FAQS
HOW DO WE BOOK AND WHAT ARE THE DEPOSIT/PAYMENT DETAILS?
We require a £500.00 non-refundable deposit alongside a completed booking form to confirm your date. The remaining venue hire rate is due at least one month prior to the event date.
We kindly ask for a damages deposit of £500.00 to be paid one week before your event which will be refunded one week later, subject to a site inspection.
CAN WE USE SUPPLIERS OF OUR CHOICE?
Yes, although we do ask for one of our recommended caterers to be used for the main reception. If you decide to opt for an alternative caterer for the evening, they must have proof of a 5* hygiene rating. Any supplier that you book must arrange a site visit prior to your date and provide proof of public liability insurance. We have an extensive list of preferred suppliers which we have first hand experience with and trust implicitly.
ARE YOU LICENSED FOR CEREMONIES?
Not as of yet however, most couples nowadays are happy to do the legalities at a registry office a few days prior and then have a blessing as part of their actual wedding day in front of friends and family. The beauty of a blessing is that it can be tailor made to your individual personalities and include what you feel is important, after all, it is your day your way!
If you would prefer a church wedding, the villages closest to The Meadows are Swanton Morley and Elsing so please contact the appropriate parish to discuss this further.
WHAT TIME DO WE HAVE ACCESS ON SET UP DAY?
We are happy for you to arrive anytime from midday onwards on the first day of hire to decorate the venue, set your ceremony layout and lay your dining tables.
WILL MY SUPPLIERS HAVE ACCESS PRIOR TO US IF NEEDED?
By prior arrangement and subject to availability, this can be arranged in advance for an additional fee.
DO YOU HAVE SUFFICIENT CAR PARKING SPACE?
We have a whole field's worth so have no fear, there is plenty!
DO I NEED TO ARRANGE A GENERATOR?
Yes, although most marquee providers will include this within their quotes so please mention this to them upon booking to ensure this has been factored into your requirements.
DO YOU HAVE A WATER SUPPLY?
We have a water supply from our own borehole which your caterers can use for hand and equipment washing. You will need to provide bottled water for drinking and caterers will need to provide their own water for cooking which they will arrange provided they are aware of this in advance.
DO YOU HAVE TOILETS FOR GUESTS TO USE?
No, this will be another area which should be taken care of by your marquee provider.
WHAT LICENSES ARE REQUIRED?
We will apply for a Temporary Events Notice for your wedding day which will cover the sale of alcohol and permission for live, amplified music. This is included within our venue hire rate. Please note that licensing times will be subject to council regulations.
CAN WE THROW CONFETTI?
Of course! We do prefer dried petals or similar but provided it is biodegradable, we are more than happy for you to do so!
CAN WE ORGANISE FIREWORK DISPLAYS AND USE SPARKLERS?
Unfortunately, as we have neighbouring farms, we do not permit fireworks in fear of frightening livestock. You are more than welcome to utilise sparklers for photography purposes provided this is supervised by a member of the Meadows team for health and safety reasons.
CAN WE PROVIDE OUR OWN ALCOHOL?
We do not charge a corkage fee for you to supply your own alcohol for the drinks reception, dining and toast. Please ensure your chosen caterer is happy to oversee the serving and chilling of these drinks as part of the service they are providing. Once the day’s formalities have come to an end, we kindly ask for no more of your own alcohol to be available for guest consumption and that any further drinks are purchased via our in-house cash bar instead. Any remaining alcohol that you purchased for the daytime will be stored and returned the following day upon clear down.
CAN WE STAY OVERNIGHT AT THE MEADOWS?
Yes and there is no additional fee for this, provided the grounds are left as they were found. We have a field beyond the car park which can be used to hire bell tents and shepherd huts should you wish. Again, we have recommended suppliers for bell tent and shepherd hut hire so please ask if you need any assistance.
Dereham town centre is a five minute drive from The Meadows, with Norwich city centre only a 30 minute drive. The surrounding local villages nearby have a variety of accommodation available via 'Air BnB' should you prefer your home comforts!
CAN GUESTS LEAVE THEIR CARS OVERNIGHT?
Yes, provided the owners of said vehicles are aware that it will be at their own risk. We kindly ask for all cars left overnight to be collected no later than midday the following day.
WHAT TIME DO WE HAVE TO VACATE ON SUNDAY?
We kindly ask for the grounds to be tidied and left as they were found by midday. Should you wish to extend your stay then this is an option for an additional fee, please contact us to discuss your requirements further.
DO YOU ALLOW DOGS?
We love animals and understand the importance of having our furry friends as part of a wedding day. We are more than happy for our couples to have their own dog(s) on-site for the ceremony and drinks reception however, we kindly ask for them to collected once guests take their seats for dining. A wedding day can be overwhelming for pets, especially in an unfamiliar location with a high volume of people and noise. Please note that we do not allow guests to bring pets.