FAQs

Private hire FAQs

What is your maximum capacity for an event?

Our largest event space (The Stables) can accommodate 120 guests in a standing reception or seated in rows. The capacity for a dinner-dance is 110 people. For larger events, we can accommodate a marquee on the lawn for up to 240 guests seated or 400 standing.

Are there minimum numbers for an event?

For a corporate event on a day delegate rate, the minimum chargeable numbers are 8 people.

Do you offer in-house catering?

For corporate meetings, we offer a day delegate rate to include meeting room rental, tea and coffee service and a 2-course cold buffet lunch. For weddings and special celebrations, we operate on a dry-hire basis and you are welcome to work with a caterer of your choosing, provided they have the necessary insurance documentation and food hygiene certificates.

Do you have a preferred suppliers list?

We can share details of our recommended suppliers with you, but you are welcome to work with an alternative supplier of your choosing, provided they can supply adequate insurance documentation.

What time can I get access to the event space?

Our standard hire period for daytime events is 9am-5pm. For evening events (including weddings), the hire period runs until 11pm as standard. This can be extended to midnight for a small additional fee.

Can I decorate the space?

Our event spaces are offered as a blank canvas and we encourage you to dress the venue in a way that reflects the style of your event. Our onsite team can advise on the most appropriate ways to decorate the space, without causing any damage to our listed buildings. Any decor which risks damage to walls, equipment or fixtures is prohibited.

Do you offer exclusive hire of the site?

The American Museum & Gardens is closed to the public in January, February and early March each year. We are also closed on Mondays in school term time. We cater for private events on our closed days, and you would benefit from exclusive use of the site at no additional cost. This is also the case for evening events taking place after-hours.

How do private events work when you are open to the public?

During our opening hours, private events run alongside our visitor offer. Our events manager and visitor experience team work together to greet your guests and support you during your event. We position signage and use rope and posts to cordon off /privatise specific areas of the site.

What event support will be offered by the venue?

Our private hire charges cover the cost of cleaning pre- and post-event. We also provide a security officer for weddings. In addition, there will be a designated representative from the American Museum and Gardens onsite for the duration of your event to facilitate smooth running and liaise with any third-party suppliers.

Is your premises licensed for wedding ceremonies?

Yes, all of our event spaces are fully-licensed for civil ceremonies. If you choose to have your ceremony onsite, a small licensing fee applies.

Is confetti permitted?

Unfortunately neither confetti nor rice are permitted onsite. Ribbon wands, sparklers or bubbles may be used as an alternative.

Are there any restrictions regarding fireworks or naked flames?

Fireworks are not permitted anywhere onsite. Any naked flame (pizza oven, BBQ etc) must be at least 10m from our listed buildings. Small candles are permitted within the Stables and Coach House.

What is your alcohol policy?

Our venue is fully-licensed to serve alcohol at events. You are also welcome to work with your own bar supplier. We do not charge a corkage fee.

What is your smoking policy?

During our opening hours, we are strictly no-smoking site. After-hours, for evening events and weddings, we can set up a designated smoking area on request.

Is there parking onsite?

Our main car park offers free parking for 70-80 cars. On busy event days, we open up our overflow car park. Parking is not permitted overnight.

Is there accommodation onsite?

We do not have any accommodation onsite. Our team would be happy to recommend local hotel options based on your needs and budget.