How to Plan a Wedding Weekend at Woodhall Manor

When it comes to weddings, one day often doesn’t feel like enough. After months, sometimes years, of planning, the celebration can pass in a flash. That’s why more couples are now choosing to extend their nuptials into a full weekend wedding. At Woodhall Manor, our exclusive-use country Manor house estate in Suffolk provides the perfect backdrop for a multi-day celebration.

A wedding weekend allows you to stretch out the joy, connect more deeply with your guests, and reduce the pressure of trying to fit everything into one whirlwind day. Whether you’re inviting guests from across the UK or welcoming friends and family from overseas, a multi-day experience gives everyone time to settle in, relax, and truly celebrate.

At Woodhall Manor, our private estate becomes your home for the duration of your stay. With 14 luxury bedrooms, stunning formal gardens, and a range of indoor and outdoor spaces, you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to plan a wedding weekend that reflects your personality and pace.

Here’s how you might structure your perfect wedding weekend at Woodhall Manor:

Arrival & Welcome Dinner

Kick things off with a relaxed evening that sets the tone for the weekend. As your guests arrive, greet them with drinks in the garden or the Manor’s lounge rooms. A welcome dinner is the perfect opportunity for families to meet, speeches to be made, and the festivities to begin.

Options include:

• An informal BBQ or wood-fired pizza evening on the terrace
• A candlelit dinner in the Manor
• Games and drinks in the Rock Bar

Tip: A welcome event helps break the ice, particularly for guests who haven’t met before, making the wedding day itself feel even more harmonious.

The Big Day

Your wedding day will always be the heart of the weekend. With exclusive use of Woodhall Manor, you’ll wake up in the bridal suite, enjoy a slow breakfast, and get ready with your bridal party while guests explore the grounds or relax in their rooms.

The flow of your wedding could include:

• A ceremony in the romantic walled garden or inside the Dovecote
• A drinks reception on the lawn
• A seated wedding breakfast in the Ballroom
• Evening entertainment, live music, and dancing 

Once the final song ends, retreat to your suite while your guests enjoy a restful night in our elegant on-site bedrooms.

Post-Wedding Brunch & Farewell

The morning after your wedding is the perfect time to reflect, reconnect and enjoy one final moment together. Why not host a farewell brunch in the gardens?

Options include:

• Continental breakfast with pastries and coffee
• Full English brunch buffet
• Mimosa bar and relaxed garden seating

This slower pace allows everyone to catch up, share stories from the night before, and say their goodbyes in style. It’s also a thoughtful way to thank your guests for making the journey and being part of your weekend.

One of the most compelling reasons to host a wedding weekend at Woodhall Manor is the privacy and exclusivity it offers. With no other events or distractions, you can truly make the space your own, from setting up welcome hampers in guest rooms to curating playlists and custom menus across the weekend.

The layout of the Manor supports a weekend format perfectly:

• Multiple entertaining spaces for each part of your celebration
  
• On-site accommodation so guests can stay and socialise with ease
• Historic charm and modern comforts in a setting that feels intimate yet impressive

If you’re looking to:

• Spend quality time with loved ones
  
• Create a more relaxed wedding timeline
  
• Give your guests a memorable, mini-holiday destination wedding experience
  
• Make the most of a beautiful, private venue
  

Then a multi-day wedding weekend might be exactly what you’re after.

And with our dedicated wedding team on hand to help plan and coordinate the entire experience, you can enjoy every moment without the stress.

At Woodhall Manor, we believe your wedding should be more than just one day, it should be a full celebration, designed your way. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering or a full manor house takeover, we’re here to help you make it unforgettable.

Ready to start planning?
Get in touch with our team or call us on 01394 411 288 to arrange a tour.