Wedding FAQs
Wedding FAQs
Welcome to our Wedding FAQ page! Here, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about hosting your special day at Swinney Wood Weddings. From venue details and package options to logistical arrangements and special requests, we aim to cover everything you need to know to plan your perfect celebration.
If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team—we’re here to help make your wedding planning journey as seamless as possible.
FAQs
Q: Can we have a legal wedding ceremony at Swinney Wood Log Cabins?
A: Absolutely! Swinney Wood Log Cabins is fully licensed to host legally binding, non-religious civil ceremonies, as well as blessings and vow renewals.
Q: How do we secure our wedding date, and who books the registrar?
A: To make the process as seamless as possible, simply let us know your preferred date (this will be the day after your arrival at Swinney Wood). We will check availability with Amber Valley Registrars and place a provisional booking on your behalf. This will be held for 48 hours, giving you time to contact the registrars directly to confirm and finalise your arrangements.
Q: What happens after I’ve confirmed my booking with the registrar?
A: Once your booking with Amber Valley Registrars is secured, we’ll receive confirmation and officially start the countdown to your wedding! We’ll then be in touch to confirm your details and arrange payment of the 25% deposit to secure your stay at Swinney Wood.
Q: Can we have guests at our wedding?
A: Yes! Swinney Wood offers flexible options depending on the size of your wedding party:
- Just the two of you? Your chosen log cabin is included, and we can provide witnesses if needed.
- A small celebration? You can book one or two additional log cabins (each sleeping two adults aged 18+), allowing you to have up to four guests. Please note that the remaining log cabins may be booked by other guests.
- Exclusive hire? If you wish to have complete privacy, you can book all three additional log cabins, each sleeping two adults (18+), allowing you to have up to six guests.
If you choose exclusive hire, we can also discuss the option of bringing your own children to attend the ceremony and reception. However, please note that children cannot stay overnight, and this option is only available with exclusive hire.
Q: Can you accommodate guests overnight?
A: Yes, but any additional log cabins must be booked for the full duration of your stay—either three nights from a Friday or four nights from a Monday. Guests cannot stay for just one night.
- A small celebration? You can book one or two additional log cabins (each sleeping two adults aged 18+), allowing you to have up to four guests. Please note that any unbooked cabins may be reserved by other guests.
- Exclusive hire? For complete privacy, you can book all three additional log cabins, each sleeping two adults (18+), allowing you to have up to six guests. A 5% discount applies to each additional log cabin when booking exclusive hire.
Q: Can we have exclusive use of Swinney Wood for our wedding?
A: Yes! Exclusive hire of Swinney Wood is available when all four log cabins are booked, including the cabin reserved for the wedding couple. This ensures complete privacy, with no other guests on-site during your stay.
If you choose exclusive hire, we can also discuss the option of bringing your own children to attend the ceremony and reception. However, please note that children cannot stay overnight.
To make exclusive hire even more special, we offer a 5% discount on each additional log cabin when booking all four cabins together.
Q: What if it rains on our wedding day?
If the weather isn’t on your side, you can step inside the log cabin for an intimate inside-outside wedding. With the patio doors open, you’ll still have the breathtaking scenery as the perfect backdrop for your vows, ensuring your ceremony remains beautiful and immersed in nature—whatever the weather.
Q: Who organises outside caterers and restaurants?
We provide a carefully curated list of outstanding local restaurants and caterers, allowing you to choose the perfect option to suit your dining preferences.
For those wishing to dine at Swinney Wood, we can recommend trusted suppliers offering grazing tables, picnics, afternoon tea, and more.
If you’d like your dining or picnic area styled as shown in our photos, Elegance by Katy can recreate this stunning setup. Please contact her directly via our supplier list for a quote.
Q: Are LGBTQ+ weddings welcome?
Absolutely! Swinney Wood Log Cabins is a celebratory venue for love in all its forms. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for every couple. We are also proud sponsors of Pride in Belper and members of The Welcoming Project.
Q: What about suppliers for hair, makeup, flowers, and photography?
We’ve curated a list of local suppliers for hair, makeup, flowers, photography, and more. Once you’ve booked your wedding, you’ll receive a supplier booklet with full details to help you choose the perfect team for your day.
We recommend securing your preferred suppliers as early as possible to ensure availability.
Q: Are we able to use our own suppliers for hair, makeup, flowers, photography, etc?
Absolutely! While we provide a list of local suppliers, you are more than welcome to use your own.
Q: Can I bring my dog to my wedding?
No, pets are not permitted at Swinney Wood Log Cabins.
We understand that many couples would love to have their pets be part of their special day. However, to protect the wildlife in our surrounding woodland, maintain the tranquil, romantic setting of Swinney Wood, and ensure the safety of our resident sheep, we have a no-pets policy in place.
Legally recognised assistance dogs are exempt, but please contact us in advance to discuss suitability.
Q: Can our children join us?
Swinney Wood Log Cabins is an adults-only venue; however, if you have exclusive use (booking all four log cabins), we can discuss the option of your children attending the ceremony and reception. Please note that children cannot stay overnight.
