Useful Information & FAQs

 
 

KEY POINTS FOR WEDDINGS

 

VENUE QUESTIONS

  • What is included in the package fee?

    Please see package price list for details.

  • VAT

    VAT is included in the prices of our packages, menus and extras.

  • How many guests can Oxnead Hall hold for a reception?

    For a sit down reception the Great Barn can seat 200 guests and for an evening reception it can hold 250 guests. The Orangery can hold 99 guests for your drinks reception.

  • Is Oxnead Hall licensed to hold civil ceremonies?

    Oxnead Hall is fully licensed to hold civil ceremonies for up to 140 inside the Long Room. The Orangery can hold up to 50 guests. It is possible to hold a duo ceremony outside in the gardens followed by signing in either the Orangery or the Long Room. We charge an extra £120 for a civil ceremony or £180 for a duo ceremony. For a duo ceremony (outside ceremony) you must hire in chairs separately as our chairs cannot be used outside.

  • What about music during the ceremony?

    Many couples book musicians to provide music during the ceremony, however pre-recorded music is also popular. There are many power sockets where you can plug in a mini sound system (must be pat tested) or you can you use the sound system that is already in the Orangery and the Long Room.

  • Will I have the same dedicated wedding co-ordinator throughout the planning process?

    Every couple will have access to their own primary wedding co-ordinator from the Unique Norfolk Venues planning team, so there will always be someone to help guide you with questions or ideas. Closer to your wedding date you will then be assigned your designated coordinator to ensure every last detail is managed on your big day!

  • Is confetti allowed?

    Natural or organic confetti e.g. dried flower petals is permitted.

  • How many times do we see you prior to our wedding?

    We take the opportunity to see you as many times before your big day as you wish. We are available for correspondence via emails, Skype or a phone call. We can arrange meetings with you seven days a week, including evenings and weekends if required subject to your point of contact’s diary.

  • Can we use any supplier?

    Yes, of course. For any advice, we do have a recommended supplier list.

  • What details do you require from my suppliers?

    We require their phone number and email address. Only suppliers with public liability insurance will be allowed into Oxnead Hall (due to insurance); we must have a copy of this. If they are using any electrical equipment we must have their PAT certificates and if the supplier is providing food (i.e. cake supplier) we must have their product liability insurance. By making a booking at Oxnead Hall we assume that you agree to this condition.

  • Are fireworks allowed?

    Out of consideration for our neighbours and local livestock we do not allow fireworks.

  • Are Chinese lanterns allowed?

    Unfortunately not, due to the harm they can cause the livestock.

  • Are candles allowed?

    Yes, but the candle holder has to be taller than the flame. So unfortunately we are not allowed to light the candles on candelabras.

  • What about clearing up the next day?

    There is no need to worry about this, your wedding coordinator and their team will clear up everything and pack away your decorations so you can relax. Your wedding coordinator will arrange to meet you upon checkout to return your belongings.

 

OUTSIDE AREAS

  • Will there be extra seating by the Orangery and in the Courtyard?

    Around the Orangery there is a small amount of seating and in the Courtyard there is plenty of outside seating.

  • Can we park in the top car park?

    No, this is only a drop off point; a large car park is provided round the back of Oxnead Hall for guests. We also have an overflow car park. Cars may be left overnight, at the owner’s risk, for collection the next morning by 10am.

  • Do you allow coaches?

    Unfortunately we do not allow large coaches, as there is not enough room for them to turn around. We do allow mini buses. Guests can be dropped off in the top car park where the mini bus can turn around.

  • Can we have outdoor games or bouncy castles on the lawn?

    Yes, situated on the lawn nearest to the Great Barn.

 

THE CHURCH

  • Can anyone get married in the church?

    Yes. You have to attend at least six services and speak with the vicar personally.

  • How many guests can you fit in the church?

    90 guests with an extra 10 standing at the back of the church.

 

CATERING QUESTIONS

  • Can our menu be tailor made?

    Yes. We will work with you to provide the perfect menu for your wedding day.

  • Is it possible to choose a couple of dishes?

    We recommend you choose one starter, one main course and one dessert. If you wish to give your guests an choice (pre-orders required) we charge an extra £5 per person for a choice of two different dishes.

  • Can you cater for our guests who are vegetarians or have food allergies?

    Yes, allergen, vegan and vegetarian adapted menus are available to guests with dietary requirements at no extra charge.

  • I have a copy of an old menu/catering brochure but would like a dish from the new menus, is that possible?

    You can mix and match dishes from any of our brochures.

  • Can we bring our own caterers?

    No. It is essential that we provide a consistently high standard of catering at Oxnead Hall and therefore only allow our own in house experienced chefs, who offer an exceptionally high level of service using quality locally sourced ingredients.

  • When do I need to provide my pre-orders?

    We require all pre-orders four weeks before and your final table plan to be with us two weeks before your event. Your wedding coordinator will give you a blank table plan to fill in.

  • Can I bring my own alcohol?

    You can only bring your own wine, prosecco or champagne, however there will be no reduction in the cost of the package. If you would like more wine, prosecco or champagne on top of what we offer in the package, then you can bring this in for a corkage of £4.50 per standard size Wine/Prosecco/Champagne bottles, magnums are £9. Alternatively we have an extensive wine list at competitive prices which are available on sale or return. The only other exception is a keg of real ale – please ask your wedding coordinator for more details.

  • Can we have a chip van, ice cream van or crépe van outside?

    Yes. You are welcome to have any novelties that we can’t provide for the evening reception only, however there will be no reduction in the cost of the package. We take a 10% commission from these vendors, the wedding couple must organise this with the vendor and pay us direct. Please make sure they have all the relevant insurance before booking them.

  • Should we provide our contractors with a meal?

    We recommend you provide your contractors with a meal if they will be spending more than five hours at your wedding. We have two options available: we can provide either a twocourse meal from your wedding breakfast menu or sandwiches.

  • Do you provide crockery?

    The crockery includes the traditional silver cutlery, linen and glassware, which is included in the package.

  • With the package, can we make any changes?

    No, you cannot make any changes to the package, you can only increase the amount of guests. You can add extras to the package but you cannot remove anything.

 

ACCOMMODATION

  • Do you have to take all the accommodation at Oxnead Hall?

    We do require you to take the North Wing, Garden Cottage, Courtyard bedrooms and the Bothy (13 bedrooms) which are an additional cost to the venue. The price for this is outlined on the accommodation section of the price list. Hall Cottage is priced separately upon request dependant on the time of year. Please note if you do not take Hall Cottage it can be rented out to a third party as a holiday cottage.

  • Can we stay in the accommodation the night before our wedding?

    You can book the accommodation the night before your wedding if it is available. There is a supplement of £1,000 in addition to the cost of the accommodation if you book the extra night more than six months in advance of your wedding date. Alternatively, you can wait and contact your wedding coordinator six months or less before your wedding; if the accommodation is available, you can book without paying the £1,000 supplement (just pay the charge of the site).

  • Is a damage deposit required on the accommodation at Oxnead Hall?

    Yes. There is a refundable deposit of £1,000 required which will be refunded within 14 days providing there is no damage to the site.

  • Are our guests allowed to pitch tents or motor homes at Oxnead Hall?

    Unfortunately not. We do not have a licence for this.

  • Are dogs allowed at Oxnead Hall?
    There are no dogs allowed at Oxnead Hall or in the accommodation.
 

BOOKING

  • How do we book and secure our date?

    A £750 deposit is required to secure your date.

  • When do we need to confirm all the details for our accommodation?

    Once the contract is created, which is within four weeks of booking.

  • How is the full payment broken down?

    £1,000 payment upon signing of your contract – within 4 weeks of booking.
    £1,000 payment 12 months prior to your wedding date.
    £1,500 payment 6 months prior to your wedding date.
    Remaining balance (less £750 deposit) is due one month prior to your wedding date.