The ultimate timeline for your wedding day at Farnham Castle in Surrey.
Every wedding venue will offer a different suggestion in regard to how they believe a wedding day should flow, and, ultimately, the timings of your day will follow on from the set time of your wedding ceremony.
At Farnham Castle, we work with couples to ensure they have the wedding day they’ve always dreamed of and we definitely do have experience of what works well and what doesn’t, time wise, throughout the day and evening – keeping you and your wedding guests in mind at all times.
Below is a typical wedding day timeline at Farnham Castle. A guide developed over many years, to ensure your wedding day allows perfect timings between different elements of the day; from the arrival of the bride and her bridal party, to a fond farewell the following morning.
Farnham Castle Wedding Day Timeline
Our timeline is a guide, based on our experience of couples holding their wedding ceremony at Farnham Castle. Timings may vary if couples are getting married in a local church or have their own specific requirements.
8am – Arrival of the Bridal Party
The bridal party gain access to The Gatehouse – a private 3-bedroom cottage to prepare for the wedding with beauty suppliers, an optional lunch hamper and celebratory bubbles.
10am – Suppliers allowed on site
Wedding suppliers will require plenty of time to ensure they can set up before your wedding ceremony and/or reception at Farnham Castle.
11am – Arrival of the Groom and his party
The Tindle Bar in an ideal location for the groom, his Best Man and Ushers to relax and calm their nerves.
12:30pm – Wedding guests arrive and take their seats.
The bride, father of the bride and bridesmaids prepare to make the short walk from The Gatehouse across to The Fox’s Steps and entrance to the Castle.
1pm – Wedding ceremony
The wedding ceremony can take place in one of 7 locations at Farnham Castle. Every room has its own unique character and there is even a choice of 2 Chapels for those wanting a Church of England religious ceremony.
1:30/45pm – Drinks reception commences
This is also a great time for the newlywed couple to enjoy a few moments together, while guests gather on The Fox’s Steps, ahead of the confetti shot – the ultimate introduction to your celebratory drinks and canape reception on The Great Lawn, overlooking Farnham. The Stone Hall provides the ultimate wet-weather back up plan.
3:15pm – Guests make their way in to The Great Hall
Guests take their seats for the wedding breakfast ahead of the announcement of the newlywed couple at approximately 3:45pm.
5.45pm – Wedding Speeches
Traditionally, the Father of the Bride, Groom and Best Man speak for around 10 minutes each. After dinner, guests would make their way in to The Stone Hall, Gallery Bar or The Great Lawn (depending on the season), so that the evening entertainment and set up can commence.
7pm – Arrival of evening guests
Evening wedding guests would make their way in to The Stone Hall to join the party, before the cutting of the wedding cake at approximately 7.15pm.
7:30pm – First Dance
The newlyweds take to the dance floor before a full evening of celebrating begins.
8.30pm – Evening Food
Choose a selection of evening food (from our menus in advance) to be served until approximately 10pm.
11:15pm – Last Orders
Last orders are called at the bar before the bar closes and the music comes to an end at 11.30pm.
A late licence is available at Farnham Castle for couples wishing to extend their celebration. Please speak to our wedding team to find out more.
Carriages at Midnight
…for guests departing Farnham Castle. Night caps will be served in The Tindle Bar for overnight guests.
8am – Breakfast
Overnight guests enjoy breakfast with the newlywed couple in The Library before departing Farnham Castle.
We are, of course, always open to suggestions and would be delighted to make your wedding day ideas work around the important elements of the day – your ceremony and wedding breakfast.
If you’re keen to find out more about holding your wedding at Farnham Castle but have not yet received a brochure from us, please complete our wedding enquiry form and our team will get back to you shortly.
Image: Voyteck Photography