Coronavirus
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I've got questions about coronavirus - where can I find information?
We have a FAQ page dedicated to Coronavirus-related questions that can be found here: https://www.clearwell-castle.co.uk/tackling-coronavirus/
Ceremony
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What is your maximum capacity for a ceremony?
Our beautiful Ballroom can accommodate up to 150 guests in total for your civil ceremony.
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Can we have music for our ceremony?
Of course – we offer an in-house PA System, which will allow you to play music for your ceremony. This can be played via CD, iPhone or iPod, although we do not have Wifi in this room, so please make sure you download your playlist in advance. We ask for three to four tracks whilst your guests are taking their seats; your entrance track; two to three songs whilst you are signing the register; and one exit track for you both.
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Can my priest/vicar marry us at the venue?
A priest or vicar cannot marry you legally at the castle as our licence is for civil ceremonies only. However, you are welcome to have a blessing with your priest/vicar at the castle following your civil ceremony.
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Are chair covers included?
Absolutely. We include your chair covers in our all-inclusive packages, offering a range of coloured sashes to tie around them. We also offer our Chiavari chairs as an alternative if you prefer. These are also included in your package.
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Do you provide an aisle carpet?
The Ballroom has a beautiful neutral-coloured aisle carpet already included and set-up for you on the day. This is also included in your package.
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Is the ceremony price included?
The use of our Ballroom for your civil ceremony is included, however the cost of the Registrar for your ceremony is not included. The Registrar would need to be booked individually by yourselves for legal reasons. We can provide you with estimated costs and contact details on how to book your Registrar.
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What time should I have my ceremony?
We suggest a ceremony time of between 1pm and 2pm. This is perfect to allow guests plenty of time to arrive and check in, but also making the most of your time at the venue. You are, however, welcome to have a later ceremony if you prefer.
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What if I want an outdoor ceremony and it rains?
We are able to offer an outdoor ceremony on our Cocktail Terrace. Should the weather be unkind on the day, your Personal Wedding Manager will make this decision with you first thing on the morning of the wedding, and your civil ceremony will be able to take place in the beautiful Ballroom.
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How many ceremony options do you have?
We have two ceremony options – indoors in our Ballroom, or outdoors on our Cocktail Terrace.
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How long does a civil ceremony last?
The civil ceremony will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on whether you decide to have a reading of your choice during the ceremony.
Logistics
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What is your maximum capacity for the evening reception?
Our maximum capacity for the evening reception is 250 guests. This is based on using the whole of the castle and both bars within the venue.
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What time do we have to be offsite by?
The day after your wedding, we kindly ask that guests vacate their rooms by 10am after breakfast (which is served from 8.30am to 9.30am) and be offsite from the castle by 11am.
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Can other guests who are staying elsewhere come back for breakfast?
Of course! Your guests staying within the area of the venue are welcome to return to the castle the day after your wedding for breakfast. We ask that you complete your final numbers form at least three weeks before the wedding and include the total number of guests you expect for breakfast. Any additional guests will be charged at £16.50 per adult and £7.50 per child.
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What flowers are included?
We offer in-house silk flowers throughout the venue. Our silk flowers displayed in the Ceremony room will remain neutral in colour. Should you wish to add additional flowers to the decorations, you are welcome to arrange this with your florist, who will be able to set these up on the day from 11am.
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Is the DJ included?
Our resident DJ and disco are included in your package, and you may wish to provide us with a song request list of any favourite tracks you would like played, including your first dance.
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Can I bring in my own decorations?
You are welcome to personalise the castle however you wish with additional decorations. Your Personal Wedding Manager will be more than happy to set these up for you on the day. Please discuss this with directly during your Planning Meeting (ideally three to five months before your wedding).
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Can I have fireworks on my wedding day?
Yes. We do have a stipulated supplier for firework displays at the castle for insurance reasons. For more details, please speak to your Personal Wedding Manager. All firework displays must take place before 10pm.
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Do I have exclusive use?
One of our unique qualities is that we are able to offer exclusive use of your very own castle from midday on the day of your wedding for you and your guests to enjoy.
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Can I have a bouncy castle?
Unfortunately we are unable to allow bouncy castles within the grounds of the castle. This is due to health and safety, but also to ensure our immaculate gardens are maintained for your wedding day.
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What time can guests arrive?
Guests are welcome to arrive at the castle from midday. Bedrooms will also be available at this time for guests to be able to check in prior to your ceremony.
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What time can suppliers arrive?
Your suppliers can arrive anytime from 11am to set-up on the day of your wedding. We are unable to accept any items into the venue the day before your wedding.
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Is the venue accessible / wheelchair friendly?
The castle has disabled parking spaces as well as access into the castle. Please note that the disabled toilets are on the lower ground floor only, and access via wheelchair will require going outside as there is no lift in the main building.
We also have one ground floor bedroom with disabled facilities in the castle grounds. The Wyndham has 6 ground floor bedrooms for those that find stairs challenging, but they are not equipped for wheelchair access.
If you have accessibility issues and are due to visit or attend an event at Clearwell Castle or The Wyndham, we highly recommend that you call us to discuss your specific needs in advance of your visit.
We ask that our couples inform us at their earliest convenience if they have guests attending their event with specific requirements regarding access.
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Are children allowed?
Absolutely. Children are very welcome at the castle on any wedding day and even have their very own children’s games room to enjoy!
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Can I have confetti?
We can only allow neutral colour paper confetti to be thrown inside or fresh petals to be thrown outside. This is because we feel it is of paramount importance for every hirer to feel that the venue is their home. If confetti from previous events was still lying around this feeling would, we believe, be undermined.
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Do you allow pets?
Unfortunately, we are unable to allow pets to stay within the venue or overnight in our accommodation. Should you wish for your pet to part in your special day – ie for the ceremony or photographs – you are welcome to discuss this with your Personal Wedding Manager.
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Is there Wifi?
The castle offers Wifi throughout the venue, however the signal is limited in areas such as the bedrooms. For more details on how to connect to our Wifi, please speak to our Bar Team on the day of the wedding.
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Do you allow Candles?
Yes we do allow Candles but must be within our Naked Flame Policy:-
All naked flames/candles must be fully encased at the sides, with the tip of the flame at least 5cm below the rim of the encasement. Furthermore, with the exception of enclosed hurricane lamps outside, all naked flames must be placed at least 70cm above floor height.
Accommodation
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How many guests can stay in the cottage the night before?
The Keeper’s Cottage known as our Bridal Cottage can accommodate up to six people. The Keeper’s Cottage also includes a luxurious hot tub for you and your girls to use the night before your big day. We also have a further two estate cottages, which can be used the night before and night of your wedding subject to availability. The North Lodge can sleep six people, and the Portcullis View Studio can sleep two people. To book the cottages and check availability, please contact the office.
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How many guests can stay on the night of the wedding?
Our 15 Castle bedrooms can sleep a total of 34 guests. We also have a further 20 bedrooms located at The Wyndham within walking distance, which will sleep a total of 45 people. The Wyndham can also be booked for the night before your wedding.
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What time is breakfast served the following morning?
Breakfast is served from 8.30am to 9.30am in the Ballroom the morning after your wedding, and all guests staying in The Wyndham will also join you for breakfast in the Main Castle.
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What time is check-out?
Check-out of the bedrooms is at 10am, and we ask you to please be offsite by 11am.
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Do you provide travel cots?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide travel cots or additional beds, however, your guests are welcome to bring their own travel cots with them on the day. Additional beds are not permitted.
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What facilities are provided in the rooms?
Ensuite bath or shower rooms and bottled water. However hot drinks, snacks and sandwiches are available at the bar.
We provide towels and complimentary toiletries. There are also irons and ironing boards available, along with hairdryers, upon request. -
Is there Wifi in the rooms?
Unfortunately there is no Wifi in the bedrooms, however you are able to use our Wifi connection in the Cocktail Bar.
Food & Wine
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What is your maximum capacity for a sit-down meal?
The castle will accommodate a sit-down meal for up to 150 guests in the Ballroom. We offer a range of seating options, including banqueting and round tables.
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Can we bring in our own drinks?
I’m afraid due to our licence and company policy, alcohol is not permitted to be bought into the venue from offsite.
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Can we bring in external catering?
We have our own team of chefs onsite at the castle, who will work with you to create the perfect wedding breakfast. Unfortunately, we are unable to permit external catering onsite.
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Can we create our own menu?
Of course – our Executive Chef will work with you to create your own personal wedding breakfast menu or evening buffet.
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Do you offer an afternoon tea?
We are able to offer an afternoon tea selection for you and your guests if you prefer a vintage style or informal wedding breakfast.
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Do you offer a hog roast?
Yes. As well as our range of evening buffet selections to choose from, we are able to offer a hog roast for your evening reception if you prefer.
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Do you offer a barbecue?
Yes. As well as our hog roast, we offer a barbecue selection – perfect for summer weddings!
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Can you offer international cuisine?
Our in-house catering team will be more than happy to discuss any ideas or suggestions you might have.
Booking Process
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How do I book a viewing?
We are always more than happy to show you around the castle at a time to suit you both. Please contact Laura, our Sales Manager, who will be happy to discuss availability.
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How long does a viewing take?
We allow up to two hours for the viewing appointment. This will include your tour of the venue and accommodation, and time to discuss availability and package prices.
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When are viewings available?
Due to the amount of weddings which are held at the castle, viewing appointments can be difficult during a weekend. We are therefore able to offer mid-week viewings from 9am to 5pm, along with evening appointments when requested.
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How can I check availability?
To check availability for your special day, please contact the Sales Manager on our office number 01594 832 320 to discuss dates for your big day! Alternatively please contact them on info@clearwell-castle.co.uk
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How do I secure a wedding date?
To secure a date we require a £1,000 non-refundable and non-transferable booking deposit. This can be paid over the phone by credit or debit card or by bank transfer.
A further deposit payment schedule is also required and its exact make-up depends on the date you book and how far in advance you are booking – you can find more information on our further deposits in section 4 of our terms & conditions here.
Please note that we are not able to accept American Express for any payments.
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When is the final balance due?
Your final balance (known as the bulk invoice) is due no later than 30 days in advance of your wedding date. We will, of course, deduct any payments you have already made but you will find an additional £1,000 applied to your invoice at this stage. This constitutes a fully refundable damage deposit which will be refunded into your account within 14 days of your wedding. Please note that we are unable to accept any form of credit card as payment for this bulk invoice so it will need to be settled by debit card or bank transfer. You may wish to opt for a non-refundable Damage Waiver Fee of £250. You must inform us at the time you confirm your Final Requirements.
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When will I meet my Personal Wedding Manager?
You will meet your Personal Wedding Manager three to five months before your wedding. If you would like your appointment sooner than this, please contact the office and we will be more than happy to arrange this for you.
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Do you hold dates for a period of time?
Unfortunately, we are unable to hold dates due to how quickly our they are booked up.
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How far in advance can I book a date?
You are welcome to book a date as far ahead as you require. To check availability, please just contact our Sales Manager in the office.
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How soon can I get married?
The Registrar will require at least 28 days’ notice for you and your partner to give notice of your marriage. Therefore, legally, you would be able to get married within four weeks.
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Do you have minimum guest numbers?
The Classical and Luxe packages are based on a minimum of 60 guests all day and evening, available Monday to Sunday all year round. Our Twilight package is based on a minimum of 60 guests all day and evening, available Monday to Thursday from October to May. Our Intimate package is based on a minimum of 30 guests all day and evening, available Monday to Thursday from October to May only.
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Can I get married on any day of the year?
You are able to get married any day of the year with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Guest Questions
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What time can I arrive?
Guests are welcome to arrive from 12 noon and have access to the castle.
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What time can I check in to my bedroom?
All bedrooms will be available from 12 noon, with the exception of our estate cottages, which are available from 1pm.
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What time do we have to be offsite by?
Check-out from the rooms is at 10am, followed by offsite at 11am.
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Is the venue accessible / wheelchair friendly?
The castle has disabled parking spaces as well as access into the castle. Please note that the disabled toilets are on the lower ground floor only, and access via wheelchair will require going outside as there is no lift in the main building.
We also have one ground floor bedroom with disabled facilities in the castle grounds. The Wyndham has 6 ground floor bedrooms for those that find stairs challenging, but they are not equipped for wheelchair access.
If you have accessibility issues and are due to visit or attend an event at Clearwell Castle of The Wyndham, we highly recommend that you call us to discuss your specific needs in advance of your visit.
We ask that our couples inform us at their earliest convenience if they have guests attending their event with specific requirements regarding access.
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Are children allowed?
Children are more than welcome to attend the castle on a wedding day. We have four highchairs and four booster seats available to use.
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Do you allow pets?
Unfortunately, we do not allow pets to stay at the venue, nor in our overnight accommodation.
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How can I pay for extra food & drinks?
Following the Covid 19 Pandemic, and in recognition of the positive impact card-only payments have had on our food & drinks service, we have made the decision to go cashless indefinitely. You will require a card to make payments for any food or drinks at the bar and we accept most credit & debit cards except American Express.
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Is there Wifi?
Wifi is available within the castle at the Cocktail Bar, however we do not have Wifi in the bedrooms. To gain access to our Wifi, please ask a member of the team during your stay, who will be happy to give you our password.
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What time is breakfast served the following morning?
Breakfast is served from 8.30am to 9.30am the morning following the wedding. Should you be staying at The Wyndham, you are welcome to join the couple for breakfast in the castle the following morning.
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What time is check-out?
Check-out is at 10am from your room, and offsite by 11am please.
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Do you provide travel cots?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide travel cots or additional beds, however, your guests are welcome to bring their own travel cots with them on the day. Additional beds are not permitted.
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What facilities are provided in the rooms?
Ensuite bath or shower rooms and bottled water. However hot drinks, snacks and sandwiches are available at the bar.
We provide towels and complimentary toiletries. Irons and ironing boards, along with hairdryers can be made available upon request. -
Is there Wifi in the rooms?
We do not have Wifi available in the bedrooms, however the Wifi can be accessed in the Cocktail Bar and Main Entrance Hall.
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Can I pre-purchase food/drinks for my room?
Certainly. Please contact the office prior to arrival to arrange food and drinks ready for your arrival. We are also able to accommodate any specific dietary requests.
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Can I purchase gifts for the couple?
Of course. We have a number of gifts available for you to purchase. We offer a personalised print as a perfect memorable gift for the couple, or why not add a bottle of bubbly to the Honeymoon Suite for the couple to enjoy? For any special requests, please contact us and we can discuss your requirements with you.