Frequently asked questions

Are tables and chairs included in the venue hire price?
Yes, we provide oak dining chairs and oval tables.

Hooks — are available to use in the venue, however, we do
ask that no additional fixings are used including, nails, blue
tack or glue. Flowers on the oak beams must be dry to avoid
staining the wooden beams.

Does the venue have heating?
Yes, there is underfloor heating throughout the barn.

Are there disabled facilities?
Yes, we have fantastic disabled facilities. The venue is ideal for wheelchair users; along with accessible toilet facilities. The barn and courtyard are all on one level and ramps enable access to the gardens.

Where can I throw my bouquet?
The Courtyard is the best area, owing to the delicate lighting inside the venue.

Can guests stay overnight?
Our Cornstore Cottage is only available for the wedding couple to stay overnight. Children are not permitted in the cottage once the ceremony has taken place. There is plenty of local accommodation for guests. Please see our Suppliers List Brochure for our recommended hotels www.rivervale-barn-weddings.co.uk/suppliers

Are pets allowed?
We would be delighted to welcome your furry friend to be a part of your special day. You can have them with you during the main ceremony and the welcome drinks until you go in for your wedding breakfast. After all, they are part of the family! Please ask our team for the animal guidelines.

How can guests contribute to our wedding?
If your guests would like to contribute to your wedding day, we have many gift options available to them. Please ask them to contact the Events Team on 01252 879 437 and we’ll be happy to discuss this with them directly.

How many guests can you seat for the civil ceremony?
We can seat up to 150 guests in the Ceremony Barn.

How many guests can Rivervale Barn accommodate for a sit-down meal?
We are licensed to seat up to 150 guests in the Dining Barn.

Can we invite more guests in the evening?
Yes, up to a total number of 200 guests including your day guests.

We have plenty of car parking spaces for all your guests. The car park is also big enough for a coach to drop off and collect guests.

Can guests leave their cars overnight?
Guests are welcome to leave their cars overnight at their own risk but they must be collected by 10:00 am the following morning. Gates open at 8:00 am.

What time can I arrive to get ready?
Our Pamper Room is available from 9:00 am and you will then move over to the Cornstore Cottage from 12:00 noon.

When can we have access to set up/decorate?
You may have access on the day of your wedding from 10:00 am.

What is the finish time?
Music finishes at 11:30pm. The barns close at midnight, and we request that all guests have left the premises by this time.

When do we check out of the Cornstore Cottage?
Checkout is 10:00 am the following morning. Please hand the key for the Cornstore Cottage to a staff member before you leave.

Are children welcome at the Barn?
Yes, children are welcome at Rivervale Barn. However, please kindly remind guests that it is their responsibility to supervise their children throughout the day.

Are any areas unsuitable for children?
Owing to our insurance policy, babies and children are not allowed to stay in the Cornstore Cottage overnight.

The water features are major attractions at Rivervale Barn, but please be aware that the water is unfenced and is a potential risk, especially, but not solely, to children. Children must not climb either of the spiral staircases for health and safety reasons.

What facilities do you have for children?
There are baby changing facilities within the venue and four highchairs in the Dining Barn for your use.

Can we use confetti?
Yes, we allow fresh petals which can be thrown in the Courtyard only, but no paper confetti. Please do not use confetti in the Spinney or inside the buildings, including the Cornstore Cottage. Please remember to tell your guests in advance about the use and choice of confetti, to avoid it being confiscated.

Do you allow fireworks?
Unfortunately, we do not permit fireworks or sparklers as they are a fire hazard.

Can we release Chinese lanterns or helium balloons?
Unfortunately, Chinese lanterns and helium balloons are not allowed, owing to the nearby airport and livestock.

Are candles and tea lights allowed inside the barns?
Yes. However, to comply with Rivervale Barn’s fire insurance regulations, the following applies:

• Flames must be covered, i.e. by a vase/jar/tea-light holder/hurricane lamp.
• Candelabras can be used on the tables but, for safety reasons, they must be provided by our recommended suppliers only.
• We will extinguish all candles immediately after the wedding breakfast.
• Hurricane lamps can be used in the Courtyard area.

Is smoking/vaping allowed?
In line with the law, smoking/vaping is not allowed anywhere inside the buildings; however, your guests can smoke/vape in the Courtyard area.

Can we choose our own?
Yes, you are welcome to choose your own band/DJ. All bands and DJs will need to show proof of PAT-tested equipment along with Public Liability Insurance and, if applicable, Employers Liability Insurance prior to your wedding date. We highly recommended that all bands and DJs are chosen from our recommended Suppliers List.

Can we play our own music?
Your own device may be used for background music during the ceremony and wedding breakfast. All amplified music, smartphone or Android phones must be played through our decibel limiter. It is not possible to use these devices for evening entertainment. Acoustic music is permitted outside until 6.00pm.

Is music allowed outside?
Amplified music is not allowed outside, with the exception of background level music for The Spinney ceremonies played through The Spinney’s speaker system. Acoustic music is permitted outside until 6.00pm. Suitable amplified disco or live music is permitted inside the barns during the day and evening.

Does the barn have a sound limiter?
We want you to enjoy every aspect of your day including your musical entertainment. With this in mind, we have a sound limiter in place, which is typical of those used in many venues holding weddings or late-night entertainment and is specifically required by our planning agreement.
The object of the sound limiter is to:

1. Ensure that the sound does not exceed our Planning Regulations;
2. Protect the hearing of guests and occupants of the Barn, and;
3. Guarantee your uninterrupted enjoyment of your chosen music.

We highly recommend that all amplified bands and DJs be chosen from our Suppliers List where you can find many excellent live acts and DJs of varying styles, all of whom can and will play within the generous decibel limit.

Please note that we strongly recommend a sound check prior to evening guests’ arrival and suggest a maximum limit of 4–5 players within a band. We also recommend electric drums.

Where can guests dance?
Dancing and evening entertainment takes place in the Reception Barn, apart from barn dances or Ceilidhs, which can take place in the Dining Barn.

What time does music finish?
Music finishes at 11.30pm. This is to ensure that guests can begin to depart in a leisurely fashion and have a chance to say goodbye to everyone. The venue closes at midnight.

Can we have a cash/pre-paid bar?
A tab can be set up on the day itself. Please confirm with the Events Team beforehand. Alternatively, we accept credit and debit cards. We use a cashless system and therefore cannot accept cash.

What time does the bar close?
Last orders at our fully licensed bar are at 11:15 pm. The bar closes at 11:30 pm.

What catering packages are available?
We have a variety of packages available all year-round. Please speak to our Events Team with any questions you may have. The Events Team will also be happy to work with you to create a bespoke package if you’d like something a little different.

Do you have an example menu and prices?
Yes, please see herehere for example menus and prices.

Do you have any minimum catering fees?
The following minimum charges apply to all bookings:
Saturday – 70 x chosen package price
Friday and Sunday – 60 x chosen package price
Monday to Thursday – 50 x chosen package price
Midweek package – Please refer to our Menu Brochure

What drinks are included in the Standard, Deluxe and Premier menu packages?
Two to three glasses of reception drinks per person (one reception drink per person if you select the Midweek package), up to half a bottle of wine per person and a glass of bubbly for the toast per person. We also serve complimentary juices and still and sparkling water during the drink’s reception and throughout the meal.

Can we order additional bottles of wine?
Yes, you can order additional wine in advance to be served during your meal, or purchase bottles from the bar on the day.

Can we supply our own wine?
All the various drinks required are included in your chosen menu package. Our licensed bar will open straight after your ceremony. All catering is provided in–house and it is not possible to bring in any food or drink to the venue (with the exception of traditional wedding cakes).

Is it possible to choose drinks from other packages if we choose the Deluxe package?
Yes, we are flexible with the menus and are happy to accommodate your selection. Please speak to the Events Team about how to personalise your day.

Is it possible to choose a couple of dishes?
We recommend that you choose one starter, one main course and one dessert. A choice menu is available at an additional charge.

Can we design our own menu?
Yes, the Catering and Events Team will work with you to create the perfect bespoke menu on your wedding day.

If we choose the Standard package, can we have canapés?
Yes, you can add any 3 canapés from our menu for an additional £8 per person. If you select the Midweek package, you can also add canapés for an additional £11 per person.

How many canapés do you suggest?
We recommend at least three canapés per person. Additional canapés can be provided at an extra charge.

I have a copy of an old menu brochure but would like a dish from the new menu brochure. Is this possible?
You can choose dishes from any of our brochures, the package price that you were quoted when you paid your catering deposit secures those prices for the year that you booked and that menu. If you choose a dish from a newer menu, you could be subject to a menu price increase.

Can you cater for our guests who are vegetarian or have food allergies?
Yes, as everything is freshly prepared on-site we are able to cater for all dietary requirements and any guests with food allergies, providing we are made aware of them prior to your wedding day. Please make sure you ask them for dietary requirements when sending out invites.

Do you have food options for children?
We have included a delicious selection of children’s menu options. If they are aged between two and ten years old, we offer a three-course children’s meal option. Guests aged eleven or over are charged at the full adult package price. Orange juice, squash and mineral water will be available throughout.

Should we provide our suppliers with a meal?
We recommend that you provide your contractors with a meal if they will be spending more than five hours at your wedding. We have two options available; we can provide a two-course meal from your wedding breakfast menu. Check your contract with your suppliers.

Do you have a cake stand and cake knife?
Yes. Please speak to the Events Team about the cake stand and knife when discussing your menu.

Can you provide any food for us on the morning of the wedding?
Yes! Whilst you get ready, we have a range of delicious Sandwich platters or grazing boards to choose from. We can also provide bottles of Champagne or prosecco in the Cornstore Cottage after midday so you can enjoy celebrating with your wedding party. Speak to the Events Team on 01252 879 437 for more information.

Will the bar be open before the ceremony?
Depending on the time of your ceremony, the bar will be open for a maximum of 90 minutes beforehand for guests to purchase refreshments. We also have a selection of luxury coffees if anyone needs a pick-me-up after a long journey.

What sort of drinks are available to purchase on our wedding day?
In addition to any drinks included as part of your package, we have a fully stocked bar, including a selection of premium spirits, cocktails and luxury coffees available as well as a range of bar snacks.

Nestled amid the woodland in our idyllic gardens, The Spinney provides a magical location for an outdoor wedding on your special day. There’s a delightful feeling of privacy and seclusion beneath the trees, making it the perfect place for a fairy-tale wedding or woodland theme. Now you can make full use of the wonderful outside space at Rivervale Barn, exchange your vows and have an unforgettable ceremony in the great outdoors.

Real candles — Can be used outside, however, to comply with Rivervale Barn’s Fire Insurance Regulations, the following applies: Flames must be covered, i.e. by a vase/jar/tea-light holder or hurricane lamp.

Hooks — Are available to use in The Spinney, however, we
do ask that no additional fixings are used including, nails,
blue tack or glue, on any of the structure. Flowers on the oak
structure must be dry to avoid staining the wooden beams.

Ceremony table — This is bespoke made for our Spinney. It is extremely heavy so please do not attempt to move this.

Chairs — Are positioned by the venue and a fee of £125 plus VAT will be charged. We do not allow any hire chairs, or chair covers to be placed on them. Sashes are welcomed. Chairs may be used on the patio but please refrain from moving to the lawns. We have 100 chairs at the venue. For guest numbers above this we can offer benches and standing room.

Walking down the aisle — Your wedding party can enter via the Ceremony Room or via the garden gates.

Set up time — Suppliers may dress The Spinney from 10 am. Collection the following day between 8-10 am

Inclement weather (The Spinney) — In the case of inclement weather you may prefer to use the Ceremony Barn. A decision must be made when you arrive at 9 am on the morning of your wedding. This is in place so that your suppliers can set up in the appropriate location and we can halt the chair set up by the Events Team. A full refund will be offered if you cancel before 9 am. The fee will not be refunded should you change locations after 9 am.

Music — Background music can be played through our outdoor ceremony speaker system via your smartphone or Android phone. Our microphone and speaker system allows your guests to hear your outside ceremony clearly.

Confetti shot — Your photographer can capture this picture in our Mediterranean courtyard. Please ask your guests to refrain from throwing confetti in the gardens or within The Spinney area. The Events Team will coordinate this for you.

Photographs — The Spinney will be open for 45 minutes after the ceremony to enjoy photographs. After this time the Events Team will need to reset your decorations inside and will close this area down. The gardens are open until the end of your reception time.

Registrars — The Spinney is licensed for outdoor ceremonies, but please speak to your registrar to confirm your Spinney booking. For weddings between October and April, requests may be considered by them on a case by case basis. Their priority is the health and wellbeing of their staff whilst working, as well as the security of the marriage registers and certificate stock. It is a legal obligation for them to avoid any damage to these items.

Smoking and vaping — Is not permitted in The Spinney.

What if the unexpected happens?
Please bear in mind that both deposit and balance payments are non-refundable. We highly recommend you consider wedding insurance after you book your date. If you have booked your wedding at Rivervale Barn and think you may be unable to go ahead, please call the Events Team as soon as possible on 01252 879437 or 07846 085038.