Pentney Abbey | Historic Sole Use Norfolk Wedding Venue

Norfolk is one of the counties we cover and so I thought it was time to feature some of the dog friendly wedding venues in this county. The first venue I visited was Pentney Abbey, one of seven venues that form part of the Unique Norfolk Venues group. The other venues that are part of the group that I hope to visit soon are:

Oxnead Hall
Shotesham Park
Abbey Barn
Manor Mews
Reymerston Hall
Branches Park (actually located in Suffolk)

Pentney Abbey As a Wedding Venue

Pentney Abbey is located in West Norfolk, slightly to the west of the village of Pentney and off the A47 between Kings Lynn to the North West and Swaffham to the South East. This is a sole use dog friendly wedding venue with plenty of history. It can be booked throughout the year for either a midweek wedding or a weekend wedding. As you would expect prices tend to be more for weekends and in the summer and less for weekdays and out of season weddings.

Dating back to the 1100’s, Pentney Abbey was once an Augustinian Priory that was dissolved during the Reformation in 1537. The current gatehouse apparently dates from the 14th century and is all that really remains from the ruins but it’s particularly grand looking and makes a great backdrop for wedding photos and is also where the wedding ceremony itself would normally take place. It should be noted however that the wedding ceremony room is up a flight of steps and due to the fact this part is a listed building there is no elevator. For disabled guests who are unable to handle steps the ceremony can be screened live to a lower level. I also think couples can decide to hold the ceremony outside in the grounds but I’m not sure if many couples actually decide to do this.

It’s only in recent times that Pentney Abbey has been used as a wedding venue. Behind the gatehouse there are a number of other more modern but rustic looking buildings. These include:

The honeymoon suite which is attached to the Farmhouse Barn.
The preparation room complete with plenty of mirrors.
Walnut Tree and Fig Tree cottages for overnight guest accommodation.
The main barn which is attached to the main kitchen where the wedding breakfast and evening celebrations take place.

In terms of capacity, Pentney Abbey is licenced for up to 100 guests for the wedding ceremony and wedding breakfast. For the evening entertainment and dancing capacity can increase up to 170 guests. Most of their packages are priced based on wedding for 60 guests with additional per head costs for any number greater than 60. There is plenty of parking for all your guests and the car park is gravel, as is most of the venue so no need to get wet or muddy feet when the weather is not ideal.

Pentney Abbey, and indeed all the other dog friendly wedding venues in the Unique Norfolk Venues group have similar policies when it comes to dogs. Dogs can be a part of the wedding but are expected to be present for up to 90 minutes. This is just enough time for them to be part of the ceremony if they have a role like ring bearer and for some photos after. Due to the narrow time window couples are advised to let their wedding photographer know so that they can priortise photos that include the dog(s) before they have to leave. In such cases it’s typical for a wedding dog chaperone like myself to either take the dog(s) to their overnight kennels or boarding after walking them or in many cases I’m asked to stay in the family home the night of the wedding and look after them which is essentially what my Gold package offers. Dogs are often most comfortable in their own home so this is a popular option.

Pentney Abbey Accommodation & Map

In total Pentney Abbey can sleep a total of 18 guests. In warmer months however Pentney Abbey can accommodate even more overnight guests by using a total of 11 glamping bell tents which come with heating and electricity. Wedding venues that come with a decent amount of accommodation can be very popular with some couples, especially those who have family spread out all over the UK. or indeed some overseas guests. Guests can of course book local hotels but that then entails having a designated driver or relying on local taxi companies.