FAQs

Ceremony

  • What is your maximum capacity for a ceremony?

    Our stunning Victorian Orangery is the perfect ceremony location, with 360-degree views of our beautiful grounds and natural light streaming through the glass doors and windows. Seating up to 130 guests(including the couple) in our Chiavari chairs there really is no better place to get married.

    Your choice of organza sash colour is included in all of our packages and venue hires to tie in with your colour theme and personalise this beautiful space. The cream aisle runner will pave your way, or upgrade to our full Luxe package and step out on the white carpet.

  • Can we have music for our ceremony?

    We have a sound system to play your chosen soundtrack. you may wish to provide your chosen tracks on an iPod, copy them to a disc or provide us with a CD and we can play them for you. We recommend that you have a couple of songs whilst your guests are waiting; one for the Bride’s entrance; two for signing of the register; and one for your recessional.

    Or you would be very welcome to include a harpist, violinist or even a quartet!

  • Can my priest/vicar marry us at the venue?

    St Audries Park has a civil ceremony license (included within your package/venue hire) and so it will be Taunton Registration Service that can legally marry you. We will put you in touch with them as soon as you have secured your date with us, as they do guarantee us availability but are a third party so will need to be booked by you. We would recommend a ceremony time between 1pm and 3pm where possible.

    If you wanted to add a religious blessing afterwards, you would be most welcome. This is the most important part of your day, where you commit and say ‘I do’, and your ceremony will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Upon exiting the Orangery, why not ask your Personal Wedding Manager to arrange your guests on the steps outside for a picture perfect confetti moment? We welcome fresh petal confetti outside, or if you would prefer to use the main staircase for this, we welcome neutral colour paper confetti inside.

  • Are Chiavari chairs included?

    Yes, our Chiavari chairs are included as part of your package, and we have lots of sash colours to choose from and are included in all of our packages and venue hires to tie in with your colour theme and personalise this beautiful space.

  • Do you provide an aisle carpet?

    The cream aisle runner will pave your way, or upgrade to our full Luxe package and step out on the white carpet.

  • Is the ceremony price included?

    There is a separate fee to be paid direct to Taunton Registry Office. You can contact the office on 01823 282 251 for prices and further information.

  • What time should I have my ceremony?

    Between 1pm and 3pm is ideal, although you will still have a perfect day whatever time you choose. This would be booked through the Registrar Office in Taunton.

  • How many ceremony options do you have?

    Our stunning Orangery is the perfect ceremony location, with 360-degree views of our beautiful grounds and natural light streaming through the glass doors and windows.

    Our Drawing Room is also licenced for a civil ceremony. It boasts lots of natural light and a stunning white and gold architrave ceiling.
    You also have the option to have a religious ceremony in the church at St Audries Park, St Etheldreda’s.

  • How long does a civil ceremony last?

    If the Registrars are going to marry you it will depend if you have any readings and/or poems, but usually lasts for around 15 minutes.

    The other option would be to have a Celebrant conduct your ceremony and then you have the option to include any religious aspects to your ceremony. They cannot do the legal part of the ceremony so you would have to arrange this at your local Registry Office.

Logistics

  • What is your maximum capacity for the evening reception?

    We can accommodate up to 250 for your evening reception and buffet.

    We have the luxury of two options for the evening of your wedding. Our DJ would play until midnight as part of all of our packages and venue hire. We welcome your playlist and music suggestions to ensure you get exactly what you want. You could choose to take an extension until 1am which would include the bar and DJ, this is subject to an additional cost and availability.

    Champagne Bar & Night Club Room
    The Champagne bar is a second bar and flows through to our night club room (for approximately 80 people) and provides a more relaxed and intimate seating area if you would like to take five from the vibrant and fun space of the dance area.

    Great Hall
    The Great Hall suits for larger numbers (up to 250 total) or just for personal preference, we move the sofas to the edges of the room leaving a big dancefloor area, there is also space for a band should you wish to have one. The evening buffet is served behind the fireplace with guests being able to enjoy this in one of the multiple lounges.

  • What time do we have to be off site by?

    The bars will close at midnight, and your DJ and Disco will also stop at this time. You may decide to have an extension to 1am if you wish. There is an additional charge of £1,000, but this does include a £500 bar tab to spend on the day/night of your wedding.

    Breakfast is served in the Banquet Hall on the morning after the wedding day, from 8.30am till 9.15am. All your guests will gather together in the Banqueting Hall to reminisce about your special day. If guests that have had to stay off site wish to come back and join you for breakfast, that is fine too. Check out of the bedrooms is by 10am but then you have an hour to wave everyone off as we ask you to be finished and off site by 11am please.

  • Can guests who are staying elsewhere come back for breakfast?

    Yes, of course. We can accommodate a maximum of 130 for a cooked buffet breakfast the morning after your wedding. The cost is £16.50 per adult guest, and £7.50 for children.

  • What flowers are included?

    We offer silk-based flowers that are included in your package, and situated around the house and in the Orangery. They are neutral-coloured, so will go with any theme!

  • Is the DJ included?

    Yes, our Disco & DJ is included.
    We have the luxury of two options for the evening of your wedding. Our DJ would play until midnight as part of all of our packages and venue hire. We welcome your playlist and music suggestions to ensure you get exactly what you want. You could choose to take an extension until 1am which would include the bar and DJ, this is subject to an additional cost and availability.

  • Can I bring in my own decorations?

    You are welcome to provide your own decorations, as long as they don’t cause any damage to the Main House and grounds.
    Your Personal Wedding Manager will organise and set up confetti, place cards, table plan, iPod (music), wedding party gifts, photo booth props, and any other items you request.

  • Can I have fireworks on my wedding day?

    Yes. If you are thinking of ending your special day with a bang, we must stipulate that we can only allow Firemagic as our firework supplier. Visit www.firemagic.co.uk

  • Do I have exclusive use?

    Yes, you will have exclusive use of your very own country house from midday on the day of your wedding.

  • Can I have a bouncy castle?

    No, I’m afraid that, due to the wide range of health and safety implications, we do not allow bouncy castles on the grounds of St Audries Park.

  • What time can guests arrive?

    Day guests are welcome to arrive from 11am, when our cocktail bar will be open. You can order non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, as well as freshly prepared sandwiches. Check-in is from 12 noon, allowing your guests ample time to unpack, freshen up and prepare for the wedding ceremony.

  • What time can suppliers arrive?

    Due to the exclusive use that we offer each wedding party, access to the main house for all suppliers is strictly from 11.00am onwards.

  • Is the venue accessible / wheelchair friendly?

    We have disabled access available via the main entrance and a ramp is available for wheelchair access. We also have disabled toilets available on the ground floor.

    If you have accessibility issues and are due to visit or attend an event at St Audries Park, we highly recommend that you call us to discuss your specific needs in advance of your visit.

    We ask that our couples inform us at their earliest convenience if they have guests attending their event with specific requirements regarding access.

  • Are children allowed?

    Yes, we welcome babies and young children to St Audries Park.

    Our Children’s Room which is situated next to the Banquet Hall has a range of games and books for any little ones, along with a table and chairs and a sofa should they need to put their feet up in a quieter setting.

  • Can I have confetti?

    We can only allow neutral colour paper confetti to be thrown inside or fresh petals to be thrown outside. This is because we feel it is of paramount importance for every hirer to feel that the venue is their home. If confetti from previous events was still lying around this feeling would, we believe, be undermined.

  • Do you allow pets?

    Due to our deer park, we are unable to permit dogs to roam at St Audries Park. They are welcome on lead for your ceremony and for a few photos in the grounds, but then they would have to make their way home.

    Assistance dogs are of course accepted and can be arranged with your Personal Wedding Manager.

  • Is there Wifi?

    We do offer guest Wi-fi at St Audries Park but, due to the size and scale of the venue, it may not be available in all areas. We would recommend the bar area for fastest Wi-fi access.

  • Do you allow Candles?

    Real candles are allowed within the venue however we do ask that you adhere to our candle policy; all naked flames/candles must be fully encased at the sides, with the tip of the flame at least 5cm below the rim of the encasement. Furthermore, except for enclosed hurricane lamps outside, all naked flames must be placed at least 70cm above floor height.

Accomodation

  • How many guests can stay in the cottage the night before?

    The night before, we have scope for an intimate party of 8, all the way up to a party for 50! Williton Lodge is reserved as night before accommodation only to ensure there is always at least one place to stay the night before. Please see our full accommodation list and night before literature for details of all your options.

  • How many guests can stay on the night of the wedding?

    We have a mix of cottages and rooms amounting to 55 rooms and can sleep up to 120 people overnight. All of our rooms are en-suite, provide bottled water and tea & coffee making facilities.

    With arrival from 11am and check-in from midday, your guests can arrive in plenty of time before the ceremony to freshen up in their room, perhaps even having time to get a drink from the bar. We are unable to supply cots, but parents are welcome to bring travel cots & bedding in the rooms marked on the full accommodation list.

  • What time is breakfast served the following morning?

    Breakfast is served in the Banquet Hall on the morning after the wedding day, from 8.30am till 9.15am. All your guests will gather together in the Banqueting Hall to reminisce about your special day. If guests that have had to stay off site wish to come back and join you for breakfast, that is fine too. Check out of the bedrooms is by 10am but then you have an hour to wave everyone off as we ask you to be finished and off site by 11am please.

  • What time is Check-out?

    We kindly ask that rooms are vacated by 10am ready for you to depart the estate by 11am.

  • Do you provide travel cots?

    I’m afraid not, due to potential health and safety implications. However, guests are welcome to provide their own.
    A maximum of two travel cots (parents’ own) for children age two and under can be accommodated in selected bedrooms situated in the Main House only.

  • What facilities are provided in the rooms?

    All of our rooms are en-suite, provide bottled water and tea & coffee making facilities.

  • Is there Wifi in the rooms?

    I’m afraid we do not offer Wifi in the rooms, only in the designated reception areas.

Food and Wine

  • What is your maximum capacity for a sit-down meal?

    The Banqueting Hall can seat up to 130 guests (including the couple), offering a light, bright setting with stunning views looking out onto our Deer Park. Included in your package is table linen, cutlery, crockery, napkins and glassware, with the option to upgrade these items and many more with our in-house venue styling range.

    The top table is a half-moon and can seat a maximum of 10. Your guest tables are then rounds, where the maximum is 10. Please note that should you have charger plates, the maximum on the top table is 8, and guest round tables is 8. We can cater for all ages and dietary requirements with discounted rates for children.

  • Can we bring in our own drinks?

    We do not offer corkage and you cannot bring your own drinks into St Audries Park. We provide a comprehensive list of wines and Champagnes as well as fully stocked bars.

  • Can we bring in external catering?

    We have our own team of chefs at St Audries Park, who have an excellent reputation for their quality of food. Outside caterers and the provision of food by you or outside companies is not permitted with the exception of your wedding cake.

  • Can we create our own menu?

    We offer a variety of delicious dishes to suit you and your guests, but if you have something else in mind, please let us know in advance. Where possible, there is flexibility in our menus and our Head Chef would be delighted to forward some alternative dishes.

  • Do you offer an afternoon tea?

    We offer a mini afternoon tea as an upgrade option to your canapés, which will make an ideal accompaniment to your celebratory drinks.

  • Do you offer a hog roast?

    We offer a hog roast served with delicious accompaniments! The hog roast is an upgrade option to your evening buffet.

  • Do you offer a barbecue?

    Perfect for spring and summer weddings, we offer the ‘The Quantocks BBQ’ as an upgrade option to your evening buffet.

  • Can you offer international cuisine?

    Our in-house catering team will be more than happy to discuss any ideas or suggestions you might have.

Booking Process

  • How do I book a viewing?

    To book a viewing appointment, please call Sally on 01984 633633 or 07920 180601 or email her at info@audries-park.co.uk.

    There is also the option to book a Virtual Tour!

  • How long does a viewing take?

    A viewing appointment will last around 2 hours. This will give you enough time to see the Main House, accommodation and our stunning grounds.

  • When are viewings available?

    You can view St Audries Park on any non-wedding day and, given the nature of the business, this does mean that weekends are generally not available. We can offer evening appointments too!

  • How can I check availability?

    To check for availability, please call Sally on 01984 633633 or 07920 180601 or email her at info@audries-park.co.uk.

  • How do I secure a wedding date?

    To secure a date we require a £1,000 non-refundable and non-transferable booking deposit. This can be paid over the phone by credit or debit card or by bank transfer.

    A further deposit payment schedule is also required and its exact make-up depends on the date you book and how far in advance you are booking – you can find more information on our further deposits in section 4 of our terms & conditions here.

    Please note that we are not able to accept American Express for any payments.

  • When is the final balance due?

    Your final balance (known as the bulk invoice) is due no later than 30 days in advance of your wedding date. We will, of course, deduct any payments you have already made but you will find an additional £1,000 applied to your invoice at this stage. This constitutes a fully refundable damage deposit which will be refunded into your account within 14 days of your wedding. Please note that we are unable to accept any form of credit card as payment for this bulk invoice so it will need to be settled by debit card or bank transfer. You may wish to opt for a non-refundable Damage Waiver Fee of £250. You must inform us at the time you confirm your Final Requirements.

  • When will I meet my Personal Wedding Manager?

    Your Personal Wedding Manager will be in touch to arrange your planning meeting approximately four to six months prior to your wedding, when we can arrange precise detail for your day, including menu choices, wines to be served, times of bar service etc.

  • Do you hold dates for a period of time?

    Due to the nature of our business, with the vast amount of enquires we receive on a daily business, we cannot hold any dates at St Audries Park.

  • How far in advance can I book a date?

    There is no time limit!

  • How soon can I get married?

    You will need to submit your notice early enough to allow the Registrar to make sure both parties are free to marry one another, but you can secure your preferred date in just 30 days’ time!

  • Do you have minimum guest numbers?

    The Classical and Luxe packages are based on a minimum of 60 guests all day and evening, available Monday to Sunday all year round. Our Party package is based on a minimum of 60 guests all day and evening, available Monday to Thursday from October to May. Our Intimate package is based on a minimum of 30 guests all day and evening, available Monday to Thursday from October to May only.

  • Can I get married on any day of the year?

    You can get married at St Audries Park every day of the year except Christmas and Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.

Guest Questions

  • What time can I arrive?

    As a day guest, you are welcome to arrive from 11am, when our cocktail bar will be open. You can order non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, as well as freshly prepared sandwiches.

  • What time can I check in to my bedroom?

    Check-in is from 12 noon, allowing you ample time to unpack, freshen up and prepare for the wedding ceremony.

  • What time do we have to be off site by?

    Due to exclusive use we offer every wedding party, we ask that all guests must leave the estate by 11am.

  • Is the venue accessible / wheelchair friendly?

    We have disabled access available via the main entrance and a ramp is available for wheelchair access. We also have disabled toilets available on the ground floor.

    If you have accessibility issues and are due to visit or attend an event at St Audries Park, we highly recommend that you call us to discuss your specific needs in advance of your visit.

    We ask that our couples inform us at their earliest convenience if they have guests attending their event with specific requirements regarding access.

  • Are children allowed?

    Yes, we welcome babies and young children to St Audries Park.

    Our Children’s Room which is situated next to the Banquet Hall has a range of games and books for any little ones, along with a table and chairs and a sofa should they need to put their feet up in a quieter setting.

  • Do you allow pets?

    Due to our deer park, we are unable to permit dogs to roam at St Audries Park. They are welcome on lead for your ceremony and for a few photos in the grounds, but then they would have to make their way home.

    Assistance dogs are of course welcome!

  • How can I pay for extra food & drinks?

    You will require a card to make payments for any food or drinks at the bar and we accept most credit & debit cards except American Express.

  • Is there Wifi?

    We do offer guest Wi-fi at St Audries Park but, due to the size and scale of the venue, it may not be available in all areas. We would recommend the bar area for fastest Wi-fi access.

  • What time is breakfast served the following morning?

    Breakfast is served in the Banquet Hall on the morning after the wedding day, from 8.30am till 9.15am. All your guests will gather together in the Banqueting Hall to reminisce about your special day. If guests that have had to stay off site wish to come back and join you for breakfast, that is fine too. Check out of the bedrooms is by 10am but then you have an hour to wave everyone off as we ask you to be finished and off site by 11am please.

  • What time is Check-out?

    We kindly ask that rooms are vacated by 10am ready for you to depart the estate by 11am.

  • Do you provide travel cots?

    We are unable to supply cots, but parents are welcome to bring travel cots & bedding in the rooms marked on the full accommodation list.

  • What facilities are provided in the rooms?

    All of our rooms are en-suite, provide bottled water and tea & coffee making facilities.

  • Is there Wifi in the rooms?

    We do offer guest Wi-fi at St Audries Park but, due to the size and scale of the venue, it may not be available in all areas. We would recommend the bar area for fastest Wi-fi access.

  • Can I pre-purchase food/drinks for my room?

    Although we do not offer room service, you are able to pre-order sandwiches and/or a selection of drinks for the rooms if you wish.

  • Can I purchase gifts for the couple?

    Yes, have a selection of gifts such as framed prints, candles, dressing gowns as well as a bouquet of fresh flowers or Champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries, which would make a lovely gift! Please call the office on 01984 633 633 or email admin@audries-park.co.uk.