FAQs

Question

Will we have to quarantine if we are travelling from the US? Part A

Answer

Current rules are very restrictive, however there is a good chance that they will be lifted in specific circumstances over the next few months. The first key date is April 12th where the government will announce its review of the travel restrictions for the summer. This is likely to be some sort of traffic light system with green, amber and red countries. The assumption is that for green countries people who have either been vaccinated with both doses and have had two weeks after the second dose will be able to travel without quarantine. Something more restrictive with some sort of quarantine for amber countries. For red countries you can only come to the UK if you have a UK passport and even then you will have to go to a very strict government quarantine in a government hotel. The earliest day that people will be able to travel out of the UK is set to be May 17th, which is the same day that UK hotels will open. The list of countries that fall in each category can change.

Question

Will we have to quarantine if we are travelling from the US? Part B

Answer

The key date to watch out for is April 12th (for announcement on what travel will look like) and over that next month the next key date is May 17th which is the first day that the ban on holidays is lifted in the UK. On May 17th weddings can happen for up to 30 people. On June 21st all limits on weddings are set to be lifted along with social distancing rules. The dates are subject to change but have not over the past month. The key action is to get both doses of the vaccine as soon as you can. Any bookings you make should be flexible enough to cancel if you need to. Vaccine rollout is going very well in the UK and pretty well in the US, hence why I think that is it likely that restrictions on vaccinated US travellers will be minimal and that the US will be a green country. You might just need to take a test and not have to quarantine. Do not plan a trip to mainland Europe or Ireland as part of your visit as things are not looking as good there.

Question

Is this a religious ceremony?

Answer

No. We will me married by a local registrar. The venue is non-religious

Question

Do you recommend places to stay

Answer

Try to stay in Stamford if you can but there are lots of lovely places for all budgets. The George Inn Stamford - the main wedding venue Barnsdale Hall Hotel The Bull and Swan Stamford The William Cecil Hotel Stamford Barnsdale Lodge, Rutland

Question

How far is the wedding from London

Answer

Rutland Water and Stamford are situated to the North of Peterborough which is around 60 miles north of London. People are welcome to stay in London before and after the wedding weekend, but we would not recommend travelling on the weekend of the wedding as it takes a few hours to get between them

Question

Have you block booked any rooms?

Answer

Stamford is a lovely old market town and has lots of accommodation (even some Airbnbs) hence there are no block bookings.

Question

What is the weather going to be like

Answer

Hopefully sunny, but do pack an umbrella

Question

Do ladies wear hats at English weddings?

Answer

Yes. When wearing a hat to a wedding, remember: you’re wearing the hat and not the other way around. Be confident but choose a style that ultimately you’re comfortable in and can wear all day.

Question

How different is a British wedding from an American wedding?

Answer

Not radically different. Please refer to this Vogue article for more information. https://www.vogue.com/article/british-versus-american-wedding-traditions

Question

Do men wear a tux at English weddings?

Answer

No. Generally a smart suit and tie will be fine. Otherwise you look like a waiter

Question

Can we throw confetti?

Answer

Unfortunately not. No, as the wedding ceremony is technically in a nature reserve we cannot permit the use of confetti/rice/flower petals/releasing balloons or lanterns, however bubbles can make a lovey alternative.

Question

COVID

Answer

This is the third date we have booked and the UK government roadmap suggests that restrictions should be lifted by then.

Question

Can we get an Uber to the ceremony from our hotel?

Answer

No, there are no Ubers in this area. Local taxis are pretty cheap though, getting to the ceremony from Stamford should cost less than 20 pounds. There will be transport provided from the ceremony back to Stamford.

Question

Is there free parking?

Answer

Car parking outside Normanton museum is strictly limited to Bridal/Grooms cars and guests with mobility issues only. The rest of the guests must park in the main Normanton Car Park; the postcode for the main car park is LE15 8HD. Complementary car park exit tickets are provided & will be handed to guests on the day of the Wedding following the ceremony. These tickets are only valid for the 2 hours of the ceremony, hence if you catch the boat after the ceremony (which most people will do) you will go over the free time. Best to get a taxi to the Normanton Museum and leave your car in Stamford.

Question

Can we use a drone

Answer

No, the use of Drones at Rutland Water are prohibited under the Water Parks Bylaws 2014 unless prior authorisation & permission has been granted by the Rutland Water Management Team

Question

For guests with mobility issues, is there disabled access into Normanton Museum?

Answer

Yes, there is a ramp so they can gain access. The nearest disabled toilet is in the main Normanton car park.

Question

Will you be live streaming the wedding on Zoom for those who can't attend?

Answer

It is something we are looking into. We will probably try to Zoom from an iPad on the day and we will set up a test nearer the time.

Question

How far is the walk from the car park to the Normanton Museum (Wedding Venue)?

Answer

It is about 600 yards along a paved path. If you are wearing shoes that are not good for walking (I'm looking at you ladies) you might want an additional pair for comfort. The dock for the boat after the ceremony is right next to the Normanton Museum hence no walking will be required.