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IDYLLIC VENUE

WEDDINGS

THE HEART OF CAMBRIDGE

Downing College is a wedding venue like no other. Balancing perfectly manicured landscapes, world-class architecture, and the history we’re known for, whilst being nestled in the heart of Cambridge, Downing College encapsulates the word ‘idyllic’.

The College and its grounds are available for a limited number of weddings in July and August for College Fellows, alumni and staff. Please do not hesitate to call us on 01223 334 860 or email us to request our wedding brochure, arrange a site visit or discuss questions you may have. 


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YOUR CEREMONY

Simply put, The Howard Building is a space that turns as many heads as you will, as you appear at the top of the aisle. It’s a true classic, where some of the country’s most iconic settings sit behind these historical walls. On the ground floor lies the Drawing Room, with patio doors that lead to every photographer’s favourite backdrop, the West Lodge Garden.

Head up a level, and you’ll find The Assembly Room – a sprawling space, where natural light engulfs the room, and decorative scrolls line the walls.

YOUR RECEPTION

On the ground floor of The Howard Building, you’ll discover our fully stocked bar and lounge, designed to slow down the pace for guests in search of a more laid-back atmosphere. Then, on the first floor, you’ll find a blank canvas to bring your own touches to, from welcoming in your favourite band to inviting your guests to join you after your first dance.

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THE HALL

The College Hall represents the epitome of Cambridge charm. As a neo-classical venue, this space is often the room of choice for exceptional wedding breakfasts. Seating up to 140 guests, you’ll enjoy a four-course meal, before being invited to enjoy a drinks reception in the Senior Combination Room and the Fellows Garden, as we take the Hall from day to night.

YOUR WEDDING COORDINATOR

Kerry-Ann, our experienced and dedicated Wedding Coordinator, prides herself on ensuring she can create your dream celebration, paying attention to the finest of details to make sure everything runs smoothly. From the initial enquiry to your big day, you will be looked after and cared for. Kerry-Ann is there to answer all your questions no matter how big or small.

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WEDDING PACKAGE

Downing College offers two different packages to ensure that all your requirements for your special day are met in our unique College environment. We invite you to make your wedding your own. We’ll deliver the world-class, history-rich venue, grounds, and reputation, while you bring the personal touches.

Details of each of the packages can be viewed below, together with our Frequently Asked Questions. 

 

AVAILABLE ROOMS

GRACE
HOWARD
ROOM


DRAWING ROOM

MUSIC ROOM
AND
TIM CADBURY

WEST LODGE
AND
MAITLAND ROOM


ASSEMBLY ROOM

HOWARD
THEATRE
AUDITORIUM

Just a quick note before we board the plane to say a massive THANK YOU to you and everyone at Downing for a truly perfect wedding weekend. We had the best time, felt so supported and relaxed throughout the whole wedding and couldn't have asked for a better experience. We know that is all down to your hard work in the months, weeks and days leading up to Saturday, as well as on the day itself. All of our guests had so much fun and were so impressed by the college, staff and the food. The food was incredible!! 

Downing provided an absolutely fantastic day! They had a high attention to detail, throughout the months of planning beforehand and on the day itself. The grounds at Downing are stunning and provided a beautiful back drop to photos. Guests also enjoyed exploring the vast grounds in small groups whilst the band were setting up in the evening. In general, all guests expressed how much they enjoyed their day at Downing, especially those that chose to stay the nights around the wedding. Thank you to everyone at Downing who made the day so amazing!

We had the most perfect wedding day at Downing! All your wonderful organisation paid off fabulously. The venue looked stunning, the food was exquisite - please do thank and compliment your chef most warmly from us - the serving staff were attentive but not intrusive, and you personally co-ordinated all the different elements superbly. Our overnight guests enjoyed their lovely rooms and great breakfasts in that impressive hall, and both they and our day guests felt looked after by you and the porters wonderfully and were able to find their way around the site comfortably and happily in all respects. We have had so many positive comments from our guests who were all blown away by every detail of the day. 

Thank you ever so much. It was without a doubt the best day of our lives. We are still completely overwhelmed with joy and happiness. Thank you for your help in both preparation and execution, and for accommodating the cultural nuances. We are truly so grateful for all your hard work in creating such a wonderful memory.

We both wanted to drop you a line to say a huge thank you for all your help organising our wedding. We had the most perfect day and so many of our guests said it was the best wedding they’d ever been to!

Yesterday was wonderful, a perfect day. The weather was great, and the college and rooms looked resplendent. Sarah was lovely, and wonderfully just discreetly, managed everything without any notice or fuss, and certainly that helped us to relax and enjoy things so much more. 

The food was delicious - all of it - and everyone (and I mean everyone!) remarked at how good it was. Compliments to the chef(s) and their team. The folks who kindly served us all were also perfect and respectfully navigated the small children and bustle! We will send some formal thanks but for the time being just wanted to convey our immediate gratitude for a memorable and wonderful wedding. We loved it and so did all our families and closest friends.

CONTACT US

Use one of the methods below to get in touch with us.

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Email

Our friendly team is here to help

conference@dow.cam.ac.uk

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Office

Come and visit us

Conference and Events Office
Downing College
Regent Street
Cambridge CB2 1DQ

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Phone

Mon – Fri, 8.30am – 5pm

+44 (01223) 334 860