YourWedding
Welcome to the William CecilMany congratulations on your forthcoming wedding.
We are honoured that you are considering The William
Cecil as the possible venue for your special day.
The William Cecil lies within the magnificent Burghley Estate in the beautiful historic town of Stamford, the centrepiece of which is Burghley House, one of the foremost Treasure Houses in the United Kingdom. Stamford offers magnificent Georgian architecture, niche shopping, beautiful riverside meadows and prestigious local food.
We are licensed for civil ceremonies for up to 120 wedding guests in three different locations, including our unique outdoor pavilion which has been purpose-built within the hotel’s beautiful landscaped gardens. We also have several spacious rooms in the hotel, including our garden marquee, where you can hold your wedding reception.
The hotel is particularly renowned for its award-winning and exceptional cuisine.
We have 27 bedrooms and just a short distance away is our sister property, The Bull & Swan, which has an additional 9 bedrooms. The hotel dates back to the 17th century so our range of bedrooms vary in size, shape and décor.
Your Wedding, Our ExpertiseBespoke WeddingsWith our bespoke weddings you can create your perfect day from start to finish. Simply meet the required food & drink minimum spend and you can tailor what’s being served on the day to your own preference. Have a look at our menus and drink selections for inspiration, or contact our wedding coordinator, who can talk you through your ideal day and put together a personalised quote for you.
Wedding PackagesSometimes organising a wedding can be overwhelming, so we’ve put together some packages to take away the stress and help you organise the day with the minimum of fuss! These easy, ready-to-go packages from drinks to DJ are priced from £3975 – and of course you can add elements to any of them to suit your plans!
Late availability: From time to time we also feature special wedding offers on our website, so do please check to see what’s on offer.
“Everyone had the best time and couldn’t say enough about how great The William Cecil and staff are!!” - Emma and Jimmy Walker
Wedding Ceremony
The William Cecil has three settings licensed for Civil Ceremonies, including our magnificent outdoor garden pavilion, a stunning space set in the hotel’s beautiful landscaped gardens. It is the only space in Stamford licensed for outdoor ceremonies.
Alternatively, we have the Burghley or Exeter rooms set within the hotel itself. Room capacities are as follows:
The Garden Pavilion - Maximum capacity 120 guests
The Exeter Room
- Maximum capacity 60 guests
The Burghley Room - Maximum capacity 120 guests
“We can’t thank and praise everyone enough for giving us a wedding day that surpassed all our expectations.”. - Christina and Max Weetman
Wedding Reception
For your special day, we have two function rooms to choose from for your wedding breakfast. The first is our Marquee, which is set in our landscaped gardens and can accommodate up to 120 guests. The second, The Burghley Room, is situated in the main hotel building and can accommodate up to 80 seated guests.
For your evening reception, we offer The Burghley Room with its own private bar and room for a band or DJ. With the hire of The Burghley Room, which will accommodate up to 120 evening guests, we include the adjacent Exeter Room, which offers a quieter space for those wanting to take a break from dancing and rest their feet.
Venue hire starts from £1500
Eat, Drink & Be Married
We know that a big part of what makes a wedding so special is being able to spend time with friends and family whilst enjoying some wonderful food and drink in gorgeous surroundings. The William Cecil is renowned for its exceptional cuisine and we have won awards for the quality of our food. Our head chef is passionate about using locally-sourced ingredients and he has used his creativity and skills to design an extensive range of menu options ready for you to discover.
If you’d like a magnificent selection of canapés, an evening buffet with a wow factor, or just classic favourites, we can make it happen for you. Alternatively, if you don’t fancy a formal sit down breakfast then we can offer you a BBQ instead.
Next StepsWe would absolutely love to talk to you about your wedding, so please get in touch with us (our contact details are on the back cover) and let’s arrange a time to get together over a tea or coffee and discuss your day in more detail. Once we’ve found out exactly what you want, we can put together a personalised proposal for you that includes everything we discussed. We’re also happy to offer advice and make suggestions when requested, but we never forget that this is your special day and we do everything we can to make the whole planning experience enjoyable, easy and something you’ll remember for all the right reasons! Our dedicated wedding planner will be with you every step of the way.
T: 01780 750070
W: www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk
Photography credits:
Dean Street Photography - www.deansstreetphotographers.co.uk Shoot It Momma - www.shootitmomma.co.uk Marcel Grabowski Photography - www.marcelgphotography.com Cambridgeshire Wedding Photography - www.cambridgeshireweddingphotography.com Beaulieu Wedding Photography - www.beaulieuphotography.com Shane Webber Photography - www.shanewebber.com
We believe that you should have your wedding day entirely as you want it, so you can create your perfect day from start to finish.
At the William Cecil we only host one wedding a day and our dedicated wedding coordinator will be with you every step of the way.To create your dream day please follow these simple steps:
1. Choose your civil ceremony room (if required) 2. Choose your welcome drinks and wedding breakfast 3. Choose your evening celebration 4. Enjoy your wedding!
We would absolutely love to talk to you about your wedding, so please take a look at our menus and drink selections for inspiration, then get in touch with us to arrange a time to get together over a tea or coffee and discuss your day in more detail. Once we’ve found out exactly what you want, we can put together a personalised proposal for you that includes everything we discussed. We’re also happy to offer advice and make suggestions when requested, but we never forget that this is your special day and we do everything we can to make the whole planning experience enjoyable, easy and something you’ll remember for all the right reasons!
Alternatively, sometimes organising a wedding can be very overwhelming, so we have taken all the stress away by putting together some of our most popular packages which you might find useful! These easy, ready-to-go packages are there for you to start planning your day – don’t forget you can add other elements to them!
Design Your Dream Day
Cold
Smoked fish rillette en crouteMini tartlet of wild mushroom, chestnutMini oatcakes, chicken liver parfait, orange zestSmoked salmon, caviar, pumpernickel breadGoat’s cheese pannacotta, beetroot crispGodminster Bloody Mary shotOyster shotBallotine of confit duck and foie grasCropwell Bishop blue, toasted brioche, plum chutneyPlum tomato, basil, mozzarella bocconcini
Hot
Topside Lincoln Red beef, Yorkshire pudding, horseradishMini Godminster cheddar & Guinness scotch eggSeafood fishcakes, tartare sauceCrispy black pudding bon bon, maple syrupRosary goat’s cheese and sundried tomato filo parcelsSlow baked new potatoes, crème Fraiche, pepper salsaBubble & squeakTempura battered king prawnsSmoked ham hock pressing, fried quail eggSautéed satay chicken skewers
Sweet
Glazed crème patisserie fruit tartletElderflower possetToffee applesToasted marshmallowsGlazed lemon tartChocolate dipped strawberriesVanilla cheesecakesMini cornettosChocolate éclairsMacaroonsCafé frappe
Food Allergies and Intolerances:Before you order your food please speak to a member of the team if you want to know about our ingredients.
Food & DrinkCanapé Selector£6.75 per person, please choose 3
Wedding Breakfast - £45 per person
Food & Drink
To Start
Antipasti – selection of cured meats, olives, sundried tomatoes, bocconcini, crusty ciabatta, wild rocket
Pressed terrine of smoked ham hock, piccalilli, toasted brioche
Goat’s cheese & red onion tartlet, balsamic vinaigrette, wild rocket (v)
Roasted plum tomato soup, basil pesto, parmesan croutons (v)
Classic prawn cocktail, Marie Rose sauce, smoked paprika, lemon
Scottish smoked salmon, caper berries, shallots, crème fraiche, granary toast, fresh lemon wedge
Chicken liver parfait, Melba toast, plum chutney……
£2.50 supplement per head
Warm Norfolk crab tart, chives, baby leaf salad, lemon dressing
Salad of smoked duck, pecan nuts, poached pear, honey vinaigrette
To Follow
Roasted sirloin of Lincoln Red beef with all the trimmings
Seared Banham Farm chicken supreme, dauphinoise potatoes, wilted baby leaf spinach, port wine reduction
Roasted loin of Grasmere butcher’s pork, Parma ham, black pudding potato, cider reduction
Seared fillet of Scottish salmon, sautéed new potatoes, seasonal greens, hollandaise sauce
Open lasagne of sautéed wild mushrooms, chestnuts, seasonal green vegetables, wild rocket, parmesan (v)
Roasted root vegetable tart tatin, wilted spinach, glazed goat’s cheese, pea shoots (v)
Heritage tomato, caper berry & basil tagliatelle, wild rocket, parmesan (v)……
£3 supplement per head
Slow braised lamb shoulder, roasted root vegetable gratin, wilted spinach, red wine reduction
Pan-seared fillet of sea bass, potato rosti, bok choi, beurre blanc……
£5 supplement per head
Grilled fillet of turbot, sautéed samphire, black rice, champagne sauce
Rack of Nelsons Butchers lamb, Mediterranean vegetables, aubergine purée, port reduction
To Finish
Warm chocolate brownie, Cornish clotted cream
Dark chocolate & orange mousse, vanilla ice cream, honeycomb
Sticky toffee pudding, salted caramel sauce, Cornish clotted cream
Zesty lemon posset, seasonal compote, shortbread biscuit
Seasonal crumble, English custard
Vanilla cheesecake, seasonal fruit compote……
£2.50 supplement per head
Cherry panna cotta, cherry sorbet, kirsch cherries
Amaretto crème brulée, sesame seed tuille
Selection of regional cheeses
Add extra serving of vegetables for the table from £2.00 per person.
Food & DrinkBuffet Menu
Selection of sandwiches Nachos, hot salsa, mature cheddar cheese, jalapeños, crème fraiche (v) Caramelised red onion, pine nut salad (v)
Skinny fries (upgrade to hand cut chips or sweet potato fries for £1.75 pp)
Roasted butternut squash, baby leaf spinach, Cropwell bishop tart (v) Red onion coleslaw (v)
Selection of warm breads (v) Haloumi fritters, garden mint aioli (v) Hummus, crudités
Garlic & Thyme new potatoes (v) Lemon and thyme chicken goujons Strawberries and cream (£2 supplement pp)
Mac and Cheese (v) Chicken satay skewers, satay dip Olives, nuts, crisps (v)
Basil Pesto penne pasta, toasted pine nuts (v) House sausage rolls, English mustard Sticky caramel pecan slice
New potato salad, crème fraiche (v) House scotch egg and English mustard Fresh fruit platter
Heritage tomato, caper berry and basil fusilli pasta, aged parmesan (v)
From the sea platter - Scottish salmon, rainbow trout, house smoked mackerel (£2 supplement pp) Mini ice buns
Melton Mowbray pork pie, pickle Mini homemade Lincoln Red cheese burgers Dark chocolate brownie
Seafood fishcakes, tartare sauce Deep fried calamari, red chilli jam Mini crème brulée
Wild mushroom arancini balls (v) BBQ pulled pork wraps, red onion coleslaw Salted caramel cheesecake bites
Crispy jalapeno bites (v) Charcuterie board Selection regional cheese
Mixed leaf salad (v) White leaf chicory, toasted walnut, blue cheese salad, honey mustard salad (v) Fresh fruit meringue nests
Food Allergies and Intolerances:Before you order your food please speak to a member of the team if you want to know about our ingredients.
Classic Buffet £15 please choose 5 items from the list below to create your buffetChic Buffet £17.50 please choose 7 items from the list below to create your buffetLuxury Buffet £25 please choose 13 items from the list below to create your buffetAdditional items £4 per item
Menu 1 From £30.00 per personMint & garlic seared lamb chop Mediterranean king prawns with aioli 4oz Sirloin steak Peppers stuffed with rice, feta, cucumber & tomato salsa (v) Selections of salads and breads
Dark chocolate brownie Fresh fruit meringue nests
Menu 2From £27.50 per personMarinated 4oz Sirloin steak Lamb & herb chicken kebab Poached salmon fillet served with a lemon & dill mayonnaise Mediterranean vegetable & haloumi cheese kebab (v) Selections of salads and breads
Dark chocolate brownie Fresh fruit meringue nests
Menu 3 From £25.00 per personBurgers Pork sausages Garlic flat mushrooms (v) Marinated chicken legs Selections of salads and breads
Dark chocolate brownie
Food Allergies and Intolerances:Before you order your food please speak to a member of the team if you want to know about our ingredients.
Food & Drink
Evening BBQ Menu
Food & Drink
Little Adults Menu
Half portions - £22.50 per childChildren’s Menu - £10.50 per child
Little StartersGarlic breadHummus and crudités
Main CoursesSausages, mash, green veg and gravyHaddock fish fingers, peas and chipsPasta in tomato sauce and parmesan cheese (v)Chicken, potatoes and vegetables
Little PudsIce cream Fruit salad
Children ages 12 to 18 are charged as adults
Little Adults Drinks Package
£9.00 per child
On ArrivalOrange juice or lemonade
ReceptionFruit Juice or cordial
ToastLemonade or sparkling elderflower
For the Little AdultsChildren up to the age of 12 have the choice of a half portion of your wedding breakfast or a children’s meal.
ExtrasIncluded in your DayDedicated Wedding Co-OrdinatorMaster of CeremoniesPrivate bar within your function roomCake stand & knifeWhite table linenCutlery & crockeryFull trained and uniformed staffGold banqueting chairsEasel for your table planComplimentary menu tasting (excluding BBQs)Complimentary bridal suite
In addition to our wedding packages we can offer the following supplements to enhance your day:
Your Drinks Reception (Per Guest)
Pimp your Prosecco price on requestPop up gin bar price on requestArrival cocktails from £7.00ppHot chocolate from £4.50ppMulled wine and mince pies from £4.95pp
Your Wedding Breakfast (Per Guest)
Cheese course from £7.50ppWedding breakfast BBQ from £45.00pp
Your Evening Reception
Cake of cheese from £295.00Hog roast from £25.00ppHouse DJ £350.00
AccommodationWe offer Classic, Chic and Luxury Rooms in the main hotel, all beautifully and individually designed and decorated.
9 x Classic Rooms at £130 per night
13 x Chic Rooms at £155 per night
5 x Luxury Rooms at £180 per night
Of the 27 bedrooms at The William Cecil, 8 are ‘Music rooms’ (rooms that will be impacted by music during your wedding), of which 3 are Luxury rooms and 5 are Chic. We therefore ask that these rooms are allocated first.
Check-in is guaranteed from 3pm and check-out is by 11am. Our room rates include breakfast the following day, which is served in our restaurant between 8am and 10am. We charge £20 per child sharing a room with their parents. This covers the provision of additional z-beds and cots as well as breakfast the next day.
HAVE SOMETHING ELSE IN MIND? JUST LET US KNOW.
Booking
Should you wish to book your day with us, we can provisionally hold your chosen date for up to two weeks while you contact the Registry Office to check availability. The registrar must be contacted directly on 01522 782244.Once your registrar is booked, a non-refundable deposit of £1000 is payable to secure your day. 50% of the outstanding balance is due 12 weeks prior to the wedding and the final payment 4 weeks prior.
Ceremony Room Hire Includes:
• Gold bentwood chairs for up to 120 people (white wooden chairs for the pavilion)• Red carpet and registrar’s table
Planning
During the weeks prior to your wedding, our Wedding Co-ordinator will be on hand to offer guidance and reassurance. You will be invited to two planning meetings, 12 weeks and 4 weeks prior to the wedding date, to go through final planning and arrangements. On the day itself, our Master of Ceremonies will personally coordinate the day’s events so that you are able to relax and enjoy your wedding day.Complimentary menu tastings can take place Monday-Thursday at 2pm or 6pm.
Accessibility
Wheelchair access to some of our facilities may be restricted due to the historic nature and listed status of the property. Please ask a member of the team for advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cater for dietary requirements?Absolutely. All of our dishes are made with fresh ingredients. Just let us know what your dietary requirements are and we will adapt each dish to suit.
Can we use external caterers?Unfortunately we do not permit external catering at The William Cecil, but we do have award winning chefs to fulfil all of your catering needs.
Do you allow live music?Yes we do. We just ask that the band’s last set is at 11pm, but DJs can play until 11.45pm.
Do you allow fireworks or confetti?Unfortunately fireworks are not permitted, but you can have confetti! As long as it is biodegradable and used outside.
Is there enough parking for all our guests?We have a large complimentary car park.
Terms & Conditions
Get In TouchT: 01780 750070
W: www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk
“We were both blown away by the care and attention taken by the team.
In one word: Brilliant”. - Philippa and Robert Tiffin