Dreaming of the perfect wedding day? Somerset is the picture-perfect countryside location for you and your special someone, complete with breathtaking landscapes and beautiful locations to tie the knot. And when it comes to finding a venue that promises luxury, elegance, and unforgettable memories – The Oak House Hotel should be at the top of your list! As one of Somerset’s most sought-after hotels for weddings and events, we’ve compiled our ultimate guide on getting married in Somerset. From practical advice about planning to creative ideas on how to make your moment extra special – read on as we reveal all you need to know about getting married in gorgeous Somerset!
Getting Married in Somerset
Somerset, a beautiful county in the southwest of England, is known for its picturesque countryside, historic landmarks, and charming towns. With so much natural beauty and historic charm, Somerset has become a popular destination for weddings. If you’re considering getting married in Somerset, it’s essential to understand the regulations and requirements to ensure your big day goes smoothly.
Legal Requirements
To get married in Somerset, there are several legal requirements you must meet:
- Age requirement: Both parties must be at least 16 years old. However, if you are under 18, you’ll need parental consent to marry.
- Residency requirement: At least one of the parties must have lived in the registration district for a minimum of seven full days before giving notice of marriage. This applies to both civil and religious ceremonies.
- Notice of marriage: You must give notice of your intention to marry at the local Register Office in the district where you reside. You’ll need to provide proof of your name, age, nationality, and address. The notice will be publicly displayed for 28 days before you can proceed with the wedding ceremony.
- Marriage schedule or license: After the 28-day notice period, you’ll receive a marriage schedule (for civil ceremonies) or a marriage license (for religious ceremonies). This document must be presented to the person conducting your wedding ceremony.
- Ceremony requirements: Your wedding ceremony must take place in a registered venue and be conducted by an authorised person. For civil ceremonies, this could be a registrar or deputy registrar, while religious ceremonies must be led by an authorised religious official, such as a vicar.
Choosing a Venue
When searching for wedding venue ideas in Somerset, couples are spoiled for choice with a diverse range of stunning locations that cater to various tastes and budgets. This picturesque county offers grand hotels and manor houses for those seeking opulence and elegance, quaint churches for traditional ceremonies, rustic barns for a more relaxed and informal atmosphere, and unique venues that provide an unforgettable experience. With its beautiful countryside, historic landmarks, and charming towns, Somerset provides the perfect backdrop for any wedding celebration, making it easy for couples to find their dream venue in this enchanting region.
When choosing a venue, consider factors such as capacity, catering options, accommodation, and availability. Don’t forget to confirm that the venue is licensed for weddings and has the necessary facilities for your desired type of ceremony.
Tips on Planning Your Wedding
Once you’ve decided on a venue and met the legal requirements, it’s time to plan the details of your wedding day. Some aspects to consider when planning your Somerset wedding include:
- Set a Budget – Determine your overall budget for the wedding and allocate funds to various aspects, such as venue, catering, photography, attire, and decorations. Be realistic about your expectations and prioritise the elements that are most important to you and your partner.
- Create a Timeline – Develop a timeline for your wedding planning process, setting deadlines for tasks such as booking the venue, sending invitations, and finalising the guest list. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed as the big day approaches.
- Invitations and Stationery – Design and send out wedding invitations that reflect your theme and personal style. Remember to include important information such as date, time, location, and RSVP details. Consider creating a wedding website to provide additional information for your guests.
- Guest list: Determine the number of guests you’d like to invite and ensure your chosen venue can accommodate them.
- Catering: Choose a caterer that suits your taste and budget. Many Somerset wedding venues have preferred caterers or can provide catering services themselves.
- Entertainment: Consider hiring local musicians, DJs, or entertainers for your wedding reception to create a lively atmosphere. Ensure the entertainment aligns with your theme and the preferences of your guests.
- Photography and Videography – Invest in a professional photographer and videographer to capture the memories of your special day. Review their portfolios and meet with them to discuss your expectations and desired style.
- Flowers and decorations: Consult with a local florist and event stylist to create the perfect ambiance for your wedding. Keep in mind your venue’s existing décor and style when making decisions about decorations.
- Attire – Choose wedding attire that complements your theme and makes you feel confident and comfortable. Allow ample time for alterations and fittings, and consider the comfort of your bridal party when selecting their attire.
- Transportation: Arrange transportation for you and your guests between the ceremony and reception venues, if necessary.
- Be Flexible and Stay Organised – Accept that not everything will go exactly as planned, and be prepared to make adjustments along the way. Stay organised by using checklists, spreadsheets, or wedding planning apps to keep track of important details and deadlines.
The Oak House Hotel’s Wedding Services
The Oak House Hotel, located in the charming town of Axbridge, Somerset, offers a range of exceptional wedding services to make your special day truly memorable. With its beautiful surroundings, historic charm, and dedicated team, our venue is an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic and intimate wedding celebration.
Catering Services
The Oak House Hotel takes pride in its high-quality catering services, offering customisable menus to suit your taste and budget. Our talented chefs use locally sourced, fresh ingredients to create delicious dishes that will impress your guests. From sumptuous canapés and elegant three-course meals to casual buffets and delightful afternoon teas, The Oak House Hotel can accommodate various dining styles to ensure a memorable culinary experience on your wedding day.
Event Design Packages
To help you create the perfect ambiance for your wedding, The Oak House Hotel offers event design packages tailored to your preferences and theme. Our experienced event planners will work closely with you to bring your vision to life, taking care of every detail, from table settings and floral arrangements to lighting and décor. By collaborating with trusted local suppliers, The Oak House Hotel ensures that your wedding decorations will be of the highest quality and seamlessly integrated into the venue’s charming atmosphere.
Additional Services
In addition to catering and event design, The Oak House Hotel offers several other services to make your special day perfect:
- Exclusive Use: For a truly intimate experience, The Oak House Hotel offers the option of exclusive use of the entire property, allowing you and your guests to enjoy complete privacy on your wedding day.
- Accommodation: The hotel features a selection of elegantly appointed guest rooms, providing a comfortable and convenient stay for you and your wedding guests. The bridal suite offers a luxurious space for the newlyweds to relax and unwind after the celebrations.
- Ceremony Options: The Oak House Hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies, allowing you to host both your ceremony and reception in one beautiful location.
- Dedicated Wedding Coordinator: To ensure a stress-free planning process and seamless execution of your wedding day, The Oak House Hotel provides a dedicated wedding coordinator. From your initial consultation to the big day itself, your wedding coordinator will be on hand to offer support, guidance, and expertise.
The Oak House Hotel offers a comprehensive range of wedding services designed to make your special day perfect. With our exceptional catering, event design packages, and personalised approach, you can trust that every detail of your wedding celebration will be expertly managed, leaving you free to enjoy the magic of your unforgettable day.
Recommended Vendors for Your Special Day
To ensure your wedding day is truly memorable, it’s essential to work with high-quality vendors who can provide exceptional services. The Oak House Hotel collaborates with several fantastic local suppliers to help bring your vision to life. Here’s a list of recommended vendors for various aspects of your special day:
- Axbridge Photography: Trust Axbridge Photography to capture the beautiful moments of your wedding day with their professional and creative approach.
- Flowers Evolution: Transform your venue with stunning floral arrangements and designs by Flowers Evolution, who can create bespoke creations to suit your theme and preferences.
- Sage & Belle: Enhance the ambiance of your wedding with the help of Sage & Belle, who specialise in venue styling and décor, ensuring every detail is tailored to your taste.
- North Somerset Wedding and Event Cars: Arrive in style on your special day with the elegant and luxurious transportation options provided by North Somerset Wedding and Event Cars.
- Rookery Bridal: Find the perfect wedding dress at Rookery Bridal, offering a wide selection of beautiful gowns to suit every bride’s style and budget.
- A Cut Above Hair: Look and feel your best on your wedding day with professional hair styling services from A Cut Above Hair, catering to both brides and bridal parties.
- Just Ceremonies: Personalise your wedding ceremony with the help of Just Ceremonies, who can create a unique and heartfelt service that reflects your love story.
- Not Just Cake Axbridge: Complete your wedding reception with a delicious and beautifully designed cake from Not Just Cake Axbridge, crafted to suit your theme and taste preferences.
When contacting these vendors, be sure to mention that The Oakhouse Hotel has sent you. By collaborating with these recommended suppliers, you can trust that every aspect of your wedding day will be handled with care and expertise, allowing you to focus on enjoying the magic of your special day.
In conclusion, Somerset is a truly enchanting location for your dream wedding, offering a diverse range of venues, stunning landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. The Oak House Hotel is committed to making your special day an unforgettable experience by providing exceptional services and collaborating with trusted local vendors. So why wait? Embark on the journey of planning your perfect Somerset wedding with The Oak House Hotel by your side. Contact us today to schedule a private tour and discover how we can bring your wedding vision to life!