Food, bar and the evening
Discuss the meal format, dietary needs, full bar, speeches, evening guests and either a band or DJ as one connected plan. The agreed proposal confirms what is included.
Full-day wedding
One riverside place, from ceremony to last dance.
Gather everyone for a civil ceremony in the function hall, step outside for drinks and photographs when conditions suit, then return for the meal, speeches and an evening celebration.
Who it suits
For the whole day in one place
This format suits couples who want fewer journeys for guests and one team helping the day move from one part to the next. The separate hall gives the celebration its own space, while the river and garden add variety without asking anyone to change venue.
The hall is approved for civil ceremonies of up to 100. It can seat around 80–100 for the meal depending on layout, then welcome more than 200 for the evening. Those are planning limits rather than a promise that every layout works at every number.
Useful starting point
Up to 100 for the ceremony, around 80–100 seated for the meal depending on layout, and more than 200 for an evening celebration.
Up to 100 for the ceremony, around 80–100 seated for the meal depending on layout, and more than 200 for an evening celebration.
Picture the format
Lower Lode spaces and celebrations
Details that matter
Plan the experience, not just the room
A flexible hall with a sound weather plan
Room dressing, table layouts and the pace of the room turn can be personalised. Riverside drinks and photographs depend on conditions, so the indoor plan must still work comfortably without relying on an unverified outdoor space.
Plan how guests will move through the day
Consider parking, access, five guest rooms and seasonal camping early. The team can help turn your broad ideas into workable timings and a clear route between each part of the day.
Questions for this format
Useful answers before you visit
Can we hold our civil ceremony at Lower Lode?
Yes. Lower Lode Inn is an approved premises with two indoor rooms for civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies. You arrange and pay for the registrar separately through Gloucestershire Registration Service.
How many guests can each space accommodate?
The function hall seats up to 100 for a civil ceremony and around 80–100 for the meal, depending on layout. It can host more than 200 for an evening reception or party. The smaller approved ceremony room accommodates up to 35; private dining or another smaller function can accommodate up to 50, depending on layout.
Can we have a band or DJ?
The function hall has live-music capability and is used for evening celebrations. Talk through the act, equipment, set-up and timings before confirming a supplier.
What happens if the weather changes?
The civil ceremony, meal and evening celebration all have indoor options. Riverside drinks and photographs can be adapted around conditions, with the detailed wet-weather plan agreed in advance.
Are guest rooms available?
Lower Lode Inn has five en-suite guest rooms. Block booking is available to discuss, subject to availability and the arrangements agreed for your date.
One possible flow
A day with room to breathe
Guest arrival
Welcome guests and give everyone time to find their seats before the ceremony.
Civil ceremony
Hold the ceremony in the approved function hall, with the registrar booked separately.
Drinks and photographs
Use the lawn and riverside setting when conditions suit, with an indoor alternative agreed in advance.
Wedding meal
Bring everyone back together for the main meal in the layout agreed for your guest numbers.
Speeches
Place speeches before, during or after the meal according to the pace you want.
Evening celebration
Welcome evening guests, open the dance floor and move into the music and bar plan agreed for the night.
Planning your day
Build the proposal around the day you need
Talk through ceremony and room-turn timings, dining layout, food, bar service, speeches, music, evening guests, rooms, camping and access. The venue can then confirm what is workable and price the agreed plan.
The registrar is arranged and paid for separately. Capacities, licence timings, accommodation and seasonal camping remain subject to the arrangements confirmed for your date.
Possibilities to explore
- Function hall ceremony and dining layouts
- Full bar
- Live music or DJ plans
- Guest rooms and seasonal camping
Ways to make it yours
- Table styling
- Room dressing
- Food format
- Order and pace of the day
Compare your options
Other ways to celebrate here
Intimate or weekday
Intimate or Weekday Wedding
Gather in the main inn building for a civil ceremony and an unhurried meal, with the river close by for photographs when conditions allow.
Up to 35 for a civil ceremony; private dining or another smaller function can accommodate up to 50, depending on layout.
Explore this possibility
Reception and evening
Riverside Reception
Arrive by the river, bring everyone together over food and give the evening room to grow, with guest rooms and seasonal camping available to discuss.
Dining and evening numbers depend on your chosen layout; the hall hosts more than 200 for an evening party.
Explore this possibility
Add a stay
Rooms and Camping
Discuss rooms and camping early, then give confirmed guests accurate booking, access and breakfast information.
Five en-suite rooms plus seasonal camping, subject to availability and agreed allocation.
Explore this possibility