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  •    •  Hockwold Hall Wedding FAQS

 

No couples are ever the same, neither are our weddings!

Hockwold Hall is an exclusive family friendly country retreat with so much to offer.

 

 

A place of genuine care and comfort for our guests. We pledge to provide a warm, relaxed, yet refined ambience which instils well-being and comfort.

 

 

Congratulations on choosing Hockwold Hall!

(Here are all the answers to your questions.)

 


WHAT IS THE ADDRESS OF HOCKWOLD HALL?

Hockwold Hall

38 Station Road

Norfolk

IP26 4HZ

 

Be sure to follow the event signs on an event day to ensure you enter the main entrance gate which will be open on the event day. We have two gates, the smaller one is closed and acts as the supplier/workers’ entrance only.

WHAT IS THE ADDRESS TO ST PETERS-COTTAGE?

28 Station Road

Hockwold

Norfolk

IP26 4HZ

HOW DO I CHECK IN?

Hockwold Hall is an exclusive private hire venue and not a traditional hotel with reception. Bedroom allocation is solely managed by the bride and groom who pre-assign each guest to their designated accommodation. We also ask that couples provide the Event – Coordinator with a room allocation list at their 1 month meeting or via email.

ARE THERE PARKING FACILITIES?

Hockwold Hall has ample FREE parking for your guests located in an adjacent field, within walking distance from the entrance of the Hall. There will be directional signs at our welcome gates and towards the venue.

Guests staying at St Peter’s Cottage must also park in this adjacent field and walk a few meters. 

The front of the Hall is to be kept free of vehicles for both fire safety reasons, and for the grand bridal entrance ensuring lovely photo opportunities.

For easier access, guests with special needs or disabilities may be dropped off at the front door and the vehicle parked in the field.

Guests may leave their cars overnight. Guests who do not return to their vehicles within a 24-hour time frame will incur tow charges at their own cost. Hockwold Hall management is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen vehicles/goods. 

 

For Guests staying at the Hockwold Inn, hardstanding parking is available at the Inn for 8-10 vehicles. Guests may choose to either walk 100 meters to Hockwold Hall or drive and park in the Hall’s main field. 

 

 

BROADBAND / WIFI

Wireless broadband (WiFi) is available and is provided free of charge.

Located in the countryside, we cannot guarantee the connectivity at any given time, however we endeavour to maintain the hardware and connection as best possible.

 

If there is a fault with the hardware provided (wireless router) we will give support and maintenance. We cannot guarantee or be held responsible for the speed at any given time.

Broadband is a variable “best efforts” service, which means it is shared between many users and open to fluctuations in performance. If the fault is deemed to be with the guests hardware/devices, support will not be available. Please do not download movies or other content on our network and agree to use such services in a responsible manner and not for any illegal purpose.

WHAT TIME DO WE HAVE TO VACATE THE PREMISES?

Access and departure times are confirmed in your contractual agreement.

Tradtionally, Check-in at NOON and Check-out at 10AM.

Earlier access may be granted to the marquee for set up and private access to a bridal prep studio for hair and makeup while the previous group checks out.

 

Weekday events (Monday to Thursday and Sunday) end at 11PM.

Weekend events (Friday and Saturday) end at Midnight. 

 

Please contact your event co-ordinator closer to your event date, who will inform you of any factors that could impact your check in/check out times, as well as availability. 

 

 

 

DO YOU HAVE A POLICY OF EXCLUSIVITY ?

You and your guests will have exclusive hire of the venue for the duration of time confirmed on your contract.

We only host one wedding a day to ensure you have our complete attention.

If your group has booked a 1-day hire instead of a multi-day hire, there is a possibility of an event taking place the day prior or after yours in this circumstance.

WHAT DOES THE VENUE COST?

No two events are exactly the same. Pricing often varies on several variables including the following for a venue:

  • Day of the week
  • Peak Season vs Low Season

For detailed information, please contact us for an up-to-date brochure.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN OUR VENUE HIRE?

 

  • On-site complimentary parking (adjacent field)
  • Wedding day event- coordinator
  • 9 lovely spacious en-suite bedrooms
  • Bridal hair and makeup studio- located within walking distance from the Hall-Banquet Hall
  • Private dining room with fire place, self-catered kitchen, lounge with fire place, and games room
  • Evening party space in the cellar bar
  • Our enchanting 5-acre walled garden is an idyllic setting for your drinks reception/photography
  • Hot tub, sauna, BBQ space, and tennis court
  • For intimate gatherings or micro weddings, the Dining Room can accommodate up to 30 guests. For larger events, our stunning permanent Marquee can accommodate up to 250 guests
  • A lovely indoor (up to 90 guests) or outdoor civil ceremony setting (up to 280 guests) with chairs
  • Lapel microphone and standard audio equipment for the civil ceremony
  • Handheld microphone and PA system for speeches
  • Round 6-foot tables with limewash chiavari chairs
  • White round and/or rectangle table linens,
  • Water jugs, standard water and wine glassware
  • Gift & cake tables with white linens 
  • 4 Easels
  • Vintage post box for cards
  • Sweets trolley with various jars
  • Multi coloured Led up lighting in the marquee
  • Dance Space (9mx9m)
  • On-site card and cash bar & fully staffed
  • Glassware, cutlery, crockery, napkins (Supplied only by our exclusive catering partner Shefs of Brandon.)

 

You will receive hands-on support on your wedding day. You will meet with your assigned event co-ordinator 1 month before your wedding day to review the timings and plans with your selected suppliers. We ask you to bring any final questions and a document of all your supplier’s contact details to provide to us.

On your event day, you and your guests will have exclusive use of the hall and grounds and our full attention. Simply relax and enjoy the lead-up to your big day with friends and family!

HOW DO I RESERVE THE VENUE?

To Contact Hockwold Hall:

Email: hockwoldhall@gmail.com

Phone: 01842 827365

 

Contact your event co-ordinator to discuss the season, year, scope, and type of event you wish to host and to review venue availability.

  1. Request brochure on our website.
  2. Request a viewing of Hockwold Hall via our website live calendar link.
  3. Bring all your questions with you at your viewing.
  4. We recommend you have a backup date in case your first date is not available.

If Hockwold Hall is available, your viewing guide will ask you a few questions to complete the journey. We will require your full contact information for those signing the rental hire agreement. We will provide you with a contract and require a 30% deposit. We will ask you for your contact details and photo I.D for those signing the contract. Once this is complete, your date is officially confirmed and booked. Congratulations, you can start planning!

You will have two weeks (14 days) in which to review, sign, and return the agreement to Hockwold Hall, along with the 30% deposit which reflects the total rental fee of the hall (BACS, Credit Card, and Debit Card are accepted.) This serves as a non-refundable deposit. Upon receipt of payment, we will send you written confirmation and invoice of your booking by email. 

Should you change your mind within that 14-day period, you must express this in writing and your deposit will be returned to you and your event officially postponed or canceled. 

We may offer a payment plan to lower the payments by spreading it over a monthly payment plan that can be arranged by informing your Hockwold Hall representative of this requirement in writing. 

If you intend to pay by bank transfer, this should reach our account net of all bank charges. Please ask your bank to show your name and booking reference on the transfer. All prices quoted are in UK Pounds Sterling and are correct at the time of publication. Payment must be made in UK Pounds Sterling. Bookings using a credit/debit card must be made by, or with the consent of the cardholder. Guests must be over 21 years old to make a booking. VAT is included in our pricing.

The second deposit of 30% will be due at the halfway mark between the date you made the booking and your wedding day.

The next balance will be due no later than 3 months before your wedding date.

Any additional costs incurred (add-ons or unforeseen damages/thefts or other) will be expected to be paid no later than 14-days after the event. Equally, any damage deposits to be issued will take place within the 14-day period.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE BOOK?

  • The average couple will book their wedding venue 2 years in advance, with some couples up to 3-4 years in advance. Contact us to enquire about availability. On rare occasions, limited short notice dates may become available.
  • For Peak Season early inquiry is highly recommended. Weekends in May through to September, and Bank Holiday weekends are the most in-demand.
  • For any smaller gatherings or ‘non-wedding related’ events which do not require a specific date, a minimum of 12 months’ advance notice should be considered. Weekdays may be easier to accommodate a short-notice event.

ARE THERE SPECIAL REDUCTIONS FOR OFF PEAKS?

Yes, the pricing structure is detailed in our latest brochure. Please contact us for our latest pricing and email or call should you have additional questions.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

You must notify Hockwold Hall about your intent to postpone or cancel your reservation in writing via letter or email with the reason(s).

The 30% deposit is non-refundable (which is paid upon signing the rental agreement). Depending on how far in advance you cancel, additional outstanding balance fees may be charged to you. Please refer to your legal contractual agreement for any relevant charges and time frames related to cancellations.

EXTRAS

Additional items not included in our package may be hired through third-party reputable suppliers. We are happy to recommend such suppliers should you need assistance, but you are free to work with whomever you wish in most categories with the exception of the catering partner.

 

Some examples of extras to consider:

Civil ceremony registrar fees

Coloured runner style carpeting

Dress and Suits (and shoes)

Wedding Rings

Decorating/ Centrepieces

Hair & Make up

Flowers, Bouquet, Button Hole etc…

Stationary: Invitations, Order of the day, seating plan, place names etc

Wedding favours

Master of ceremonies or toastmaster

Cake

Photo booths

Dj/Disco,

Different style chairs or tables, chair covers, table runners, coloured table linens

Straw bales and bunting for rustic outside seating

Fire pits

Picnic tables

Chil crèche services

Activities: Bouncy castle, laser clay pigeon shooting, archery, axe throwing, etc… 

Evening Snacks: Ice cream vans, chocolate fountain, doughnut van, popcorn machines, crèpe vans and other street food vans

 

If any of the above are required, they all incur extra costs. 

Please inform your Event Co-Ordinator of any ideas and interests and they will happily put you in contact with any reliable and recommended suppliers.

WILL A REPRESENTATIVE BE ON SITE DURING THE DAY OF MY EVENT?

Yes, we have an experienced and professional Event Co-Ordinator who will be on-site the entire day and into the early evening of your event to assist you and your guests. (You are likely to meet your event co-ordinator during your 1 month meeting.)

Should you desire a more relaxed worry-free day, we recommend hiring a toastmaster as a valuable addition to your event planning team.

IS THERE AN EXTRA CHARGE TO BRING OUR OWN SUPPLIERS?

​There is no charge to bring in your own suppliers.​ We have worked with many talented and reliable suppliers which we can recommend​ to you.

We ask that any third-party suppliers kindly remove their items and rubbish from Hockwold Hall after the event. Failure to do so will incur extra cleaning fees. 

Please note: As per your contract, our catering partner Shefs of Brandon is the only exclusive supplier you must work with at Hockwold Hall. No outside catering company may be hired in for a wedding or event.

ARE KITCHEN FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR USE?

You and your overnight guests have access to a large family kitchen inside the Hall with coffee machine, toasters, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, electric stove and hobs, cutlery and crockery. (There is a limited supply of these items for group size up to 30 guests.)

You are welcome to self-cater for your meals in the house, or hire our catering partner Shefs of Brandon to offer breakfast, lunch and/or dinners during your stay at Hockwold Hall.

You are only permitted to work with our exclusive catering partner Shefs of Brandon for the wedding breakfast on your wedding day for quality assurance. Hockwold Hall does not have any commercial catering style kitchens on our premises for an external catering company to use.

DO I PROVIDE MY OWN CHAIRS/TABLES?

Hockwold Hall provides:

  • White outdoor folding chairs for an outdoor ceremony and limewash chiavari chairs for an indoor civil ceremony.
  • Limewash-style chiavari chairs for the wedding breakfast.

Should you wish to select another style and/or color, we recommended suppliers who can provide you with many options to suit your theme and needs which will incur extra costs.

In general, you are free to bring whatever decor and props such as pillars, podiums, wishing wells, post boxes, easels, and arbors, as well as floral containers and planters, but you may not use adhesives, nails, or otherwise attach decorations to the building walls in the manor, pillars, pavement, or plants without the prior consent of your Event Co-Ordinator. Some parts of Hockwold Hall date back to the 1500’s and must be protected. Greater flexibility is offered in our Banquet Hall and Marquee.

You are responsible for gathering and removing all event-related materials. It is a good idea to ask your event co-ordinator specific questions in the early stages of planning your event and will confirm when you are expected to remove all materials. Usually, for a single-day rental, we ask the materials be removed that same evening or early the following morning before your check-out time.

DO I NEED TO PAY EXTRA OR HIRE THE CAKE STAND, KNIFE SET?

A silver knife serving set rental is included in your package. A cake stand is not provided. 

Some cake makers include a cake stand or knife set with your cake. Please inform us if you do require our set or if you are bringing your own.

Important: If you are not planning on hiring our catering partner to prepare your evening food then the cake cutting, and serving will not be offered by staff at Hockwold Hall. You must speak to Shefs of Brandon to ensure food is handled by one of their qualified staff and will ensure plates, napkins, cutlery, etc are provided for you and your guests.

DO YOU HAVE A PUBLIC ADDRESS (PA) SYSTEM FOR SPEECHES?

Yes, our event technician will set this up, show you how to use it, and remain available the day of the event should you require additional assistance. Please notify your event co-ordinator no later than 1 month prior to the wedding of your needs.

Included in your hire package are:

1. A lapel microphone and speakers for an indoor or outdoor civil ceremony

2. Handheld microphone and speaker during speeches

3. Sound system for background music during the welcome drinks and wedding breakfast

 

DO YOU HAVE A VIDEO/PHOTO PROJECTOR?

No, we do not include this service in your package. Please note, projectors are best used once the daylight has gone, otherwise most guests will not be able to see your photo or video display.

DO YOU ALLOW FIREWORKS / SKY LANTERNS?

Due to municipal noise restrictions, proximity to agricultural and equestrian practices, various military bases and the negative environmental impacts of sky lanterns, fireworks and lanterns are not permitted at Hockwold Hall.

IS THE VENUE CHILD FRIENDLY?

Yes, Hockwold Hall is a safe place for families, a ‘home away from home’ with large grounds and 5 acres of walled garden for children to explore and play in. We have several garden games for children (and adults) to enjoy.

We ask that:

  • Children must remain supervised by an adult at all times
  • The plants and flowers are looked at rather than playing in the actual garden beds. We host Open Days/Garden Days to the public regularly and must uphold the standards of elegant gardens.
  • Not to chase or harm any of the free-roaming wildlife and birds on the grounds
  • Events with 12 (or more) guests under the age of 8 years old must hire in the professional crèche service Safe and Sound Event Childcare: 0207 965 7343 or www.safeandsoundevents.com.

DO YOU OFFER CRÈCHE SERVICES?

For an extra fee, you can hire a third party certified crèche company. Please ask your Event Co-Ordinator for more details should you be interested in this service.

 

Safe and Sound

Stephanie

www.safeandsoundevents.com

info@safeandsoundevents.com

02079657343

07774 708569

 

ARE PETS PERMITTED ONSITE?

Due to the heritage of the property and upholding the standards of the furniture and carpets, there are some restrictions with pets that may not be permitted at Hockwold Hall. If a pet is permitted on the premises, it must remain on a leash outdoors as we have a variety of exotic birds and free-roaming animals on site. 

Should you wish to include your pet in your wedding, as part of the civil ceremony to walk down the aisle outdoors, you may speak to Hockwold Hall and ensure your celebrant/registrar has authorized incorporating your pet into the service.

 

Please email us with matters regarding pets at Hockwold Hall. An extra pet damage deposit fee may apply. 

IS THERE SPACE OUTSIDE FOR SMOKERS AND GUESTS TO MINGLE?

Designated smoking areas are located around the venue and plenty of mingling spaces within a few feet of the venue.

IS THE VENUE ACCESSIBLE FOR THE DISABLED?

Guests requiring additional support and ease of moving around the venue may be dropped off at the front door of the venue to avoid a few meters walk from the parking field.

On the ground floor, all the doors are wide enough to cater to standard and electric wheelchairs. There is a small two-inch step from the back door to the gardens, which has not posed any issues in the past. There is an alternative route via pebble walkways should the step be avoided.

Most of the surrounding grounds are grass or pebbled walkways. Various guests in the past have not experienced any significant issues getting around.

Bedrooms are located on the second floor, there is no elevator facility at Hockwold Hall.

The Hockwold Inn, which is located 100 meters from Hockwold Hall, will have accessible ground level bedrooms starting Summer 2023.

ARE THERE ANY CHANGES PLANNED TO THE BUILDING OR SURROUNDING AREA BEFORE THE WEDDING?

Hockwold Hall is focused on providing the best customer care and upholding the calibre of its facilities. Any projects are focused on improving your experience with us.

We strive to work around bookings to avoid any conflict in timing,  however should any renovations or unforeseen works need to be carried out, we will inform you the moment we are made aware and do our utmost to ensure it does not impact negatively on your special day.

WHAT IS GUEST CAPACITY AT HOCKWOLD?

Indoor licensed civil ceremony room: 90 guests
 
Outdoor licensed civil ceremony: 200 guests
 
Banquet Hall: 100 seated.120 standing guests
 
Marquee: 280 seated. 400 standing.

CAN YOU HOST CIVIL CEREMONIES ON SITE?

Yes, we can host a civil ceremony in our elegant civil room or an outdoor ceremony in our breathtaking gardens. An idyllic location is in our tall 18th Century banjo-shaped hedged area with a rose archway. CLICK HERE to view images.

 

We have secondary indoor options in case inclement weather threatens your comfort or safety in the outdoor garden setting.

 

You may contact the local Norfolk registrars at :

Marry in Norfolk

www.marryinnorfolk.co.uk

0344 800 8020

 

Or for more a more bespoke/ personalised celebration:


The Ceremony People– Independent Celebrants

Caroline and Lisa

07470 488307

enquiries@theceremonypeople.co.uk

IS THE CEREMONY TO TAKE PLACE IN THE SAME ROOM AS RECEPTION?

No, you may marry indoors in our elegant civil ceremony room or outdoors in our elegant garden setting. The wedding breakfast reception is held in your choice of locations – dining room, banquet hall or marquee depending on your guest numbers.

ARE PETS PERMITTED IN THE CEREMONY/ ONSITE?

Due to the heritage of the property and upholding the standards of the furniture and carpets, there are some restrictions on pets that may not be permitted at Hockwold Hall. If a pet is permitted on the premises, it must remain on a leash outdoors as we have a variety of exotic birds and free-roaming animals on site. 

Should you wish to include your pet in your wedding, as part of the civil ceremony to walk down the aisle outdoors, you may speak to Hockwold Hall and ensure your celebrant/registrar has authorized incorporating your pet into the service.

 

Please email us with matters regarding pets at Hockwold Hall. An extra pet damage deposit fee may apply. 

 

 

HOW MANY SONGS DO I NEED FOR MY CIVIL CEREMONY?

5 songs in total:

  • One for walking down the aisle
  • Three for the signing of the documents
  • One for walking back down the aisle/confetti throw moment

 

  • The song files may be pre-recorded digital files emailed to us via the Spotify share playlist feature.

 

  • Wedding days are made that much more special with live music performances, especially during the ceremony and transitioning into the welcome drinks part of the day. Secret Singers or live bands truly make the evening memorable and provide remarkable entertainment for you and your guests! 

WHAT OUTDOOR GAMES DO YOU PROVIDE ON THE DAY?

1. Giant Jenga
2. Giant connect 4
3. Ring toss
4. Bean bag throw
5. Limbo

DO YOU HAVE A BAR ON SITE?

A fully stocked cash & card bar with staffing is included in your package in whichever space you select. Our music and alcohol license is until midnight in the Banquet Hall and Marquee, however should you and your guests wish to continue celebrating beyond midnight, we have an eclectic Cellar Bar in Hockwold Hall which is available for use should this be of interest.

 

Option 1- Corkage: £10 per bottle. Corkage option is only available for table wines.

Option 2- Cash Bar: We carry a selection of wines from you to select from. Following your menu selection for your canapé/wedding breakfast, we consult our resident wine expert to gauge which wine will support the flavours in your wedding breakfast meal.

If you wish to offer your guests complimentary drinks, we offer a token system where your guests can exchange the value of 1 (or more) tokens at the bar for a complimentary drink, and once they have all submitted their tokens commence the cash bar option.

Option 3- Open Bar: A pre determined value amount will be put at the bar for your guests and once this is reached we would notify you. Should you wish to extend the value we can extend it again. Alternatively, we can issue a token(s) to represent the number of ‘complimentary’ drinks your guests are entitled to. Once that limit is reached, you may put additional funds towards the bar tab or begin a cash bar option.

 

*Minors will not be served alcohol, non-alcoholic substitute will be available. Staff are trained to follow the ‘Challenge 25’ procedure and may request identification if anyone looks under the age of 25. Please do not be offended if you are asked for identification. Hockwold Hall Management reserve the right not to serve anyone who they deem should not be allowed to continue consuming or remain on the premises.

WHAT OPTIONS DO YOU OFFER FOR RECEPTION WELCOME DRINKS/ BAR?

Included in your package is our fully stocked bar with staff.

Hockwold Hall have drinks and pricing structure located HERE

Our bar team are happy to incorporate any special alcohol, cocktails, and a limited amount of tailor-made drinks with advance notice. (minimum 3 months notice) Consult with your event co-ordinator in writing via email.

Hockwold Hall also hosts an annual wine tasting evening for our couples getting married to guide and help select your welcome drinks and table wine options.

AT WHAT POINT DO WE NEED TO DISCUSS WELCOME DRINKS AND DRINKS FOR THE TABLE? ALSO DO YOU HAVE A DRINK DISPENSER?

1 Month prior to your wedding day, we will meet and agree on the final logistical plans and decisions. However, if you have questions you may call Hockwold Hall prior to this.

Yes, we have 2 Kilner-style drinks dispensers and we have glass jugs.

IS THE WINE TASTING INCLUDED?

Upon booking with us and issuing your deposits with Hockwold Hall and our exclusive catering partner Shefs of Brandon, you will be invited to our annual wine-tasting evening with other couples who have booked their wedding day with us. Only 2 guests can attend the wine tasting. This is a lovely evening of enjoying various wines and sharing wedding planning tips.

ARE THERE LOCAL PUBS/ RESTAURANTS WE CAN VISIT?

The Red Lion: (Located 0.6 miles)

114 Main St, Hockwold cum Wilton, Thetford IP26 4NB

 

The Wellington Pub (Located 3 miles)

27-29 High St, Feltwell, Thetford IP26 4AF

*Additional dining selections are available in the neighboring towns of Brandon, Mildenhall, and Lakenheath.

CAN I USE MY OWN CATERING COMPANY?

Our exclusive catering partner SHEFS and their talented team have over 25 years of experience catering for intimate and large events, and regularly cooked for members of the royal family! 

They can offer a variety of menus from stunning three- five-course meals to sumptuous picnics, hog roasts & BBQ’s, afternoon high tea or something out of the ordinary!

SHEFS is flexible with its menu choices to accommodate your taste and any dietary requirements, for example catering for children, vegetarian or vegan alternatives, accommodating special dietary requirements such as allergies, gluten-free, halal, etc.

Our catering partner work with a variety of budgets. It is important to consider for some full-service events, labor costs may comprise up to half of your catering budget for silver service 3-5 course meals, while simpler catering options for your event require significantly less staff. 

Included in their package is: Standard glassware, cutlery, crockery, and plain white napkins.

SHEFS will set up a meeting to create a bespoke menu for you, followed by a menu tasting.

 

SHEFS

Marc Sheffield

07739 404179

01842 812555

Info@shefs.co.uk

www.shefs.co.uk

 

*It is not permitted to supply your own homemade food. 

*Street food vans and other 3rd party supplier snacking ideas are welcome in the later evening of your event after your main meal has been served. You may only select an outside catering supplier in the later evening if our catering partner SHEFS does not offer the particular item/service.

 

*Hockwold Hall does not accept responsibility for outsourced suppliers outside of our recommended suppliers list. We ask that any outside caterers provide supporting documents of food hygiene ratings, pat test certificate, and insurance coverage. Caterers will have access to power and running water.

CAN A DINNER OR BBQ BE HELD THE NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING OR A BREAKFAST AFTER THE FOLLOWING MORNING?

When you book our exclusive multi-day hire package, you have the option to host a pre-wedding meal the night before or a continental or full English breakfast the morning after your wedding/event at an extra cost with our exclusive catering partner SHEFS.

Alternatively, you may decide to self-cater instead by using Hockwold Hall’s domestic kitchen facility.

SHEFS

Marc Sheffield

07739404179

01842812555

Info@shefs.co.uk

www.shefs.co.uk

WHO CUTS AND SERVES THE WEDDING CAKE?

Hockwold Hall is not responsible for any food handling which includes the wedding cake. Be sure to schedule a member of our exclusive catering team Shefs of Brandon to cut, plate, and serve the wedding cake. (which includes cutlery and napkins)

Hockwold Hall does not provide any takeaway containers or serving trays. This must be requested from your cake maker or our catering partner in advance. 

MAY I HIRE DJ/MUSICIANS?

You may hire musicians/ band and/or DJ for your event. There is sufficient power supply for most entertainment/sound systems. Please inform your Event Co-Ordinator of your suppliers needs to ensure we can accommodate their set up.

 

Please ensure your musicians/band and/or DJ have public liability insurance, PAT test certification for their equipment. Hockwold Hall will require these documents provided and have on file. Due to municipal regulations, music/sound must cease at midnight in the marquee.

CAN THE BAND/ DJ SET UP PRIOR TO THE RECEPTION/WEDDING BREAKFAST?

We encourage you to bring a list of your suppliers at your one month prior to your wedding day meeting to run through all timings and logistics to ensure a seamless wedding day.

CAN I PLAY MY OWN MUSIC ON YOUR SOUND SYSTEM?

Yes, we are happy to help accommodate this. Our preferred method is using a Spotify Playlist. Please liaise with your event coordinator at your one-month meeting about these logistics.

WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION ON OFFER ON-SITE FOR OUR OTHER GUESTS WHO ARE NOT STAYING IN THE HALL? WHAT ARE THE GUEST NUMBERS PER LOCATION?

Hockwold Hall has 9 bedrooms which are included in the overall package, sleeping a total of 26 guests. The house is exclusively yours regardless of whether the rooms are at full capacity or not.

View the elegant bedrooms here: http://www.hockwoldhallnorfolk.com/accommodation/

 

St Peter’s Cottage has two double bedrooms and a pull-out couch which sleeps 4-6 guests.

St Peters Cottage

 

We also have two Glamping Tour Buses as a creative accommodation solution. We ask that all guests return the facilities and grounds in the state they found them and dispose of their rubbish/recycling accordingly. The use of candles and campfires is not permitted.

White tour bus: 3 singles, 2 doubles = 8 guests

Black tour bus: 11 singles = 11 guests

View tour bus layouts’ CLICK HERE

 

*Guests staying in our accommodations are asked to remove their outdoor shoes, especially during bad weather, with the exception of weddings where additional carpeting will be in place at entrances and exits to protect the historical buildings’ carpets and flooring.

* The number of guests permitted to occupy each room is limited to the number of beds. Under no circumstances may more guests’ than the maximum number of persons specified in each room description occupy the room, with the only exception of a cot bed for young children. You are welcome to bring your own cot bed to suit your child’s needs.

If the number of people permitted to occupy a room is exceeded (which would be in breach of Fire Health and Safety Regulations), Hockwold Hall Management reserve the right to remove excess occupants or terminate the stay. The damage deposit will not be returned should the rooms have more than the permitted number of occupants.

  • Guests staying in our accommodations are asked to remove their outdoor shoes, especially during bad weather.
  • Use of live flame candles and campfires is forbidden inside or near the tour buses.  

 

Extra Beds

Cots for infants are permitted to be brought in by guests and foldaway single beds can be provided by Hockwold Hall and brought to your room. Single foldaway beds must be booked with prior notice no later than at your one month meeting. We cannot guarantee extra foldaway bed availability under short notice.

IS A COMPLIMENTARY BRIDAL SUITE INCLUDED ON OUR WEDDING NIGHT?

YES, this is included in your hire package. Our most popular recommend suites are Sandringham or Sheringham. Please view these rooms HERE http://www.hockwoldhallnorfolk.com/accommodation/

CAN THE BRIDAL PARTY GET READY AT THE VENUE?

YES, we offer lovely spaces to get ready at and flexibility is based on availability. The terms of check-in/check-out access to the venue for your wedding day/event are written in your venue hire contract.

CAN I DECORATE TO SUIT MY THEME/PURPOSES?

We welcome creativity and invite you to do as much as you wish with decorating.

We pride ourselves in the flexibility we offer, especially in the Banquet Hall and the Marquee to decorate and hang items. The rules are more restrictive inside the stately manor as some features date back to the late 1500’s. Your Event Co-Ordinator will explore your vision, walk you through the spaces and explain how to best execute the decor plan.

 

You are free to use whomever you wish for flowers, decoration, DJ/Entertainment, cost really depends on what and who you choose. All decor must be secured safely, be temporary, and not cause damage to any buildings.

 

Biodegradable dehydrated petal confetti or bubbles are the only options permitted in designated areas behind the hall, your Event Co-Ordinator will show you where this is permitted to be thrown by your guests.

 

As parts of the house date as far as the 1500’s, live flames pose a risk to the protection of the building’s heritage. Artificial battery LED powered votives or candles are welcomed instead.

 

We ask that all the decore and personal items be taken down no later than the following morning by 10 am, or the time stipulated on your contract.
 

ARE LIVE FLAMES PERMITTED?

As parts of the house date as far as the 1500’s, live flames pose a risk to the protection of the building’s heritage. Artificial battery LED powered votives or candles are welcomed instead.

Floating candles safely surrounded by glass water structures are permitted in the Banquet Hall of Marquee for weddings and must never be left un supervised.

We have a designated fire pit outdoors by the Hall for exterior fires.

IS SMOKING PERMITTED?

As per the legislation introduced on the 1st July, 2007, it is illegal to smoke in all public enclosed or substantially enclosed areas.

As parts of the house date as far as the 1500’s, live flames pose a risk to the protection of the building’s heritage. For general safety and guest care, indoor smoking including vaping is not permitted indoors. Fines will apply for breaking the law, for deep cleaning services, and any damages caused to the property. 

Outdoor smoking or vaping is permitted 10 feet from the venue. 

WHEN CAN I GAIN ACCESS TO THE VENUE TO DECORATE?

On some occasions, the decorating team may gain access the day before the wedding if there are no other events/commitments on the calendar. Alternatively, your team can gain earlier access to the Marquee and Banquet Hall only on your wedding morning. Your venue hire contract will stipulate the precise site access time, check-in, and check-out schedule.

CAN I USE CONFETTI?

Dried flower petals confetti or bubbles are the only permitted confetti at Hockwold Hall with designated areas outside the hall, your event Co-Ordinator will show you where this is permitted to be thrown by your guests.

ARE WE ABLE TO PURCHASE AND BRING / USE SPARKLERS ON THE DAY?

Yes, your event coordinator will show you where the designated areas are to use them. 

ARE WE ABLE TO BOOK A DAY TO COME BACK AND HAVE ANOTHER LOOK AROUND AFTER BOOKING?

Yes, you have various options:
 
1. Visit our website to book your visit or call/email us for availability.
 
2. On a monthly basis we host an open day for couples who have already booked and wish to revisit the Hall. The dates are advertised on our Facebook page. You must RSVP in advance for a specific time via the Facebook event link or email us to confirm your attendance.
 
Please note: During peak wedding season availability for viewings will be limited.
 
 

DO YOU PROVIDE FANS/HEATERS DURING SEASONAL CHANGES?

During the summer months, we provide extra fans for the bedrooms and in the grand marquee dinning space.

In the winter months, the bedrooms have central heating and the grand marquee is heated as well.

IS THERE SOMEWHERE SAFE WE CAN STORE OUR BRIDAL GIFTS AND CARDS?

Gifts and cards may be stored in your locked bridal bedroom. We recommend you appoint a member of your bridal party or groomsmen to collect and store these items safetly on your wedding day. Staff will not be responsible for moving any of these items.