Wedding Venue FAQs at Rushton Hall

Planning a wedding in Northamptonshire should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Below, our Wedding Team answers the questions couples ask most often when choosing Rushton Hall as their wedding venue. From The Orangery, ceremony settings and guest numbers to wedding packages, wedding breakfasts and accommodation, these answers will help you begin planning with confidence.

Every celebration is individual, and availability, package inclusions and operational arrangements can vary by date. Once you have chosen a date, our Wedding Team will provide a tailored proposal and guide you through the details.

Venue, location and availability

Why choose Rushton Hall as a wedding venue in Northamptonshire?

Rushton Hall is a historic country house wedding venue in Northamptonshire, near Kettering. The Orangery, landscaped gardens and atmospheric reception spaces provide an elegant setting for every part of the day, from the ceremony and drinks reception to the wedding breakfast and evening celebration. We host just one wedding per day, allowing the team to focus on you and your guests.

Where is Rushton Hall located?

Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa is on Desborough Road in Rushton, near Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN14 1RR. The hotel is conveniently located for guests travelling from Kettering, Corby, Northamptonshire and the wider Midlands, with the A14 and M1 within easy reach. Kettering is the nearest station for guests travelling from London and the south.

How many weddings does Rushton Hall host in one day?

We host one wedding per day. This means our focus is entirely on you, your guests and the smooth running of your celebration.

How do we check whether our preferred wedding date is available?

Please contact our Wedding Team by emailing weddings@rushtonhall.com or calling 01536 713001. We will check availability, talk through your plans and prepare an accurate proposal for your chosen date and guest numbers.

Can Rushton Hall hold a date while we make our decision?

Yes. We can normally place a provisional hold on a date for up to two weeks, giving you time to visit Rushton Hall, consider the proposal and make your decision. Please speak to the Wedding Team for the current terms of any provisional hold.

Can we arrange a private viewing of Rushton Hall?

Yes. A private viewing is the best way to experience the rooms, gardens and atmosphere of Rushton Hall. We will discuss your plans, show you the spaces most suited to your celebration and answer your questions in person. Arrange a viewing with our Wedding Team. For inspiration before your visit, explore real-life Rushton Hall couples.

Does Rushton Hall offer weekday and winter weddings?

Yes. Rushton Hall offers a beautiful backdrop throughout the year, from bright, sunlit celebrations in the warmer months to cosy and atmospheric winter weddings. Wedding hire and package pricing varies by day of the week and season, so the Wedding Team will provide current pricing and availability for the dates you are considering.

Is Rushton Hall suitable for smaller weddings as well as larger celebrations?

Rushton Hall is designed to welcome celebrations of different sizes. The Orangery accommodates weddings of 80 to 250 guests. The current room-hire package lists a minimum of 60 adult day guests. The Wedding Team will advise on the most suitable space and layout for your guest list and style of day.

Is there a minimum number of day guests?

Yes. A minimum of 60 adult day guests. Minimum numbers can vary by date and arrangement, so please discuss your anticipated day and evening guest numbers with the Wedding Team at the enquiry stage.

Are all couples welcome at Rushton Hall?

Yes. We are delighted to welcome couples planning a wedding celebration that feels personal, thoughtful and unmistakably theirs. Our Wedding Team will work with you to shape a day that reflects your plans, traditions and style.

Ceremony and reception spaces

Can we hold both our ceremony and reception at Rushton Hall?

Yes. You can hold your civil ceremony at Rushton Hall and continue seamlessly into your drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening celebration without asking guests to travel between venues.

Which rooms can be used for a wedding at Rushton Hall?

Rushton Hall offers a choice of elegant wedding spaces, including The Orangery, Grand Hall, Picture Gallery and Ballroom. The Orangery is the signature space for weddings of 80 to 280 guests and combines natural light, stone floors, crystal chandeliers and views towards the gardens. The Wedding Team will recommend the best room plan for your ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening celebration.

Can we have a civil ceremony at Rushton Hall?

Yes. Civil ceremonies can take place at the hotel. You will need to contact and book the Registrar directly, and Registrar fees are separate from your Rushton Hall wedding package.

Can we have an outdoor ceremony at Rushton Hall?

Yes. The beautiful sunken lawn provides an open-air setting for a celebrant-led ceremony, giving you flexibility to create a personal and memorable moment outdoors. Please note that outdoor ceremonies on the sunken lawn are suitable for celebrant-led services only.

How do we book a Registrar for our civil ceremony?

Please arrange your Registrar directly with Northamptonshire Registration Service. The Wedding Team can help you understand the timing you need to secure, but the legal ceremony booking and its fees are your responsibility.

Is there a church close to Rushton Hall?

Yes. All Saints Church in Rushton village is opposite the main entrance to Rushton Hall. This makes the hotel a convenient reception venue for couples planning a church ceremony nearby.

What ceremony time do you recommend?

As a guide, we recommend a 1.00 pm civil ceremony at Rushton Hall or a 12.00 noon church ceremony. These timings usually allow enough time for the ceremony, photographs, drinks reception and wedding breakfast. Exclusive-use weddings can offer greater flexibility, and your final timings will be agreed with the Wedding Team.

Can we use the gardens and courtyards on our wedding day?

Yes. The landscaped gardens and courtyards create a lovely backdrop for arrival drinks, guest photographs and couple portraits. The beautiful sunken lawn is also available for celebrant-led outdoor ceremonies. Your Wedding Team will help you plan how each space can work within your day and will always ensure there is an elegant indoor alternative should the weather require it.

What happens if it rains on our wedding day?

Rushton Hall offers beautiful indoor spaces for every stage of the day, including the Picture Gallery, Ballroom and Orangery. We will agree a practical wet-weather plan with you in advance, so that your celebration feels considered and relaxed whatever the forecast.

Can we have a rehearsal before the wedding day?

Please speak to the Wedding Team about rehearsal arrangements. We will advise what is possible around venue operations and other scheduled events, and ensure the people involved understand the important details for the day itself.

Exclusive use, room hire and packages

Does Rushton Hall offer exclusive-use weddings?

Yes. Our exclusive wedding option provides private hire of the hotel and Orangery, giving you and your guests the privacy to celebrate together. Current exclusive use runs from 2.00 pm on the wedding day until 6.00 am the following morning; the precise terms will be set out in your contract.

What is included with exclusive use?

Exclusive use includes private hire of the hotel and Orangery, access to the gardens and courtyards, use of the Cellar Bar, allocated bedrooms and a dedicated Toastmaster. All current wedding packages include a complimentary four-poster honeymoon suite. The details that apply to your date will be clearly set out in your bespoke proposal.

Does exclusive use include every part of the estate?

Exclusive use relates to the hotel and Orangery during the agreed hire period. The spa, car park and North and South Lodges are not included within the exclusive-use arrangement. Please discuss any particular requirements with the Wedding Team before booking.

What is included with Orangery wedding hire?

Orangery wedding hire includes use of the Orangery and key reception spaces, allocated bedrooms on a bed-and-breakfast basis, access to the landscaped gardens and a dedicated Toastmaster. All current wedding packages include a complimentary four-poster honeymoon suite. Exact inclusions are confirmed in your proposal.

Do we have to choose a wedding breakfast package as well as venue hire?

Yes. Wedding hire at Rushton Hall is offered in conjunction with one of our wedding breakfast packages. This ensures that the food, drinks and service for your day are planned as a complete celebration.

What wedding packages are available at Rushton Hall?

Rushton Hall currently offers four wedding packages: The Regal, The Imperial, The Royal and The Sovereign. Each combines wedding room hire with specified food, drinks and practical wedding-day inclusions. The Wedding Team will talk you through the current options and help you select the package that suits your plans, guest numbers and budget.

Can we tailor our wedding package?

Your chosen package gives your day a clear foundation, and the Wedding Team will then help you consider the details that matter to you, such as additional canapés, menu courses, drinks, evening food and accommodation. Any additions and their costs will be clearly included in your proposal.

Is a Toastmaster included?

Yes. Rushton Hall provides the services of a Master of Ceremonies for all weddings with our compliments. They will be with you throughout your day, acting as the link between you and the Banqueting Team so that announcements, timings and key moments run smoothly.

Is free parking available for wedding guests?

Yes. Complimentary parking is available for wedding guests at Rushton Hall.

Securing and planning your wedding

How do we secure our wedding date?

Your date is secured once we have received a signed contract and the required deposit. A £4,000 deposit is required for Orangery weddings and a £6,000 deposit is required for exclusive weddings.

When are the remaining payments due?

Further payments are due nine months before your wedding and again eight weeks before your wedding. Your signed contract remains the definitive record of the payment dates that apply to your booking.

What happens after we have booked?

Once your booking is confirmed, we will send you a welcome guide and support you throughout your planning journey. We recommend planning meetings at key stages, typically around nine months, six months, eight weeks and three weeks before the wedding, so that every detail is agreed in good time.

Will we have a dedicated wedding contact?

Yes. Our dedicated Wedding Team will be your point of contact from enquiry through to the final planning stages. They will help you bring together the timings, menus, guest details, suppliers and finishing touches that make the day yours.

Can we have a menu tasting before the wedding?

Yes. A menu tasting is complimentary for the couple. You can invite up to four additional guests at £55 per person. For the tasting, you will be asked to pre-order up to two options for each course.

When do we need to confirm final guest numbers and details?

The Wedding Team will confirm the deadlines that apply to your booking. Please provide guest numbers, dietary requirements, menu choices, accommodation requests, supplier information and your running order by the requested dates so we can prepare every detail carefully.

Can you help us build a wedding-day timeline?

Yes. We will work with you to develop a realistic timeline that allows space for your ceremony, drinks reception, photographs, wedding breakfast, speeches, room turnaround and evening celebration. Your Toastmaster and Banqueting Team will use the agreed plan to help the day flow smoothly.

Food, drink and menus

What food is included in the wedding breakfast packages?

Wedding packages combine room hire with a drinks reception, wedding breakfast, wine and toast drinks, although the exact inclusions vary by package. Selected packages also include canapés, mineral water, additional courses and Champagne. The Wedding Team will explain the current menu and drinks options when preparing your tailored proposal.

Can we choose our own wedding breakfast menu?

Yes. Our wedding menus offer a choice of starters, main courses and desserts. Traditionally, couples select one starter, one main course and one dessert for the wedding party, with a vegetarian or vegan option included among the available choices. The Wedding Team will explain the menu-selection process for your date.

Can we offer guests a choice menu?

Yes. You must include a vegetarian or vegan option as one of your choices. To make service run smoothly, we require a personalised menu card or place card for each guest that clearly states their chosen dish.

Can Rushton Hall cater for vegetarian, vegan and dietary requirements?

Yes. Our wedding menus are designed to cater for dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan options. Please give us complete information about allergies, intolerances and dietary preferences when requested so that our kitchen and service teams can plan safely and accurately.

How should we tell you about a guest with a severe allergy?

Please notify the Wedding Team as early as possible and make sure the allergy is clearly recorded alongside the guest’s menu choice. We will discuss the requirement with you and confirm the information we need before the event. No guest should rely on assumptions about ingredients or allergens.

Are canapés available for our drinks reception?

Yes. Canapés are included with selected packages: The Imperial includes three per person, while The Royal and The Sovereign include six per person. The current wedding menu includes a range of hot and cold options. The Wedding Team will confirm the available choices and any additions for your date.

Can we add extra courses to our wedding breakfast?

Yes. Additional courses, such as a sorbet or cheese course, may be available to complement your chosen wedding breakfast. The Wedding Team will discuss current menu options and pricing with you.

Do you provide drinks for the reception, meal and toast?

Yes. Drinks are included within the current wedding breakfast packages, with the selection and quantity depending on the package chosen. Your proposal will make the inclusions clear, and the Wedding Team can discuss any additional drinks you would like to provide.

Can we serve evening food?

Yes. The current wedding menu includes party bowls, food stations, Italian buffet choices, a cheese station and an evening buffet. The Wedding Team will talk you through the current options and help you select a serving style that suits your evening guest numbers and the atmosphere you would like to create.

Can evening food be served to all evening guests?

Yes. Evening food is planned for the guests attending the evening celebration. We will agree the expected numbers and the right serving format with you before the event.

Is there a children’s menu?

Yes. Children aged 3–12 are charged at £45 each, including a children’s menu and soft drinks. Evening food is an additional charge. Please speak to the Wedding Team about family accommodation and any dietary requirements.

Can we bring in external caterers or dry hire the venue?

External catering is permitted for dry-hire usage only. Please contact the Wedding Team directly for further information about dry hire and the arrangements that apply.

Can we bring our own wedding cake?

Please discuss your wedding cake plans with the Wedding Team before finalising your supplier. We will confirm the delivery arrangements, cake-table set-up, dietary labelling and any service requirements that apply to your celebration.

Accommodation and pre-wedding stays

Does Rushton Hall have accommodation for wedding guests?

Yes. Rushton Hall has 51 individually styled bedrooms, including double, twin, family and accessible rooms. Each room has an en-suite bathroom or shower room. The Wedding Team can discuss availability, room allocations and booking arrangements for your guests.

Is accommodation included in our wedding package?

The current published room-hire package includes a complimentary Bridal Four Poster Suite and 10 bedrooms allocated by Rushton Hall on a bed-and-breakfast basis for two guests per room. The number and type of rooms available may vary by date and arrangement, so your proposal will set out the rooms reserved for your wedding.

Do we have to take the bedrooms allocated within our wedding package?

Yes. The contracted bedrooms associated with a wedding package must be taken. These rooms are closest to the Orangery and may be affected by wedding-day noise. Please note that a wedding may be held on the day before your celebration, so guests staying both nights in the contracted bedrooms may also be affected by noise.

Can additional wedding guests book rooms at Rushton Hall?

Yes, subject to availability. Discounted bedroom rates are available for the night before and the night of the wedding. A £100 non-refundable deposit per room, per night is required when booking. Please direct guests to the Wedding Team or Reception to check availability and make a reservation.

Can family rooms, extra beds or cots be arranged?

All room rates are based on two people sharing and include breakfast. Additional beds and cots can be accommodated only in selected room types and are charged at £50 per adult extra bed, £25 per extra bed for children up to 12, and £10 per cot, including bed and breakfast. Classic Double Bedrooms do not accommodate extra beds or baby cots.

What time is check-in and check-out?

Standard check-in is from 3.00pm and check-out is by 11.00am. Early check-in and late check-out cannot be guaranteed, so guests who wish to get ready at the hotel are encouraged to consider staying the night before. The couple receive complimentary late check-out until 12 noon, subject to the current package terms.

Can we stay the night before the wedding?

Yes, subject to availability. Staying the night before can make the morning of your wedding more relaxed, particularly for the couple, wedding party and guests travelling from further away. Please discuss the available rooms and rates with the Wedding Team.

Can we host a rehearsal dinner at Rushton Hall?

Yes. The on-site brasserie can host up to eight guests per party. For larger groups, the Music Room can host up to 16 guests and the Library can host up to 60 guests. Please speak to the Wedding Team about availability and the arrangements for your date.

Can our guests use the spa during the wedding weekend?

The Stableyard Spa is separate from the exclusive-use wedding arrangement. It offers a heated indoor swimming pool, indoor Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, fitness suite and a range of treatments, including facilities for couples. Spa access, treatments and availability should be arranged directly with the hotel in advance, particularly for groups wishing to book during a wedding weekend.

Styling, suppliers and special touches

Can we use our own wedding suppliers?

Yes. You are welcome to use your own suppliers. To help us keep the venue and everyone on site safe, we require suppliers to provide valid Public Liability Insurance and, where they bring electrical equipment, Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) documentation at least eight weeks before the wedding.

Do you have recommended suppliers?

Our Wedding Team can share trusted supplier recommendations to help with the planning process. You are not required to use these suppliers, but they may be useful if you are looking for professionals who know the venue well.

Can we decorate the wedding spaces ourselves?

We want your celebration to feel personal. Please share your styling plans with the Wedding Team in advance so that we can confirm set-up times, suitable display locations and any venue-safety requirements. This is particularly important in a historic building.

Can we use candles?

Yes. Candles are permitted when they are placed in secure holders. Please discuss your intended styling with the Wedding Team before purchasing or arranging any candles.

Can we have confetti?

Yes. Biodegradable confetti is welcome for use outside only. Please speak to the Wedding Team about the best location and timing, so that your confetti moment is both beautiful and considerate of the grounds.

Can we have fireworks or sparklers?

Fireworks are not permitted because of the hotel’s location and the surrounding farms. Sparklers are permitted, subject to the agreed safety arrangements with the Wedding Team.

Are drones permitted at Rushton Hall?

Drones are permitted for exclusive-use weddings only, from 11.30am, subject to agreement with the Wedding Team and safe, responsible operation. Please make sure your photographer or videographer raises this requirement in advance.

Can our photographer and videographer use the grounds?

The historic interiors, landscaped gardens and magnificent Orangery offer wonderful opportunities for wedding photographs and film. Please introduce your photographer and videographer to the Wedding Team in advance so that access, timings and any equipment requirements can be agreed.

Can we use outdoor spaces for photographs?

Yes. The landscaped gardens and courtyards provide a beautiful backdrop for couple portraits, group photographs and relaxed moments with your guests. We will help protect time within your timeline so you can enjoy the setting without missing the celebration.

Accessibility, guests and practical arrangements

Is Rushton Hall accessible for guests with additional mobility needs?

Rushton Hall has accessible bedrooms, and our team will be pleased to discuss the practical needs of your guests in detail. Please share any mobility, access or seating requirements early, so that we can advise on suitable routes, room layouts and accommodation options.

Is there parking for guests and suppliers?

Yes. Complimentary parking is available. Please let the Wedding Team know in advance about any large deliveries, special vehicles or access requirements for suppliers.

Can children attend a wedding at Rushton Hall?

Yes. Children are welcome. We can provide a children’s menu, and the Wedding Team will explain current pricing, menu options and any arrangements needed for family accommodation.

Can teenagers have an adult-style wedding meal?

Teenagers aged 13–17 are charged at £70 each. Evening food is an additional charge. Please speak to the Wedding Team about menu choices, dietary requirements and family accommodation.

Is there a recommended time for suppliers to arrive and set up?

Supplier arrival and set-up times are agreed as part of your wedding plan. Please do not ask suppliers to arrive without prior confirmation, as access must be coordinated with your ceremony, guest arrivals and venue operations.

Can suppliers bring electrical equipment?

Yes, provided the required supplier documentation has been supplied in advance. Any electrical equipment must be suitable for use and accompanied by Portable Appliance Testing evidence where required.

Can we provide a seating plan and place cards?

Yes. An easel for your table plan is included in the current wedding offering. Please provide your final seating plan and clearly labelled place cards by the deadline given by the Wedding Team, particularly where menu choices or dietary requirements need to be identified.

Is linen provided?

White linen is included within the current wedding breakfast packages. Your Wedding Team will confirm the table set-up and any styling additions you wish to make.

Are a cake stand and knife available?

Yes. Use of a silver cake stand and knife is included within the current wedding offering. Please let the Wedding Team know if you have any particular cake display or service requests.

Evening celebration and finishing times

What time does the evening celebration finish?

For standard weddings, the Orangery Bar closes at 11.45pm and music finishes at midnight. For exclusive-use weddings, a 1.00am extension is available. Your Wedding Team will confirm the finishing times and licence arrangements that apply to your booking.

Can guests stay after the music finishes?

After the Orangery Bar closes, resident guests may continue to enjoy the Great Hall Bar. Non-resident guests must leave the premises after the Orangery Bar closes. This helps us look after the comfort and security of everyone staying at the hotel.

Can we extend the music or bar time?

A later finish is available within the current exclusive-use offering. Please discuss any timing priorities when you enquire, as the available arrangements depend on the type of wedding and your agreed package.

Will the Wedding Team help coordinate the evening changeover?

Yes. Your Wedding Team and Toastmaster will help coordinate the key transitions in the day, including the move from wedding breakfast to evening celebration. The final arrangement will be agreed during your planning meetings.

Still have a question?

We would be delighted to help you plan your wedding at Rushton Hall. To check availability, arrange a viewing or request a tailored proposal, please email weddings@rushtonhall.com or call 01536 713001.