10 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Venue

If you’re reading this and unsure of a specific date, then here’s a few things that you should consider. Some venues and wedding suppliers will discuss the “Peak Season”, typically between May and October. The most popular months for a UK wedding are July and August due to the warmer and more predictable weather. Saturdays in these months usually sell out first. If you’re not set on a wedding date, discuss your plans with the venue and consider your joint favourite season. Summer weddings are lovely, but can be warmer than others. Spring offers fresh flowers and budding life, autumn boasts warm colours like burgundy and deep greens, and winter brings Christmas decorations and festive cheer. Being flexible could mean you secure your desired date without waiting months or even years for it to become available at your chosen venue.

Some wedding venues aren’t licensed to perform legally binding ceremonies. This means either getting married in a church or a local registry office, leading to additional costs for transport. Venues like Oakley Hall are licensed to conduct legally binding ceremonies both indoors and outdoors, giving you plenty of options for your perfect day. Living in the UK does come with the disadvantage of unpredictable weather, so make sure your venue, like Oakley Hall, offers a suitable contingency plan.

We strongly recommend sitting down together and making a list of your wedding guests: family, friends and colleagues.

Some couples opt to have some at the ceremony and then invite more to the reception afterwards, while others prefer to have everyone present for the entire day. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice.
Find a venue that suits your guest list. For example, Oakley Hall can accommodate micro weddings with 20 guests and larger ones with 350. Choose the best venue that works for you.

Another advantage of booking a hotel for your wedding is the elimination of the extra cost of finding accommodation the night before or on the wedding day. This also allows family members who live far away to attend the ceremony and stay afterwards without the pressure of driving home at the end of the day.

Many couples prioritise exclusivity for their wedding day. Some venues host multiple weddings daily, while others focus solely on one, ensuring you’re their sole focus. This arrangement allows for a smoother flow of your day, moving easily between rooms without waiting for others to finish. Oakley Hall Hotel also offers exclusive use of its entire venue, meaning only your guests will be present. While this may incur additional costs, it provides peace of mind regarding you and your guests’ privacy.

Imagine wedding packages like all-inclusive holidays – your accommodation, food, drinks and ceremony neatly bundled together. Oakley Hall offers a range of packages to suit every budget, with optional extras and inclusive features.

Our Oakley and Steventon Selection covers almost everything except décor, a photographer and any personal touches you’d like to add. Some venues, like Oakley Hall, separate the venue hire fee to the per person pricing, make sure you check and ask when you meet the venue how it works for them. As an independent venue, we also offer flexibility, allowing couples to create their own bespoke packages tailored to their preferences and budget.

Our newest addition is the Twilight Package, perfect for couples wanting a wedding abroad or those who’ve already tied the knot and want a small celebration with friends and family. Starting at 4pm, the Twilight Package can be extended to past midnight.

This question can significantly influence a couple’s interest in a venue. Some, like Oakley Hall, offer on-site catering with our award-winning kitchen team. Others don’t, meaning couples will need to budget for food themselves. Many catering venues offer pre-designed menus for couples or, like Oakley Hall, allow couples to create their own bespoke menu. Sustainability is a priority; we source food from companies within 50 miles of Oakley Hall, embracing the “farm to fork” philosophy. When catering is provided, venues often offer tasting sessions, and once a decision is made, personalised menus can be created for wedding reception tables. We love adding a personal touch to all our weddings.

If you’re considering skipping this question, think again. While you might not need it if you’ve chosen your local venue, some guests or suppliers might. A hotel wedding offers peace of mind for taxis home and guests staying the whole day without the hassle of early departures to avoid traffic. Plus, Oakley Hall offers special rates, so your guests get a room at a discounted rate compared to booking online.

Capturing your special day is a wonderful way to preserve your memories and emotions. Finding the right photographer can be a challenge, but here at Oakley Hall we’re here to help.

We can recommend photographers we’ve worked with and showcase their work on our website and social media. When searching for a venue, look for one with various indoor rooms available on your day and some outdoor space. This should include a covered area for rain and an uncovered space for the beautiful sunset and romantic outdoor photo opportunities. Oakley Hall boasts a range of different spaces to serve as your backdrop which you can come and explore with your photographer. Discover our wedding gallery from past couples and find inspiration for your own special day.

If you’re not hiring a wedding planner, some venues offer these services either included or for an extra charge. For example, at Oakley Hall we include a dedicated Wedding Co-ordinator to help with the finer details of your big day. On your special day, you’ll also have a Toast Master to ensure everything runs smoothly. This includes your ceremony starting on time and your evening meal staying warm while you listen to those important speeches.

Don’t forget to ask your venue about this service to ease some of the stress on your wedding day!

This isn’t something to ask your wedding venue but something you and your partner need to consider. Think back to the feeling you had when choosing your university or home.

Can you visualise yourselves getting married at the venue you’re currently viewing? Spend some time in the space you like and ask yourselves how it makes you feel. Does the person showing you around give you a good impression and put your mind at ease? If the venue doesn’t make you happy, then don’t say yes!