How many guests can we invite to our ceremony?
The Old House is an historic venue that is able to accommodate 24 guests, which is in addition to both the happy couple and the registrars. The venue capacity remains the same throughout and we are able to accommodate 24 guests plus the happy couple during the reception.
We politely ask that guests remain within the Old House and its gardens and do not venture to other areas.
When should we advise our guests to arrive?
We recommend that guests arrive thirty minutes before the ceremony.
How early can deliveries of floral arrangements or decorations arrive?
For delivery of floral arrangements and decorations, access will be granted to the Old House from ninety minutes prior to the ceremony.
Depending on availability, we may be able to allow access for decorations the day before the ceremony. We will be pleased to discuss this further with you.
How long is our booking?
Ceremony room hire only: your total booking would be 3 hours, with your ceremony start time in the middle. This includes time for photographs in the Old House and garden. As we only have one ceremony per day, the ceremony start time would depend on your preference and registrar availability.
For couples who book the Wedding Suite, selected members of the wedding party will have access to the venue two hours prior to the ceremony start time; this will also be extended to any suppliers and decorations for your special day.
For couples who book the Reception Rooms, you will have access to the venue for two hours after your ceremony finishes and will allow your guests to raise a celebratory glass to the happy couple following the ceremony and photographs.
Depending on how you plan your day with us, your booking be from 3 hours minimum to 4.5 hours maximum
Can we use confetti?
We ask that guests are made aware that they may use biodegradable confetti only.
How can we play our ceremony music?
We are able to provide use of our speaker, which has Bluetooth connection, an auxiliary cord and CD player for your own music. Please note that we are unable to provide music for your ceremony.
Additionally, we kindly ask that you nominate a member of the wedding party to be in charge of the music on the day.
What is included in the Reception Rooms?
Table coverings, champagne flutes, glass tumblers, jugs and water are included with hire of the Reception Rooms. Couples are to bring their own drinks for a corkage fee.
Due to the historic nature of the venue, we are unable to offer catering facilities, but can keep drinks chilled for a short while before the ceremony. We are unable to store any food or drink outside of your booking hours.
Do we need to book a registrar?
Please remember that it is your responsibility to book the registrars for your ceremony independently from your booking with us. This can be done by contacting the Essex Registry Office on 0345 603 7632. Alternatively, further information can be found at https://www.essex.gov.uk/get-married-in-essex/book-a-registrar.
Where is the venue, and where can we park?
The address for the Old House is as follows:
17 South Street
Rochford
Essex
SS4 1BW
The Old House is a white building along South Street. There is a gate to the left of the Old House, and we kindly ask that guests follow signage through this entrance.
We recommend parking for guests at the nearby:
Rochford Car Park (also known as Back Lane car park, accessible via Locks Hill)
Locks Hill
Rochford
SS4 1AY
Once you have parked, please head right up Back Lane past the Doctors Surgery. This will bring you to the end of Back Lane and out onto South Street. Once here, the Old House can be found across the road to your right.
Please note that alternative parking closer to the venue for the wedding cars can be arranged directly via the wedding coordinator.