How much would this cost...?

[47564]

Hi all,

A very crazy thought here, but here goes anyway...How much would the likely cost of a steam train wedding be?

There's no plan for a wedding anytime soon, but I reckon me and my girlfriend both want it to happen at some point and I would jump at the opportunity to do it in a unique way (even more so when my girlfriend actually suggested the idea herself, and she's not the world's biggest train fan) so I'm just sounding out the idea really.

I know there are differing possiblities. Enquiring at various Preserved railway's would probably be the best bet but I don't want to go enquiring when nothings set in stone.

Doing a bit of looking around on the 'net, a mainline wedding is a possiblility (which would possibly and more than likely include a famous loco) but not sure how that would be organised and is the cost likely to be astronomical?

As I say, it's only an idea and something to look at so any thought's/opinions/knowledge would be most helpful.

Thanks all.

Gary (47564)

[Kromaatikse]

I imagine a few thousand quid, just as a ballpark. I don't know how that compares to hiring a church. The price would almost certainly depend on the season, as it's much easier to fit something in during low season, but then the weather may make a difference too.

Try looking at Driver Experience outings for reference, and then consider how many people and how much equipment that is spread across.

[rufuskins]

You would need to check to see whether a preserved line or similar is licensed for weddings. The following link is an example of one that is

http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/page.php?id=13

Alec

[wholbr6539]

Hi Gary and Everybody.
As already stated in this thread I would think you would have to be looking at one of the heritage railways to accommodate what you are thinking of. In that the West Somerset Railway would be my preferred choice as it runs over 25 miles and has good dining facilities which it uses for special excursions already. I would not think that any railway would have a license to enable you to actually marry on the train but holding at least part of the reception on board could make it quite an event.

My idea would be to marry in the lovely country church close to Bishops Lydeard station at the Taunton end of the line then board a steam Hauled locomotive for a few drinks and light snacks on the journey to minehead. Off the train at Minehead station and into one of the hotels close to the station for the full reception with speeches etc. Then back on board the train for the return journey later in the day to Bishops Lydeard.

It could be quite the day with something very unusual to the normal run of weddings. Me and my wife went to a wedding with exactly the same itinerary as the above except it was on a large passenger sightseeing boat which traveled from Bristol docks along the Avon River towards Bath and returned. As stated it was quite a day, very unusual and everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

If you booked it for midweek in spring or autumn you may be able to use one of the timetabled passenger services on the West Somerset which would save having to pay for a special train to run for the wedding. In that case it may not cost too much. As you may know the West Somerset Railway runs through some beautiful countryside with services about every 30 minutes in the summer season.

Living in Somerset I know it is a great heritage company with great services.

Bill

[47564]

Thanks for your contributions Kromaatikse, Alec and Bill,

All taken on board. I did check out the Bluebell Railway as they have a .pdf file available that gives you a full itinerary of what they can offer along with the costings. I think either way it is likely to be quite an expensive venture with everything considered, and then there's the logistics of getting everybody in attendance etc.

Bill, that sounds like an ideal day. Unfortunately I live quite a way up north from Somerset so would probably have to rule that location out. Which is a shame because the Western/South Western part of the Country beautiful and my favourite. A trip along the line one day is a definate must!

[Bruces]

Hello,

I also know that the KWVR (Keighly and Worth Valley Railway) do wedding trains...but I cant find it on their website. Anyways, there nice cause they use the pullmans for wedding trains. Also, last time I remember there was a big red carpet....

[kieranhardy]

NNR also offer a wedding service:

http://www.nnrailway.co.uk/page.php?pid=39

[47564]

Thanks Bruce and kieranhardy! Venues noted and added to the list

[fellascarpet]

that's good suggestion on this topic.

thanks for post. Dear