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  • Introduction
  • Faq
    Here are some answers to typical queries you'll be likely to have about having your wedding at Pennard House. If you have any other questions though, please do feel free to call or email us.
    What’s the capacity of The Coach House? + show- hide

    The Coach House is suitable for seated groups of up to 120, but is also perfect for a small intimate wedding of 60. In the evening, we can accommodate up to around 150. There is a dance area, bar, relaxed seating and toilets as well as a large dining area. We can easily tailor the seating and set up to suit the size of your event.

    Can we use our own caterer? + show- hide

    Food is a hugely important part of your day and so to ensure you get the best quality food and service on the day our expert team at Pennard Kitchen are on hand to provide amazing food with locally sourced fresh produce. Our catering team have worked with us for many years and their knowledge of the venue ensures that all aspects of the meal run smoothly

    Can we bring our own wine or Champagne? + show- hide

    Yes you are very welcome to bring your own alcohol for the drinks reception and wedding breakfast if you wish and we do not charge corkage. However we do need to charge a small handling fee to include cooling of bottles and also disposal of empties after your event. In the evening we have a fully stocked bar.

    In regards to quantities, we know it can be difficult to decide on how much alcohol to buy and so to make life easier, we can provide you with a choice from a selection of carefully chosen wine on a sale or return basis, if that would suit you better.

    Where can I get married? + show- hide

    Wedding ceremonies can be held in the beautiful 14th century church just beyond the garden. If you prefer a civil ceremony, we have a licensed room in the house which can accommodate up to 80 people or the licensed Garden Pavilion on the croquet lawn next to the house. Alternatively, the gardens offer plenty of spaces for humanist ceremonies.

    Can we book accommodation for the whole weekend? + show- hide

    Yes absolutely, we don’t do back-to-back weddings so most of our guests come for 2 nights. Many guests like to have a meal with family and close friends on the night before the wedding and we would be happy to help with these arrangements. Others have a BBQ around the freshwater pool on the day after the wedding, enjoying a refreshing swim and a Bloody Mary!

    We can also arrange accommodation for you or your guests, in fully furnished tipis within the grounds.

    When do we have our planning meeting + show- hide

    In the autumn before your wedding you will be allocated a wedding director who will help you plan your day. Around this time we will also arrange a planning meeting with your wedding director, to start finalising your itinerary.

    How many times can we meet before to discuss our plans? + show- hide

    After our first meetings and once you decide to have your special day with us, you are welcome to return as often as is necessary prior to your wedding to chat through the details of the day. Just let us know in advance so we can be sure the diary is free.

    Are there any other costs I should be aware of? + show- hide

    We try to be as upfront with everything as possible so that there are no hidden costs or last minute shocks. We will be clear about what we can and can’t offer within the price agreed and after that, any extra cost will simply be down to other things you choose to do on the day.

    Can we use confetti? + show- hide

    Yes, but only biodegradable confetti please, or preferably rose petals and please only outside!

    Can we set off Chinese lanterns? + show- hide

    Regrettably we do not allow lanterns, as they pose a risk to local livestock and to nearby houses and barns.

    Does the venue have disabled access? + show- hide

    Yes, The Coach House has good disabled access.

    What about car parking? + show- hide

    There are plenty of car parking spaces available at Pennard House, adjacent to The Coach House and no more than 10 minutes walk to the church. Therefore, you can leave your car in the same place all day and no need for driving in between the ceremony and reception.

    Does the venue have heating and / or air conditioning? + show- hide

    Yes we have an inbuilt system that provides heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. The heating is provided by heat pumps, while the ventilation uses heat recovery, thus ensuring a constant temperature whatever the weather outside, with minimum environmental impact.

    What is the booking procedure? + show- hide

    To make your booking we send out a booking agreement and ask for a deposit of 25% of the booking fee for Pennard House. A further 25% is due 12 months before your wedding and the outstanding payments including catering, any drinks packages or the drinks handling fee, can be made one month before wedding.

    Useful Information

    Where are we?

    Pennard House is located in the sleepy village of East Pennard, in Somerset. The closest town is Shepton Mallet, approximately 5 miles away, while Glastonbury and Wells are only seven miles away. Bristol and Bath are around 25 miles to the north.

    The journey from London to East Pennard is approximately two and a half hours by car. By train, the quickest and easiest journey is from Paddington to Castle Cary, which is about 10 minutes drive from East Pennard. The journey time from London is around 1hr 45 minutes.

    B&Bs, hotels and self catering

    There are lots of good places locally to stay ranging from rustic bed and breakfast accommodation to local spa hotels. Click here to download an up-to-date list of local accommodation.

    Food and drink – The Pennard Kitchen

    Our bespoke Pennard Kitchen menus have been created by our expert chef, blending the freshest local and seasonal ingredients to create delicious and imaginative food. We work closely with our couples to design specific menus that reflect individual tastes and then create delicious food for everyone to enjoy.

    Our chefs can also provide a variety of evening snack menus, or use our very own Pennard Pizza Van. Alternatively, you are welcome to arrange for a food truck to come in after your main meal. See here for some feedback from recent wedding guests.

    How much time will I get to decorate?

    We want all couples to feel relaxed and at home here at Pennard rather than rushed in to your wedding. We don’t do back-to-back weddings, so most of our couples come and stay the night before the wedding. This means being able to decorate the Coach House the night before, so there is nothing to do on the day, meaning you can wake up with the knowledge that the only thing that needs attention is yourself! We just ask couples to book all the accommodation in the house on the night before and this guarantees we won’t book anything else.

    Who do I contact regarding the actual ceremony?

    If you are looking to get married in the village church, all the information and contact details are on their website here.

    If you are planning a civil ceremony, then once you have set a date with us you would need to contact the Somerset Registration Service to arrange details.

    Taxis

    This is a list of a few taxi companies we use regularly and who are reliable. It is worth booking in advance as they can get very busy in the evenings:

    • Chinnock Taxis 07703 068878
    • Village Cabs 01458748748
    • Castle Cary Taxis 01963 351333
    • CJW Taxis 01458 833 106
    • Glastonbury Taxis 01458 831905
    • A2B Taxis 07900 224 427
    • Bruton and Mendip Taxi- 07984 465864
    • Elite Travel- 07566 855007
    • IT taxis- 07528 515722
    • P&V mini busses -07828 984699

    Other

    If there is any other way we can help then please do ask. We can recommend very good local florists, hairdressers, photographers and DJs. We know some great bands, whether you like rock ‘n roll, blues, ceilidh, or simply a good cover band. Through experience we have sussed out the best people locally and we would be happy to recommend them to give you peace of mind in organising your event.

    Pennard House is one of Somerset's hidden treasures. A Grade II listed family home surrounded by breathtaking Somerset countryside, this is one of those places that makes you feel at home the moment you arrive. behind the scenes to save you any stress or strain.
    The location of choice for Vogue, Marie Claire and The English Home magazine, Pennard House is a beautiful, family-owned country estate, just waiting to host your perfect event. But don't just take our word for it, see what others have said about our exclusive venue.