Wedding FAQs

Is the venue licensed for a Civil Ceremony?
We have several spaces which are fully licensed by the Oxfordshire Registry office for you to hold your ceremony. It’s a great advantage to have everything under one roof. All you need to do is contact the Oxfordshire registry office to book your date, time and the registrar who will conduct your legal ceremony. If you wish to hold a ceremony with a celebrant, then we are more than happy to also accommodate this.

How long can I provisionally hold a date?
It is important that you do not feel rushed into booking your date and we appreciate it may involve discussions with other family members. We are happy to hold a date for 2 weeks without a deposit to give you time to make such an important decision.

Is confetti permitted?
Definitely! Your guests are welcome to throw bio-degradable or petal confetti outside. Unfortunately, confetti is not permitted inside. However, this doesn’t mean your photos have to be boring! There are so many other amazing ways to create unique photos for your wedding album – from dry ice to props and lighting. Speak to our dedicated wedding team for more ideas and inspiration, or to discuss your own ideas.

Are fireworks permitted?
We are lucky enough to call the Oxfordshire countryside our home. Unfortunately, this does mean that we aren’t able to permit the use of fireworks at our venue, as it can disturb the neighbouring wildlife.

Is external catering an option?
You are more than welcome to provide your wedding cake, but all other food and refreshments will be provided by our in-house catering team. For health and safety reasons, we will also require a list of allergens from your cake supplier.

What time will our evening reception finish?
On Fridays and Saturdays, the private bar and music will finish at either midnight or 00:30. On any other night, it will finish at midnight. However, at the discretion of the duty manager, the main hotel bar can be kept open for those staying the night with us to carry on the celebrations.

Are there any décor restrictions?
The following restrictions apply to wedding décor:

• Naked flames are not permitted, but LED candles offer an excellent alternative.
• Any décor at height must be installed by an external supplier with public liability insurance.
• You are welcome to leave gifts, favours and any other small table additions with us the night before your wedding. Our team will happily set these out for you in the morning as instructed.

Do you have a list of trusted suppliers?
We have built a great relationship with a team of trusted suppliers, including stylists, videographers and photographers. You are welcome to use these suppliers or contact your own. However, we do ask that you provide a contact list for your suppliers so that we can get in touch to arrange set-up times in advance of the big day.

How much parking space is available?
We have more than 150 complimentary parking spaces, so there is plenty of space for you and your guests.

Are drones permitted?
Absolutely! We have to check their licencing and insurance, but these are normal procedures. We will also place a public notice in our reception area to advise hotel guests that a drone is in use.

What happens to our belongings at the end of the night?
Once your wedding day has drawn to a close, our team will safely store any belongings from the room overnight for you to collect the following morning. There’s no hurry though, so please do ensure you enjoy your wedding breakfast first!

Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Of course! We will usually take the menu you have chosen and work with our Head Chef to adapt this to suit any dietary requirements. If this is not possible, we will offer a suitable alternative. We also offer a full menu tasting ahead of the big day, including wine.

Which furniture and tableware is included as standard?
Our packages include tables, chairs, glassware, crockery and cutlery, alongside a cake stand, knife, sound systems and easels. Any additional décor can be arranged with our décor partners or your own suppliers.

Does the venue have disabled access?
Yes. Most of our function spaces and bedrooms are on the ground floor. We also have 2 accessible toilets at either end of the hotel as well as 4 accessible bedrooms.

Is there space to get ready in on the morning of the wedding?
If you wish to stay with us the night before your wedding, we will allocate the best possible room for you to get ready in. You can then keep the room until you are ready to leave the hotel or head down for your ceremony. Our hotel staff will also carefully move your packed luggage over to the wedding suite, so no need to worry about carrying suitcases when you’re all dressed up for the big day!

Do you work with a local registrar?
You will need to book your registers directly. The registrar will wish to speak to both parties twice – once prior to and once on the morning of your wedding day.
Registrar’s address: Oxfordshire Registry Office, 1 Tidmarsh Lane, Oxford, OX1 1NS
Tel: 0345 241 2489

Can I hire the ceremony space without booking a package?
Yes. Please contact our team at oxfordthames.weddings@ihg.com for up to date pricing details.

I want to hold an out door ceremony but I’m concerned about the weather…
Our garden pavilion makes for a stunning outdoor ceremony space. However, due to the unpredictability of the English weather, we do ask that you also book an indoor space as a back-up. You will need to confirm both spaces on the registrars outdoor ceremony forms.

Can my guests stay in the hotel overnight?
Yes. With 104 stylish rooms to choose from, you and your guests will feel right at home at voco Oxford Thames. We can offer wedding preferential guaranteed rates for 15 rooms for your guests stay. Please contact our team at oxfordthames.weddings@ihg.com for more details and pricing. Rooms are subject to availability.