There are dozens of styles of wedding venues in the UK, and every couple will be looking for something to suit them as a couple, as well as the type of wedding they’re dreaming of celebrating. After our successful Live wedding venues feature on the Guides for Brides Facebook page today, we caught up with Francesca Cribb, Head of Marketing at Farnham Castle, to re-share her 5 points in regards to choosing a Castle Wedding Venue.
Castle Wedding Venues Sound Big
Castle wedding venues may sound deceiving. When people think of a castle, they think that it is huge and very fairytale, however, castle’s, although often spacious and can offer a variety of unique and historic spaces to celebrate your wedding ceremony and reception. “You shouldn’t discount a Castle wedding venue because you think you have to have a huge guest list” says Francesca. “Check minimum numbers and definitely visit the venue if you can. If you see a venue you really love, you might decide to change your wedding plans or ideas entirely. Depending on the time of year, minimum numbers at Farnham Castle start at just 40. But in short, any size of wedding is possible!”
Religious Wedding Ceremonies
Couples wishing to hold a religious ceremony would typically search for a wedding venue fairly close to their church. However, some historical wedding venues may have church on-site. In fact, Farnham Castle has two chapels where Church of England ceremonies can take place. “Getting married on-site, whether you have a civil or religious ceremony, keep your celebration in one place and allows you longer to celebrate with your guests immediately after the ceremony.”
Food and Drink
Some wedding venues will have an in-house kitchen team, whereas others might recommend one or a handful of recommended external caterers. Farnham Castle, for example, has an in-house head chef and his team, and even though they have a collection of inspiring, menus, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be adapted. “Don’t discount a wedding venue because they have their own catering team – speak to the venue and see if they can create the specific dishes you are looking for” Francesca adds. “There may be a premium to pay for the privilege of doing this, but if you’ve found the perfect venue, it would be a shame not to book it because of the food – when the menus can adapt to your specific or international preferences.”
Castle Wedding Venues are Unique
We all know that wedding venues come in all different shapes and sizes, but no two castles are ever the same. Each castle will have its own unique, grand and historic features, after all, in the past, a castle was typically home to royalty, so you can only imagine the incredible architecture, spectacular settings, and over-sized hall’s featured within each beautiful castle. If you are looking for a wow wedding venue, a castle venue should definitely be on your shortlist.
Castle Accommodation
Unless you choose a very tiny castle for your wedding, the venue should, more than likely have accommodation for overnight guests. “At Farnham Castle, we offer a spectacular Honeymoon Suite for the newlywed couple as well as 32 en-suite bedrooms dotted around the Castle, making it easy for guests wishing to stay the night. The following morning, everyone gathers for a farewell breakfast in The Library, overlooking the castle grounds and the historic market town of Farnham.”
Watch Francesca's Live Broadcast over on the Guides for Brides Facebook page to learn more about Farnham Castle.