Image Credit: Pip Andersen Photography
Ceremonies & Receptions
“Many thanks to everyone at Forde Abbey who made our wedding so special. Everyone writing to us since has been bowled over by the beauty of the buildings and gardens, and we’re so grateful for how welcome you made us and all our guests. It’s a stunning setting and one I’m sure we’ll be back to visit with happy memories throughout our lives together”.
Civil Ceremonies
Forde Abbey is available for civil marriage ceremonies, civil partnerships and chapel blessings. Both the beautiful Great Hall and the medieval Monks’ Refectory are licensed for civil weddings.
The Great Hall, with its oak panelled ceiling and tall mullioned windows, is a truly majestic room. Built nearly 500 years ago by Forde’s last abbot, this room seats up to 200 guests and creates a stunning backdrop to your ceremony. The room is equally suited to summer weddings with sunlight streaming through its South facing windows, or to winter weddings where the enormous open fire and 16th century chandelier cast a romantic glow over proceedings.
If you have a more intimate ceremony in mind, the Monks’ Refectory offers a cosier setting for up to 80 guests. Surrounded by family portraits, this friendly room opens directly on to the North side of the Abbey, allowing you a private celebration.
The Chapel, originally the monastic Chapter House, seats up to 100 guests and is available for marriage blessings.
To request a copy of our wedding pack please get in touch.
Receptions
Forde Abbey grants unmatched surroundings for you to greet your guests, dine and dance into the evening. Start with a champagne reception in the Great Hall, which opens directly on to the South Lawn. Forde Abbey boasts 30 acres of award-winning gardens, open to your guest to explore while you create an unforgettable album of photographs.
Then adjourn along the Cloisters to the 12th-century Undercroft for a meal cooked by one of our excellent recommended caterers, and dancing to your favourite band or DJ. This room, with deep arched windows, stone pillars and vaulted ceilings seats up to 150 people and provides the perfect end to your day.
For couples preferring to have an afternoon champagne reception only, the 16th century Great Hall is a magnificent and impressive room. The entrance is through the stylish Vestibule and along the medieval Cloisters. The vestibule is situated on the east side of the Abbey opening out onto the drive and a car parking area reserved for your guests only. The Great Hall makes an ideal room for the new bride and groom to greet their guests with champagne and canapés and also gives access onto the South Lawn and the rest of the beautiful 30 acre garden.
Alternatively, if you prefer an evening reception you may like to have the drinks in the Great Hall followed by dinner and dancing in the Undercroft. The Undercroft seats a maximum of 150 people. There is also ample space outside for a marquee. We provide a list of recommended caterers whom we have found to be excellent, both in terms of food quality and reliability. These firms are able to offer varied menus so that you can find something that suits you.
We do not charge corkage, so you are free to provide your guests with a variety of drinks to suit your occasion.
A Forde Abbey Wedding is a memorable event. If you have any special wishes we are always willing to discuss them.
A Forde Abbey Wedding is a memorable event. If you have any special wishes we are always willing to discuss them.
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