A guide to ceremonies in Medway

A guide to ceremonies in Medway
Congratulations!
You are now about to start planning
one of the most memorable and
important days of your lives and we
can’t wait to start helping you.
Here in Medway we want to make
preparations for your big day as
effortless as possible.We are fully aware
of just how much you have to do in
the months leading up to the big day
and we are here to lend a hand.
n this guide you will find lots of useful information about what you need to do to organise a
civil ceremony in Medway. From details about the register office itself to information about the
many approved premises in the area, everything you need to know can be found here.
I
We’ve included a wedding planner too.We hope you’ll find it an invaluable tool in making sure
you’ve remembered everything that you will need for the wedding of your dreams.
Not only that, but this guide will also help anyone looking to arrange a civil partnership, wanting
to renew their vows or hold a naming ceremony.
3
Getting married in Medway
f you're tying the knot, then Medway has everything you could ask for.
From a small intimate ceremony to a lavish wedding on a grand scale,
we can do it for you.
I
In Medway, we listen to your needs and we deliver what you want. What’s
most important to us that you have the day that you want.We can advise on
anything, from the formal ceremony to the informal gathering of friends.
Medway is made up of the five towns of Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester,
Rainham and Strood, as well as the rural areas of the Hoo Peninsula and
Cuxton and Halling. It's a place steeped in history, with a strong heritage and
exciting future. Medway can offer some fantastic photo opportunities for your big day,
including the grounds of Rochester Castle. There are businesses of all types - from florists
and caterers to bridal stores and suit hire - in the area.
Of course, Medway has its own register office, but it also has a full range of
premises which are licensed to hold ceremonies.You are guaranteed to find the
venue you want, whether it is modern, or classic, large or small. Not only that,
but transport links in Medway are good, which is important if you have visitors
from outside the area travelling for your big day. There are strong rail links each town has its own rail station - and Medway is close to the M2, M25 and
M20 motorways. There is plenty of accommodation available for your guests
to suit any pocket.
All in all, whatever your requirements Medway can help. We look forward to
welcoming you and helping you organise a ceremony to remember.
4
The One
When the one whose hand you’re holding
Is the one who holds your heart,
When the one whose eyes you gaze into
Gives your hopes and dreams their start,
When the one you think of first and last
Is the one who holds you tight
And the things you plan together
Make the whole world seem just right,
When the one whom you believe in
Puts their faith and trust in you,
You’ve found the one and only love
You’ll share your whole life through.
Author unknown
Approved venues
s well as Medway Register Office there are lots of other
places to get married. Please find below the most
up-to-date list of venues and their contact details.
A
This list can grow at any time. You will find the most recent
list at www.medway.gov.uk/ceremonyvenues
Bridgewood Manor Hotel, Bridgewood
Fort Amherst, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4NB
Phone: 01634 311708
Email: info@eventswithelegance.co.uk
www.eventswithelegance.co.uk
Roundabout,Walderslade Woods, Chatham, Kent ME5 9AX
Phone: 01634 201333 Fax: 01634 201330
Email: bridgewoodmanorevents@qhotels.com
www.QHotels.co.uk
Franklin Road Masonic Hall,
Cooling Castle Barn, Cooling Castle,
Main Road, Cooling, Rochester, Kent ME3 8DT
Phone: 01634 222244 Fax : 01634 222233
Email: enquiries@coolingcastlebarn.com
www.coolingcastlebarn.com
Commissioner's House, The Historic Dockyard,
Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TZ
Phone: 01634 823846
Email:ch-events@chdt.org.uk
www.commissionershouse.com
Corn Exchange, High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LX
Phone: 01634 338112 Fax: 01634 338913
Email: cornexchange@medway.gov.uk
www.medway.gov.uk/cornexchange
Eastgate House, High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1EW
Phone: 01634 311708
Email: info@eventswithelegance.co.uk
www.eventswithelegance.co.uk
6
Franklin Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 4DG
Phone: 01634 851203/852559
Email: gmc01@btconnect.com
Gainsborough House, 254 St Margaret’s Bank,
Rochester, Kent ME1 1HY
Phone: 01634 838691 Fax: 01634 838691
Email: info@gainsborough-weddings.com
www.gainsborough-weddings.com
George Vaults, 35 High Street, Rochester,
Kent ME1 1LN
Phone: 01634 817165 Fax: 01634 880814
Email: enquiries@georgevaults.com
www.georgevaults.com
Gillingham Football Club, Redfern Avenue,
Gillingham, Kent ME7 4DD
Phone: 01634 300000 Fax: 01634 287148
Email: conferencesales@priestfield.com
www.priestfield.com
Gordon House Hotel, 91 High Street, Rochester,
Kent ME1 1LX
Phone: 01634 831000 Fax: 01634 814769
Email: info@gordonhousehotel.net
www.gordonhousehotel.net
HMS Gannet, The Historic Dockyard, Dock Road,
Chatham, Kent ME4 4TZ
Phone: 01634 823846 Fax: 01634 823801
Email: ch-events@chdt.org.uk
www.commissionershouse.com
St George Hotel, 7/8 New Road Avenue,
Chatham, Kent ME4 6BB
Phone: 01634 841012 Fax: 01634 812109
Email: reception@george-hotel.co.uk
www.george-hotel.co.uk
The Guildhall, High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1PY
Phone: 01634 848717 Fax: 01634 832919
Email: guildhall.museum@medway.gov.uk
www.medway.gov.uk/guildhallceremonies
The Roffen, 41 New Road, Rochester, Kent ME1 1DX
Phone: 01634 404770 Fax: 01634 817664
Email: mail@roffen.co.uk
www.roffen.co.uk
Holiday Inn, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent ME5 9SF
Phone: 0870 4009069 Fax: 01634 673674
Email: meetings-rochester@ihg.com
www.holidayinn.com/rochesterchath
Upnor Castle, Upper Upnor, Rochester, Kent ME2 4XG
Phone: 01634 338106 Fax: 01634 332862
Email: upnor.castle@medway.gov.uk
www.medway.gov.uk/upnorcastleceremonies
King Charles Hotel, Brompton Road,
Gillingham, Kent ME7 5QT
Phone: 01634 830303 Fax: 01634 829430
Email: weddings@kingcharleshotel.co.uk
www.kingcharleshotel.co.uk
Ward Room, Pembroke, The University of
Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME3 8DT
Phone: 01732 872020 Fax: 01732 872955E
Email: khi-events@gre.ac.ukmail: khi-events@gre.ac.uk
7
Medway Register Office
he team at Medway Register Office is warm and welcoming.
Since 2007 the register office has been based next door to
The Corn Exchange in Rochester.
T
The building, which was completely refurbished to make it the
perfect setting for wedding ceremonies, civil partnerships, renewal of
vows and baby naming ceremonies, was previously home to
Rochester Library.
There are two rooms available in the register office where you can get married. If you're
planning a small and intimate ceremony, then the register office room is ideal. It holds six
people, including the couple and their four guests. If you like something a little larger then
you can consider the Library Room, which accommodates up to 50 guests.
Both rooms are on the ground floor of the building in Northgate
for easy access.
There are several public car parks close by, making parking
convenient and Rochester rail station is just a 10-minute walk away.
If you want a beautiful setting for your wedding pictures, you are
moments away from the picturesque Rochester High Street and a
stone’s throw from Rochester Castle Gardens.
There is no restriction on how far in advance couples can
provisionally reserve a date and time for their marriage and there
are many ways to personalise your wedding ceremony. Details about
the choices available can be found elsewhere in this brochure.
You can get in touch with us by phoning 01634 338899 or
emailing register.office@medway.gov.uk
Or you can write to Medway Register Office, Northgate,
Rochester, Kent ME1 1LS.
8
Personalise your ceremony
ou can make your civil wedding whatever you want it to be. In simple terms you can
customise the occasion to make it unique.To help with this, couples getting married
at Medway Register Office or approved venues are given a wedding choices pack which
includes a card that you can use to mark down what you would like in your ceremony.
The choices pack offers couples a beginning, middle and end to the ceremony; it’s yours to
do with what you want. Staff will talk through with every couple what it is that they want.
You'll need to make sure you return the card to the register office at least two weeks before
the big day.
Y
Basically, you have a choice of which vows you would like to use - there are
three sets of words and you can choose what you want to say when declaring
your freedom to marry and when taking each
other to be husband and wife.You can decide
Sonnet 116
what words you use when exchanging rings,
Let me not to the marriage of true minds
the promises you want to make to each other
Admit impediments; love is not love
and what music you would like playing as the
Which alters when it alteration finds
register is signed. The ceremony is written by
Or bends with the remover to remove.
the person conducting it. In most venues, other than the
Oh no! It is an ever-fixed mark
register office room, you can choose entrance and exit
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
music too. The words used for exchanging rings and
It is the star to every wand’ring bark,
promises may be chosen from the marriage pack or be
Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken,
written by the couple themselves.
Love’s not time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Couples can also include poems or readings. Music can be
chosen from the selection offered or couples may choose to
provide their own CD. Civil wedding ceremonies cannot
include music, poems or readings which have a religious
connotation.Two guests need to be witnesses who will sign
the register.
Within his bending sickle’s compass come;
Love alters not with its brief hours and weeks
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.
William Shakespeare
9
Wedding checklist
hat do we need to think about when planning our wedding?
It may sound obvious but the very first thing you need to do once you
have decided to get married is set the date.
W
It's best to do this after you have contacted Medway Register Office. If you
intend to get married at an approved venue, contact the venue and let them
know the date you have in mind.The venue will then contact Medway Register
Office to check availability. Once the date has been confirmed you can move
on to sorting out all the legalities.
Legal preliminaries must take place at a register office before the wedding.
Formal notice of intention to marry can be given up to 12 months before the
wedding, but bookings for civil weddings in Medway can be made before this.
The bride and groom must give their notice of intention to marry, in person,
to the superintendent registrar, in the district in which they live.The notice is
a legal document and there is a fee that has to be paid at the time. For details
of all fees payable in Medway when it comes to marriages, baby naming, civil
partnerships and renewal of vows, please visit www.medway.gov.uk/rofees.
You can also phone Medway Register Office on 01634 338899 or email
register.office@medway.gov.uk to arrange your appointment.
When you register your notice of intention to marry you will be asked to take along
documents as proof of identity and residence, for example a passport and utility bill. If you
don't live in Medway the team will advise who you need to contact to give your notice to.
Now comes the fun part - at the time you register the team will explain all the procedures
that will take place during your ceremony and how you can personalise your day.
The register office will charge fees for the ceremony itself and for use of the register office
room or Library Room. Approved venues will add their own charges to this and they do
vary, so please check with the venue what you can expect to pay.There is also a small charge
for the marriage certificate.
You may want to use our checklist as a guide to planning your wedding to help
ensure you've remembered everything. The weeks and months leading up to
your big day will be incredibly busy and at times a little stressful, but remember
it's your day and it's one that you will remember forever.
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Wedding checklist
Register office/licensed venue contacted, venue chosen and date set. Don't forget to
book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment if you have a particular date in mind. . .
Notice of intention to marry given. Don't forget to take your documentation
along with you. Don’t forget to pick up your choices pack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Invitations bought and sent out. Don't forget to include maps if you are inviting
guests from outside the area or give the venue's post code for sat nav use. . . . . . . . . . .
Wedding rings bought. Remember when measuring that our fingers swell in the
summer when it's hot and are smaller in winter when it's cold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wedding dress bought/hired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bridesmaids' dresses bought/hired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Groom's suit bought/hired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other men's suits/outfits bought/hired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gifts bought for bridesmaids, bride and groom's mums, best man and page boys . . .
Flowers arranged - bouquets, buttonholes, reception venue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicles organised/hired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wedding cake arranged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reception entertainment arranged - disco/band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decoration for reception venue organised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Photographer booked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Honeymoon destination agreed and booked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
Civil partnerships
f you are in a same sex relationship and you would like to register your commitment to
each other, Medway Register Office can help.The ceremony cannot legally be recognised
as a marriage, but you will gain legal recognition for your partnership, giving you similar
rights and responsibilities as those of a married couple.
I
You must sign a civil partnership document and this needs to be done in front two witnesses
and the civil partnership registrar.You can enter into a civil partnership if you are both aged
16 and over - if you are 16 or 17 written consent may need to be obtained from your parents
or guardians; you have lived in England or Wales for at least seven days; neither of you is
already a civil partner or married and you are not close blood relatives.
What is Love?
Sooner or later, we begin to understand that
love is more than verses on valentines and
romance in the movies.
We begin to know that love is here and
now, real and true, the most important
thing in our lives. For love is the creator of
our favourite memories and the foundation
of our fondest dreams. Love is a promise
that is always kept, a fortune that can
never be spent, a seed that can flourish in
even the most unlikely of places.
And this radiance that never fades, this
mysterious and magical joy, is the greatest
treasure of all – one known only by those
who love.
Author unknown
12
Both of you will need to give notice of your civil partnership in
the area that you live. If you both live in Medway please contact
a member of the ceremonies team who will be happy to discuss
and plan your arrangements and the fees that should be paid.
After you have given notice you need to wait at least 15 days
before the civil partnership can take place. In Medway, the team
is able to offer a civil partnership ceremony to accompany your
civil partnership registration. Contact the team to find out more.
Renewal of vows
ant to mark a special milestone in a marriage or
simply provide an opportunity for friends and
family to witness your commitment to each other?
W
Then consider a vow renewal ceremony in Medway.
You may have been through some difficulties together and
come out the other side or you may have got married
abroad or just want to celebrate being together - whatever
your reason Medway Register Office can help. The team
can create a ceremony that is personal to you and unique.
The staff at your ceremony will not be acting as a registrar but will have been fully trained
to take part in the ceremony.The ceremony has no legal status, but is an ideal opportunity
for couples to celebrate their continuing happiness. Each ceremony is written from scratch
as each one is different.
Baby naming
aving a baby can be one of the most joyous events in the life of a couple and what
better way to celebrate the birth of the new arrival than to hold a naming ceremony.
H
A naming ceremony allows you to welcome your baby into the family and wider
community; announce the names you have chosen; make promises of commitment to
nurture and support your child and choose other adults who
are prepared to promise a special supportive relationship with
your child. The ceremonies team will work closely with you
to make sure that everything about your baby's ceremony is
unique. As it’s not restricted by legal formalities the choice is
enormous. Any parent can arrange a naming ceremony,
whether they are married or not. Ceremonies can also be held
to welcome adoptive or stepchildren into a family. Ceremonies
do not have to be just for babies or very young children.
13
Approved venues
14
Approved venues
ADVERTISEMENT
Cooling Castle Barn
From the moment you arrive at
our awe inspiring oak beamed
barns you can relax and enjoy the
exclusive use of the exquisite
surroundings. Our professional and
highly dedicated team ensure your wedding day runs
effortlessly, allowing you to forget yourselves and enjoy and
celebrate the most important day of your life in style.
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The calm and friendly atmosphere, enclosed in intimate
surroundings that are steeped in history, provides an
extraordinary backdrop to consummate your marriage
vows. Setting in motion a day and evening that your friends
and family will never forget.
Max no of guests
160
Garden
yes
Gazebo weddings
yes
Car parking
yes
Cooling Castle Barn, Main Road, Cooling,
Rochester ME3 8DT. Phone: 01634 222244
Email: enquiries@coolingcastlebarn.com
www.coolingcastlebarn.com
15
Approved venues
Corn Exchange
This exquisite venue in the heart of historic Rochester dates
back to 1698. With its high ceilings, huge chandeliers and
beautiful architectural features. The Corn Exchange is a
stunning place to hold a civil ceremony.The grand sweeping
16
staircase heads to the Princes Hall and onto the Queens Hall.
If you’re looking for a day to remember, we can provide it
for you. Talk to us about your individual needs and we can
make them happen.
Max no of guests (Princes Hall 100, Queens Hall 300)
420
Gazebo weddings
no
Garden (castle gardens nearby)
no
Car parking (pay and display)
yes
Corn Exchange, High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX
Phone: 01634 338112 Email: cornexchange@medway.gov.uk www.medway.gov.uk/cornexchange
Approved venues
Commissioner’s House
A stunning 18th century house with beautiful gardens in
the unique and extraordinary setting of The Historic
Dockyard, Chatham – one of the most complete naval
dockyards from the Georgian and Victorian periods
anywhere in the world.
HMS Gannet (1878)
Built in 1704 for the commissioner and his family, the house
is the oldest and probably most attractive, naval building to
survive intact in Britain today.
Not many couples can boast they were married on a ship.
You can, if you take the option to tie the knot aboard the
Victorian naval sloop HMS Gannet – either on deck or in
the Commander’s Cabin.
Many brides and grooms remember the moment they first
saw Commissioner’s House…it was the moment they found
their wedding venue.
Combine your on board ceremony with your reception either
in a marquee on the dockside or in Commissioner’s House.
Choose Commissioner’s House for your wedding and/or
reception and it’s yours exclusively for the day.
Car parking is free if your guests wish to stay overnight,
there is a hotel on site.
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your
lives – we will help make it one of the best.
Car parking is free if your guests wish to stay overnight,
there is a hotel on site.
We aim to provide the personal touch; with an attention to
detail and service that will make your day unforgettable.
Our philosophy is to give you the wedding you want and
to help you create the perfect day. Call us to discuss your
wedding plans and to arrange a viewing.
Max no of guests
225
Max no of guests
120
Garden
yes
Garden
no
Gazebo weddings
yes
Gazebo weddings
no
Car parking (free)
yes
Car parking (free)
yes
The Historic Dockyard, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TZ. Phone: 01634 823846
Email: ch-events@chdt.org.uk www.commissionershouse.com
17
Approved venues
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e: info@tracymead.com
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The attractive and historic Eastgate
House in Rochester High Street, has become a very popular
venue. This beautiful, stylish and impressive building was
built in 1590 and is steeped in history.
The splendid oak-panelled ceremony room, on the first floor,
has a feature fireplace and offers a true sense of occasion.
Provides seating for 40 people, with additional standing space.
18
Max no of guests
40
Garden
yes
Gazebo weddings
no
Car parking (pay and display)
yes
Eastgate House, High Street, Rochester ME1 1EW
Phone: 01634 311708
Email: info@eventswithelegance.co.uk
www.eventswithelegance.co.uk
59-61 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LX
t: 01634 846244 • e: info@slinders.com
www.slindersfloristrochester.co.uk
Approved venues
Photographs: Christopher Patrick Lee
Fort Amherst
If you are looking for an unusual and quirky yet stunning
wedding, then Fort Amherst is the place, for your special day
we candlelight the fort with more than 800 tealight candles
bringing a real romantic atmosphere to a stunning venue.
You can spend all day with us and have your reception with
us with seating on the upper gun floor for 60 people, or have
a marquee on the stunning grounds with fantastic views
overlooking the River Medway.
To complete the Napoleonic feel why not fire a cannon,
have Napoleonic soldiers greet you and your guests or have
your ceremony completed with a broomstick; how they got
married back in the 1700's.
To finish off the day have fireworks shining out from the fort
or leave in real style and have pyrotechnics alight behind you.
Whatever you choose; having a wedding at Fort Amherst
we promise will never be forgotten by yourselves and
your guests.
Paula and Vicky; at Events with Elegance, are proud to place
weddings at Fort Amherst. We pride ourselves on being
approachable, friendly yet professional and we will be with
you every step of the way.
Max no of guests
100
Gazebo weddings
no
Garden
yes
Car parking
yes
Fort Amherst, Dock Road, Chatham ME4 4NB. Phone: 01634 311708
Email: info@eventswithelegance.co.uk www.eventswithelegance.co.uk
19
Approved venues
Franklin Road Masonic Hall
A hidden treasure in the heart
of Gillingham for your fairytale
day.The building was originally
a girls’ convent school until
about 1912 when it was
bought for development. The
Masonic Hall has been here
since about 1915.
Max no of guests (seated 160, buffet 240)
20
160/240
Gainsborough House
Gainsborough House is a beautifully restored Georgian
building right in the heart of Medway.
Large secluded private gardens for summer receptions.
Catering available – fully licensed – hog roasts and barbecues.
Weekends only for larger parties, smaller groups of up to 40
welcome midweek.
Max no of guests (ceremony 60, reception 100)
60/100
Garden
yes
Garden
yes
Gazebo weddings
no
Gazebo weddings
no
Car parking
yes
Car parking (local parking only)
yes
Franklin Road Masonic Hall,
Franklin Road, Gillingham ME7 4DG
Phone: 01634 851203/852559
Email: gmc01@btconnect.com
Gainsborough House, 254 St Margarets Bank,
Rochester ME1 1HY. Phone: 01634 838691
Email: enquiries@gainsborough-weddings.com
www.gainsborough-weddings.com
Approved venues
George Vaults
Gillingham Football Club
The perfect setting…
Priestfield offers stunning rooms for couples to make
their marriage vows.You can now also get married in one
of the stands.
Why not have your civil ceremony in our 13th century
vaults. We can provide you with your wedding
breakfast/buffet and evening venue all under one roof, and
we are keen to make your day special.
Take the pressure off with our in-house wedding
co-ordinator and let us do the hard work.
Please phone and ask to speak to Emma Jarvis.We will then
arrange a meeting so you can come and have a look around.
Max no of guests (seated 55, standing 20)
55/20
The elegant Boardroom and the stylish Piano Bar are
licensed for marriage ceremonies and can hold up to 120
people and 80 people respectively.
For couples looking for that special venue for their wedding
breakfast or evening reception the Great Hall, the Priestfield
complex, is ideal.With wood panelled walls and chandeliers,
the Great Hall boasts sophistication and luxury in
abundance. To meet your precise numbers, the Great Hall
provides sound-proof, moveable walls, to give 11 different
room sizes. Or you could host your reception in the
Boardroom or Piano Bar.
Max no of guests (Great Hall 600, Piano Bar 120)
600/120
Garden
no
Garden
no
Gazebo weddings
no
Gazebo weddings
no
Car parking (pay and display)
yes
Car parking (100 spaces)
yes
George Vaults, 35 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LN
Phone: 01634 817165 Email: enquiries@georgevaults.com
www.georgevaults.com
Gillingham Football Club, Redfern Avenue,
Gillingham ME7 4DD. Phone: 01634 300000
Email: conferencesales@priestfield.com www.priestfield.com
21
Approved venues
Gordon House Hotel
Our location, in the
heart
of
historic
Rochester, makes the
Gordon House Hotel a beautiful setting for any couple
wishing to hold a civil ceremony.
What could provide a more stunning setting for any
special day than an hotel, housed in a 17th century
building in the High Street, within walking distance of a
cathedral that dates back to 1130 and a castle that was built
in Norman times.
At Gordon House we pride ourselves on our flexibility to
meet the individual needs of all our couples – that personal
touch can make all the difference.
Max no of guests (seated 60, buffet 120)
22
60/120
Holiday Inn
Every couple wants their wedding
day to be one that they will
remember forever. At the Holiday Inn, Rochester, we can
help you bring this romantic day alive with our special
touches to meet your individual needs.
From red carpets to high-quality flower arrangements, from
personalised menus to a celebration sword to cut your cake,
we provide everything you could wish for to create the
perfect wedding, just the way you want it.
Not only that but our on-site accommodation ensures that
your guests have somewhere to stay too – we can do
everything for you under one roof, making arrangements
for you easy and stress-free.
Contact us today to find out more. We look forward to
hearing from you.
Max no of guests (seated 85, standing 150)
85/150
Garden
yes
Garden
Gazebo weddings
no
Gazebo weddings
no
Car parking
yes
Car parking (free)
yes
Gordon House Hotel, 91 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX
Phone: 01634 831000 Email: info@gordonhousehotel.net
www.gordonhousehotel.net
yes
Holiday Inn, Maidstone Road, Chatham ME5 9SF
Phone: 0870 400 9069 Email: meetings-rochester@ihg.com
www.holidayinn.com/rochesterchath
Approved venues
King Charles Hotel
Whether you are planning a small and intimate wedding or
a larger more formal one, we can tailor your requirements
to ensure it is a day to treasure. With more than 20 years
experience, our team of friendly, attentive co-ordinators will
be on hand from the moment you book until the end of
your reception.
We have many different rooms for you to hold your
ceremony – our landscaped garden, licensed for up to 90
guests, also provides an ideal backdrop for those special
wedding photographs.
Detailed information on our wedding packages is
available on request. Discounts are available for mid-week
and Sunday weddings.
We also have our Britannia Suite, which is available to hire
for an evening wedding reception, where you may provide
your own catering.
Max no of guests
300
Gazebo weddings
yes
Garden
yes
Car parking
yes
King Charles Hotel, Brompton Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5QT. Phone: 01634 830303
Email: weddings@kingcharleshotel.co.uk www.kingcharleshotel.co.uk
23
Approved venues
The Guildhall
Conveniently located in
the centre of Rochester,
the charm and historical atmosphere of the Guildhall
provides a memorable setting for your ceremony.
The Guildhall was built in 1687 and has been used in past
centuries as a town hall, entertainment venue, court and
council chamber. The chamber is a fine example of 17th
Max no of guests (seated 70, standing 20)
Garden
24
70/20
no
century interior decoration, with its magnificent painted
plaster ceilings and large decorative oil paintings.
A red-carpeted, sweeping staircase leads you to the chamber
entrance, where you will be spellbound by the grandeur of
this historic venue.The glittering chandeliers offer the perfect
soft ambience for every ceremony. This relaxed atmosphere
will ensure your special day will be one to remember.
Gazebo weddings
no
Car parking (pay and display)
yes
The Guildhall, High Street, Rochester ME1 1PY. Phone: 01634 848717
Email: guildhall.museum@medway.gov.uk www.medway.gov.uk/guildhallceremonies
Approved venues
25
Approved venues
St George Hotel
Ward Room, Pembroke
As a family-run hotel, we offer a more personal and flexible
service - allowing us to tailor the day around your vision from the traditional style to something more contemporary
or outrageous, we can help you get your big day just perfect.
Our three modern function suites can accommodate from
three to 300 guests, from a simple service or reception only
to a full bespoke package designed around you. Free hall
hire is available subject to conditions* and with a discount
of up to 10 per cent. We are also licensed to hold civil
weddings at the hotel, allowing you to spend your entire day
in the hotel if you wish.
See our website for more details or phone for a free
wedding pack.
We are pleased to announce that our
beautiful building with its collection
of stately rooms is now available for
receptions, civil marriages, renewal
of vows, civil partnerships and
naming ceremonies for up to 180
guests or for more intimate gatherings.
The striking architecture of the Ward Room with its
vaulted beamed ceiling and oak panelled walls was formerly
used for grand naval occasions.
* Contact venue for details.
26
Max no of guests
120
Garden
no
Gazebo weddings
no
Car parking
yes
St George Hotel, 7/8 New Road Avenue,
Chatham ME4 6BB. Phone: 01634 841012
Email: reception@george-hotel.co.uk
www.george-hotel.co.uk
Max no of guests
180
Garden
yes
Gazebo weddings
no
Car parking
yes
Ward Room, Pembroke, The University of Greenwich,
Chatham Maritime, ME3 8DT. Phone: 01732 872020
Email: khi-events@gre.ac.uk
Approved venues
Upnor Castle
A turreted castle set in a picturesque village, backed by
rolling, wooded hills, Upnor Castle is fronted by a water
bastion jutting out into the River Medway.
Max no of guests (seated 80, standing 20)
Garden
80/20
yes
Set your special day against a backdrop of almost 500 years
of history in one of England's truly timeless places.
Gazebo weddings
no
Car parking
yes
Upnor Castle, Upper Upnor, Rochester ME2 4XG
Phone: 01634 338106 Email: upnor.castle@medway.gov.uk www.medway.gov.uk/upnorcastleceremonies
27
29
On Your Wedding Day
Today is the day you will always remember,
The greatest in anyone’s life,
You’ll start off the day just two people in love
And end it as husband and wife.
It’s a brand new beginning, the start of a journey,
With moments to cherish and treasure
And although there’ll be times when you both disagree,
These will surely be outweighed by pleasure.
You’ll have heard many words of advice in the past,
When the secrets of marriage were spoken
But you know that the answers lie hidden inside,
Where the bond of true love lies unbroken.
So live happy forever, as lovers and friends,
It’s the dawn of a new life for you,
As you stand there together with love in your eyes
From the moment you whisper “I do”.
And with luck, all your hopes and your dreams can be real,
May success find its way to your hearts.
Tomorrow can bring you the greatest of joys
But today is the day it all starts.
Author unknown
With thanks
We would like to thank the following businesses for their contribution towards production of this brochure:
• Bridal Wardrobe - bridal gown and groom’s clothing;
• Tracy Mead - hair and make-up;
• Slinders - flowers.
30
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Bridal Wardrobe
Everything for the bride, bridesmaids, mother of the bride and groom
Designs by: Ian Stuart, Phil Collins, Stewart Parvin, Amanda Wyatt, Raylia,
Romantica, Sophia Tolli, Sarah Danielle, Picante Designs,
llana I, Sincerity, White Rose, Forever Yours, Angel.
Bridal gowns and bridesmaids: veils and tiaras, shoes and accessories.
Grooms formal hire by: Cameron Ross.
ridal Wardrobe is a family run business with
excellent service that is second to none.
Our aim is to offer the Bride and her party a
complete top to toe service to help make her
special day even more special and take away
some of the stress and strain in the lead up.
To ensure your complete personal attention and
the utmost privacy we allow only 1 bride and her
party in each individual fitting area at a time.
We offer a wide range in styles and fabrics from
silks to satin, organza, taffeta and lace. From
informal styles to fairytale gowns but essentially
styled to suit the individual bride.
To complement and enhance your special look
choose from a wide selection of veils, tiaras shoes
and jewellery all of which can be customised to
suit your individual style and requirements
B
www.bridalwardrobe.co.uk
We also offer an extensive range of bridesmaids
and evening dresses in a choice of 58 different
colours all again which can be complemented
with our extensive range of accessories.
Our Mother of the Bride range provides you
with the flexibility to create your own individual
look and style in a fantastic range of colours and
detail, with Hats and Fascinators, handbags and
shoes to complement.All accessories can be dyed
to match.
To make sure the Groom does not have the
chance to go off at a tangent we have Cameron
Ross men's wear to hire.
Appointments for fittings are not always
necessary but are advisable, particularly on
Saturdays. Informal viewing is welcomed.
01634 849811
33 High Street, Rochester
Kent ME1 1LN
01474 358811
54 High Street, Gravesend
Kent DA11 0AY
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm, Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm (appointments advisable)
Late evening and Sunday by appointment only
31
If you have any questions that are unanswered in this brochure or you would
like to find out anything more about getting married in Medway, renewing your
vows, baby naming or civil partnerships, please get in touch with the team at
Medway Register Office.You can contact the team in the following ways:
Phone: 01634 338899
Email: register.office@medway.gov.uk
www.medway.gov.uk/weddings
Designed by Medway Council Communications Team.
www.medway.gov.uk/communications G3306