How to find your perfect wedding venue - with Morden Hall

Credit: Galileo Photography

What questions should I ask a venue before booking?
- Check if the venue offers exclusive use so that you're not disappointed on the day.

- Ask if the venue has an event manager to run your wedding. If not, this is something to arrange yourself as it's crucial to the flow and timings of the day.

- If you're planning a summer wedding, always check what the back-up plan is if the weather is bad.

- Ask what the minimum and maximum number of guests are. Guest lists can change over time and you may wish to add a few more people on.

How have you adapted to make weddings more COVID-friendly?
Our team has been lucky enough to host a number of intimate weddings during the pandemic, and they're just as special. Morden Hall has three large function spaces so there's flexibility throughout the day. For intimate ceremonies, our smallest room, the Hawthorne Suite, has become popular. We can then offer a drinks reception in the lounge, followed by a socially distanced wedding breakfast in our largest suite. We have wonderful outside spaces for guests to explore as well.

We've adapted the way we serve food and drink with the use of an app, and canapés are presented as individual portions. We've increased our cleaning procedures and there are multiple sanitising stations throughout the venue, which have been designed not to detract from the beauty of the setting.

How can I narrow down my venue search?
With so much choice, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Start by discussing with your partner what's most important to you. It could be the location and transport links for guests travelling from further afield, or perhaps you're more interested in on-site accommodation.

Next, think about the style of wedding you'd like. Do you have your heart set on a relaxed day with full access to the venue and grounds to enjoy with your nearest and dearest? Are photos important to you? If so, check that there are plenty of picture-perfect spots both inside and out.

Kate Southall | Morden Hall | www.mordenhall.com