FAQ's
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 within a mile.
AVAILABILITY – Can be checked by phone (020) 8940 8207 or email to: info@pl.org.uk
BAR – Both venues have bar facilities which can be run according to your wishes.
ALL alcohol to be supplied by Pembroke Lodge.
CAKE – The wedding cake must be delivered on the morning of the wedding day. We are unable to accept deliveries at any other time.
CAKE STAND/KNIFE – Our Square and Round Cake stands are both 14 inches in diameter. If your cake is made of separate tiers (not stacked) we have a 2-tier stand which is 12 inches and 9 inches in diameter or a 3-tier – 6, 9 and 12 inches in diameter.
CAKE STAND IMAGES WITH DIMENSIONS
CANCELLING OR POSTPONING – Unfortunately the hire fee is non-refundable.
CANDLES – Tea lights and candles are permitted but they must be placed in glass votives, candle holders or similar. Candelabras are available upon request for use on dinner tables only.
CANDELABRAS
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
CATERING – 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, coeliac, lactose intolerance, allergies can all be accommodated at no extra cost but you must advise us in advance.
PEMBROKE LODGE MENU
CEREMONY DURATION – Marriage Ceremonies usually last around 30 minutes, depending on your choice of readings and music.
CEREMONY MUSIC AND READINGS – Your selected music and readings must not be of a religious nature. You will need to bring your selected reading and/or music with you. Pembroke Lodge will play your music at the appropriate times during the Ceremony, and this should be provided on a CD or iPod.
CHAIRS – if you wish to hire your own chairs, you can do so provided they are delivered to the Room (not a kerbside delivery) during the morning of the wedding and collected early on the following morning. We are unable to accept delivery before the wedding day. Please check with your administrator regarding timings for delivery and collection of chairs.
CHAIR IMAGES AND DIMENSIONS
CHAIR COVERS – Our chairs are standard, beige 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. We are unable to accept delivery of chair covers before the wedding day and they must be collected by 11.00 a.m. on the following 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.
COACHES (SINGLE DECKER ONLY) – To bring wedding guests to the Lodge are only permitted in the Park if they have the appropriate permit which can be obtained from Holly Lodge – 0300 061 2200. Please note that double-decker coaches are not permitted in the Park
CONFETTI – Can be thrown inside the ceremony room (paper confetti only) 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 email, paying the hire fee by BACS. 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 6 or 7 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.
DECORATIONS – No staples/pins, Sellotape or BluTak can be attached to any of the walls, paintwork or floors. Any draping must be attached via existing hooks or be free-standing. Please note and advise suppliers e.g. florists and photographers that step ladders are not provided by Pembroke Lodge and if required, must be brought in by themselves.
DIRECTIONS – We can provide maps to be sent out with your wedding invitations.
LOCATION MAP
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 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.
Unfortunately, the scattering of real petals on the floors (down the aisle for example) is not permitted.
GUEST NUMBERS-
The Russell Suite – maximum 70 seated guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast and 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 – maximum 140 seated guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast and 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.
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.
MAIN MEETING – This will be held with your Banqueting Manager six or seven months prior to your wedding day and is normally held on a weekday.
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.
MUSIC- DJ or BANDS – You are welcome to source your own music or use the recommended suppliers on our website
Please note that our sound limiter is set at 99 decibels when using our equipment
NAPKINS – as a rule, we fold the napkins in to a fan shape. If you would prefer them to be flat folded, you should advise your Banqueting Manager at the time of your main meeting.
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
PARK CLOSING TIMES – the Park gates close at dusk. After closure guests can only enter via the Richmond Gate where our Gateman will be on duty during weddings.
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.
PETALS – Unfortunately, the scattering of real petals on the floors (down the aisle for example) is not permitted
PHOTOGRAPHERS – You are welcome to source your own photographer or use the recommended suppliers on our website. Drone Photography is prohibited by the Royal Parks.
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.
TABLE DECORATIONS – Place names, cameras, favours, etc can be delivered the day before the wedding at a time to be agreed with your Wedding Administrator but we can only accept deliveries during the morning.
SMOKING – Guests are welcome to smoke outside the building and ashtrays can be provided.
TABLES – Our tables can seat up to 10 guests per table.
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.
VAT AND GRATUITY – Our prices are inclusive of VAT. Gratuities are optional.
VIEWINGS – Can be arranged by phoning (020) 8940 8207 or email: info@pl.org.uk
WAITING STAFF – Staff service is based on one waiter/waitress per 10 guests.