Bury St Edmunds venue St Andrew's Castle opens up to weddings

Couples can now tie the knot at one of the most scenic and historic venues in Bury St Edmunds after a change of ownership.

The Grade-II star listed St Andrew’s Castle has long been home to some of the town’s most exciting businesses - but requests have long since been coming in for it to be used for weddings.

Tracie Crascall, office manager, said: “We have decided to branch out to weddings. During the week we operate as an active business centre and then at the weekends it is going to be for civil ceremonies.”

She added: “It has a beautiful view. Clients can come into meetings here and cannot believe what we have. People have said it would be a beautiful place to get married. And who does not want to get married in a castle?”

Karyn Scott, manager of the Castle, had thought about the idea of weddings for ‘some time’ but was not able to stage ceremonies because the idea was opposed by previous owners of the building. However, Mrs Scott’s decision to buy the building this year has opened the door and she wasted no time in setting up.

St Andrew’s Castle Civil Ceremonies was launched with an open day in August. The existing two members of staff will carry on to service the new venture, with their roles slightly adapting.

Miss Crascall added: “Karyn had thought about it for a long time and it has been a long process. We have needed to get the licences and prepare for the open day.

“We took the first opportunity to get the ball rolling. We have chosen to launch this during Covid-19, so we are not expecting to have so many bookings this time of year but hopefully they will be coming to us by next summer.

“So far we have had several bookings, with the first wedding set to be this Christmas.”

As a wedding venue, the Castle contains The Library - which can hold up to 56 guests and The Edmund, which can accommodate up to 35. Both rooms can be used, one for the ceremony and one for the reception. The rooms also include white seat coverings and champagne sashes, while one option is to use the Castle’s gold ceremony chairs which featured in the ITV drama Victoria.

There is not currently a licence to serve alcohol and a BYOB policy is in place.

For bookings, call 01284 774774 or email: enquiries@sacccltd.co.uk

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