We hope that you will find this section helpful. If you have more questions then please call us.

Please note that Lympne Castle is a Non Smoking Venue.

FOOD

Q. Do you do food tastings?
A. Unfortunately not, but we can give you all the help and advice you may need.

Q. Can we have a choice menu?
A. We ask for you to choose a set meal for everyone, but we are happy to make your favourite dish or we can make alternative suggestions. Our chefs are happy to oblige.

Q. Can you cater for special diets?
A. Yes in most cases and as long as we have notice to their requirements and numbers.

Q. Can we bring in our own caterer?
A. No, Lympne Castle Enterprises has an in-house caterer who has been working at the castle for 20 years very successfully.

Q. How would you describe the food at the castle?
A. All our food is cooked on the premises. We use local suppliers, farmers, butchers and fishmongers are all local and who we have been working with for many years. We would say that our food is tasty and there’s plenty of it, we won’t leave your guests feeling hungry!

Q. How long does it take to serve the meal?
A. We allow approximately 2-3 hours for the service of the meal with speeches, cutting of the cake, etc. – depends on the amount of people attending... and the length of the speeches!

Q. Can we have speeches before the meal?
A. We would advise that they are after the meal, you never know how long they will last which will delay the start of the meal and result in very hungry guests!

Q. Do you cater for children/babies?
A. We welcome children to the castle, but insist that they be supervised at all times. We have a number of food options for children. Children can have a half portion of the wedding breakfast, alternatively we have a separate children's menu or a cold picnic basket.

Q. Do you have any highchairs?
A. Yes and we have booster seats for older kids.

Q. Do all guests have to be catered for with the evening buffet?
A. We ask that you cater for at least two thirds of your day and evening guests combined. We find that this ratio avoids embarrassment on both sides.

Q. What time is the evening buffet served?
A. Usually between 9pm and 9.30pm.

FUNCTION ROOMS

Q. What rooms are licensed to hold Civil Ceremonies?
A. The Great Hall & the West Wing Drawing Room. Bear in mind that for Ceremonies held in the Great Hall, will need to be turned around and this will take around 1 hour, however during this time your reception drinks will be served in the West wing or outside, either on the courtyard or terrace and photographs are taken…no problem.

Q. Do we have use of all Rooms?
A.. Yes, all rooms on the lower floor.

Q. Where does the evening entertainment go?
A. Usually in the Great Hall.

Q. What time do we have the access to the castle?
A. From 9am if required.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Q. What time is the bar open until?
A. 11.30pm, we are unable to extend these times, as we have to respect local residents, who live very close to the Castle.

Q. Can we have an extension?
A. Unfortuntely not.

Q. How much are drinks at the bar?
A. They are comparable to a quality hotel/pub. Example prices. £2.60-£2.80 bottled lagers, £3.10 single Gin and Tonic.

Q. Do you serve draught beers?
A. Unfortuntely not. We do not have a cellar at Lympne Castle and due to the lack of space behind/on the bar, we are unable to stock draught beers or Ale.

Q. Can we supply our own wines?
A. Yes, Wine and Champagne are £10 and £15 per bottle respectivley.

Q. Are the bottles of wine put on the tables for the guests to pour themselves or do the staff pour the wine?
A. Staff will place the bottle of wine on each table and you guests can serve themselves. Once the bottle is empty, it will be replaced by our staff

Q. Is it possible to open more wine if needed on the night?
A. Yes - and the cost can be settled on departure.

Q. How many glasses from a bottle?
A. 5 glasses per bottle, roughly.

We do offer the opportunity for you to sample our wines by purchasing a bottle at a reduced cost.

FLOWERS

Please see our Suppliers List section for recommended Florists

Q. Do you have any flower pedestals?
A. Yes we have 4 wrought iron 5 foot stands, which are free for you or your florist to use.

Q. When can the florist gain access to the rooms?
A. First thing on the day of the wedding or the day before if there is no wedding.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Please see our Suppliers List section for recommended Photographers

Q. Where can photos be taken?
A. Anywhere around the inside of the Castle, the courtyard and terraced areas. The main Bridel Party and close family can make use of the Gardens for photographs. Please note that the garden areas are not open to guests for health and safety reasons.

ACCOMMODATION

Please see our Suppliers List section for recommended accommodation details

Q. Does the Castle have accommodation?
A. Not at present.

Q. Is their accommodation in the area?
A. Yes, both large and small hotels, B & Bs, and some very quaint guest houses, call use for our recommendations.

CHURCH CEREMONIES & BLESSINGS

Q. Can we have a blessing in St Stephens Church, next door?
A St Stephens is a Church of England church and the Rev. Love is happy to give blessings subject to availability.

Q. Can we be married in St Stephens if we live outside the parish?
A. Yes, you will need to attend St Stephens on six separate services over a period of six months. Please contact Rev. Love for availability.

AND EVERYTHING ELSE

Q. When should the wine/bridal favours/cake etc. be delivered?
A. The week of the wedding, normally the day before, or even on the day. We ask that you clearly label your items.

Q. Where do we park?
A.The car parking area is adjacent to the Church and a very short walk from the castle.

Q. Can we have candles?
A. Yes, within reason, we have candle policy . Please see downloads section of the website.

Q. Can we have fireworks?
A. Unfortunately not.

Q. Is it easy to get taxis?
A. Due to our location we would advise that taxis are booked in advance of the day or early evening, we have local taxi telephone numbers on site.

Q. When do you require final numbers?
A. We require final numbers 7 calender days before your wedding, but for invoicing purposes around 12 weeks before, which can be adjusted up to seven days before. If your numbers drop during the 7 days prior to your wedding we are unable to reduce the cost.

Q. Where can we put our table plan?
A. You can display your table plan on our easel. We would suggest that the maximum size would be A1, or smaller table plans can be displayed in a gold frame.

Q. Can we pay by credit card?
Yes, all monies received over and above the deposit is subject to a charge.

Q. Will it be acceptable to have confetti?
Yes, in the courtyard and terrace areas, but we ask that your guests choose bio-degradable confetti.

Q. If we cancel our wedding do we have the deposit returned?
A. The deposit of £600.00 is non-refundable. However we are happy to amend the date subject to availability.