Question 1

How many guests can you accommodate in the day and the evening?

Accepted Answer

We can accommodate up to 100 guests for a wedding, depending on the layout and requirements for the day. We have several flexible spaces available, allowing us to tailor the setup on your wedding and guest numbers. Our events team would be happy to discuss the best option for your celebration.

Question 2

Will ours be the only wedding at your venue on our wedding day?

Accepted Answer

We are a working hotel, restaurant and pub, so the wider Bell Inn will continue to operate for our guests and visitors. However, your wedding will have exclusive use of your allocated wedding / function space, allowing you and your guests to enjoy your celebration privately within that area. If you are looking for exclusive use of the whole venue this is an option, but this would need to be discussed with our events team as a separate arrangement.

Question 3

Do you have enough parking for our guests?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have free on-site parking available for your wedding guests. Our car park provides convenient parking for those travelling by car. We do now have ANPR cameras in operation, so guests simply need to register their vehicle registration number before leaving the car park. We will make sure your guests are aware of this and know how to register on arrival, so it is a simple process.

Question 4

Are you suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs?

Accepted Answer

We can accommodate guests with wheelchairs and pushchairs, and we have ground-floor bedrooms available, including a room that is used for guests requiring accessible accommodation. As the Bell Inn is a historic 18th-century coaching inn, some areas do have the character and layout of an older building, so we would always recommend discussing any specific accessibility requirements with us in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements.

Question 5

Do you have recommended suppliers?

Accepted Answer

We don't have a specific list of recommended or preferred suppliers, as we are happy for couples to choose the suppliers that best suit their style and requirements. We are, however, always happy to share details of suppliers we have worked with previously if you are looking for inspiration or recommendations. We also host a wedding showcase, where couples can meet a selection of wedding suppliers, view the venue dressed for a wedding and speak to our events team about their plans. Our Wedding Showcase is on the 21st of November 2026, a great opportunity to get ideas and inspiration for your special day.

Question 6

Do we get exclusive use?

Accepted Answer

Your wedding would have exclusive use of your allocated wedding / function space for your celebration. The Bell Inn itself remains a working hotel, restaurant and pub unless full exclusive-use arrangements have specifically been agreed and paid for. We have flexible event spaces and can discuss your requirements with you to establish the best setup for your wedding.

Question 7

Who will be our point of contact leading up to our wedding?

Accepted Answer

Our dedicated events team will be on hand to help guide you through the planning process and discuss the details of your day. We can work with you throughout the planning process to make sure everything is organised and tailored to your requirements.

Question 8

Can we add guests on?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can discuss adding guests to your wedding, subject to the maximum capacity of the chosen room, availability and catering requirements. We would simply ask that any changes to numbers are confirmed with us as early as possible so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Question 9

What is your bar like? Are the beers on the pumps good? What are the prices like?

Accepted Answer

Our bar offers a good selection of cask ales, wines, soft drinks and bar snacks, so there is plenty of choice for your guests. We are particularly proud of our selection of cask ales, alongside our extensive wine list. For wedding drinks, we can discuss your requirements with you and provide the current drinks list and prices so that you can decide what works best for your day. We can also discuss options for drinks packages or running a bar tab, depending on what you would prefer.

Question 10

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

Of course! We are a dog-friendly venue and believe your four-legged family members should be able to be part of your special day too. Dogs are very welcome at The Bell Inn, with dog-friendly areas, and we have several dog-friendly bedrooms available for guests staying with us. If you would like your dog to be involved in your wedding day, please speak to our events team when planning your day so we can discuss where they can be accommodated and make sure everything works for you and your guests.

Question 11

What if I need help with my table plan?

Accepted Answer

No problem! During your first meeting, we can advise you on some options for an ideal layout based on your guest numbers and the space you have chosen. We have a variety of table sizes to help make planning your layout easier. Once you have decided on your preferred layout, we can provide you with a table plan template for you to complete and send back to us.

Question 12

Who announces us into the room?

Accepted Answer

This is completely up to you! You are welcome to arrange for your chosen DJ, band member or another member of your wedding party to announce you into the room. We can also discuss this with you during your planning meetings and help make sure that everything is ready for your entrance.

Question 13

Can we have music playing?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Music can form a big part of your wedding celebrations, and we are happy to discuss your plans with you. You are welcome to arrange your own DJ or live music, subject to our venue requirements and timings.

Question 14

Are cutlery, crockery, glassware, tables & chairs etc included?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our wedding setup includes the standard tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery and glassware required for your wedding breakfast. Our events team will work with you on the layout and setup of the room so that everything is ready for your special day.

Question 15

Can I add more drinks?

Accepted Answer

Of course. If you do decide you would like to add additional drinks to your wedding arrangements, this can be discussed with our events team. We can look at the options available and tailor the drinks arrangements to suit your wedding and budget.

Question 16

My parents don't quite get along, can you suggest something for my seating plan?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — and don't worry, you're certainly not the first couple to ask! During your planning meetings, we can talk through your guest numbers and the relationships between your guests and help you consider the best layout for the room. We have different table sizes and flexible layouts, so we can look at different options to help keep everyone comfortable and make sure you can enjoy your day without worrying about the seating arrangements.

Question 17

Do you have a microphone for speeches?

Accepted Answer

We don't have a microphone available to hire or use at the venue, however you are very welcome to provide your own microphone and speaker system if you would like one for your speeches. We recommend arranging this with your DJ, band or chosen supplier if required, and our events team can discuss the arrangements with you beforehand.

Question 18

Do you have a projector?

Accepted Answer

We don't have a projector available; however, we do have two screens within the venue that you can use for your wedding. You can connect your laptop or device to the screens via an HDMI cable, making them ideal for displaying photos, videos, presentations or anything else you would like to share with your guests.

Question 19

How many rooms do you have?

Accepted Answer

We have 26 individually styled bedrooms at The Bell Inn, divided across four room categories: Cosy Double — our smaller, comfortable rooms, perfect for couples (several are also dog-friendly); Classic Double — ground-floor rooms with either a double or twin-bed configuration, with some offering direct access towards the Forest or golf course; Deluxe Double or Twin — larger bedrooms with spacious bathrooms, available as double, twin or super king configurations, some able to accommodate a cot or roll-out bed; and Superior Room — our more luxurious rooms, featuring country-chic styling, with super king beds configurable as double or twin. We also have a selection of dog-friendly bedrooms, while other rooms are kept dog-free, and an accessible ground-floor bedroom is available for guests who require accessible accommodation.

Question 20

What would be the maximum capacity if we filled every room to capacity?

Accepted Answer

We have 26 bedrooms available, with a mixture of double, twin and rooms that can accommodate additional guests. The exact number of guests we can accommodate overnight will depend on the room allocation and requirements of your wedding party, so our team can work this out for you when discussing your accommodation requirements.

Question 21

Are there other hotels close by?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are several other hotels and accommodation options within the surrounding New Forest area. If you have more guests than we can accommodate at The Bell Inn, our team will be happy to help point you towards other local accommodation options.

Question 22

Can I stay the night before?

Accepted Answer

We would love for you and your guests to stay with us the night before your wedding. Staying the night before can make the morning of your wedding much more relaxed, and you can enjoy dinner and drinks with your family and friends before the big day. We have 26 bedrooms available, subject to availability, and our team can help arrange accommodation for you and your guests.

Question 23

When is the earliest I can get into the Bridal Suite?

Accepted Answer

Our standard check-in time is from 3pm. However, for weddings we can discuss arrangements for the Bridal Suite with you in advance and, where possible, we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.

Question 24

Do you have dog-friendly rooms and family rooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have several dog-friendly bedrooms, so your four-legged family members can join you for your New Forest stay. We also have rooms suitable for families, with some of our larger rooms able to accommodate additional beds or cots.

Question 25

What décor is included in your package?

Accepted Answer

Our wedding package provides the room setup, including the tables and chairs required for your wedding breakfast. We don't have a set décor package, allowing you to personalise the space and add your own style to your special day.

Question 26

Can I bring in my own décor?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own décor to personalise the venue and make it your own. We simply ask that any décor plans are discussed with our events team beforehand so that we can make sure everything is suitable for the venue and can be safely put in place.

Question 27

Is there a table that we can use for our card box?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can provide a table for your card box and gifts. We can discuss where you would like this positioned as part of your room setup and wedding planning.

Question 28

Do you have an easel for table plan and/or signage?

Accepted Answer

We don't provide an easel as part of our standard wedding package, so we would recommend bringing your own if you would like to display a table plan or signage. Our events team can advise you on the best position for it within your chosen room.

Question 29

Are there any restrictions on décor?

Accepted Answer

We are happy for you to personalise the venue with your own décor, however there are some restrictions to ensure the venue and its historic features are protected. We ask that all décor is discussed with our events team in advance, particularly anything that needs to be attached to walls, ceilings, furniture or other surfaces. Our team will be happy to advise you on what is suitable.

Question 30

Can guests throw confetti?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we don't allow traditional confetti to be thrown at the venue. This is to help protect our grounds and the surrounding New Forest environment. If you would like to have a confetti moment as part of your photographs, please speak to our events team about suitable alternatives.

Question 31

Is VAT included in your price?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all prices quoted by The Bell Inn are inclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated. Any applicable charges will be clearly explained to you when your wedding quotation is provided.

Question 32

Are there any hidden costs at all?

Accepted Answer

We aim to be completely transparent with our pricing, and any costs relating to your wedding will be clearly outlined in your quotation. There aren't any unexpected charges added for things such as turning on the lights or general cleaning after your event. Your dedicated events team will talk you through your quotation and any additional requirements, so you know exactly what is included and what you are paying for before your wedding day.

Question 33

How do we send you the deposit?

Accepted Answer

Once you have decided to go ahead with your wedding at The Bell Inn, our events team will provide you with the details of how to secure your booking and make your deposit payment.

Question 34

What are your payment terms?

Accepted Answer

Your payment schedule will be discussed with you when you book your wedding. Our events team will confirm the deposit required and when any remaining balance is due, so you will have a clear payment schedule throughout the planning process. You will also receive all the payment requirements within your contract.

Question 35

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Our cancellation terms will be outlined in your wedding booking agreement when you confirm your date with us. We recommend reading these carefully before securing your booking, and our events team will be happy to talk you through any questions you may have.

Question 36

What happens after we book?

Accepted Answer

Once your wedding is booked, our dedicated events team will be on hand to guide you through the planning process. We will work with you throughout the lead-up to your special day, helping you with your room layout, menu, timings, guest numbers and any other details needed to make sure everything is organised. We can also arrange meetings with you along the way to discuss your plans and make sure we have everything ready for your wedding day.

A New Forest Wedding Venue at The Bell Inn

An 18th-Century Coaching Inn, Ready for Your Wedding Day

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