Everything You Might Be Wondering
The detail that makes planning easier. If your question is not here, your event manager will be glad to help, and a viewing is the best way to picture your day.
Wedding frequently asked questions
What are the minimum and maximum numbers?
We cater for intimate weddings from just the two of you, up to 110 guests for a formal sit down meal and up to 180 for an informal buffet and the evening reception.
What time can we access the venue?
Access to the bridal suite begins at 11am on the day, or the evening before if you stay over. Suppliers can access the banqueting room and outdoor ceremony area from 10am.
Can we get married outdoors?
Yes, you can marry outside from March to October in our heated riverside pavilion. Your registrar has the final say on the day based on the weather, and we can arrange a marquee for sun or rain.
Is the venue heated and air conditioned?
Yes. The main banqueting room has hot and cool air conditioning and there is central heating throughout. In colder months we can light the three open fires, and the outdoor pavilion is heated too.
What time does the evening end?
Last orders at the bar are 11.45pm, with music and the bar finishing at midnight. We recommend non residents pre book taxis, and resident guests are welcome to a nightcap while we close up.
Do we have to set up ourselves?
No. Your event manager coordinates your suppliers and sets out your decorations within reason, other than anything that needs hanging or construction.
Can we drop items off beforehand?
Yes, we can store wedding items from a couple of days before, arranged with your event manager. Please have cakes and flowers delivered on the day. Anything left overnight is at your own risk.
Can we use our own caterers?
All catering is cooked in house, as the food is part of the experience. There is a wide choice of menus, and our head chef is happy to design something bespoke.
Is there a PA system?
Yes, there is a PA system outside, in the conservatory and in the banqueting room for ceremony music, the wedding breakfast and your entrance. It is not intended for evening entertainment.
Can we have candles, fireworks or lanterns?
Real flame candles are welcome as long as the holder is taller than the flame. Fireworks are permitted only around 5 November and on New Year's Eve, arranged through our trusted supplier. Chinese lanterns are not allowed.
Can we bring pets?
Registered assistance dogs are welcome at the ceremony. For licensing reasons other animals cannot attend, although pets are welcome outdoors for photographs during your drinks reception.
Are there restrictions on decorations?
Nothing can be pinned or fixed to the walls or ceilings, and fixtures cannot be moved, as the building is listed. You are welcome to wrap bunting and fairy lights around the conservatory beams, set up on the day by your party and removed by 10am the next morning.
Can our suppliers visit in advance?
Of course. Once booked, you are welcome to revisit with suppliers and family as often as you like, arranged by phone or email through your event manager.
Is there parking, and can we leave cars overnight?
There is on site parking for 55 cars plus overflow across the road. Cars can be left overnight at the owner's risk and collected by 11am the following day.
Are children included in the guest numbers?
Packages are based on adult numbers. If you have fewer adults and some children we can fold them into the numbers, so children still get their meal and the drinks allocation is shared among the adults.
Is there disabled access?
Most of the venue is on ground level with ramps where needed. There is a small step at the listed building's front door, but a side gate gives wheelchair access to the garden.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. Please gather any dietary needs and allergies from your guests in good time, as we confirm these up to a month before the day so the kitchen can prepare. We cannot cook last minute alternatives on the day.
Do we need wedding insurance?
Yes, we ask all couples to have wedding insurance in place.
How do we book our date?
We hold your date provisionally for 7 days while you make the initial payment of £1,000 by bank transfer. We accept BACS or CHAPS only, not cash, debit or credit cards. Booking fees and balances are non-refundable, which is why we insist on wedding insurance.
When are the payments due?
An interim payment of 50% of your quote is due 6 months before the wedding. We ask for your final numbers and wedding day details 2 months before, and the final balance, including any changes, upgrades and extras, is due at the same time.
Will we have a planning meeting and a tasting?
Yes. We meet with you up to 6 months before your wedding, and you will be invited to a tasting evening beforehand. If you book within 12 months of your date we cannot guarantee the tasting.
Do we need to book the registrar ourselves?
Yes, the law requires you to book your civil ceremony directly with Cambridgeshire Registration Service, and your ceremony depends on their availability. Sheene Mill is licensed for ceremonies in the outdoor pavilion or the main banqueting room for up to 110 guests, or the garden conservatory for up to 80. Contact the registrars on 0345 045 1363 or ceremonies@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.