Are you fully licenced to marry us?
Yes, we are a fully approved premises as a venue for marriage under the provisions of section 46A and 46B of the Marriage Act 1949 and for civil partnership registration under the provision of section 6A of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 granted by Suffolk County Council.
We hold a Wedding License for several buildings and outside areas within the site to allow you to hold your ceremony and reception all in one location on our beautiful and diverse 84-acre site.
Since the change in the law registrars can marry couples anywhere on our registered site with prior discussion, except unfortunately, for the Gt. Moulton Chapel. Our local registrars do offer a lot of flexibility in the wording for their ceremonies also. Our registrars work closely with us and are open to personalising your ceremony in tone and context but also happy to consider the many options for outside weddings across our large site.
Can I have an outside wedding?
We have a few options which have proven very popular with our couples. With all outside weddings we need to provide a wet weather option which is usually our medieval barn, a wonderful alternative if wet weather is predicted. When you set up your ceremony with the registry office they will ask about ceremony location, they know us well and love working on our site. They will send you an outside ceremony form to fill in, this is where you state the agreed wet weather option. A few days before the wedding we discuss the forecast and make the decision then where the ceremony will happen.
Is our venue pet friendly?
Yes, we allow dogs on site on the lead. In fact many a dog have performed the ring bearer role at couple’s weddings on site! If dogs are to be involved with the ceremony itself the registrar for your wedding at the registry office will ask you to fill in a simple risk assessment with them. They love, as we do, having our furry friends along for the special day.
What time can our evening reception go to?
Last orders are at 11.30pm and chariots are at 12 midnight for guests.
Last tune or song at 11.45pm.
Can we have a band/live music?
Yes, you can, and a live band at a reception is always a great way to entertain your guests. We would simply need some documentation from them, for example public liability insurance and they would need to read and agree some basic terms and conditions with us which also covers noise levels.
What is not included in the fee?
We are a dry hire site we do not provide the decorations / entertainment/ linen etc.
We supply the venue and tables and chairs and some extras.
Catering is not included as standard unless booking a mid-week all-inclusive special offer – link here
We can provide the most delicious and beautiful food offerings from our in-house catering team, but we are also are open to you using your own catering suppler if your choice of menu is not something we can supply.
Can we set up before the day?
Yes, part of our offer is the opportunity to come in with friends and family the day before your wedding to decorate etc, so all is in place and ready for the big day. If you have a supplier doing this, they can also use the day before to set up. We will have your agreed floor plans ready – chairs and tables and any other items we are suppling will be ready for you a day before so you can do this – set up day is from 10am to 4pm.
When do we take down and clear up?
All we ask is for you or friends to come in the day after the wedding or reception and take down all that you have put in and that includes decorations. We clean and break down tables and chairs and anything we have provided. Access from 10am to 4pm.
Many couples like to book a breakfast in our wonderful FEAST café with us the day after before they get stuck into the take down!
Where does my fee go?
All our income from weddings and events goes straight back into the running of the museum and its 84 acres of beautiful estate. So, you are supporting this community organisation and helping us fund the museum and resource outreach and learning opportunities to a wide audience.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, all the venues are accessible and pathed for wheelchair access and for those with mobility issues. We also look after our guests with these requirements very well and we are happy to use our golf buggy to help move these guests around onsite as the day progresses into the evening from venue to venue. Our new toilet facilities in home close opened in 2024 and are fully accessible including a changing places facility.
Is the venue safe for children to attend?
The site is very child friendly and safe. We are also a museum site so pride ourselves on making family friendly experiences on site.
Your guests are welcome to explore the wider site during the day and there is plenty for children to do in between proceedings. Our back lawn is also a great place for letting off steam and playing.
Is there parking on site?
The only parking we have is for suppliers and the couple, excluding any blue badge holders whom we would park on site.
Guests can park all day for £2.50 in the public car park right on our doorstep, this car park is free after 6pm and free on Sundays so perfect for all to park and attend with no issues.
Can I have a humanist or celebrant lead wedding?
Yes of course, if you decide this then you would have to arrange a legal wedding with local registrars if you wanted your marriage to be legal.
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