Shortmead

Biggleswade, Bedfordshire View map Visit website

Rating 4.6 out of 5

6 reviews

Menus from £1,750

14 to 150 Guests

1 / 34

About

Located in Biggleswade in the Bedfordshire region of England, Shortmead is a stately home that makes a fantastic wedding venue. Set on 24 acres of picturesque and tranquil countryside, this manor offers a private and peaceful setting for nuptial celebrations. This estate dates back to the 16th century and offers a plethora of opportunities for truly spectacular wedding photos.

Facilities and Capacity

Shortmead can host both ceremonies and receptions, and offers a myriad of event spaces for newlyweds-to-be to choose from. The Thatch is ideal for summer weddings and boasts a rustic yet elegant aesthetic, with a vaulted exposed beam ceiling. The Stables can offer an elegant space for both ceremonies and receptions, with an entrance through a walled courtyard. The Regency Room offers a spectacular setting for intimate ceremonies. Located in the manor itself, this space is opulently decorated with a magnificent chandelier, rich warm hues, and a fireplace. Newlyweds-to-be who are hosting larger gatherings can also set up a marquee in the formal gardens. Couples who choose to celebrate their day at this stunning venue can enjoy exclusive use of the premises, ensuring a private and intimate occasion.

Services Offered

Shortmead offers a range of services to newlyweds-to-be, helping to make the planning process as smooth and as seamless as possible. Catering for your event will be provided by the talented in-house team, who can accommodate both buffets and seated meals. This venue holds an alcohol license, so your guests will be refreshed throughout the celebrations. This venue can also accommodate your choice of entertainment, with facilities for both live bands and DJs available. Outdoor fireworks are permitted at this property, while their experienced team of staff can recommend a range of local suppliers that they have worked with previously.

Accommodation

Newlyweds can enjoy their first night as a married couple in this manor’s spectacular wedding suite. This stunning chamber features a four-poster bed and large windows that flood the room with light and offer excellent views over the main function area. Manor staff can also recommend a selection of local accommodation options for your guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Venue Type:

Exclusive Use

In the Country

Stately Home

Historic

Civil Ceremony Licence

Outdoor License

Dining Options:

Seated Meal Facilities

Alcohol Licence

Buffet Meal Facilities

In House Catering

Evening Entertainment:

Marquee Available

Dance Floor

Entertainment Licence

Live Band Facilities

Evening Reception Facilities

DJ Facilities

Outdoor Fireworks Permitted

Overnight Accommodation:

Overnight Accommodation for Wedding Couple

Overnight Accommodation for Guests

Venue Staff Assistance:

Wedding Coordinator

Venue Leisure Facilities:

Swimming Pool

Other Features:

Disabled Facilities

Car Parking

Helipad

Confetti Permitted

Changing Room for Guests

Pets Welcome

Do you have any questions?

Request pricing

Rating

4.6

out of 5.0

Recommended by 83% of couples

Quality of the Service

Rating 4.7 out of 5
Response time

Rating 4.7 out of 5
Professionalism

Rating 4.5 out of 5
Value for Money

Rating 4.8 out of 5
Flexibility

Rating 4.5 out of 5

Jessica C. Married on 28/05/2022

Rating 2.8 out of 5
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May 2022 Wedding Reception

We had a wedding party at Shortmead House in May 2022. The day was wonderful, and the grounds of Shortmead were really perfect for our plans of a games event.

However, may I warn all couples that the meetings with Ian before to plan the event are largely pointless, as on the day, he will largely do whatever he wants on the day anyway.

1) front of house is a mystery. We were unsure what front of house meant and what their role was. We were originally told it was a lady called Katie, and we could meet her the Friday before. However, on the day, we were then told it was going to be Marilyn. Then on the day it was Ian. Not really sure what a ‘front of house’ did anyway. The lead bar tender on the day was however brilliant and dealt with a medical issue expertly.

2) on the morning of the wedding, we had to hose down all of the garden furniture (belonging to Shortmead) that was covered in mud and cobwebs.

3) we had asked numerous times with the plan for all wine and glasses to be out on the tables. However, the waiting staff set them out how Ian normally does it anyway. So in my dress, waiting for guests, I was moving glasses and wine coolers and explaining to the waiting staff how I wanted it.

4) the welcome drinks were still not out for the guests when they started to arrive. I had to go and get them out myself, when finally Ian got the picture. Extra decorations (drink stirrers) were described as ‘faff’ by Ian.

5) the waiting staff were on their phones at the bar or playing the chess game whilst not working, which although understandable wasn’t particularly professional. Ian was also sitting at the bar all night, talking to our guests and eating.

I would advise all people having a wedding / party here to not add your own spin on things, because it will upset you and frustrate you on your day trying to make it what you want.

The fact the house and gardens are wonderful really helped the party atmosphere. Also our suppliers were brilliant, and were able to help and control the day so we were able to enjoy it.
Sent on 26/06/2022
Jenna Married on 22/09/2018

Rating 5 out of 5
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Perfect place to get married

We got married at Shortmead House in September this year. Everyone commented on how beautiful the venue was - and it is. It is perfect. Our wedding was intimate and so much fun. One thing that it is difficult to describe in words is the ambience and atmosphere of Shortmead; it is relaxed, yet formal and if you are looking for an outdoor summer wedding, Shortmead House has everything you need. And if you are worried about the weather - dont! It rained on our wedding day but Ian and the team swung into action and made sure that it really didnt matter at all!

The thatch is a wonderful place to tie the knot and the honeymoon suite is a beautiful, beautiful room and a perfect place to wake up for your first morning as husband and wife. 10/10 for the breakfast too. We hired the cottage for the bridal party and I would recommend doing this too - it is very convenient and great value.
Sent on 02/04/2019
Sam Married on 07/07/2018

Rating 5 out of 5
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Our perfect wedding and venue

We got married at Shortmead in July 2018, the day was perfect with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. The grounds are set in beautiful and meticulously maintained gardens which provided a stunning setting for our summer wedding. The host Ian was faultless in his ability to organise and cater for our every need with brilliant suggestions and ideas throughout. His staff were incredible and went above and beyond to ensure the day went smoothly without any hick ups. Due to the unexpected heat wave and with only a day to go before our wedding, Ian even cleaned and heated up the swimming pool for our guests to enjoy which made the day even more special for us. Ian’s attention to detail and love of Shortmead is clear to see from the exceptional restoration work and care he has put in to make it a one of a kind wedding venue. All of our guests commented on how amazing the venue was and how much fun they had, there were outside games such as table tennis, giant Jenga and a giant chess board which added to everyone’s enjoyment. We would highly recommend hiring the beautiful on site cottage. We used it for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready on the day and also spend our wedding night there but it became a great place for us and our family to make use of the amenities throughout the wedding day. Thank you Ian and your team for making our wedding day better than we could of ever imagined, Sam & Debbie
Sent on 03/04/2019

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James Married on 09/06/2018

Rating 5 out of 5
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Unique and special, which had the wow factor

My wife, Lydia, and I got married on 9th June 2018 at the beautiful Shortmead House in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. We were keen to find a venue close to our home in St Neots and Shortmead ticked all the boxes. It is something of a hidden gem, tucked away down a country lane in the town and somewhere you might not know existed had you not been told about it, and that really appealed to us. We wanted somewhere which was unique and special, which had the wow factor, but also that was laid-back, intimate not too formal. Shortmead had all this and more.
Sent on 01/04/2019
Alfie Married on 07/07/2017

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THE best wedding venue there is!

Words cannot express how perfect a wedding venue Shortmead house is and how hospitable the owners Ian and Marilyn are.

We fell in love with the grounds on the first visit and whilst it is already perfect the owners are making improvements to it every week.

Ian was incredibly helpful throughout the booking process and explaining everything to us pre-wedding and Marilyn made the day what it was. You can tell that they have incredible experience in co-ordinating a wedding and are always happy to give advice.

What I would say makes Shortmead House so special is it is not a ‘wedding venue’ the house is someone’s home and you can feel that during your wedding day. For that reason treat it with the respect it and the owners deserve and there will be no cause for complaint.

Every single one of our guests took the time to comment on just how beautiful the house is!

Shortmead House is the perfect wedding venue and we couldn’t imagine having a better day anywhere else.
Sent on 19/07/2017
Stephanie Married on 24/06/2017

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Amazing Coountry House Wedding Venue

This place is absolutely Stunning. My husband and I had our wedding here at the weekend. Not only did it live up to expectations, it exceeded them.

Throughout 2 years of planning and preparing, Ian was such great help and guided us in the right direction with decisions. In the day, both Linda and Marilyn was amazing and made the whole day go so perfectly and smoothly. Right from when we were setting up the decorations, to when we were packing all away.
The caterers that are used by shortmead too were just amazing, good service and all guests absolutely loved their food.

The venue and ground are just so beautiful, something you would find abroad.
Can't recommend enough !
Sent on 04/08/2017

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Shortmead House SG18 0FG Biggleswade (Bedfordshire)

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