The Details
Type of Ceremony
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Civil ceremony licensed
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Humanist / Celebrant weddings
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Outdoor Ceremonies
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Receptions Only
Venue Setting
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Countryside
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Remote
Venue Type
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Stately home
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Country House
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Manor House
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Mansion
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Large hotel
Catering Options
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Inhouse Caterers
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BBQ & Hog Roasts
Additional Facilities
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Exclusive use
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Outdoor ceremonies
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One wedding per day
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Bridal suite
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Guest rooms
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Marquee space
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Licensed bar
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Dance floor
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Live music permitted
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Discos permitted
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Fireworks permitted
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Wedding coordinator
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Spa facilities
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Inhouse Toastmaster
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Onsite car parking
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Wedding packages
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Bespoke weddings
What Our Couples Love
- Wedding venue, with license for ceremonies
- Luxury Hotel Rooms for Guest Accommodation
- Dining, Leisure, Tennis Courts, and Beauty Treatments
- A Historic House situated in breathtaking countryside
- Stunning Grounds set in 110 Acres, for your Wedding Photographs
Frequently asked questions
Can we have exclusive use of the venue?
Yes, Down Hall can be hired on an exclusive basis at an additional cost. Please speak to one of our wedding coordinators for more information about this.
Are you licenced for civil ceremonies?
We are licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, as well as celebrant ceremonies which are becoming more popular.
Can we have the wedding ceremony outdoors?
We have a beautiful outdoor Gazebo which can be added to any of our packages at an extra fee (to cover exterior chair hire cost).
Do you charge corkage if we supply our own wine?
Yes, any alcohol bought onto the premises will have a corkage fee attached to it.
Can we use our own caterers?
No, our kitchen isn't big enough for external caterers and we don't have suitable space for a field kitchen, however, our chefs are very flexible and can cater for lots of different cuisines and cultures.
From what time can we get access to decorate the venue?
We usually try to set up the rooms the night before, but if we have an event or another wedding in these rooms, our team are on hand to help decorate the morning of the wedding as per your instructions.
What time does the reception need to finish?
12 midnight is the latest time we allow music to be played.
Are there noise restrictions if we have a live band?
No, we don't have sound limiters on site.
Are fireworks allowed?
We do allow fireworks and have preferred suppliers to assist with this.
Is confetti allowed?
Unfortunately not, but past couples have been creative and used other things such as bubbles instead.
Are candles allowed?
Yes we allow candles enclosed in holders.
Is there a honeymoon or bridal suite?
We have a brand new honeymoon suite which was added to the hotel as part of our refurb, this is called the Liddell Suite. Designed with an apartment feel, there is a separate lounge and bedroom, with a beautiful roll top bath in the bedroom overlooking the meticulous gardens.
Is there accommodation on site?
We have 100 bedrooms at Down Hall, so we can accommodate your guests the night of your wedding at a preferential rate.
Is there additional accommodation nearby?
There are some smaller B&B type accommodation nearby, but as we are quite rural, we recommend booking taxis in advance.
About Down Hall Hotel
We are a beautiful, historic country house licensed for civil wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions in Essex. Situated in the breathtaking beauty of the Hertfordshire/Essex countryside, providing an exquisite backdrop for your special day...
Down Hall is the place where your dreams are turned into perfect reality. Dating back to the 15th Century, (1540) Down Hall has a wonderful array of rooms and suites to host the most intimate of ceremonies, luxury wedding breakfasts and stunning receptions, most with panoramic views over our beautiful gardens.
Our Chef and his team have created the most exquisite menus for your special occasion, using the freshest and finest ingredients either from our own vegetable garden or locally sourced produce, complimented by outstanding personal service from our staff.
Our dedicated Wedding Co-ordinators will guide through your arrangements from the very first time you contact us, to the moment you take your vows. Every detail is taken care of and they come equipped with lists of recommended suppliers, creative ideas and years of valuable experience to help make your wedding day everything you could have ever dreamed of and more.
Our different wedding reception rooms can cater for parties of different sizes, with our largest room holding 200 guests and our smallest 32. Large windows provide a dramatic outlook onto our landscaped Hertfordshire gardens, creating the perfect backdrop for live music performances and dancing following your first dinner with guests as husband and wife.
Pricing info shown in the listing summary:
Based on a typical wedding reception for 80 guests, including venue hire, wedding breakfast, drinks package and evening buffet.