Frequently Asked Questions
ACCESS FOR SET UP- From 9.00 a.m. for your suppliers to set up on the day of your wedding.
ACCOMMODATION - Pembroke Lodge does not have on-site accommodation. There is a good selection of hotels very close.
AVAILABILITY - Of either suite can be checked by phone (020) 8940 8207 or email:
info@pembroke–lodge.co.uk
BAR - Both venues have full bar facilities which can be run according to your wishes.
CAKE - Can be delivered the day before your wedding (at a time agreed with the Banqueting Office). If it contains cream or requires refrigeration, it should be delivered on the morning of your wedding day.
CAKE STAND/KNIFE - Please check the size and shape of our cake stands before purchasing your cake
CANCELLING OR POSTPONING - Unfortunately your hire fee, once paid, is non-refundable. It may be possible to change the date of your wedding if required.
CANDLES - Tea lights and candles in enclosed holders are permitted. Candelabras are available upon request.
CARRIAGES - Our venues are licensed until:
The Belvedere: 2345 for the service of alcohol and 2400 for the provision of music and entertainment
Russell Suite: 2245 for the service of alcohol and 2300 for the provision of music and entertainment
CEREMONY DURATION - Marriage Ceremonies usually last around 30 minutes, depending on your choice of readings and music.
CATERERS - We have an excellent reputation for the quality of food produced by our team of Chefs and to maintain this reputation we do not permit external caterers. Vegetarians, vegans, celiac, lactose intolerance, allergies can be accommodated at no extra cost but you must advise us in advance.
CEREMONY MUSIC AND READINGS - Your selected music and readings cannot be of a religious nature. You will need to bring your selected reading and/or music with you if you require them. Pembroke Lodge will play your music during the Ceremony, it should be provided on a CD or iPod.
CHAIR COVERS - Our chairs are standard, dark green banqueting chairs. We do not provide or fit chair covers but can recommend a company, details of which are on our website. You can arrange an alternative company to provide and fit them but we cannot accept delivery of the chair covers prior to the wedding day and they must be collected by 11am the next day.
CHILDREN’S MEALS - We provide half adult meals (ages 10 to 12 years old) which is a smaller portion of the adult 3-course meal. Children under 10 years have their own two course menu.
CONFETTI - Can be thrown inside the ceremony room but not outside in the grounds.
CONFIRMING A BOOKING - Due to excess demand, the only fair basis on which we can operate is "first confirmed". We recommend an early inspection of the venue by appointment. You are welcome to confirm a booking by telephone and pay the hire fee with a credit or debit card. No booking is confirmed until the hire fee has been paid. The hire fee is not refundable under any circumstances and we suggest that suitable insurance is obtained for your protection.
CONFIRMATION OF DETAILS - Around six months before your wedding you will be invited to meet with your Banqueting Manager to discuss the finer details of your wedding. Approximately two weeks before the wedding you will receive a copy of the Worksheet, which is a detailed plan of your wedding for you to check.
DAYS OF THE WEEK - We welcome weddings and celebrations seven days a week. Legally, Wedding Ceremonies cannot take place on Good Friday.
DECORATIONS - No staples/pins, Sellotape or BluTak can be attached to the walls or floors. Any draping must be attached via existing hooks or be free-standing.
DIRECTIONS - We can provide maps to be sent out with your wedding invitations free of charge. This map is also available on our website.
DISABLED ACCESS - The Belvedere is situated on the ground floor of the Lodge with full wheelchair access and disabled toilet facilities.
DOGS – Are not permitted in the lodge or its grounds unless they are assistance dogs.
FIREWORKS AND CHINESE LANTERNS – Are not permitted as we are in a national nature reserve.
FLOWERS - You are welcome to source your own flowers or use the recommended suppliers on our website.
HIRE FEE - Includes tables, chairs, highchairs, white table linen, white napkins, cake stand, cake knife, cutlery, crockery and glasses (including reasonable breakages) a PA and lighting system.
MANAGEMENT - Your Banqueting Manager will ensure your special day is managed in accordance with the arrangements agreed with you beforehand.
MARQUEES - Are not permitted within the Lodge grounds
MAXIMUM CAPACITIES -
The Russell Suite:
70 seated guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast
Up to 100 guests for the evening party
Minimum Numbers - On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays (from 1 April to 30 September) there is a minimum requirement of 30 adult guests
The Belvedere:
140 seated guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast
Up to 200 guests for the evening party
Minimum numbers - On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays (from 1 April to 30 September) there is a minimum requirement of 90 adult guests. At all other times the minimum guest numbers are 70 adults.
MUSIC- DJ or BANDS - You are welcome to source your own music or use the recommended suppliers on our website
OTHER FUNCTIONS - There are two suites at Pembroke Lodge and thus two separate events can take place on the same day.
OUTDOOR WEDDINGS - English Law requires Civil Marriage Ceremonies must take place within a room.
PARKING - There is a large public car park very close to Pembroke Lodge which is free of charge.
PAYMENT OF THE FINAL ACCOUNT - Settlement of the final invoice is required 30 days before the date of the wedding and is not refundable. No refunds can be made in respect of alterations within 10 days of the wedding as orders will have been placed. Settlement of any balance e.g. bar credit, is required upon closure of the bar.
PHOTOGRAPHERS - You are welcome to source your own photographer or use the recommended suppliers on our website
REGISTRARS – You need to notify your local register office (in the borough where you live) of your intention to get married and to book the registrars via Richmond Council to conduct the ceremony. Please check us with us what time to book before doing so.
SMOKING - Guests are welcome to smoke outside the building and ashtrays are provided.
TABLE DECORATIONS - Place names, cameras, favours etc should be delivered the day before the wedding.
TASTING - If you wish to sample the menu you have chosen we can arrange a tasting for you, with the exceptions of a cold buffet, canapes and evening buffet.
V.A.T AND GRATUITY - Our prices are inclusive of VAT. Gratuities are optional.
VIEWINGS - Can be arranged by phoning (020) 8940 8207 or email: info@pembroke–lodge.co.uk
WAITING STAFF - Staff service is based on one waiter/waitress per 10 guests.