Webpages in the Marriage and civil partnerships section
Benefactors Room, Norwich Castle
The Benefactors Room is in Norwich Castle which was built by the Normans over 900 years ago.
Set in a spectacular location in the heart of the city, the many shops, bars and restaurants that Norwich has to offer are all within walking distance.
Norwich Castle is a working museum. Although the building is open to the public the Benefactors Room is not, so your ceremony will be completely private. The ceremony room features a large ornate window, a beautiful fireplace and historic artwork. The Castle is surrounded by gardens which make a great backdrop for photographs.
Address
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
Castle Hill
Norwich
NR1 3JU
Ceremony times
Ceremonies take place on the hour:
- Tuesdays from 10am-4pm
- Wednesdays from 12 noon-4pm
- Thursdays from 10am-4pm
- Fridays from 10am-4pm
- Saturdays from 10am-4pm
- Sundays at 2pm and 3pm
Capacity
The Benefactors Room has capacity for 50 people. This includes:
- The two witnesses
- A photographer if you are having one
It does not include the couple and the two registrars.
Booking
Use the online booking form to book your ceremony at The Benefactors Room, Norwich Castle.
Book your ceremony at The Benefactors Room, Norwich Castle
Open mornings
We offer open morning appointments for anyone who has booked or is thinking about booking the Benefactors Room for their ceremony.
Find further information on the Benefactors Room open mornings.
Photo gallery
Images of Benefactors Room
Benefactors Room view down the aisle towards registry table
Benefactors Room aisle view
More information about ceremonies
Accessibility
The Benefactors Room is on the ground floor in the Castle. There is an outside lift from the gardens up to the front door of the Castle.
Animals
Animals are not allowed into the Castle, with the exception of service dogs.
Ceremony arrival times
For couples who want to arrive separately and not see each other before the ceremony begins, we advise staggering your arrival times:
- Partner one please arrive 20 minutes before the start time
- Partner two and all your guests should arrive 15 minutes before the start time
A member of our team will meet you at the Castle. They will direct:
- Partner one to their private interview space
- Partner two and your guests to the Bird Gallery. Here, you will wait for the ceremony to begin, before we accompany you to the Benefactors Room.
Confetti
All confetti must be bio-degradable. You can throw confetti anywhere in the castle grounds except outside the main entrance.
Food and drink
No food or drink is allowed to be consumed in the ceremony room. The Castle has a café which guests are welcome to use before or after ceremonies. It is open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Music
We have a modern sound system at the Castle for you to use. You must bring your own music to the ceremony with you on CD or your phone. Wi-Fi is not available.
Parking
Due to space and weight restrictions:
- You can only drive over the bridge and park by the Castle entrance if your ceremony car is no larger than a people carrier
- Someone can drop you off at the bottom of the bridge, and park elsewhere, if your ceremony car is larger than a people carrier
There are many public car parks nearby for guests, including the Castle Mall car park which is on site.
Photographs
You're welcome to use the Castle gardens for photographs. There are some interesting locations in the grounds, including an open air theatre space. No flash photography is allowed inside the Castle.
Smoking
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed.
Visiting with children
The Castle has a buggy park and baby changing facilities.
Waiting area
There is a large indoor waiting area for guests with access to toilets.
