WEDDINGS AT SHORTMEAD Your wedding your way
INFORMATION PACK
STABLES & COURTYARD
Bespoke packages also available, just let get in touch with your requirements
Stables and Courtyard hire includes use of gardens for photos
Off-Peak only or peak dates booked within 12 weeks of event
Max 70 informal/60 formal Venue hire Bar staff Tables and standard chairs Wedding
Max 70 informal/60 formal
Venue hire
Bar staff
Tables and standard chairs
Wedding Co-ordinator on day
Minimum numbers 60 daytime
Maximum 190 total eve guests
Venue hire
Bar staff
Tables and standard chairs
W E D / T H U / S U N A L L Y E A R S A T / S U N N O V / J A N / F E B / M A R A D D O N M A R Q U E E F O R E V E M A R C H - D E C £ 2 4 9 5 £ 2 9 9 5 + £ 1 9 9 5
on day E X C L U S I V E V E N U E H I R E C O S T S 2 0 2 4 - 2 0 2 5
Co-ordinator
MARQUEE & GARDENS
Bespoke packages also available, just let get in touch with your requirements Includes access to Courtyard & Stables for photos/wet weather
POOL HIRE INC HEATING CAN BE ADDED TO ANY
OPTION FOR £395
No Minimum Numbers Venue hire Garden games Bar staff Tables and standard chairs Wedding Co-ordinator on day P E A K D A T E S F R I / S A T M A Y - S E P T M I D P E A K W E D / T H U / S U N M A Y - S E P T M I D P E A K B F R I / S A T A P R / O C T / D E C O F F P E A K W E D / T H U / S U N A P R / O C T / D E C £ 6 4 4 5 £ 5 4 4 5 £ 4 9 9 5 £ 3 9 9 5 Minimum
Venue hire Garden games Bar staff Tables and standard chairs Wedding Co-ordinator on day Minimum
Venue hire Garden games Bar staff Tables and standard
Wedding Co-ordinator on day E X C L U S I V E V E N U E H I R E C O S T S 2 0 2 4 - 2 0 2 5
numbers 80 daytime
numbers 60 daytime
chairs
Minimum
Venue hire Garden games Bar staff Tables and standard chairs Wedding Co-ordinator on day S U P E R O F F P E A K N O V / F E B / M A R No Minimum Numbers Venue hire Bar staff Tables and standard chairs Wedding Co-ordinator on day £ 3 5 4 5
numbers 60 daytime
P O O L H I R E I N C H E A T I N G C A N B E A D D E D T O A N Y W E D D I N G O P T I O N F O R £ 2 9 5
WEDDING
COTTAGE & CABIN
Can be booked separately or together One night Accommodation before your wedding/event or can be booked as one night only if preferred
Two Bedrooms -Sleeps 3+
1 Double Room
1 Twin Room with close pull out
Sofa bed also available - own bedding
Check in 5pm | Check out 10:30am
Two Bedrooms -Sleeps 3+
1 Double Room
1 Twin Room with close pull out
Sofa bed also available - own bedding
Check in 5pm | Check out 10:30am
Two Bedrooms -Sleeps 4+
1 Double Room
1 Twin Room
Sofa bed also available - own bedding
Check in 5pm | Check out 10:30am
Two Bedrooms -Sleeps 4+
1 Double Room
1 Twin Room
Sofa bed also available - own bedding
Check in 5pm | Check out 10:30am
T H E C A B I N S I N G L E N I G H T T H E C O T T A G E S I N G L E N I G H T £ 1 6 0 £ 2 6 0 £ 2 4 0
O N S I T E A C C O M M O D A T I O N
T H E C A B I N T W O N I G H T S T H E C O T T A G E T W O N I G H T S £ 3
4 0
DRINKS PACKAGES
Our drinks packages provide just what you need at great value We also have a fully-stocked bar and some exciting add-ons if you want to be a bit extra! Water is available throughout the day
2 glasses of prosecco (1 as top up)
Elderflower Cordial Fizz
Juice No cost for under 18's
(Also available as non alcoholic package for same price)
1 glass of prosecco (with top ups)
1 glass Pimms/Beer Selection
Elderflower Cordial Fizz
Orange Juice
No cost for under 18's
2 bottles wine per table Red/White usually 1 glass prosecco for toasts
3 bottles wine per table Red/White/Rosé usually
1 glass prosecco for toasts
1 glass Mulled Wine Hot drinks station including hot choc bar, tea and coffee selection
Bar with non-alcoholic goodies for your guests to make their Prosecco perfect for them
Cocktails in 3 varieties awaiting guests (can be personalised/named)
1 is a Mocktail
Iced Coffee/Tea option available Refreshing, delicious and different
Cocktail selection also available from bar in evening Additional mixologist bar member included
O P T I O N 1 A L L Y E A R R O U N D O P T I O N 2 A L L Y E A R R O U N D W I N T E R P A C K A G E N O V / D E C / J A N £ 2 2 P / P £ 2 6 P / P + £ 5 P E R A D U L T
Orange
P I M P M Y P R O S E C C O
+ £ 4 5 T O T A L
D R I N K S R E C E P T I O N A F T E R Y O U R C E R E M O N Y D R I N K S W I T H M E A L W I T H W E D D I N G B R E A K F A S T
C O C K T A I L B A R A D D - O N S E I T H E R O P T I O N P L U S M A K E I T E X T R A S P E C I A L
+ £ 6
5
P E R A D U L T I C E D C O F F E E
+ £ 4 . 5 0 P E R A D U L T
.
0
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: How far in advance should I book my wedding venue?
A: It’s recommended that you book your wedding venue at least 6-12 months in advance, as we tend to book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. If you want a peak date ie: a Friday/Saturday in Summer, please get in touch as soon as possible, as its not uncommon for these to book 18-24 months in advance.
Q: What is included in a wedding venue rental?
A: We have all the initial information for what’s included in our brochure for the venue hire, and what is available as an optional extra. We can also explain this to you on your show round and it will be detailed in your estimate.
Q: What is the capacity of the venue?
A: We have different spaces and capacity to suite all wedding/event requirements and this is detailed in our brochure.
Q: What time do we have to finish on our wedding day?
A: we tend to serve last drinks around 11:15, with music lowered from 11:30. All guests not staying are asked to leave the site by midnight.
Q: What times do we have the venue on the day?
A: Sometimes we have weddings/events the day before or the following day. If this is the case you can arrive from 10:00am (or decorators from our approved list can arrive from 8:00am) to set up any decor. We are able to take delivery from you of the items you are using, and we can store these for you for up to 3 days before your wedding upon request. If we don’t have a wedding or event the day before, we can arrange earlier access for you 6pm-8:30pm the night before.
Q: How do we book?
A: If you have already had your venue show round, we will send you out a provisional estimate to finalise your choices and allow you to work out total costs including catering. If you then want to book, we will send you a booking form, our full terms and the request for your deposit. It is possible to book without viewing the venue first, please call or email with your requirements.
Q: Is there access for people with disabilities and/or mobility issues?
A: Our gardens have been designed to make the pathways as flush/flat as possible and the majority of accessibility needs can be met. We also have a specific drop-off area for those who do not wish/ are unable to walk from the car park area to the main venue area - Our toilets and showers also have accessibility. - Neither the Cottage, nor the Cabin are currently wheelchair accessible, or suitable for mobility issues.
Q: Do you have facilities for young children and babies?
A: The stunning water features at Shortmead - the Lake, the Pool and the Jacuzzi mean that it imperative young children are watched by responsible adults. However, children and babies are very welcome here and we have changing facilities, as well as a microwave that parents/guardians can access for preparing baby food if they wish. We are absolutely a breast-feeding friendly venue.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
The cancellation policy is fully listed in the Terms and conditions. Charges will be incurred according to the notice given and based on the following percentage of monies already paid, excluding the non-returnable deposit. If a payment is overdue, and written notice had not given in time, then the percentage of the payment is deemed as due.
One month or less 100% / Between one to two months 75% / More than two months 50%
Q: Do we have to have Wedding Insurance?
A: We STRONGLY recommend that you do purchase suitable wedding insurance for your event, it can be useful in a number of unexpected circumstances and is generally not a very costly addition.
Q: Can we get married elsewhere and just have a reception at Shortmead?
A: Yes, we are flexible on use within the venue hire charges - some couples choose to just have Shortmead for a reception venue, but most of our couples choose our stunning grounds for all of their elements.
Q: Do we have to provide a registrar for the ceremony?
A: Yes, if you are planning on having your ceremony with us, the agreement needs to be with you and the appropriate council registration service. Shortmead is within Central Beds and their registrars cost around £500 (prices from 2023) depending on when you are getting married. Once you confirm your booking, we will provide you with details for the registrar service in your welcome pack.
Q: Can we do a non legal/religious/celebrant lead ceremony at Shortmead?
A: Absolutely, we can cater for any non-legal ceremony at Shortmead, this includes specific cultural and religious requests. We also welcome family and celebrant lead services.
Accommodation, Transport and Parking
Q. Do we have to stay in the onsite accommodation?
A: No, you don’t, not the night before, or the night of your wedding. We can provide you with a list of local establishments and transport options upon request (they are also included in your welcome pack). The stables will be available for one partner (usually bride) to get ready in if necessary from 10:00am on the day of the wedding.
Q: is the cottage and cabin included in the price ?
A: No as not everyone uses these facilities. we can can send you prices for these and they an be booked on your event date
Q: Where can our guests stay, if not onsite?
A: We will provide you with a full list of local accommodations, which will include a choice of B&B’s, hotels and camping options. We also have preferential pricing arranged with some of these establishments, and these details will also be provided.
Q: Is there parking available for guests? Can cars be left onsite overnight?
A: we have a 200 space car park on site and cars can be left (at owner’s risk) in the carpark until 12:00 the following day - the owner/driver needs to let the wedding co-ordinator know if they are leaving a vehicle and provide a contact number.
Q: What about local taxis?
A: We will provide a list of local taxi companies as well as a dedicated taxi collection point for your guests. We recommend that carriages are pre-booked with the desired taxi company to prevent delays for your guests.
Q: Can we arrive in a horse and carriage?
A: Absolutely, Shortmead works well for this and our large turning circle in front of the main house is a convenient and comfortable way for the carriage to make a turn.
Suppliers & Vendors
Q: Do you have a list of recommended suppliers
A: As Lee and Esmé are in a unique position of knowing a umber of quality suppliers and vendors across the wedding and events industry, we do provide catered lists to help and are happy to assist with specific requests and requirements
Q: Do we have to use your recommended suppliers?
A: No. We believe that weddings are personal and you should be able to build yours exactly how you want. The one exception to this is with catering (see below). However, using our recommended DJ’s, bands and venue decorators is strongly advised, as these vendors know our site, our equipment and our access guidelines already. They also have storage and access privileges to the site. You are welcome to use any other suppliers, however they will need to provide proof of their insurance and PAT testing where applicable.
Q: Can I bring in my own caterer?
A: We have our own recommended caterers and it is best to use our own as they know the venue what works best in the day and can cater for all budgets. you may bring your own but there would be a kitchen hire fee. You can also use catering vans for certain events, but please let us know the details before you book anything, so that we can ensure it is in line with our Catering Policy’s.
Q: Do your caterers deal with specific requests/allergies/requirements?
A: Yes, our caterer(s) have many years of experience and aim to be flexible around both tastes and requirements. Please liaise directly with the caterer to ascertain they can fully meet your needs before confirming booking of the venue.
Q: Is the pool included in the price
A: The pool is always available and uncovered for your event as a feature but if you want your guests to be able to swim/paddle in it, there is heating/maintenance fee which is detailed in the pricing PDF.
Q: Are there showers available for use with the pool?
Yes, we have 2 showers available for you and your guests to use if the pool has been hired as part of your wedding.
Q: Are there any restrictions on decorations?
A: Many venues will have restrictions on decorations to protect their property and ensure the safety of their guests. We try to be as flexible (and enthusiastic) as possible at Shortmead, as long as what you are doing is safe, we are very relaxed and open to most options. Please discuss anything specific with us.
Q: Do you allow bands on site?
A: We love bands! We welcome you to choose from a DJ or a band for your evening celebration, each can use our brilliant sound system in the marquee. We have one limitation. Any drum kits must be electric and not acoustic for us to comply with our licensing agreement. We are happy to help with this and have a number of local bans that we work with that have no issue complying with this. We also welcome live performers at different parts of the day using a smaller sound system for your ceremony/ reception/ meal.
Q: Is confetti allowed at Shortmead?
A: Absolutely! We love our couples to be able to enjoy this moment. However, as we are an eco-friendly venue, it is important that the confetti used is easily biodegradable. We recommend either rice paper or petals and can provide you with suppliers who will be able to help with this.
Q: Are sparklers, smoke bombs or fireworks allowed?
A: Yes, with a few caveats. We limit fireworks to 5 per year, as we also need to be aware of our neighbours, so please book these with us quickly if its something that you want. Sparklers and smoke bombs are allowed, but you will need to liaise with us about where is safest to do these. We also accept no responsibility for use of these items in Shortmead’s grounds and you will be asked to sign a waiver to this effect.
Q: What is the damage deposit for?
A: This deposit is fairly industry standard and is designed to cover any damages that occur and are caused by yourselves or your guests during your hire of Shortmead. We are not worried about a breaking a glass or 2, or general ware and tear. The vast majority of couples get their deposit back in full, it is just there to protect against all possibilities.
Extra Info
Shortmead House, Shortmead Lane, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 0FG www.shortmead.com hello@shortmead.com @shortmeadhouse Contact