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A PROBLEM SHARED IS A PROBLEM HALVED

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions and we have answers!

  • Are there areas for both of us to get ready in the morning?
    You may book the Bridal Room for £200 from 7am until 12.00 midnight on the day of your Wedding. This room is located in the left turrent. We can also provide a champagne brunch for an additional charge.
  • What time can our guests arrive?
    We recommend that all non-staying guests arrive 1 hour before your Ceremony begins. For those staying at Norwood Park, we aim to have all bedrooms ready for 12.30pm check in.
  • How many people may attend a Drinks Reception?
    The Courtroom can accommodate up to 180 for a stand-up Reception and The Emerald Room can accommodate up to 50 guests. On sunny days, we encourage guests to enjoy the drinks Reception on the in our Courtyard which can accomodate 250.
  • How many people may attend a sit-down meal?
    At The Sessions House, we have three different rooms available for sit-down meals. The first is The Original Courtroom seating up to 82 , followed by the Magistrate's Room seating 40 and the Emerald Room set to seat 22 guests. We can also accommodate private dining for more intimate affairs.
  • May we throw confetti?
    While we do not allow guests to throw confetti in or around the Main House and The Clock Tower we do allow you to throw natural/biodegradable petals on the front lawn. We do not allow the use of confetti canons for confetti photos or first dances.
  • Is there somewhere we can securely store our Wedding Gifts?
    When you book Norwood Park, you have exclusive use so it will only be your Wedding Guests on site. Wedding Gifts can be secured by you and your wedding party in the bedroom you have booked for the evening. The Main House Front Door will also be bolted when you head over to The Clock Tower for security.
  • What time should our Wedding guests leave?
    Our bar and music licences, both end at midnight and therefore we ask that non-staying guests vacate Norwood Park by 12.00 midnight at the latest.
  • How and when should we arrange our taxis on the night?
    While Norwood Park is above the charming market town of Southwell and not lost in the countryside, we do insist that you pre-book your taxi home in advance of the evening. Should you need any recommendations for taxi companies, please ask your Event Manager for the Guest Information Document.
  • May we leave our vehicles at Norwood Park overnight?
    While you are welcome to leave your vehicle in our car park, this is at your discretion and at your own risk. You must collect your vehicle by 10.30am promptly the following morning.
  • Can we play golf on the wedding day?
    As you may or may not be aware, Norwood Park has its very own golf course and driving range on the estate. This is perfect for your guests/ groom’s party to visit in the morning of your wedding day, prior to checking into their bedrooms. Please speak to the Events Team for more details. The Golf course also has a club house bar, where your friends and family can grab a breakfast/ lunch and a coffee or something a little stronger before the wedding. This is a great area for guests, especially if they arrive before the house check-in at 12:30pm.
  • Can we drop off items the day before our wedding?
    Dropping off items the day before, is possible, subject to prior agreement. Due to limited space and food hygiene regulations, we are unable to store any items in our fridges/ freezers. Therefore, we recommend cakes/ cheese towers are dropped off on your actual wedding day.
  • Do you have disabled access?
    Upon request we can put out ramps for certain steps to allow access, or we can advise the best routes to be taken for wheelchair users. We do have gravel stones so this is worth advising your guests about ahead of the day.
  • Do you provide microphones for speeches?
    We are able to provide a microphone and speaker system upon request for speeches only.
  • Can we use smoke bombs?
    Smoke bombs are permitted away from the house but are used at your own risk. Please ensure these are purchased from a reputable retailer.
  • What is a Private Viewing?
    The Private Viewing (aka Show Round) is a scheduled appointment of 45 - 60 minutes where you will enjoy a private tour of the House, Gallery and Ground with one of our experienced Event Managers, followed by a private meeting to discuss in more detail the scale, style and feel of the Wedding you are hoping for. At this meeting we will also discuss menu options, drinks, entertainment, dates, budget, Wedding size and more.
  • Where is Norwood Park?
    Norwood Park is located above Southwell, arguably one of the most attractive and historically significant small market towns in Nottinghamshire. We are located 137 miles from London, 15 miles from Nottingham, 68 miles from Birmingham, 70 miles from Leeds and 30 miles from Derby. We are also easily accessible via mainline trains to Newark Northgate Station. ​ To access Norwood Park via car, please use the Main Gate entrance. The address for your Sat-Nav is: Norwood Park, Halam Road, Southwell Nottinghamshire, NG25 0PB
  • How much do Weddings at Norwood Park cost?
    At Norwood Park we recognise that weddings come in all different shapes and styles meaning that Weddings at Norwood Park can range from £8,000 up to £35,000.
  • Can prices change after I book?
    Yes and No. The Venue Hire Fee and Bedroom Prices will be locked in when you book your wedding; they will not change. However the Menu and Drinks cost may rise per year based on inflation and increases in the pricing of ingredients, labour and more. We will let you know as soon as possible regarding this.
  • What is a Private Viewing?
    The Private Viewing (aka Show Round) is a scheduled appointment of 45 - 60 minutes where you will enjoy a private tour of the House,The Clock Tower (Formally named The Gallery) and Ground with one of our experienced Event Managers, followed by a private meeting to discuss in more detail the scale, style and feel of the Wedding you are hoping for. At this meeting we will also discuss menu options, drinks, entertainment, dates, budget, Wedding size and more.
  • How long can I provisionally Hold a Date for?
    We will provisionally hold a date from your request for one week (7 days) in 2024 and two weeks (14 days) in 2025/2026. If we do not hear from you in this time, your date will automatically be released.
  • I have chosen Norwood Park as my venue, how does the booking process work?
    During the one to two weeks that we are provisionally holding your date, your Event Manager will draw up a bespoke Quote, tailored to match your requirements. Once you agree to your Quote, we will then email you a Booking Form, along with Terms and Conditions for you to sign. Once these documents are signed and returned your deposit invoice will be due within 7 days. Once we have received all signed documents and deposit payment, your wedding date will be confirmed.
  • Can prices change after I book?
    Yes and No. The Venue Hire Fee and Bedroom Prices will be locked in when you book your wedding; they will not change. However the Menu and Drinks cost may rise per year based on inflation and increases in the pricing of ingredients, labour and more. We will let you know as soon as possible regarding this.
  • How do we pay?
    In order to secure your wedding date, we require a deposit payment equal to 15% of your Venue Hire and Accommodation cost. Your terms and conditions will include a staggered payment structure based on your wedding date which will help you budget for your Wedding at Norwood Park. The final payment for your Wedding and Reception will be due 4 weeks in advance of your wedding date. Should you book a multiple-day wedding (two-days or more), you will be required to pay an additional deposit for each additional day. Please note, although we do accept credit cards for payments of up to £2,000, for any payments of a greater value we are only able to accept bank transfers.
  • I have signed my Booking Agreement, T&Cs and paid my deposit, what happens if my final numbers change?
    Your booking agreement is a legally binding document and therefore we can only allow a decrease in number of guests by 10%. The number of guests can increase as much as you like as long as it stays within our venue capacities and does not drop below our minimum numbers.
  • Is there a minimum number of day guests at Norwood Park?
    Our mimimum guest number depends on the day of the week that you plan to marry. We require a minimum of 25 adult daytime guests from Monday to Wednesday, 50 adult daytime guests on Thursdays and Sundays (Inc. Bank Holidays) and 75 adult daytime guests on Fridays & Saturdays. If you have less than this number of guests, please contact the events team to discuss your options and see if we can accommodate your plans.
  • Who will be my point of contact leading up to the Wedding?
    At Norwood Park we have an Events Team of 4 staff and you will liaise with each of them leading up to your Wedding as each has different specialities. The Event Manager, who you have your final meeting with, will confirm the Event Managers who will be on site for your Wedding Day. You can Meet the Team Here: https://tiny-panda.editorx.io/norwood2/aboutus
  • What is a Final Meeting?
    The Final Meeting is your last meeting before finalising both your Wedding and payment details. You will be invited to this scheduled meeting taking 1 - 2 hours where we finalise the exact details for your Wedding including menu choices, final seating plan, drinks packages, dietary requirements, bedroom allocations, supplier liability, etc. After this Final Meeting, you will be issued with your final bill, payable in full 4 to 6 weeks before your Wedding Date. We will not be able to make any refunds after the final payment has been processed. Please make sure you have provided the insurance documents for any external suppliers that you have booked for your event before your Final Meeting. Alternatively, you can bring them with you on the day of your Final Meeting.
  • How do we book a Registrar for our Civil Ceremony?
    For your Civil Ceremony at Norwood Park, you must book the Nottinghamshire Registrar by calling 0300 500 8080. We cannot accept your deposit nor confirm your Wedding Day here at Norwood Park before you have successfully confirmed your booking with the Registrar (unless you are getting married at a Church).
  • May we have our Civil Ceremony elsewhere and only host our Reception at Norwood Park?
    Yes, you may have your Civil Ceremony elsewhere and still hold your Reception with us at Norwood Park. As Norwood Park is an exclusive use venue, the hire price remains the same whether you hold your ceremony with us or elsewhere.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    At Norwood Park, we appreciate that nobody ever wants to cancel their Wedding, and any such decision is is rarely taken lightly and most often the result of a deeply distressing situation. Where possible we will always do our best to work out a scenario that best suits all the parties involved. However, as a result of cancelling your Wedding we are unable to refund any pre- payments as a minimum.
  • Should I take our Wedding Insurance?
    Yes, we advise all Wedding Couples to take out Wedding Insurance in the event that your Wedding must be cancelled for reasons outside your control.
  • When is the last contact with you before our wedding day?
    The week of your big day, the team will arrange a telephone or virtual phone call with you to run through all the details for your big day and make sure there is no last-minute changes etc. This call also gives you the chance to ask any last-minute questions you may have.
  • How do I receive my Damage Deposit Refund?
    You will receive an email from the Events Team a couple of days after your Wedding asking for bank details to issue the refund. The refund will only be issued if there are no outstanding cost, damages or breaches to the Terms and Conditions.
  • How many people may attend a Civil Ceremony at Norwood Park?
    Norwood Park has three areas approved for Civil Ceremonies. The first is the Drawing Room where up to 80 guests may enjoy the ceremony, whilst The Clock Tower can seat up to 160 guests for the ceremony. If you choose to have your Wedding Ceremony and Wedding Breakfast in The Clock Tower, there will be a surcharge of £250 to cover the turnaround of the room on the day. This charge also applies if The Clock Tower is your second option. If the weather holds and we are able to host your ceremony in the Bandstand, the £250.00 will be refunded to you after your Wedding. In the Garden, our Bandstand is also approved for a ceremony with seating for up to 140 guests
  • How do we book a Registrar for our Civil Ceremony?
    For your Civil Ceremony at Norwood Park, you must book the Nottinghamshire Registrar by calling 0300 500 8080. We cannot accept your deposit nor confirm your Wedding Day here at Norwood Park before you have successfully confirmed your booking with the Registrar (unless you are getting married at a Church).
  • May we have our Civil Ceremony elsewhere and only host our Reception at Norwood Park?
    Yes, you may have your Civil Ceremony elsewhere and still hold your Reception with us at Norwood Park. As Norwood Park is an exclusive use venue, the hire price remains the same whether you hold your ceremony with us or elsewhere.
  • Do you provide disabled access to the Ceremony & Reception?
    Yes, we provide disabled access to both the Main House and The Clock Tower. We also have a disabled loo in The Clock Tower. However, due to the age of the building, we cannot guarantee access for electric wheelchairs and scooters.
  • May children attend the Ceremony & Reception?
    Children are most welcome here at Norwood Park, provided they have a parent or responsible adult looking after them. We are a family owned business and appreciate everyone should be there for your special day - both big and small! We have 4 high chairs for younger children and can offer children’s food and drink options. Should you wish to book a babysitting service for the day in your room, you will find our recommended supplier in our Black Book.
  • May our dog attend the Ceremony & Reception?
    While we do welcome dogs here at Norwood Park, only one dog may be present for the Ceremony in either the Drawing Room of the House or outside at the Bandstand. Please ensure that your dog is supervised by either a friend or family member. The designated person must keep your dog on a lead at all times and be responsible to pick up after your dog in case nature calls, and they have a little accident! Do ensure that your dog is onsite for a maximum of 2 hours, this will cover your Ceremony time and also provide plenty of time for some photographs afterwards. For health and safety reasons, we cannot allow pets in any other areas of Norwood Park, therefore your dog may not be present for the Drinks Reception or Wedding Breakfast. Should your dog cause any damage on the day, we will take a charge from your damage deposit.
  • Can we remove the rug in the Drawing Room?
    Unfortunately, the rug is fixed to the ground and therefore the removal requires a bit of work, resulting in a small fee. The current charge is £50 to cover the time involved in removing and replacing the rug back down.
  • Will we be sharing Norwood Park with other Bridal Parties or residents?
    Norwood Park is an exclusive use venue, meaning that you will have 100% exclusivity from 12 noon until 12am on the day of your celebrations.
  • What is The Clock Tower?
    The Clock Tower formally known as The Gallery is an adjacent building to the Main House where your Wedding Breakfast and Evening Do will primarily take place. We do also offer The Clock Tower for Civil Ceremonies for a turn-around fee.
  • What is included in the Hire of Norwood Park?
    When you book Norwood Park, the following items are included should you wish to use them: 150 chairs, round or rectangle trestle tables and white table cloths, white napkins, silver cutlery, white crockery, table numbers and easel. Should you wish to style your Wedding with different cutlery or table cloths, we will share with you our Black Book of suppliers who can help to create the vision you wish.
  • Are there any decor restrictions?
    At Norwood Park, you may dress the venue as you choose. Our dedicated Events Team are happy to assist with a basic* venue dress but their main aim is to ensure you have the perfect day. Therefore excessive venue dress needs to be organised and completed by a stylist or family member.(*Name cards, favours, table plan, welcome signs, gift table, memory table). Where possible we do allow the use of candles. All candles must be contained, however, we do allow candelabras for the Wedding breakfast which will be lit once everyone is seated. The use of candles will be assessed for each event individually to determine the appropriateness of the venue for open flames. The use of candles must be arranged with a member of our Events Team in advance so that safety assessments can be carried out. We cannot allow any items or drapery to be attached to our floors, walls or fittings
  • Does Norwood Park have Wi-Fi?
    Due to the location of Norwood Park, there is limited Wi-Fi in the Main House only. To connect to this, please select “Norwood Guest”; a password is not required.
  • How many people can attend an evening Reception?
    Norwood Park can host up to 250 guests in The Clock Tower for the evening celebrations.
  • Do you have a sound system in the Gallery for speeches?
    We do not have a built-in sound system. However, we do have a handheld microphone & bluetooth speaker which you are welcome to use.
  • May we have fireworks at our Wedding?
    Yes, you may book a professional “non-bang” fireworks company to supply and manage your fireworks on the night. We also allow the use of sparklers outside in the gardens and on our terrace. We ask all our couples to provide a sand bucket and lighters for your sparklers. For insurance purposes you may only use the fireworks supplier included in our Black Book.
  • May we use sparklers?
    Yes, you may use sparklers in which you will provide your own sand bucket and lighters. Your sparkler photo shoot needs to be discussed between you and your photographer before your wedding and coordinated by your photographer on the night of your wedding. In darker months we recommend having your sparkler shot as you move over from the main house to the gallery for your wedding breakfast.
  • What options are there for music and entertainment?
    We have a fantastic Black Book of entertainers including bands, DJs, magicians casinos, you name it, we know them! Upon booking with us we will provide you with a list of our preferred suppliers to use (this list is ever growing) or you may choose your own. If you choose your own entertainment then we must receive a copy of their Public Liability insurance at least two weeks in advance of your Wedding at your Final Meeting.
  • May we use our own caterer?
    No, this isn’t possible, however our exceptional Kitchen team will be more than happy to make the exact menu you are looking for. We do not allow on site food trucks, ice cream vans or outside caterers.
  • Do you offer a Menu Tasting Event?
    Historically we have offered a complimentary Menu Tasting for the Wedding Couple.If you booked and paid your wedding deposit before 12th February 2021 then your Menu Tasting will still be complimentary as per your T&C's. However, all bookings accepted from 12th Februrary 2021 will be charged a Menu Tasting fee, due two weeks prior to your tasting date. Within six months of your big day, we will invite you both to a Menu Tasting event where you may try 2 options from each course of your chosen menu. Should the date offered not to be convenient, we will offer you a second date. If the second date is not convenient for you either, then you will miss out on the Menu Tasting. Should you want to bring additional guests to the Menu Tasting, they will be charged the full price of the menu and must pay via BACs at least two weeks before the Menu Tasting date. A Wedding Couple may invite a maximum of four guests. Please note, you are not required to book a Menu Tasting as such a decision is entirely at your discretion.
  • May I bring my homemade Wedding Cake?
    While we prefer all wedding cakes to be made by a professional baker, we do understand that often you would like a homemade wedding cake instead. Please check your Wedding Insurance policy to confirm it provides the necessary public and product liability insurance to cover your cake. Please also ensure you follow FSA guidance when baking, storing and transporting your Wedding Cake to Norwood Park. A disclaimer form will also need to be signed for any homemade goods brought on site.
  • Is there a Cake-Cutting Fee & do you provide Cake-Cutting Utensils?
    Your Event Manager will be happy to discuss any cake cutting fees that may apply. Also included in your Hire of Norwood Park, is the use of our cake stand for displaying your cake and use of our cake knife.
  • May we bring our own drinks?v
    No, this isn't possible, however, our Norwood Bar is fulled stocked with a variety of drinks, which will cater for the majority of your guests.We do not allow on-site any external Prosecco Carts, Gin Bars, etc. However we are able to do our own in house gin/prosecco bar, please ask the Events Team for more details. If the Event Team sees anyone trying to bring alcohol onsite, they have the right to refuse entry and ask the people invited to leave the premises immediately.
  • How late can the bar stay open?
    Our licence for drinking ends at midnight. The bar is open for your full booking from 12.30pm until 12.00 midnight. Overnight guests may enjoy a pre-booked After Dark experience from 12.00 midnight until 2:00am.
  • What are your Bar prices and is it Cash only?
    Upon request, we can send you a list of our bar pricing including wines, cocktails, beers, ales, ciders, gins, etc. We are trying to become a card only venue but upon advance notice we can make the exception for cash use on the night for guests ordering from the bar. We cannot accept American Express.
  • Do you offer different drinks not included within the standard bar list?
    Yes, we are able to serve cocktails from our Cocktail Bar for a £100.00 service charge. This is because we will need to source and prepare locally sourced ingredients to ensure the best quality cocktails.
  • Do I have to use your recommended suppliers?
    No, we do not require you to use our recommended suppliers, although upon booking at Norwood Park we will provide you with our custom Black Book which includes suppliers that have already successfully worked with us. Should you choose to use suppliers not included in our Black Book, we will require copies of their Public Liability insurance and any other necessary certification at least two weeks in advance of your special day. Should you choose to use a family member's service, they will also be required to sign a document to ensure that they accept full liability for issues arising from the product or service they provided. Please note you must provide all supplier Public Liability documents before your Final Meeting.
  • Can we have a bouncy castle?
    You are able to arrange a supplier to host this for you on Norwood property. The only suitable area is just near the cricket pitch. All safety paperwork is required from the supplier and they are responsible for hosting.
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