beaconside country estate

Q & A

deposit required and when?

in order for us to hold your special day / days we require a deposit of 2,500

Is my deposit refundable?

it isn't, but We do urge you to take out wedding insurance and offer you this option at a competitive rate on our booking page

What is the payment schedule after the deposit has been paid?

We request an interim payment 6 months prior to your wedding and final payment 10 weeks prior to your wedding, this is when all your numbers have been finalised

Will you cancel our Wedding if a payment is a week or two late?

we have heard of some venues doing this......as your wedding venue, it's so important that we create a great relationship with you both and it's something we would never do. all we ask is that you keep us informed and we'll do all we can to support you

What payment methods do you accept?

All payment methods are accepted

What is the venue hire price?

This will vary depending on the day and time of year you plan to get married, please get in touch, let us know what you're looking for and we'll prepare a bespoke quote

What does the venue hire price include?

Beaconside Country Estate will be 'all yours' for the entirety of your stay and all the properties will be reserved in your name to be paid for directly by your guests

Is there an extra charge for me to have my Ceremony with you?

we're really happy to prepare your ceremony area for you and there is no additional charge. however you do need to book and pay for your registrar direct

What is the Registrars fee?

The average is 400 however evening ceremonies are more expensive., book as soon as you can as dates are soon taken!

Could we hire a marquee from a supplier?

Yes of course, but The Beacon Barn is such a beautiful space in all seasons, once you’ve seen it, we think you’ll be smitten!

what would the charge be for having it on site?

It depends on the size and how long you would like to have it in situ, get in touch and we'll be happy to guide you

Will all properties be reserved in our names?

with the exception of our one day wedding option, yes they will

Do we have to pay for accommodation in full ‘up front’?

Not at all, payment can be made up to 10 weeks prior to your wedding

Can our guests pay for accommodation directly?

the choice is yours but generally, our couples allocate where they would like their guests to stay, the guests would then call to make payment direct

What deposit is required to reserve each property?

We don’t require a deposit

Can we ‘mark up’ the price of the accommodation to help us pay for our Wedding?

Some couples do, it’s entirely up to you both

What site security deposit do you take?

Unlike most wedding venues, we don’t take a security deposit. we trust our couples and their guests to treat Beaconside with care and respect .However if there was any serious damage we would like to think that a mutual agreement could be made.

Will the price of food and / or drink increase in price after my booking?

Only if inflationary pressures are over and above ‘the norm’ in which case, we would have to pass this cost on.

CEREMONY

Are you licensed for Civil Ceremonies?

we are

Do you provide a sound system for our Ceremony?

We do, all we need is for you to provide the music via your mobile and we will do the rest

How long does a ceremony take?

Between 30 and 60 minutes, it really depends on what type of ceremony you would like.

Can we choose our own registrar?

Unfortunately the council do not allow this

What ceremony areas do you offer?

For outside ceremonies, we offer ‘The Sundial’ For inside ceremonies we offer either ‘The Beacon Barn’ or ‘The Glasshouse’

How many people can be seated for our Ceremony?

'The Sundial' 150 guests, 'The Beacon Barn' 160 guests and 'The Glasshouse' 80 guests

Could we have a church wedding and return to you for our reception / party?

Yes of course

Could we have a rehearsal, if yes, when could this take place?

We can organise this and subject to availability, on a date and at a time to suit you

What happens if it rains?

If the weather is being unpredictable, don’t worry, we'll be prepared and ready to move your ceremony inside if necessary.

Do you hire out umbrellas?

We have a few umbrellas your guests can use on a first come first serve basis, there is no charge for this.

Could we have a Celebrant Ceremony?

Yes of course

your WEDDING

Do you have microphones for speeches?

Yes, we have 2, one for back up, there is no charge

When is the best time for us to have our speeches?

Ideally, for the smooth running of your Wedding Breakfast, we would advise that your speeches take place at the end of service, however this can be nerve wracking for some, so ultimately the decision is yours

Can...we have a non traditional wedding?

Yes! At Beaconside we’re all about giving you the freedom to spread your wings

What are the restrictions if we want to get really creative?

We love creativity So within reason there aren’t any!

Do you welcome inter-faith marriages?

absolutely

Could we have an Intimate Wedding?

Yes, of course, please take a look at our one day wedding

CAN WE BRING OUR DOGS?

YOU AND YOUR GUESTS ARE VERY WELCOME TO BRING ALONG YOUR BELOVED FUR FAMILIES!

as a guide we would say around 50 guests

can we have a one day Wedding?

yes of course! accommodation can be booked on a first come, first serve basis

What’s included?

- Your super helpful Wedding co-ordinator
- A welcome glass of bubbly
- Your Wedding Ceremony area
- Exclusive use of The Beacon Barn and Glasshouse
- Exclusive use of the Copper Bar
- Tables, chairs, linens, tableware, glassware and cutlery

over and above the venue hire price, the cost per guest for your wedding breakfast, accompanying drinks and evening food is 115.00

CAN WE BOOK ALL THE PROPERTIES?

THE FURTHER IN ADVANCE YOU BOOK YOUR WEDDING, THE MORE CHANCE THERE IS OF ALL PROPERTIES BEING AVAILABLE

If we have a Christmas Wedding, do you provide a Christmas tree?

We do! In the Main House, The Cottages and The Beacon Barn.

What is the charge for the Christmas trees?

we're really happy to provide trees without charge

Numbers

What is the minimum number for a Wedding?.

50 guests.

How many guests can we invite to our Wedding Ceremony?

The Beacon Barn & Glasshouse seat up to 160 guests.
The Glasshouse seats up to 80 guests.
The Sundial seats up to 160 guests.
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How many guests can we invite to our Wedding Breakfast?

160 guests.
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How many additional evening guests can we invite?

65 guests.
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What is The Beacon Barn capacity for our evening celebrations?

225 guests.
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How many weddings a week do you hold?

No more than twO. WE DON'T WISH TO BECOME YET ANOTHER 'CONVEYOR BELT' WEDDING VENUE.....
SO DON'T WORRY, No one will be SITTING in ‘your sEAT the moment yoU LEAVE….
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TIMINGS

At what point do we get to meet our Wedding co-ordinator?

Your Wedding co-ordinator will have shown you around Beaconside Estate, so you’ve already met!

How much support will my Wedding co-ordinator give me?

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT SO As much or as little AS SUITS YOU
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When do you need final numbers by?

Ten weeks prior to your wedding.

Whats the latest we can make changes to our final numbers?

TEN WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR WEDDING, BUT realistically WE UNDERSTAND that circumstances can change and so we’ll make exceptions where we can.
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What time is best for us to get Married?

We would suggest around 1pm - 2pm as this time creates a nice flow between your ceremony and Wedding Breakfast
If you would like to get married early, we advise that you give some consideration to the time between your Ceremony and your Wedding Breakfast.
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Should we plan a timeline for our big day?

We would strongly advise it. However simple or complex your plans are, when everyone knows what they’re doing and when, it’s a breeze!
If you’d like some guidance, we’re happy to help.
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Who would have this?

The entire Beaconside Team, we’re ‘all’ here for you remember!
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What time are our guests allowed to arrive on our Wedding day?

Beaconside is yours and so they can arrive whenever you would like them to!

Do guests need to book taxis in advance?

We would advise it despite often not being necessary.

Accommodation check in time?

4pm, it’s a large site and a lot of love and care goes into getting it ‘spot on’ for your arrival.

Accommodation check out time?

10am, however we will be flexible when possible

Can we as the wedding couple have a later check out?

Of course, 12 noon as we feel sure you’ll need a ‘lie in’ after your fabulous Wedding Celebrations!

Dates

How do I find out if my desired date is available?

Please get in touch.

How long will you hold my chosen date for?

A couple of days.

Are there any dates / days we can’t get married?

Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Do you charge extra for Bank Holiday weekend?

Due to strong demand we charge an additional 1k.

Do you charge extra for a Christmas Wedding?

Due to strong demand we charge an additional 1k.

Do you charge extra for New Years Eve Wedding?

Due to strong demand we charge an additional 1k.

Evening celebrations

Do you have a noise restriction?

within reason, we don't

Can we have live music?

Yes of course., we can guide you on timings / set up etc.

Are there restrictions on the number of musicians?

No, the more the merrier!

When do our musicians set up?

We can guide you, but ultimately, Beaconside is exclusively yours so you’re free to decide!

When do the musician have to have removed their kit?

By the time you leave Beaconside is fine by us.

Can we have a DJ?

Of course!

Do you have a sound system?

We have a professional sound system which you're welcome to use

What is the charge for using this?

we don't charge, it's all part of the service!

Can we plug an iPhone into your sound system?

Yes of course.

Do the bi-fold doors have to be closed during our evening celebrations?

that wouldn't be much fun would it!

PROPS AND DECORATIONS

If we book a one day Wedding, do we need to remove our decorations by close of our celebrations?

Not at all, that's the last thing you want to be worrying about on your wedding day!

General

How long does it take to get to the nearest sandy beach?

The charming village, beach and dunes of Instow is just 10 mins away and the 2 mile stretch of sandy beach at westward ho! 20 mins. drive a little further and you're at the fabulous beaches of croyde and saunton, one of the uk's top surfing destinations!

What’s the area like for water-sports?

Fantastic! there really is something for everyone....

How far is Beaconside from The Tarka Trail

Less than 5 mins, bring your bike if you have one!

How long have you owned Beaconside Country Estate?

25 years! We fell in love with it as soon as we saw it!

Is the entire Estate totally ‘Exclusive’ to us?

Absolutely! Lock, stock and Barrel, all yours!

Is this just for our Wedding day?

Beaconside Estate is yours and yours only, from the moment you arrive, to the moment you leave!

Do you insist on us having Wedding insurance?

It’s not for us to ‘insist’ however we strongly advise that you do. Covid has taught us to prepare for the unexpected.

Do you welcome LGBTQ couples?

we absolutely do

Do you provide high chairs?

we have 5 that we offer on a 'first come, first serve' basis

What is the charge?

There is no charge.

Do you have liability insurance?

Yes.

Can we use The Beacon Barn and Glasshouse the day after our Wedding, if yes, what is the charge?

Your Wedding is exclusive and to us, ‘Exclusive means Exclusive’ so ‘yes’ of course and there’s no additional charge.

What happens to our gifts after our wedding celebration?

We can keep them safe for you

Do you have electric car charging points?

Not as yet.

Do you have an Eco friendly system for hot water and heating?

Yes, a Biomass system which uses renewable organic materials.

visits

How many visits are we allowed prior to our Wedding?

we don't restrict your visits, you're always welcome!

What time do you allow us for these visits?

As long as you need.

Can we return after our Wedding to ie show friends / family around who were unable to share our Wedding day?

Of course! We’d love to welcome you back!

Could we come back and stay after our Wedding ie for an anniversary, Christening?

we've had many couples come back to celebrate special events in their life.....it's really lovely to be part of your ongoing journey!

Can we get married any day of the week?

You can.

Food & Catering

Do you have a commercial kitchen?

Yes we do, IN THE PAST IT'S ACCOMMODATED former Masterchef Winner lAURENCE HENRY, IF HE'S HAPPY, WE'RE HAPPY!

Do you offer a food tasting?

ABSOLUTELY, A PRIVATE TASTING WHEN IT SUITS THE TWO OF YOU, NO SHARING!

Can additional people come along to the food tasting, if yes, what is the charge?

That would depend on your menu, but friends and family are more than welcome,
KRIS AT 'GUESS EVENTS' WILL BE HAPPY TO ADVISE YOU

Do we have to have a sit down meal for our Wedding Breakfast?

Not at all, it’s your Wedding to have any way you wish!

Do you offer canapés?

We do.

Can we create our own menu?

Of course!

Can we add courses?

YOU CAN...

Do your chefs use local produce?

Our chefs are absolutely committed to using local and British produce where possible, especially our West Country beef, lamb, local fish and seafood. We offer only the very best ingredients to create your Wedding menus, for unforgettable flavours and a memorable culinary experience!

Could you provide a traditional cream tea if we wish?

If that’s what you’d like, we can arrange it no problem!

Can your chefs provide a vegan / vegetarian menu?

No problem.

Could we have something really different, quirky, unusual?

Our chefs will go the extra mile, have a chat!

Do I have to use your caterers or can I select my own?

We have our own FABULOUS chefs who will create youR DELICIOUS Wedding Breakfast and evening food, they can organise other meals if you wish.
IF YOU'D LIKE TO ORGANISE FOOD BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR WEDDING DAY, YOU'RE MORE THAN WELCOME TO USE A CATERER OF YOUR CHOICE

Do you offer tastings?

Of course…It would be rude not to!

What happens if some guests are unable to come, do we still have to pay for them?

Once all produce has been purchased yes, prior to that our chefs will do all they can to accommodate. ANY CHANGES

Would it be possible for your chefs to provide a meal on the evening before our Wedding?

Of course, whatever you fancy.

Where would this be served?

Where would you like it served? We’re easy….

Are there time restrictions on this?

Let’s have a chat and see what tickles your fancy!

Could we offer our guests breakfast the day after our Wedding?

Whatever you’d like to offer, yes of course!

What time would breakfast need to be served?

At a time that’s good for you and your guests.

Would your chefs provide a BBQ?

Yes, at a cost to suit your budget.

Would your chefs provide pizzas?

WE HAVE AN OUTDOOR PIZZA OVEN WHERE ' GUESS EVENTS' WILL CREATE YOUR FABULOUS HANDMADE FRESH PIZZAS!

Would your chefs provide PAELLA

Yes, and a fabulous SUPER LARGE ONE too!

Can we eat outside?

Beaconside Country Estate is yours to enjoy, so eat wherever you’d like to eat. Have a picnic in the woods if YOU FANCY!

Could we have a pool party with food?

Of course!

Do you allow mobile food suppliers on site ie for pizzas, gourmet burgers etc.

Outside your Wedding Day, yes of course.

What is your charge for cake cutting?

We don’t charge.

Do you offer a children’s menu

We do, SPEAK TO KRIS AT 'GUESS EVENTS' AND SHE'LL BE REALLY HAPPY TO CHAT THOUGH YOUR OPTIONS

Is there a tax / service charge?

ABSOLUTELY NOT

Are you able to accommodate food intolerances / allergies?

WE HAVE MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN DEALING WITH FOOD ALLERGIES / INTOLERANCES, YOU'RE SAFE IN OUR HANDS

Would you organise hampers for our guests if we wish?

Of course! Let us know what you’d like and we can arrange it for you.

Would you be prepared to store any left over food until we leave?

Of course.

Would you be able to store our cake until we leave?

Yes.

Drink

Are you licensed to serve alcohol?

Yes.

What drinks are included in our price?

This depends on your wedding but generally your welcome drinks, toasting bubbles and table wine.

Can we select what welcome, table and toasting drinks we have?

Yes of course but obviously this will be reflected in the price.

Do you serve cocktails?

We do but please let us know if there’s something specific you’d like.

Is there a minimum spend?

NoT AT ALL

Do you provide the bar staff?

We do.

Is there an additional charge for bar staff?

No.

Do you stock any local brands?

Lots!

Do you allow corkage?

Yes.

What is the charge for corkage?

13.00 for still wine, 17.00 for sparkling wine ie Cava or Prosecco and 25.00 for champagne.

Can anyone bring their own alcohol to the wedding?

In order to protect our licence, this is a firm ‘no’.

Do you allow alcoholic favours?

We do.

Is your bar card only?

Cards and cash.

Do you allow tabs?

We don’t sorry.

Can we have a free bar, if yes, how does this work?

It’s decided how much is going to be put behind the bar and any stipulations ie no double / triple measures and when the funds run out, it becomes a paid bar again. Putting money behind the bar is a popular wedding gift!

How would you keep beers cold outside and is there a cost for this?

We have a freestanding claw foot enamel bath that we can offer filled with ice for 40.00

Can we request you stock specific drinks behind the bar?

We can sort something out, lets have a chat.

Will the bar be open prior to our ceremony?

Yes., THE BAR WILL BE OPEN ONE HOUR PRIOR TO YOUR CEREMONY

Can our guests take drinks to the ceremony?

The registrars don’t allow DRINKS TO BE CONSUMED DURING THE CEREMONY

Would you open the bar on other days if we wish ie the Friday evening when guests arrive?

Just let us know what you’re after anD we’ll arrange it!

Can we bring alcohol into our own properties?

Yes, but please don’t under any circumstances, bring them to the wedding as this could jeopardise our license.

ACCOMMODATION

Where do we get ready?

Wherever you’d lIKE to get ready!
The Lodge is popular as it has a private hot tub…
The House for larger groups but ultimately, the choice is yours…..

Are the properties all self catering?

THEY ARE, BUT YOU'RE WELCOME TO ARRANGE FOR SUPERMARKET DELIVERIES

Do you have any properties for people with disabilities?

The Lodge. Please let us know of your requirements well in advance.

Where do we stay the night before our Wedding?

Wherever you’d like to stay! Beaconside is all about offering you freedom not giving you instructions...

Where do we stay on the night of our Wedding?

Again the choice is yours but in the autumn we start creating our beautiful new honeymoon cabin, super secluded with cosy wood-burning stove and private hot tub….What could feel more wonderful that a bubbling hot soak under the stars the night after a fabulous but tiring day….

Do you have travel cots?

Yes, we have 5

Do you have spare camp beds?

Yes, we have 5

What is the charge?

There is no charge.

Do you allow tents / camper vans etc. to stay on site overnight?There is a large lay-by very close to Beaconside where a camper van could park up overnight.

SORRY BUT We don’t have ANY facilities for campers.

Is there plenty of local accommodation for additional guests?

THERE IS AND WE'RE HAPPY TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS