For bookings at the Mill we would ask couples to select their caterer from our extensive list of suppliers. These caterers know the building, how it works, what equipment we have and therefore what they need to bring with them. There are plenty of options to choose from, from the regular award-winning wedding caterers in this area to mid-range but passionately run smaller caterers and quirky options such as hog roasts, paella and even an Airstream with a wood burning pizza oven in it!

To ensure we comply with NFDC sound regulations, under our entertainment license, we have to monitor levels carefully. In order for us to do this we would ask anyone hiring the Mill and wanting to have a DJ to use We Perform. They are very competitively priced and passionate about what they do. You are more than welcome to have a band if you would like one. The same sound regulations would apply so we would ask that you only use professionals as they understand sound engineering. If you would like to have a band we need to speak to them before you book them to go through the restrictions and how the band are going to ensure they remain within the sound limits (95 decibels for internal music). For the same reasons we regret that we cannot have evening music which isn’t controlled by professional suppliers.

Yes it is free parking and guests are welcome to leave their cars overnight. We would advise that any valuables or personal belongings are removed from vehicles as we cannot take any responsibility for any missing items. Vehicles are left at the owner’s risk. We can park up to 80 cars.

Yes, sweet carts/tables are permitted.

We have three wooden high chairs here at Sopley Mill which are available for use during the wedding breakfast. We do not however have any booster seats here so clients would need to supply their own.

As Sopley Mill is in a Site of Special Scientific Interest fireworks are not permitted however you are more than welcome to use sparklers.

Ideally, presents and other valuables should be taken away at the end of the evening. We do require all caterers to clear away any food/plates etc that they have used and take their own rubbish with them. We often have back to back weddings so all your items and suppliers items need to be removed that evening or can be left in the ground floor kitchen for collection by 10:30am at the latest the next day. For suppliers they must collect any items by 10am the next day.

Christchurch Chritax (01202 470000) or [email protected]. For guests requiring taxis, early booking is strongly advised, especially for Friday and Saturday weddings, as Bournemouth and Christchurch town can be extremely busy on these evenings.

Midweek weddings (Monday-Thursday) have a closing time of 11pm for 2025 (this will be changing to midnight from 2026)  You can have the music and bar open until 11pm. For Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays our closing time is 12am (midnight). Tom’s Bar and the music normally finish at 11.45 to ensure that your guests are ready to leave by midnight. Our licence for live music (a band) is until 11pm. All guests are required to vacate the premises at midnight (to ensure they don’t turn into pumpkins and have to be rolled out!)

For Health and Safety reasons, sky lanterns are not permitted.

We do apologise but we do not permit confetti at Sopley Mill as we are by the river and in an environmentally sensitive area.

We have made Sopley Mill as accessible as possible to wheelchair users. We have a lift to the top two floors (not the Avon Suite/Bridal Suite) and an adapted toilet on the ground floor. Whilst we have tried our best to make the Mill disabled friendly, we are limited by what we can do in a listed building of the Mill’s age.

The lift’s capacity is 315kgs and is 92 by 141cms in size. Please note that whilst we have the provision of an adapted toilet, that will work for many disabled guests, it isn’t able to be the recommended minimum dimensions for a BS8300 compliant disabled facility. We highly recommend that you see the Mill and confirm it is going to work for you or your disabled guests before you book.

Guests are permitted to smoke within the grounds of the Mill, but not within the Mill itself.

If centre pieces for the tables include candles, these must be enclosed by glass or set within a wide, solid base. For Health &; Safety reasons naked flames are not permitted. Tea lights, in shallow holders, are not allowed. Wax spillages may incur specialist cleaning charges. If you are in any doubt, please liaise with your chosen caterer. Battery operated candles are an effective and much safer alternative. Flare torches are not permitted for use within the grounds to prevent damage to the property and grounds.