capacity for the evening reception?
We can accommodate a maximum of 250 guests standing and seated throughout the ground floor of the house for your evening reception.
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What time do we have to be offsite by?
All residents can enjoy after-hours drinks and retire to the Lounge. Guests not staying will depart at midnight, unless a bar extension has been pre-arranged by the Bride and Groom.
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Can guests who are staying elsewhere come back for breakfast?
Yes, they are more than welcome to do so, but this does have to be pre-booked. The price for this can be found on your price list.
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What flowers are included?
You will see lots of silk flowers around the house, which are neutral colours to suit any scheme. If you would like to provide your own fresh flowers in addition, you may do so.
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Is the DJ included?
Yes! The services of our resident DJ are included in all our packages.
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Can I bring in my own decorations?
The house décor is beautiful, so further decorations are not necessary. However, if you’d like to add your own decorations, please consult with your Personal Wedding Manager.
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Can I have fireworks on my wedding day?
Please discuss fireworks with your Personal Wedding Manager.
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Can I have a bouncy castle?
Sadly, we are not allowed to have bouncy castles at the venue due to insurance reasons but we have a Garden Games package that you are able to book to entertain the children – and the adults!
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What time can guests arrive?
Check-in is at midday. We advise you ask guests who aren’t staying over to arrive 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.
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What time can suppliers arrive?
Any suppliers can arrive from 11am.
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Is the venue accessible / wheelchair friendly?
Yes, we have wheelchair-friendly entrances, doorways, lift and accommodation available. Please note that the lift dimensions are 75cm wide with a depth of 80cm.
If you have accessibility issues and are due to visit or attend an event at Bourton Hall, we highly recommend that you call us to discuss your specific needs in advance of your visit.
We ask that our couples inform us at their earliest convenience if they have guests attending their event with specific requirements regarding access.
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Are children allowed?
Yes. We have lots of yummy food options which the children will actually eat!!
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Can I have confetti?
We can only allow neutral paper confetti to be thrown inside or fresh petals to be thrown outside. This is because we feel it is of paramount importance for every hirer to feel that the venue is their home. If confetti from previous events was still lying around this feeling would, we believe, be undermined.
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Do you allow pets?
Prior arrangements have to be agreed with the venue or Sales Manager. Pets are not permitted to stay overnight.
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Is there Wifi?
Yes, we offer WiFi in the bar and main reception areas and the access code can be obtained from our team on the day.
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Do you allow Candles?
Yes we do allow Candles but must be within our Naked Flame Policy:-
All naked flames/candles must be fully encased at the sides, with the tip of the flame at least 5cm below the rim of the encasement. Furthermore, with the exception of enclosed hurricane lamps outside, all naked flames must be placed at least 70cm above floor height.
Accommodation
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How many guests can stay in the cottage the night before?
Our beautiful night-before cottage can be available from 5 pm the night before your wedding. It can sleep up to six, and is a great way to spend the night before your wedding. Fresh croissants and a continental breakfast will be delivered to you and your guests while you are getting ready on the morning of your wedding.
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How many guests can stay on the night of the wedding?
We have 21 bedrooms available in the house accommodating 42 guests. We also have a sofa bed available at an additional charge in two of the bedrooms, suitable for children.
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What time is breakfast served the following morning?
A delicious Full English Breakfast, with Continental options will be served in dining room from 8.30am – 9.30am. It is lovely to see your guests the following morning to share memories of your special day.
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What time is check-out?
Check-out is at 10am.
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Do you provide travel cots?
We do not have travel cots to hire, but parents can bring these with them and they can be put into most of our rooms. Please call the venue to check each room’s compatibility with a travel cot.
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What facilities are provided in the rooms?
We provide bottled water for all guests as well as Irons, ironing boards and hairdryers can be available upon request.
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Is there Wifi in the rooms?
WIFI is best found in the bars and reception rooms downstairs but due to the size of the house, it can be intermittent in other areas including bedrooms. Enjoy a day without the internet!
Food & Wine
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What is your maximum capacity for a sit-down meal?
We can seat a maximum of 120 seated guests for the wedding breakfast.
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Can we bring in our own drinks?
Corkage options are not permitted, but if there is a certain drink you wish to have, this can be discussed prior to the wedding day.
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Can we bring in external catering?
We employ a team of in-house chefs who provide our couples with extensive menus and can be flexible to needs and requirements. We do not allow external catering apart from your wedding cake.
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Can we create our own menu?
Our Head Chef is more than happy to adapt our current menu options.
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Do you offer an afternoon tea?
You have the option of upgrading to our Afternoon Tea selection in place of canapés, if you are thinking of something different!
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Do you offer a hog roast?
You can upgrade your evening buffet to a scrummy hog roast for only a small supplement cost per head. Contact your Personal Wedding Manager for prices.
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Do you offer a barbecue?
You can upgrade your evening buffet to a barbecue for only a small supplement cost per head. Contact your Personal Wedding Manager for prices.
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Can you offer international cuisine?
Our in-house catering team will be more than happy to discuss any ideas or suggestions you might have.
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Can you cater for food allergies or other specific dietary requirements?
Please notify your personal wedding manager of any specific dietary requirements.
Booking Process
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How do I book a viewing?
You can arrange a viewing appointment via our website contact form. Alternatively, please call our office on 07585 276 874 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, and we can talk through available appointment dates.
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How long does a viewing take?
Between one-and-a-half and two hours, but this does include time for us to relax and discuss your package over a coffee.
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When are viewings available?
Private viewing appointments are available on any non-wedding day. Evening appointments are also available upon request.
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How can I check availability?
Availability of wedding dates can change daily, but we are more than happy to talk through current availability by phone or email.
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How do I secure a wedding date?
To secure a date we require a £1,000 non-refundable and non-transferable booking deposit. This can be paid over the phone by credit or debit card or by bank transfer.
A further deposit payment schedule is also required and its exact make-up depends on the date you book and how far in advance you are booking – you can find more information on our further deposits in section 4 of our terms & conditions here.
Please note that we are not able to accept American Express for any payments.
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When is the final balance due?
Your final balance (known as the bulk invoice) is due no later than 30 days in advance of your wedding date. We will, of course, deduct any payments you have already made but you will find an additional £1,000 applied to your invoice at this stage. This constitutes a fully refundable damage deposit which will be refunded into your account within 14 days of your wedding. Please note that we are unable to accept any form of credit card as payment for this bulk invoice so it will need to be settled by debit card or bank transfer. You may wish to opt for a non-refundable Damage Waiver Fee of £250. You must inform us at the time you confirm your Final Requirements.
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When will I meet my Personal Wedding manager?
They will be in contact with you between four and five months prior to your wedding day to introduce themselves and liaise with you right up to your wedding day.
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Do you hold dates for a period of time?
We are unable to provisionally hold dates without taking the initial deposit.
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How far in advance can I book a date?
We are happy to discuss any future date with you.
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How soon can I get married?
You are legally required to give 28 days’ notice to the Registrar. In exceptional circumstances, a special licence can be issued.
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Do you have minimum guest numbers?
The Classical and Luxe packages are based on a minimum of 60 guests all day and evening, available Monday to Sunday all year round. Our Party package is based on a minimum of 60 guests all day and evening, available Monday to Thursday from October to May. Our Intimate package is based on a minimum of 30 guests all day and evening, available Monday to Thursday from October to May only.
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Can I get married on any day of the year?
Every day apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, as you would be unable to secure a Registrar to conduct the ceremony on these days.
Guest Questions
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What time can I arrive?
Guests can arrive from 12pm, but please check your invite for arrival time!
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What time can I check-in to my bedroom?
Check-in can be made available at 12pm.
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What time do we have to be offsite by?
Check-out is at 10am and we ask all to be off site by 10:30am.
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Is the venue accessible / wheelchair friendly?
Yes, we have wheelchair-friendly entrances, doorways, lift and accommodation available. Please note that the lift dimensions are 75cm wide with a depth of 80cm.
If you have accessibility issues and are due to visit or attend an event at Bourton Hall, we highly recommend that you call us to discuss your specific needs in advance of your visit.
We ask that our couples inform us at their earliest convenience if they have guests attending their event with specific requirements regarding access.
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Are children allowed?
Most definitely as long as the couple say so!
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Can I bring confetti?
Confetti shots can be taken inside and outside. We can only allow neutral paper confetti to be thrown inside or fresh petals to be thrown outside.
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Do you allow pets?
Prior arrangements have to be agreed with the venue or Sales Manager. Pets are not permitted to stay overnight.
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How can I pay for extra food & drinks?
Following the Covid 19 Pandemic, and in recognition of the positive impact card-only payments has had on our food & drinks service, we have made the decision to go cashless indefinitely. You will require a card to make payments for any food or drinks at the bar and we accept most credit & debit cards except American Express.
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Is there Wifi?
WIFI is available in the bars and most ground floor reception rooms. Please speak to one of our team to gain access to the username and password.
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What time is breakfast served the following morning?
If you are staying overnight at the venue, you are more than welcome to join the Bride and Groom for a Full English Breakfast and Continental options in the dining room from 8.30am – 9.30am.
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What time is check-out?
Check-out is at 10am. We find a lot of guests will check out just before 9am ready for breakfast.
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Do you provide travel cots?
We do not have travel cots to hire but you can bring these with you and they can be put into most of our rooms. Please call the venue to check your room’s compatibility with a travel cot.
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What facilities are provided in the rooms?
We provide bottled water for all guests. Irons, ironing boards and hairdryers can be available upon request.
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Is there Wifi in the rooms?
Wifi is best found in the bars and most downstairs reception rooms, but due to the size of the house it can be intermittent in other areas, including bedrooms. Enjoy a day without the internet!
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Can I pre-purchase food/drinks for my room?
Yes. Although we do not offer room service, you are able to pre-order sandwiches for the rooms if you wish.
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Can I purchase gifts for the couple?
Of course! What a lovely way to let the happy couple know you are thinking of them. Why not arrange for a bouquet of flowers to be delivered to their room or we can arrange for some wedding-inspired dipped strawberries and Champagne to be presented to them when they retire to their honeymoon suite?