FAQ

What is the latest time we can get married?
All civil ceremonies and partnerships must be held between the hours of 08.00am – 18.00hrs.
Do you have a CD player for music during the ceremony?
Yes, we do have a CD player for music, and live entertainment is also permitted. You must however, discuss all plans for music and entertainment with the Registrar before confirming any arrangements.
Who should I contact to book my marriage ceremony?
You can, in the first instance provisionally reserve a date with us, but before confirming the booking, you must contact Winchester Registrars Office to check availability of a registrar to perform the ceremony.
Please telephone 01962 869608.
Are flowers/decorations provided in the marriage room?
No. We do not provide any flowers or decorations in the marriage room – all arrangements must be made by yourselves.
Is parking available? Is there a charge? Can guests leave their cars overnight?
There is plenty of free parking available on campus, close to the West Downs Centre. Guests (including non-residents) can leave their cars overnight.
Can we use our own caterers?
No, external caterers are not permitted – all catering must be provided by our in-house team.
Can we bring in our own wine and champagne?
Yes, you are permitted to provide your own wine and champagne, for which a corkage charge will be made.
Can we have a bar? What time does it close?
We can provide bar facilities, for which an additional charge is made. The bar closes at 23.00hrs,however it is also possible to extend the opening hours until midnight for an administration fee of £50.00.
Can you cater for children? Do you provide high chairs?
Yes, we can cater for children. No charge is made for children under 5, those aged 5 – 12 will be charged 50% of the adult rate, all those over 12 will considered adults. Special menus can also be created if required. We have2 high chairs available for us, please advise your guests accordingly.
Can you cater for special diet requirements?
Providing we have at least 10 days notice, we are more than happy to catering for vegetarians, vegans and any other special diets.
Do the rooms have disabled access?
Yes, all rooms within the West Downs Centre have disabled access
Are the facilities non-smoking?
Yes, the whole building is non –smoking, including the bedrooms. Smoking is permitted outside the building only.
Can we have candles as part of decorations?
Yes, but we have to carry outa risk assessment, and all candles must be in a secure holder.
Do you allow confetti?
Yes, confetti is permitted.
Can we have fireworks?
No, due to the nature of the site, it is not possible to have fireworks as part of your celebrations.
Can we access the room the night before for decorating?
This will depend entirely on other bookings in the centre. If the space is available, it should be possible for you to have access the night before for decoration, but this cannot be guaranteed and will not be confirmed until a week before. Normally access is permitted from 08.00am on the day of the wedding.
Are we able to store gifts/items with you overnight?
This is normally possible, but will depend entirely on how many there are and how long you wish us to keep them. Gifts will be stored in a locked office, but please note that we are unable to accept any responsibility for the gifts.
Will there be someone from the conference office there on the day?
Yes. Throughout the day, a member of the conference team will be on hand to greet florists, family, bands, entertainments, as well as yourselves and the guests when you arrive. They will liaise with the necessary member of the wedding party at all times and will remain until the evening party is in full swing.
Do we have to order an evening buffet for our guests?
You are not required to order an evening buffet, but we do advise that you order some food for at least 50% of your guests, particularly if you are inviting more friends and family during the evening.
Is there a minimum number of guests for weddings?
The minimum number for wedding ceremonies and partnerships is 30, for receptions minimum number is 50.
Do you provide a cake stand and/or knife? When should be deliver the cake? Will you set it up for us?
Wehaev severalcakes stands availableand we can provide a knife at no extra charge - please ask the conference team for details. We advise that the cake should be delivered on the morning of the wedding or the night before. If necessary, we are happy to set up the cake should this be required, however please ensure that we are provided with the correct instructions.
How much wine should we order?
If you are choosing wines from our list (or indeed providing your own), we would recommend you choose a red and white wine and allow approximately 2/3 glasses per person. A bottle is usually 5 glasses, therefore a wedding of 60 guests, allowing 2 glasses per person would require 25 bottles.
Can we have a live band/entertainment and/or disco?
Yes, both live entertainment and or a band are permitted as part of your wedding reception. We would also ask you to confirm that the band have relevant insurance and conform to necessary licensing and electrical standards.
When does the party have to finish?
Unless you are extending the licence, the bar will close at 23.00hrs, and all music must cease by midnight. If the licence has been extended, the music may continue until 12.30am, and all guests must vacate by 01.00am.

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