Not this one. Dorchester-on-Thames is just off the A34, 10 miles south of Oxford. Please don't go to Dorset.
Whilst we would normally be all for public transport and reducing our carbon footprint, the villages of Oxfordshire are not at all well connected. Dorchester Abbey can be reached by bus (X40) from the centre of Oxford, leaving every 30 minutes, however there is no public transport route from Dorchester to Ardington. If driving is not an option for you, please get in touch with us and we will try to organise you a lift share.
It depends what your hotel allows. If your hotel is nearby, you might just about have time to check in between the ceremony and the reception, but it might be a push. A better plan might be to leave bags at the hotel before the ceremony, if you can't get into your room that early, then properly check-in at the end of the night. You are very welcome to leave cars at Ardington House overnight, then return in the morning to collect them - we will be in the house the whole day and would love to see you again if you stop by!
Whatever you like! Bright colours would be lovely, for springtime. We suggest NOT wearing stiletto heels, you will sink into the ground.
I cannot stress this strongly enough, unless you are wearing an actual wedding dress and walking up the aisle in my place, I really do not mind how much white is in your outfit! Wear what you want to wear.
They aren't uninvited... We'll be guided by you. If you would prefer a day off, don't feel that you have to bring them! Please let us know what you would like to do so we can finalise numbers for food. Importantly - our reception venue has a stream running through it, near to the marquee. It is not fenced off, so children will need to be supervised at all times.
We have two options for the starters and mains, then a trio of mini desserts. Please let us know when you RSVP which starter and main option you would prefer. Starters: - Potted ham hock, gherkins, capers and parsley, herbed wafer, grain mustard and honey - Crisp fine tart of buffalo mozzarella, heirloom and oven fired tomatoes, olive tapenade, baby watercress and toasted pine kernels (v) Mains: - Breast of chicken, pan-roasted with garlic and thyme, chive potato cake, glazed fine beans and carrots, warm lemon and basil dressing - Butternut squash and pine kernel risotto, semi-dried baby peppers and leeks with basil and roast garlic essence (v) Desserts: Mini lemon millefeuille with raspberry dust Toffee flavoured creme brûlée Dark and white chocolate brownie with orange gel and raspberry dust
Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you RSVP, the caterers will be able to adapt the menu for you. The vegetarian options can be vegan-ised, as can the desserts.
There is limited parking directly outside the church, please let us know if you require this and we can reserve it for you. The church has ramp access. There is parking directly outside Ardington House. The marquee is across the grounds from the House (about a 2-3 minute walk), the venue do have a golf cart which can be used if needed.
Maybe, if he can fit us in to his busy schedule