Frequently Asked Questions

Are you registered to hold wedding ceremonies at Middle Coombe Farm?

Yes. – We have 3 areas that are licenced to hold a legal wedding ceremony. The Cider Barn, the Farmhouse Lounge and Farmhouse library for more intimate ceremonies.


Is the ceremony in the Woodlands a legal ceremony?

Unfortunately, it is presently still not a legal site. Many couples use the woodlands for a Humanist/hand fasting ceremony which is not legal and attain the legal ceremony at one of our licensed sites, in their own local registry office or in our nearest registry office in Tiverton.  Other couples hold a Woodlands ceremony as well as the legal ceremony all onsite with one following the other. This depends on what is most important to you.


What does exclusive use cover?

We offer total and utter exclusivity with private use of our estate. There is no long list of things you cannot do, and there will be no areas out of bounds (with the exception of the swimming pool area during the wedding celebrations ). Catering, drinks, decor, wedding/event planning, entertainment and what you do during your time at Middle Coombe Farm is all refreshingly up to you. We have an excellent list of local, tried and tested suppliers for you to contact. You are allocated one of our team to assist and support you throughout the planning process.


Will I have exclusive use?

Yes we guarantee you will have exclusive use of the estate for the duration of your booking with the exception of the owners and any pre-booked staff.


What is included in the venue hire?

Price covers exclusive use of Middle Coombe Farm for the entire weekend from 12 noon Friday to 10 am Monday and includes:

  • Cider Barn, Farmhouse Sitting Room & Library all licensed for your wedding ceremony (you will be required by the Registrar to pay their fee to conduct your marriage ceremony at Middle Coombe Farm.)
  • Farmhouse and Allensdown accommodation for 20 including children over 2 years
  • Exclusive use of 220 acres of beautiful woodland and gardens
  • Woodland glade ceremony site with log bench seating for up to 80 guests
  • Solar heated swimming pool (May-Sept ) and luxurious, relaxing, open air hot tub, outdoor hot showers and changing room
  • Large marquee for up to 100 guests dinning.
  • Cider Barn for dancing until 12 midnight on your wedding night.
  • Fully equipped Supply-it-yourself bar space with fridges & freezer
  • Tables and chairs
  • Trestle tables for drinks, food, caterers etc
  • Crockery and cutlery for up to 100 guests (3 settings - starter, mains, dessert, coffee/ tea), glasses (champagne, wine & water) and tea & coffee pots.
  • Stocked tea station (expect milk) and water dispensers for your wedding guests.
  • Linen for all tables for your wedding day
  • Bar glasses for your wedding day
  • Assistance with installing, prior to your wedding, and dismantling after your wedding, high decor in the barn.
  • One load of wood for each area - both houses, fire pit in stone circle and back courtyard.
  • Children play ground and games marquee in the meadow.
  • Cleaning of barn floor and bar area after the wedding.
  • Lighting on pathways and all electricity included.
  • We will be on site for your wedding weekend to make sure it runs smoothly and for the safety of your guests.

What are the catering arrangements for your Wedding Day?

Your wedding day has to be catered for by a professional caterer and you have the freedom to choose your own professional caterer to suit your tastes, style and budget. We do not offer an in-house catering service.


What are the catering arrangements for residents for the rest of the weekend?

There are a number of options available to you, from self-catering as though you would at home in the kitchen. The courtyard offers “al fresco” dinning equipped with a bbq.  A range of ‘delivery only’ dishes, local freelance personal chefs and cooks to do all the work for you, and not forgetting our list of professional caterers. Essentially there is a solution for every budget, and to suit your preferred style of arrangement. For residents of the Farmhouse and Allensdown Barn.


Can we have food and drink at the woodland ceremony site?

Yes, often couples take canapes and bubbly up to the oak tree for toasts & speeches.


How long is the walk to the Woodland ceremony site?

It is approximately a 15 minutes walk along woodland tracks. For any less able guests you are welcome to use your own or a guests 4x4 to transport them. If this is not possible then please speak to us and we can arrange transport for you.


Is there any shelter at the Woodland ceremony site?

There are 2 large over head canopies that offer sun shade and shelter from light rain.


Who will contract with suppliers, such as caterers, registrars for weddings, etc?

Unless otherwise stated, all contracts with external suppliers should be made by you directly. See our suppliers list for some who have been to us before.


What are the bar arrangements for the wedding day?

Again you have the freedom to stock your own bar and accommodate you and your guests very own individual tastes. See our list of local suppliers as some operate “sale or return”. You can charge your own prices (minimum cost of £1.50 for alcoholic drinks). Once booked we provide you with a detailed bar document.


Do you charge corkage?

No, Middle Coombe Farm does not charge corkage.


Is there electric in the marquee?

Yes, there are 2, 13 amp plug sockets that you can use.


Can we bring children?

Yes, children are most welcome as we are a child friendly venue and Middle Coombe is a much loved family home. The farmhouse has Cots and high chairs for you to use where needed. Please note that children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times whilst onsite for their safety.


Do you have mobile reception?

Yes, however it is intermittent and is dependent on the Provider. We provide a phone landline in the Farmhouse and Office.


Do you have WiFi?

Yes, free WiFi is available in the farmhouse.


What are the cleaning arrangements?

Generally, it is requested for you to leave the estate as it was presented to you upon arrival. Any other arrangements can be made with our team during your enquiry process for absolute clarity and peace of mind.


May we light fires and have candles/ fireworks?

Unfortunately due to thatch, woodlands, farm animals and wildlife -  candles, sky lanterns, sparklers and fireworks are not permitted.  Fires are in designated areas i.e. fire pit at stone circle, courtyard fireplace, and indoor fireplaces.  A fire marshal will be appointed by a member of your party.


Can we collect everything the next day?

Yes that's no problem, you are hiring the venue for three full days (Friday - Monday) to allow for set up and then pack away everything on the Sunday ready for departure prior to 10 am on Monday.


When do we need to have cleared the wedding by?

The wedding should be cleared by 4pm on the Sunday the day after your wedding.


Are toilets available?

Yes, included in the package are two types of toilets, 2 indoor communal toilets and we have rustic eco toilets. For the gents there is a urinal block and a toilet and two toilets for the ladies. The toilet in the office is used as a partially disabled toilet.


Is there anywhere to set up games?

Yes, there is a field below the cider barn and marquee  to set up games and guests can overlook  this  lovely view and  play ground area and  the stone circle  fire pit.


Is there parking available at Middle Coombe Farm?

Yes, there is a “top car park” with a short walk downhill to the cider barn. When this car park is full there is an adjacent overflow parking area.
There is a “drop off point“ in front of the Cider Barn for elderly guests, wheelchair guests, children, buggies and baggage.


Are the grounds suitable for elderly or disabled guests?

When partially disabled, yes. We have wheelchair ramps to access the Cider barn as well as a partially disabled toilet. Please see ‘Access statement’ at the bottom of the home page of the website and it is advisable to do a “recci” in advance to ensure all facilities are suitable.


 Can we have confetti?

Biodegradable confetti such as flower petals are very welcome, please do not bring any synthetic or glitter  confetti as this will not decompose. 

 

 


We have information on lots more - if you have any further questions please contact us!