Wedding frequently asked questions
Place your wedding in our hands and we will make your dreams a reality.
We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about planning your big day with Moddershall Oaks.
ceremony
What time should I book my registrar / church for?
For civil ceremonies taking place at Moddershall Oaks, we recommend either 1.30pm or 2pm, and no earlier than 12pm. Stafford Registration Offices have slots every half an hour and all their details are in the wedding brochure.
For Church weddings we recommend 12pm or 12:30pm ceremony, to arrive at Moddershall Oaks between 2-2:30pm. Of course, if you wanted to book a later time slot or are planning a twilight wedding, your events manager will be more than happy to discuss this with you.
Can I get married outside?
Yes, absolutely! We have our garden aisle with gorgeous hand-built oak gazebo on the edge of the lake, which is licensed for civil ceremonies.
How many seats are there in the outdoor ceremony space?
The rows increase in size from front to back, with 6 chairs on each side in the first two rows, followed by 8, 10 and 12 chairs on each side in the remaining rows. Additional chairs can be added if required up to maximum 100 seats with additional space for guests to stand.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We will always set up inside the venue for a civil ceremony just in case the weather is bad. We will only conduct ceremonies outside if the temperature is between 10-11 degrees Celsius or higher, dry and not windy, as we need to make sure your guests are comfortable.
confetti, sparklers and decor
Can we use confetti?
Yes! Natural, undyed, biodegradable confetti can be thrown inside and on the patio at the front of the venue. We do not allow confetti canons.
Can we use candles?
Of course! Please make sure they are in a suitable holder that ensures wax doesn’t drip onto the linen.
Can we have sparklers or fireworks?
No, unfortunately we do not allow fireworks or sparklers due to our countryside location and local livestock / natural wildlife around the property.
Do you have a list of recommended suppliers?
We have a fantastic list of recommended suppliers featuring a host of local businesses that are passionate about ensuring your big day is one to remember! Everything from venue dressers to florists, photographers to videographers, DJs and live bands, hair stylists to vintage ice cream vendors; you’re sure to find what you’re looking for! Our recommended suppliers are familiar with the venue and understand how to make the most of the space. Click here to find out more.
capacity and exclusivity
Is Moddershall Oaks an exclusive-use wedding venue?
Yes, weddings in The Venue at Moddershall Oaks are offered on an exclusive-use basis, giving you and your guests private use of The Venue, the adjacent garden aisle and patio, and the courtyard for your special day.
The wider Moddershall Oaks estate, including the spa and restaurant, remains open to other guests and members of the public as usual.
How many guests can you accommodate for a wedding?
Moddershall Oaks offers a flexible space to suit weddings of different sizes. Outdoor ceremonies can accommodate up to 100 seated guests, with additional space for guests to stand. Indoor ceremonies and wedding breakfasts can accommodate up to 130 seated guests. And for evening receptions, there is space to welcome additional guests with a capacity for up to 175, allowing you to extend your celebrations and include more friends and family.
Do you offer wedding packages or bespoke weddings?
We offer both structured wedding packages and the flexibility to tailor elements of your day. Our team will work with you to create a celebration that reflects your style, guest numbers, preferences and the overall wedding experience you’re looking for.
viewing & catering
Can we book a private tour of the venue?
Yes of course! Nothing beats seeing it for yourself, and a tour of the venue gives you chance to see the venue at your own pace, including ceremony areas, reception room and onsite accommodation. You’ll also have chance to chat with a member of the wedding team about your plans and to ask any questions you may have. We offer private venue tours throughout the week, including evenings and weekends. Click here to find out more.
Can we use our own caterers?
Weddings at Moddershall Oak are catered by our talented team of in-house chefs, and we’re unable to accommodate external caterers. We offer a range of menus to suit a variety of tastes, and our team can also work with you to create a bespoke menu for your day.
planning
Can I re-visit the venue before our wedding day?
Absolutely! We know how important it is to show off your future wedding venue to your family and friends, or to pop down and get decoration ideas! These appointments will need to be booked in advance to make sure we don’t have any other events taking place in the venue when you want to visit. We are always here for help and support, either on the phone or in person.
How far in advance should we book our wedding?
We recommend booking your wedding as early as possible, particularly if you have a peak-season date or specific day of the week in mind. However, we understand that every couple’s plans are different, and we often accommodate weddings with a much shorter lead time. Our dedicated wedding planner will be on hand to assist throughout the process, helping you bring your plans together with confidence.
planning
Can I try the food that I’ve picked for my wedding breakfast?
Yes! Six months prior to your wedding you will have the opportunity to go into our restaurant and try the menu you’ve picked. This is included in the cost of your wedding.
Can our dog be part of the wedding day?
Absolutely! Having your much-loved dog join your wedding day can provide incredible photo opportunities, wonderful memories and lots of fun for your and your guests! And this is exactly the reason why we allows dogs at weddings!
As with most dog-friendly wedding venues, we ask that your pooch remains outside. Your dog is welcome to be part of the proceedings during your outdoor wedding ceremony and we encourage dogs to then stay for reception drinks and photographs before returning home prior to your wedding breakfast.
Please note: our wedding venue is set in a 72 acre estate including lake and woodlands with natural wildlife. As such, we ask that dogs remain on a lead. For more information about having your dog join your wedding day, check out our blog post here.
planning
What size tables do you have available for the wedding breakfast?
We have a range of table sizes available and can mix and match them to suit your guest numbers and table plan. Options include smaller tables for 6–7 guests, medium tables for 8–10 guests, and a number of larger tables seating up to 12 guests.
You can have up to 14 guests on a long top table if this is preferred.
What time does the bar close?
We call last orders at 11.45pm and the bar closes at midnight when the music finishes. We kindly ask that all guests vacate the venue and are off site by midnight at the latest. If your guests require taxis, these need to be booked for midnight to ensure they have departed before 12.15am
What are the recommended timings for a wedding day?
Timings can vary depending on your plans, especially for church weddings or twilight weddings. For a ceremony at 1:30pm, a typical wedding day would usually follow a schedule similar to this – click here.
Is there anywhere to get ready on the morning of the wedding?
Yes, our beautiful preparation pod, The Bluebells, provides a light and airy space for you and your wedding party to get ready together. Click here to find out more about The Bluebells pod.
accommodation
Can we stay overnight on the night of our wedding?
Yes of course! We include a mini-moon spa break for couples tying the knot at Moddershall Oaks within our classic wedding packages. To find out more about what’s included in the mini-moon spa break – click here.
Is there any onsite accommodation for our wedding guests?
Yes, alongside the Honeymoon Pod, Moddershall Oaks offers 12 woodland pods, allowing wedding guests to extend the celebrations and stay overnight. This includes eight double pods, one accessible pod and three family pods (family pods suitable for max. 2 adults and 2 children). Each pod offers the comforts of a modern hotel with the tranquillity of a countryside retreat. Once your wedding is booked, you’ll be issued with a unique code that your guests can use to unlock availability for the night of your wedding. Pods are typically held on provisional hold for your guests to book until 6 months before you wedding date. Any unsold pods are then released for general sale.
Can I stay the night before the wedding?
Yes, subject to availability you can book our ‘night before the wedding’ package. This includes spa access from 12pm for some additional pampering before you check into your pod/room at 3pm. Enjoy an afternoon of pre-wedding relaxation followed by a delicious 2-course meal in the Oak House. Get a good night’s sleep before enjoying a hearty breakfast to give you the best start to your wedding day! Please enquire for availability.
If you have any other questions about weddings at Moddershall Oaks, please do get in touch with our weddings team on 01782 399000 (option 3) or email weddings@moddershalloaks.com
