Church Weddings at Whitminster House
Wedding Venues - The Church
Wedding Conditions
Wedding Information
What we Offer
Wedding Images
WEDDING CEREMONY:
For those who would like to explore the possibilities for being married in the Church which is just steps up from the Manor House and surrounded by our grounds - the current Rector tries to be as encouraging as possible to achieve this. He says it's the (new) qualifying connections which are the key factors, as follows:
"The changes will mean an engaged couple are welcome to be married in a Church of England church in a parish if one of them was baptised or prepared for confirmation in the parish; one of them has ever lived in the parish for six months or more; one of them has at any time regularly attended public worship in the parish for six months or more; one of their parents has lived in the parish for six months or more in their child's lifetime; one of their parents has regularly attended public worship there for six months or more in their child's lifetime; or their parents or grandparents were married in the parish. In addition, in our benefice, if you are entitled to marry in one of our parishes, you can use any of our churches. I guess for many, though not all, of potential couples living further afield, the regular attendance route may still be the most appropriate - on average one service a month for six months."
We can put you in touch with him direct:
Alternatively: after a Civil Service the Rector is happy to allow a Service of Blessing in the Church. Nearest Registry Offices are STROUD or GLOUCESTER - both approx 15mins drive.
The main body of the Church can seat approximately 120 people and extra chairs may be available. We have created temporary parking outside the Church for the use of your immediate family and Church officers involved, and we have a large field adjacent to the Church which can be mown suitably for your Guest's cars, and we now have additional parking for the West Wing and Old Stables. We put up signs to help direct, but it is still necessary to have someone put in charge of organising the parking sensibly.
The ladies of the Church can sometimes help with the arrangements of Flowers in the Church, and will quote according to what you require - entrance Archway or other / pedestals / windows & Altar / pew ends etc. Or you can use any of several good local Florists, or talented members of your own families. For all your Church choices - costs of Service, Bell Ringers, Organist, Choir & availability - we put you in touch direct with the Rector.
VENUE OPTIONS at Whitminster House &/or grounds - all quotes ex.VAT
- Option 1: @ £3,000 to use the Manor House private reception rooms for the first part of the Reception, and our spacious private House lawns with garden chairs & tables for your guests, and a view over the river and island. + the cost of a Marquee (from our list of suppliers*) to to be set up on these large lawns. Use of these private lawns and the Marquee are allowed over the full weekend, for a brunch or BBQ the next day as you wish.
- Option 2: @ £2,000 + the cost of a Marquee* to be sited on the large West Wing lawns with the Manor House in full view for atmospheric background. And the Marquee can be used again the next day as you wish.
- OR: @ £1,500 using the House & grounds as for Option 1. but for just the Day between 9.30am - 6.30pm + Marquee to be hired if nos. require
Herewith some sample Reception Estimates for approx 100 - 120 guests (all are quoted ex. VAT)
Depending on your individual choices - overall Reception costs can be from £8,000 - £15,000+ as you choose
Venue: from £1,500 - £3000 + VAT - includes provision of water to the Marquee, some extra lighting to the parking places and general Wedding Planner coordinating and trouble shooting services to the Bride & Groom and families, plus importantly this lovely House and grounds as a stylish background for your Celebration to impress your guests. And you & your guests can enjoy this over a full WEEKEND - Friday pm to Monday am.
Marquee: incl. dance floor, tables, chairs, flooring, choice of decor, lighting, catering bay etc., from approx £2,000 - £3500 - £5,500 depending on style chosen - usually includes the cost of a quiet generator to ensure power all evening without interruption in the Marquee, & for the Entertainment & Caterers. Portable loos supplied separately. Quotes available for your choice from approx £200 a pair up to £1,000, and include lighting so your guests do not have to struggle in the dark!
Catering: approx £27 - £39 per head for 3 courses served or approx £19 - £23 for a Buffet, including linen etc. Light evening food & a Bar can be provided extra, as also a Brunch for the next day if required. You will need to discuss the Menu and style you wish for direct with the Caterer, a meeting for this can be arranged here. And good local Beers / Perry / Ale / Cider by the box or barrel.
Entertainments: from approx £500 - £1800. Full range of options available - Jazz, Quartets, Harp, Elvis, Steel Band, Disco, Karaoke, Highland Pipes, Irish Bands etc. ...... we have good contacts for all.
Wines - Red or White We can supply all you need for the Reception - Or - you may bring your own @ at a Corkage fee of £3.50 per head - but, if you allow us to put your Wine & Beer Orders through our accounts* we reduce the corkage fee to only £1 per adult guest. You can still do a Wine sampling/tasting ahead at local branches of Majestic Wines and let us know your choices. In return we can arrange for your order to be on sale or return with free delivery & all storage & chilling made trouble free for you, plus the reduced corkage . And you do not pay any more that their listed special offer prices.... Win! Win!
Professional & stress-free photography from approx £1,000 - £2,000 for a relaxed mix of formal & informal wonderful memories taken throughout your day in colour, & black & white; photographs to treasure for a lifetime.
We particularly recommend either of two excellent Wedding Photographers who know our venue so well and all the best photo opportunities here etc. See their individual styles & websites: www.vividphotography.co.uk &/or www.vaughanives.co.uk - both have been described by previous clients as hugely helpful, easy to get along with, doing the job sensitively & discreetly & very professionally, to produce stunningly beautiful photographs for your Album with a mix of the requested formal and many lively informal groups for a true atmosphere of your lovely day. Both have excellent reputations for working unobtrusively to make their presence stress-free for you, while taking the pictures you want and afterwards presented to you in a smart Album & on line for your further choices.
Flower arrangements: we can put you in touch with local Professional Florists for all of your requirements - Bride's Bouquet, Bridesmaids bouquets or hair flowers, Page boys & family Corsages, Buttonholes, Marquee & table arrangements & Church arrangements, etc. as required, or your family & personal contacts for these are welcome. I reserve doing the House arrangements myself at cost only for the flowers required to be bought.
Depending on your individual choices - overall Reception costs can be from £8,000 - £15,000+ as you choose.
Separate Rates: Self Catering Accommodation available for max 59 & additional options near if required
Weekend or Short break & Full Week - Rates available.
For Venue Options 1 & 2 - require to book at least the West Wing & Old Stables & Lodge Cottage