Congratulations – you’re engaged! And now the fun begins as you check out wedding venues, dresses, stylists, flowers, caterers, entertainers etc etc.
Inevitably your choices will be steered by your venue and the wedding vibe you’re after.
“Norfolk has an incredible array of wedding venues – couples really are spoiled for choice,” said Expresso Catering’s Roland Schreiber.
Norfolk wedding venues – the options
Put simply there are four types of Norfolk wedding venues:
- ‘All inclusive’ wedding venues: you are obliged to use their catering, bar and potentially other approved suppliers. Don’t assume you’ll have access the day before the wedding – some host back-to-back weddings. Norfolk all-inclusive venues range from some of the most iconic settings in the county – think grand stately homes and hotels – to less formal rural options.
- ‘Dry hire’ wedding venues: a blank canvas where you can pretty much do as you wish. Your own drinks, own caterer, own decor etc etc. Often a three-day hire allowing you time to set up and clear away. Popular Norfolk dry-hire venues range from historic venues and restored barns to village halls.
- Hybrid wedding venues: A mix of the two. You may be obliged to use the in-house bar or pay corkage. However, you will usually be free to engage your own caterers etc, although many will have approved supplier lists. The hybrid venue hire charge may also include accommodation, furniture and some kitchen infrastructure eg ‘fridges.
- A marquee/tipi/yurt/converted farm building on your own (or borrowed) land: total flexibility!
Your choice of Norfolk wedding venue will come down to a number of factors of course: location, facilities, flexibility, capacity, availability, price – and wow factor!
All-inclusive wedding venues aren’t for everyone!
If money is no object or you simply don’t have the time or nerve to organise a raft of suppliers then all-inclusive venues certainly tick the box.
However, you will be obliged to use in-house caterers whose prices are certainly non-negotiable. And tempting upgrades and add-ons will further increase the spend – on everything from the menu through to the choice of tableware and furniture. After all, who wants to settle for the standard package on the most important day of their life right?
And don’t overlook the cost of must-have drinks packages and bar prices!
By way of example, we know of venues who (in 2023) charged an extra £5 per head for a choice of two mains or an extra £8 for a choice of three mains. And that was just the beginning!
Flexible Norfolk wedding venues
If all-inclusive venues really don’t float your boat – or your budget – and you don’t have the luxury of space for a marquee in the garden then it’s time to look at ‘dry hire’ and hybrid venues. Regional options include Kimberley Hall, The Reading Room, Octagon Barn, Dragon Hall, Glebe Farm Barn, Norwich Arts Centre, Hautbois Hall, Voewood and Red Barn.
“These venues really all do offer something different. Some are very helpful and hands-on while others simply hand over the key and leave you to it,” explained Expresso Catering’s Roland Schreiber.
You’ll need to do your research to find the right one for you – social media is a great way to get a feel for how a venue can come alive and a visit will give you a chance to meet key contacts. Talk to your suppliers too – they’ll have the experience to advise you on what works well.”
Mad for a marquee?
Pining for a marquee, tipi or yurt but no-where to put one? Many large venues have the space for canvas structures, but you’ll need to factor in the additional cost.
Alternatively, venues such as Hall Farm offer their land – and support – for those keen on an outdoor setting.
If you go down to the woods today…
What about woodland weddings you ask? Don’t the pictures look incredible? It may be your dream to be married under the canopy of a magnificent tree but you’ll still need to ensure there’s plenty of undercover options for your guests on the day – to shelter from sun, wind or rain. And because many of these woodland venues are pretty remote finding suppliers could be a challenge!
“While you may be quite happy to take your chances with the weather, your suppliers will likely insist on a weatherproof base – one that’s got access to power, water and vehicular access. A woodland picnic sounds lovely, but the logistics could be challenging,” added Roland.
Highly recommended, Expresso Catering specialises in top notch, flexible, stress-free, bespoke wedding catering.
“Because we’re a small, independent business and we love what we do we’re in a great position to make your wedding day dreams come true,” added Roland.
Ends
Useful links:
https://theeventcoea.co.uk/wedding_shows/the-east-anglia-wedding-show-february-2025/
