​Winter wedding at a UNESCO World Heritage Site? This is how it works at the Faculty Club

Winter weddings are gaining ground, although some couples are still hesitant. However, Faculty Club in Leuven is a great choice in any season. You can get married on the site of the Grand Beguinage, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Jorn Gielen from Faculty Club explains how this location is also a beautiful and special place for your wedding party in winter. Discover it here!

Photo (above): Reception hall: Faculty Club - Photographer: Sophie Abrudan

Article in collaboration with Faculty Club

The biggest misconception about winter weddings

Jorn often hears the same concern from couples about winter weddings: ‘The biggest concern for people who want to get married in winter or autumn is that it will be very cold or rainy, and that they won't be able to use the garden.’

However, it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing situation. Jorn: ‘If you wish, you can easily have a short outdoor moment in winter. For example, you can hold a half-hour reception outside among the fire pits, with mulled wine or hot chocolate, and then continue indoors. This is very cosy and creates a nice mix between indoors and outdoors.’

Photo: Reception hall: Faculty Club - Photographer: Van Keyenberg Photography

The peace of mind of a winter date

In addition, couples often underestimate how much peace of mind a winter wedding date brings. Jorn explains: "In the summer, like most wedding venues, we are always very busy. In winter, you have more space, freedom and flexibility in terms of dates. This also translates into more choice with other suppliers. Your family and friends are also often more flexible in their planning, whereas in summer you sometimes have to plan around holidays. In winter, we see more couples getting married on a Friday. They are more flexible in that respect."

What's more, planning is often easier, Jorn shares: ‘In summer, you often work with a plan A and a plan B in case it rains. In winter, you usually plan everything indoors right away, or your outdoor plan is already geared towards colder weather conditions. This means your planning is right from the start and is not dependent on the weather.’

Photo: Banquet hall: Faculty Club

A beautiful winter setting

Faculty Club is located on the site of the Groot Begijnhof in Leuven, and in winter this special location takes on an extra special atmosphere. Jorn explains: "We have beautiful, atmospheric lighting in our courtyard garden. As it gets dark early in winter, this lighting is often already visible when guests arrive for the reception and dinner. This adds an extra romantic touch to the setting. And winter weather can also have its charms: snow falling on the cobblestones and historic buildings of the Beguinage creates a real wow effect."

Everything remains comfortable from a practical point of view too, Jorn explains: ‘Everything is close together. You can get inside straight from the spacious car park. The Begijnhof Hotel next door is also a big advantage. The bride and groom and their guests can enjoy the party without any worries and then walk to their rooms.’

Photo: Party room: Faculty Club

This is how a winter wedding at Faculty Club works

Faculty Club has several rooms that are often combined. Jorn explains: "Thanks to our many rooms, the different parts of the day can take place in different rooms. This gives each moment its own place and atmosphere, creating a nice flow throughout the wedding day. In winter, the ceremony and/or a large reception often take place in the Lemaire Room, our second largest room. Afterwards, the party can move on to the Infirmeriezaal, our largest room, where dinner and dancing take place."

The Faculty Club also provides a number of practical spaces. ‘The Bishop's Room and the Holy Spirit Table are often used for buffets. In addition, a rest area is always provided for the wedding couple and their suite, where they can store their gifts. We can also provide a space for children, where they can play indoors in winter.’

Couples can tailor the decoration to their (winter) theme. ‘They can decorate everything themselves if they wish, or we can work with various partners to do this. This can range from flowers to tableware or even a complete styling “from scratch”, tailored to your theme and style, to create an extra festive atmosphere in all rooms.’

Photos: Party room: Faculty Club - Photographer: Didier Bunkens

Seasonal cuisine: from winter classics to barbecue

The in-house catering at Faculty Club is also perfect for your winter wedding. Jorn: "Our menus are always seasonal and, where possible, we prepare them using local seasonal produce. In winter, you see a lot of classics, such as game, which is very popular. However, there are also surprises possible at a winter wedding: people used to think that barbecues were only for the summer. Now we also do winter barbecues - it's wonderful to combine the smoked dishes from the barbecue with the cosy warmth of the indoors. Customisation is also possible; if a customer has specific wishes, these can always be discussed. Thanks to our in-house catering, we can be flexible in this regard. Think, for example, of a festive midnight snack during the dance party.

About Faculty Club

Faculty Club is a beautiful event location on the site of the Groot Begijnhof in Leuven. Thanks to the various rooms, atmospheric setting, practical facilities and in-house catering, couples can enjoy a warm, well-organised and unforgettable wedding party here in all seasons.

Photo: Party room: Faculty Club - Photographer: Van Keyenberg Photography

Read more about this topic via these links:

• Wedding at Faculty Club, on the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Groot Begijnhof!
• Winter dinner, what to serve?
• Winter wedding in a marquee? I do!
• Winter magic: these are the most enchanting function rooms for your winter wedding