frequently asked questions for weddings

Your wedding should feel effortless from the very first step, which is why we’ve gathered answers to the questions we’re most often asked by our couples. Think of this page as your quick guide to how weddings unfold here at Above the Bay, so you can focus on the joy of the journey.

Venue Basics

Q: How many guests can the venue accommodate?
A: We are licensed for up to 150 guests. Our indoor ceremony room holds 80 people, however, if you’d like more guests inside, a room turnaround would be needed due to needing to use the restaurant space. Outdoors, we can accommodate up to 150, though this carries the usual weather considerations, with the indoor ceremony space available as a backup if needed. For the evening reception, we can host up to 150 guests, ensuring everyone can celebrate together comfortably.

Q: Do you host more than one wedding per day?
A: We focus on one wedding at a time to ensure your day feels truly special and uninterrupted.

Q: What are the hire hours?
A: You’ll have access from 8am to 12am (11pm if it's a Sunday). We’re happy to discuss early arrivals for preparations or extended celebrations if required.

Q: Is there parking on-site?
A: Yes! Our venue has loads of spaces and additional local parking nearby.

Ceremony & Reception

Q: Can we hold both the ceremony and reception here?
A: Absolutely, many couples love the convenience of having everything in one place. We are fully licenced, so there is no need to go anywhere else either. We’ll help plan the flow so your guests move seamlessly from ceremony to drinks to dinner.

Q: What indoor and outdoor ceremony options do you offer?
A: Choose from our cliff top ceremony space with stunning views, or our light-filled sea view room, perfect for all seasons. We’ll help you pick the option that best suits your style and season.

Q: Is there a backup plan in case of bad weather?
A: Yes, we always have an indoor option ready so your ceremony or reception goes ahead beautifully, rain or shine.

Q: Can we use our own celebrant or registrar?
A: Definitely! We’re happy to accommodate your choice of celebrant, whether official or symbolic, to make the ceremony personal and meaningful.

Food & Drink

Q: Do you provide in-house catering?
A: Yes, Paul, our head chef has created menus designed to delight your guests and reflect your tastes.

Q: Can we bring our own caterer?
A: To ensure the highest quality and a seamless experience, all weddings are catered by our in-house kitchen team. Our chefs create bespoke menus tailored to your tastes and dietary needs, so you can relax and enjoy every moment of your celebration.

Q: Do you offer menu tastings?
A: Absolutely, tastings are part of the planning journey so you can select dishes that feel just right for your celebration.

Q: Can we supply our own alcohol?
A: To ensure a seamless and safe experience for you and your guests, all drinks are provided by our in-house bar team. We offer carefully curated packages and bespoke cocktail options, so your bar service is effortless and perfectly tailored to your celebration.

Q: Do you cater for dietary requirements?
A: Yes, we pride ourselves on creating options for all guests, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly dishes.

Suppliers & Styling

Q: Do we need to use your recommended suppliers?
A: No, it’s your day! Our recommended suppliers are tried-and-tested with our venue, but you’re welcome to choose your own trusted team.

Q: Can we decorate the space ourselves?
A: Absolutely. We love seeing couples’ personal touches. We’ll provide guidance on timings and safety for things like candles, confetti, or hanging décor.

Q: When can suppliers access the venue?
A: Suppliers can access the venue from 8am on the day of your wedding. If any deliveries or set-up need to happen the day before, we’re happy to arrange this in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Practicalities

Q: Is the venue accessible for guests with mobility needs?
A: Yes, we’ve ensured accessibility throughout the venue, including ramps and accessible restrooms.

Q: Do you have accommodation nearby?
A: Yes, we can provide a list of nearby hotels, guesthouses, and rental homes, plus details for overnight parking if needed.

Q: Are children or pets allowed?
A: We welcome children, and pets are absolutely allowed! Just ask, and we’ll guide you.

Q: Are fireworks, sparklers, or live music allowed?
A: Fireworks or sparklers may be allowed with prior approval. Live music is encouraged, our team will guide you on timings and any noise restrictions.

Booking & Payments

Q: How do we secure our date?
A: A deposit secures your date, followed by a payment schedule tailored to you. We’ll send all details clearly so you feel confident.

Q: What is your cancellation or postponement policy?
A: We understand plans can change, our policy is designed to protect both you and the venue, with clear terms explained in your contract.

Q: Do you require wedding insurance?
A: We don't require it, but, we recommend wedding insurance to give you peace of mind in case of unforeseen changes.

On-the-Day Support

Q: Will there be a coordinator on the day?
A: Yes, our experienced team manages the entire day, from supplier arrivals to timeline flow, so you can enjoy the moment fully.

Q: What does your team handle vs what do we provide?
A: We take care of logistics, timeline flow, and venue set-up, while you provide your personal touches, décor, and any outside suppliers.

After the Wedding

Q: What happens to our belongings after the wedding?
A: Our team carefully tidies and stores any décor, gifts, or personal items on the night of your wedding. Everything will be ready for you to collect the following day at a convenient time.

Q: Can we host next-day brunches or celebrations?
A: Yes! We love helping couples extend their celebrations. Ask us about available options and timings, whether it’s a relaxed brunch or a final farewell with friends and family.

What our Brides and Grooms Say

“We had THE BEST day! The weather was perfect and you and your staff were great all day! People have been full of praise for the bar staff as it was a busy wedding! We were worried there wouldn't be enough food but there was more than enough and it was all great! Again, we have received much praise to pass on with this regard.

Working with you has been brilliant. As you know, we had a very confusing and worrying time with the previous wedding coordinators and with all of the changes happening at above the bay. However, you put us both at ease in our first meeting! You are efficient and friendly and we couldn't ask any more.

We will recommend this venue to anybody (and already have!). We wish we could relive the whole day again!

Thank you to you and the whole team.”

Ben & Kayleigh

04/05/24

“Just wanted to say thank you for all your help. The food great and we were well looked after by the staff. Our wedding day was everything we could have hoped for.”

Ashley & Thinzar

25/05/24

“Firstly we would both like to say a BIG THANK YOU to yourself and the team for Sunday.
Our special day was absolutely perfect and enjoyed by all. Everything that we had planned and that was required, was expertly delivered by yourselves.

The photos that we have seen already are fantastic and so many of our guests have been taking about the fantastic venue.”

David & Fleur

26/05/24

"Thank you so much. We had an absolutely amazing day, everything we’d hoped for and more. The food was incredible (everyone has said so also)! The portions were perfect and the buffet topped it off. Every staff member was a delight and just made it a breeze for us, thank you for all your help also, made it a smooth day and very chilled for us which is exactly what we wanted.

We have had nothing but positive comments about the venue and would recommend to anyone!”

Kate & Tom

22/06/24



"We loved our day at Above the Bay and received so much praise from our guests. We were lucky it was a lovely dry day and the views were just spectacular. Our guests also praised the facilities, parking, setting and the food, which was excellent. It was so easy having the whole event under one roof, and we were able to use the different spaces. We enjoyed taking golf carts out onto the green and the indoor spaces were also ideal for our needs.
The food was delicious and service was efficient, there were so many clean plates, even from the fussiest of guests! The staff were very friendly, welcoming and engaged with the whole event.
We had a rocky start with the venue as it was in the process of changing hands. However, once this settled down and the two Sophies were in post everything got much easier, and communications were efficient and swift.
On the day, Sophie W couldn't have been more flexible and responsive, really ensuring our day ran as smoothly as possible but also being relaxed and enabling us to enjoy our day. We'd just love to do it all over again!"

Chloe & Ross

15/03/25






"Above The Bay is incredible, the food was beyond sensational and our guests were so impressed with it. There was something for everyone’s taste (we had the hot buffet), all was labelled and we had a few dietary requirements which were handled perfectly. Both Sophie’s were great on the day as well as leading up to it, they communicated well and went above and beyond with suggestions, support and ideas. They weren’t pushy in any way and we created the wedding we wanted. Thank you again so much! I couldn’t recommend this place enough!”

Gemma & Dave

7/5/25