Dinner Party Weddings

Beautiful dinner party weddings for discerning couples

Our intimate Dinner Party weddings are designed especially for couples who value exclusivity, fine dining and the charm of a private celebration. Whether you’re celebrating a second marriage or seeking a more intimate setting, we create luxurious dinner party weddings with all the fun, elegance and joy of sharing it with your closest family & friends

Here you'll discover everything you need to plan the perfect Dinner Party wedding!

A bespoke celebration

Picture the Great Hall, where you and your closest friends and family indulge in a bespoke dining experience curated by chef, Peter Harrison.

The atmosphere is intimate, allowing for meaningful connections and delightful conversation. Our exclusive approach ensures that every element of your day reflects your taste and vision.

From culinary delights to personalised wine pairings, every detail is carefully considered. Our friendly team will take care of everything, so you can relax and fully immerse yourself in your joyous occasion.

Set amidst the tranquil beauty of the Suffolk Heritage Coast, Butley Priory offers more than just a stunning backdrop; it is a place where history meets modern luxury. The soaring ceilings, stone fireplaces, and candlelit dining in our Great Hall evoke a sense of timeless romance.

Perfect for the discerning couple, Butley Priory appeals to those who appreciate the finer things in life; an exceptional meal, exquisite wines, and a serene, sophisticated setting. Whether you’re looking for a simple, elegant gathering or a more lavish celebration, our venue provides an idyllic setting for unforgettable celebration.

What is a Dinner Party Wedding?

  • For a dinner party wedding, here's an example timeline for your day:

    3:30pm - Civil Ceremony

    4:00pm - Drinks & Canapés served in the South Garden or Drawing Room

    5:00pm - Dinner

    7:30pm - Cocktails, Conversation, Music

    You choose the finish time!

  • Yes, absolutely. If you prefer the idea of a mid-afternoon lunch, then we'd suggest a 12pm ceremony, which means lunch would be served at 2:30pm

  • Yes, we can send you some 'Inspiration Menus' to look through.

    We don't have set menus. Instead, you'll be invited to discuss creating your own menu from the foods you love.

    Our chef will help guide you in creating a great menu, how to include seasonal produce, whilst choosing the finest ingredients that Suffolk has to offer.

    Suffolk is renowned for its brilliant independent food producers, so your menu will be delicious! Once created, we'll invite you to enjoy a tasting.

  • Yes, we offer a 'corkage' option which allows you to bring your own wines & fizz for the drinks reception and for the meal.

    Our fully serviced bar, which also does a great range of cocktails, can be available for the evening.

  • We have four charming properties, sleeping up to 47 guests, where they can stay for two nights or more.

    Each property includes all bedding, towels, hairdryers & ironing boards.

    Yes, we're dog-friendly too!

  • You will have full use of the bedrooms at Butley Priory to get ready before the ceremony.

    For a little bit of pampering, we have great recommendations for hair & make up artists.

  • Butley Priory is accessible with the addition of ramps for wheelchair users.

    Paddy's Cottage is single storey and step-free, with one master bedroom leading directly to a fully accessible bathroom.

  • Butley Priory can provide your venue, guest accommodation, catering, drinks and bar service.

    Which leaves all the fun things for you to consider, such as; photographer, florist/decor, outfits, music. To help you with planning, we have recommendations for these!

    The beauty of dinner party weddings means they're usually much simpler affairs whilst retaining the elements that are really important to you.

“We are so very grateful to you all for the very hard work we know was involved in making our day such a great success. Throughout the planning process, your confidence in guiding us through the various aspects of the day, using your experience of what works well at the venue, meant that we were in good hands and took lots of stress away. 

“We had so much fun on the day, and have had simply brilliant feedback from our friends and relatives.  You genuinely made our day so memorable”   

Cathy & Hugh, May 2024 - 50 guests

hand-drawn beehive illustration

LUXURY WEDDING ACCOMMODATION

Four charming on-site properties for your weekend wedding guests, all within three minutes’ walk

A ancient, ornate gatehouse looks over a pretty lawn and garden

BUTLEY PRIORY

Sleeps 7-11

Four exquisite bedrooms, usually for the wedding party.

Farmhouse wedding guest accommodation for a weekend wedding venue

BUTLEY ABBEY FARMHOUSE

Sleeps 24

12 bedrooms, a large garden, tennis court, thatched summerhouse and croquet lawn - perfect for night-before drinks

A pretty chocolate-box cottage of red brick and stone

BUTLEY PRIORY COTTAGE

Sleeps 4-6

Right next to the Priory. Perfect for ushers or families with young children.

A teal door is set in a flintwork wall leading to Paddy's Cottage

PADDY’S COTTAGE

Sleeps 4-6

Ideal for those with mobility issues. Adjoins the farmhouse with accessible bedroom and bathroom.

Ready to plan your Dinner Party Wedding?

We’re here to create an intimate wedding celebration tailored just for you at our beautiful Suffolk wedding venue - Butley Priory.

Book an appointment to view, using our online diary