Now the real fun begins. You’ve taken that exciting first step by enquiring at your dream wedding venue (which of course is the Renaissance at Kelham Hall 👀), but you might be wondering… What actually happens on the day?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! We asked our lovely Wedding Coordinators to walk you through what a typical wedding day looks like here at Kelham Hall, so you know what to expect and can start dreaming up your big day.
Photography by: Robert Scatliffe
If you’re having a civil ceremony at Kelham Hall (we’ve got seven licensed ceremony spaces to choose from!), the Nottinghamshire County Council registrars will be the ones conducting your ceremony. The time you book with them will shape the rest of your wedding day schedule, and our team will help build a timeline around it to make everything feel smooth and stress-free.
Top Tip: Our gorgeous on-site lodge is the perfect getting-ready spot. There’s plenty of space for you, your bridal party, hair & makeup, mum (or dad!), and your nerves. Plus, it’s just a stones-throw from the Hall!
On the big day, the first to arrive are usually your suppliers. We’ll be here to greet them and make sure everything is set up exactly how you imagined, so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
Then comes the Groom and Groomsmen, typically arriving early to welcome guests and sort any final bits. About 30 minutes before the ceremony, the Groom meets with the registrar for a short legal interview (don’t worry – nothing scary!). Then it’s your turn, with another 15-minute slot before your grand entrance.
The ceremony itself usually lasts around 30 minutes, followed by celebratory drinks and canapés. This is also when those must-have family, couple, and group photos take place. Many guests take this chance to explore our beautiful gardens and architecture, trust us, they’ll love it.
After about 1.5 hours of drinks and mingling, it’s time to take your seats for the wedding breakfast. We’ll announce you in as newlyweds before food service begins.
Speech timing is totally up to you, some couples go for pre-meal, others save them for the end. Our team will help make sure everything flows nicely, whichever way you choose.
Food service typically lasts around 2 hours, giving everyone time to relax, chat, and enjoy. Somewhere in here is the perfect window for you and your photographer to sneak off for some romantic couple shots – a little breather and a chance to soak in the fact that… you’re MARRIED!
Evening guests usually start arriving around 7:00pm. After that, it’s time to cut the cake, have your first dance, and kick off the party! Your evening food will be served a little later, just in time to refuel and keep dancing.
Most weddings wrap up around midnight, but bar extensions can be pre-arranged within your contract if you’re not quite ready to call it a night.
And when it is time to call it a night? The on-site Lodge is the perfect retreat, just a stone’s throw away from the party, so you can tumble into bed as newlyweds without going far at all.
To make things even easier, we’ve popped together a handy downloadable wedding day timeline for you to keep on your phone or print out for planning sessions. It’s the perfect little guide to help keep everything in check.
Why not book a private show round with one of our friendly wedding coordinators? We’d love to meet you, hear about your ideas, and help bring your dream day to life at the Renaissance at Kelham Hall.
📍 Nottingham Wedding Venue | Renaissance at Kelham Hall, Newark
