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At Ripley Castle we help you to transform your dreams and ideas into reality. When the Marriage Act was altered in 1996 (on April Fool's day: a nice touch, we thought) couples wanting to get married were able to do so for the first time in a venue other than a church or registry office. We were one of the first castles to be granted a licence to hold civil wedding ceremonies, and have worked incredibly hard ever since to ensure that every wedding day is individually organised down to the smallest detail.
We sit down with you to prepare a detailed programme and instructions sheet for the day so that everybody knows who is doing what and when: you get a copy too, so that you are always in control. At Ripley there is always someone at your shoulder; to answer queries, offer advice, receive instructions and help however they can, whatever the problem. In an emergency we cope. We take the trouble so that you can relax and enjoy the whole day.
A number of the castle's main reception rooms are licensed for civil wedding ceremonies. The ceremony fee is £700 + VAT. The sixteenth century oak-panelled Library lends a fabulous air of history and dignity to the proceedings, but some couples prefer to use one of the lighter Georgian rooms. The spectacular Long Gallery in the East Wing will seat up to 120 people and the Amcotts Room will seat up to 80 people.
The castle, lake and deer park provide a dream-like setting for your wedding photographs, but there are several excellent locations for photography in the castle itself, and in the adjacent walled gardens. In our contacts list you will find the best local photographers: they all come highly recommended by previous clients. While you are busy with the photographer, your guests will be enjoying their drinks in the reception rooms, or outside on the terrace, overlooking the lake and deer park.
The castle has established a great reputation for excellence and reliability when it comes to serving fine cuisine and good, sensibly priced wines. All our catering is done 'in house', but we will happily work alongside professional outside caterers if Kosher or ethnic food is required. Our new state-of-the-art kitchens opened in July 2004.
Creche facilities can be set up in one of the adjacent rooms so that parents with young children can relax, without having to worry about what their children are up to.
Our wedding package includes the cost of the champagne reception, the meal, the wines and the mineral waters that accompany it, and some of your flower arrangements: our florists will happily create floral arrangements to your chosen colours and styles. The fantastic thing about Ripley is that you know well in advance exactly what your wedding is going to cost you, and can plan for it accordingly. You pay the bulk of the expenses up front so it's one less thing to worry about afterwards, and we keep extras to a minimum.
It's your big day: we take the trouble so you just enjoy yourselves!
Ripley Castle operates a no smoking policy