FAQs
Booking
Is it possible to arrange a visit before booking?
Yes, we encourage you to visit prior to booking. Please e-mail wedding@kiftsgatecourt.com to arrange a convenient time to visit.
What is included in our booking?
It will depend on the package you choose but most couples opt for a weekend wedding which includes exclusive use of the gardens for your blessing or civil ceremony, drinks reception, and wedding photos. Accomodation in the house and nearby cottage for up to 24 guests for 2 nights. Use of the traditional canvas marquee, catering tent, luxury toilet hire, refridgerated trailer, and back-up generator for your wedding breakfast and after dinner celebrations. Parking near the house and an on the day co-ordinator for your wedding day.
How do we confirm our booking?
We will send you a booking form which you can complete, sign and send back. You will then make the deposit payment and we will confirm you booking once it is received.
Can we have our wedding ceremony in the gardens?
Yes. We have been granted a wedding licence. Please contact Gloucetsershire County Coucil to book a registrat once you have booked with us. You can have a wedding blessing ceremony in the gardens if you wish to renew your vows.
Can we cancel our booking?
The cancellation policy will be sent with the booking documentation.
Can we stay at Kiftsgate over our wedding?
There is the possibility of the bride and groom staying at Kiftsgate over your wedding. There is room for 24 people to stay in the main house and nearby cottage. Please get in touch by e-mailing wedding@kiftsgatcourt.com
2. Preparations
Can we choose our own caterers?
Yes, you can choose your own caterer and should you need it we can suggest some catering companies we have worked with in the past.
What are the measurements of the area occupied by the traditional canvas marquee?
The marquee has a foot print of 40 x 80 ft (12 x 24m). The adjoining catering tent measures 20 x 20ft (6 x 6 m).
Can we bring our own alcohol?
Yes, you can but we ask that all empties are put in the skip provided or dropped off at teh recycling bank.
Do we have to arrange toilet facilities?
There are two gentlemen and four ladies toilets in the courtyard. They are not heated but are used over the summer months by people visiting the gardens. Luxury toilets are provided as part of the marquee package for use by the couple during the wedding breakfast and evening celebrations.
Can we set-up ahead of the wedding day?
You and your suppliers are welcome to set-up from either the Thursday or the Friday before your wedding depending on the package you choose.
Are animals allowed in the garden and in the house?
A well behaved and closely monitored pet is welcome to attend the wedding celebrations. They are not permitted upstairs inside the house and must sleep in the boot room in the house.
3. The day itself
What time can we arrive on the day?
Guests not already staying at Kiftsgate can arrive from 10 a.m. on the day of your wedding.
What time do the celebrations have to end by?
The celebrations will end at midnight at the latest with carriages at 12.30.
Is there parking at Kiftsgate?
There is ample parking near the house and garden. Coaches and buses can park in front of the house but must enter the property via the back drive sign posted ‘coaches’
What happens if it rains?
If it rains throughout the day there are various covered areas throughout the gardens and it will also be possible to use the veranda and old drawing room for your drinks reception. The old drawing room will not be made available unless rain is forecast for the majority of the day. There are numerous stone paths around the garden so those with umbrellas can still enjoy the garden. Some grass areas of the garden may be inaccessible if there has been heavy rain prior to or on the day of your wedding day.
We can recommend various stretch tent providers should you wish to have a wet weather contingency for your blessing/civil ceremony in the gardens.