FAQs
Weddings
What time does the music need to stop?
At Wilde Lodge, our late licence runs until 1am. We ask that music is turned down from midnight out of respect for the local area — but the bar stays open and the night carries on. At Glasbury River Cottage there is no formal music licence, so we ask that it stays to chilled background music throughout. Both venues have neighbours and wildlife nearby and we like to keep things friendly on that front.
Can we have a festival-style or non-traditional wedding?
Both venues are suited to unique weddings of any kind. Get in touch to discuss your ideas.
We have guests travelling from far away — is there enough accommodation nearby?
Yes — both venues are well set up for guests travelling from further afield. Wilde Lodge is around two hours from Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff, and around two and a half hours from London. The lodge itself sleeps 16–20, and bell tents and camping in the grounds mean the whole group can stay on site in summer. For guests who prefer a hotel, Knighton is less than a mile away and we provide a full list of local accommodation on your personal hub page. Glasbury River Cottage is near Hay-on-Wye — ten minutes by car — with a range of local B&Bs and hotels nearby, and Glasbury village is a ten-minute walk along the riverbank.
We're worried about the cost — how do we know what we'll actually end up spending?
It’s one of the most common concerns we hear and we take it seriously. The hire price covers the venue and everything in it — there are no per-head charges, no minimum bar spends and no hidden extras. The add-ons — catering, drinks, bell tents — are exactly that: optional. You choose what you want and pay for what you use. We’re always transparent about costs from the first conversation, and we’ll send you a full breakdown before you commit to anything. Most couples find the total spend compares very favourably with more traditional venues once you factor in what’s included.
Can we have a civil ceremony on site?
At Wilde Lodge, yes — the whole site is licensed for ceremonies, with indoor options in the Dining Room, Long Barn and Open Barn, and outdoor ceremonies available across the grounds for an additional fee. Glasbury River Cottage does not currently hold a wedding licence, so couples typically arrange a separate legal ceremony nearby and use the venue for their celebration. We’re happy to advise on both.
What support do you offer with planning?
Once you’ve booked you’ll get access to our detailed planning guide — a step-by-step workflow that works backwards from your wedding date to the day you book, covering everything you need to do and when, with links to suppliers, advice and resources along the way. We’ve been running weddings for nine years and we’re confident it covers everything. For anything it doesn’t, Jemma and Phoebe are always at the end of the phone. And if you do want a full wedding planner to take the reins completely, we have brilliant people we can introduce you to — but honestly, most couples find they don’t need one.
How many guests can we invite to Glasbury River Cottage?
Glasbury works best for intimate celebrations — up to 30 guests in summer, with the greenhouse, hay barn and gardens as your celebration spaces and bell tents available for those who want to stay on site. In winter it’s a more focused gathering of up to 7 guests in the cottage. Every booking is bespoke — get in touch and we’ll help you figure out what works.
How far are the venues from major cities?
Both venues are around two hours from Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff, and around two and a half hours from London. Wilde Lodge is in Knighton, Powys. Glasbury River Cottage is near Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire.
Can we bring our own alcohol for a wedding or celebration hire?
Yes — BYO is welcome on the days either side of your main event. On your wedding day itself we’d encourage you to use the Wilde Bar Team, so there’s someone on site managing drinks and keeping things running smoothly.
What are the check-in and check-out times for a wedding or celebration hire?
Weekend hire runs Friday 10am to Monday 10am. Midweek hire runs Tuesday 10am to Thursday 10am. We can sometimes accommodate early check-in or late check-out — just ask.
Who will be our wedding day caterer?
Our handpicked catering guide features exceptional, local caterers, each offering their own style, flavours, and service – so you can choose what feels right for you.