SPOTLIGHT ON

Maidstone and Medway Tie the knot in a local hotspot

THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAM

01634 823 846 | https://thedockyard.co.uk/hire/weddings

Set among 400 years of maritime history, Kent’s Historic Dockyard Chatham provides an iconic backdrop for your big day. Complete with spectacular architecture these historical venues can be transformed to suit any theme.

Commissioner’s House, Britain’s oldest naval building is an elegant Georgian-style building offering a choice of newlydecorated rooms. The Sunne Room offers breathtaking views over the landscapped Commissioner’s Garden and a balcony perfect for your bouquet toss! This beautiful Georgian room can host ceremonies with up to 70 guests. Located on the ground floor of the Commissioner’s House, the Ballroom is wonderfully light and airy and has doors leading out onto the patio. A memorable space it too can accommodate 70.

The patio offers a lovely spot for an idyllic summer ceremony. Here you can soak up the sunshine and it boasts two options for your walk down the aisle. It can seat around 80 loved ones for the “I dos.”

HMS Gannet is a Victorian sloop, surely one of the most unusual venues in Kent. The Captain’s Cabin can seat up to 40 loved ones for intimate ceremonies while the main deck is perfect for up to 70. Enjoy drinks on board before your party makes its way to Commissioner’s House for the rest of the day.

All receptions take place in the Commissioner’s House and Gardens. It can accommodate 120 nearest and dearest for a seated wedding breakfast and 200 for the evening bash.

THE ROCHESTER CORN EXCHANGE

01634 338 112 | www.therochestercornexchange.co.uk

This luxurious and imposing Grade I listed building was constructed in 1706 by the rather splendidly named Admiral Sir Cloudsley Shovel, whose coat of arms can be found above the High Street entrance. It has enjoyed a varied history as a butchers market, a courtroom, a concert hall and a cinema. For the past 100 years it has functioned as Rochester’s premier venue for parties, events and weddings offering you the flexibility to enjoy the day of your dreams in a historical setting.

Located just off the beautifully preserved Victorian High Street, famous for its connections with Charles Dickens, the venue is close to the cobbled Boley Hill that links the High Street through an ancient gateway to the moat of Rochester Castle and Gardens on your right, and to the left Rochester Cathedral.

The Queens Hall is the largest space here for ceremonies and receptions hosting up to 300 loved ones (or 275 with a dancefloor). A luxurious space with wow factor, its stunning architectural features include high ceilings, sparkling chandeliers and impressive windows. This room can be configured to suit weddings of all sizes and can host wedding breakfasts, sit-down meals and evening celebrations.

The Princes Hall is suitable for more intimately sized events and can host up to 80 nearest and dearest for ceremonies. It can also act as a welcome area for drinks and canapés when used in conjunction with The Queens Hall, linked together by the grand sweep of the staircase.

Rochester Corn Exchange uses a number of specially selected caterers to suit all budgets, tastes and types of wedding including Asian and AfroCaribbean. The three existing packages, The Cathedral, The Castle and The Courtyard all give exclusive access to the venue.

BRIDGEWOOD MANOR HOTEL & SPA

01634 201 333 | www.bridgewoodmanorhotel.com

With space for 180 wedding guests at this charming hotel, everything you’ll ever need for your big day will be taken care of by its team of specialist wedding coordinators, who take pride in their outstanding knowledge of local suppliers. Whatever you need, whether it’s a bespoke floral arrangement or wow-factor evening entertainment, they’ll organise it for you. What’s more, with easy access to the M2, M20 and M25 you can rest assured knowing guests will be able to find you easily at Bridgewood Manor. Plus, the hotel is designed around an inner courtyard, a fantastic location for drinks receptions and those allimportant photographs.

The Hythe Suite is a large, bright and airy space overlooking the courtyard and flooded with natural light. A partition wall separates the main function suite from the bar area, making it flexible and easily transformed from day to evening. There’s ample space for 180 for the ceremony and reception. Slightly smaller, The Hogarth Suite, also bright and spacious, boasts high ceilings and a separate bar. It can accommodate 120 from “I dos” to dancing.

More intimate spaces for the ceremony include the Stratford and Maidstone Suites, both with room for 40 nearest and dearest. The former looks out onto a small patio, while the latter has views over the hotel’s courtyard and it’s neutral décor makes it the ideal blank canvas.

ST. GEORGE HOTEL

01634 841 012 | www.george-hotel.co.uk

Located in the heart of historical Medway, the St. George Hotel is ideally situated for those looking to experience the magnificent sights Kent has to offer while in town for your big day. Within walking distance of Rochester Castle and Cathedral, Fort Amherst and Chatham’s Historic Dockyard there’s so much to see and do. A family-run hotel, the team offers a personal and flexible service, so whatever your vision for your wedding, they’re on hand to make it a reality.

Although the hotel doesn’t have its own grounds, it is conveniently located opposite a lovely green featuring a bandstand and beautiful flowerbeds. It’s also close to Rochester Castle so many guests choose to pop over there for photos.

The venue has a choice of three licensed spaces all flexible and able to host your whole day. You can say “I do” in the Shorts Brothers Room surrounded by 65 of your nearest and dearest. This space is great for an intimate affair and also has a private bar, so it’s ideal for the ensuing celebrations.

The Banqueting Hall, can host 50 to 150 to witness your vows. Moving into the afternoon and evening, it also has a large dancefloor, private bar and is air conditioned to keep you comfortable in the summer.

Stanley House Ballroom is the biggest space and can accommodate 80 to 300 guests for ceremony and celebrations. It has a large dancefloor, stage and huge private bar. It also boasts its own entrance.

LORDSWOOD LEISURE CENTRE

01634 682 862 | www.lordswood-leisure.co.uk

Lordswood Leisure Centre is set in 14 acres of beautiful woodland surroundings in Kent. It has a wedding garden included when you book the Grand Quee Suite, which acts as a fantastic place for mingling and relaxation, especially during the summer.

Ceremonies with up to 70 guests are hosted in the garden and Garden Marquee, the most popular spot for weddings here.

For larger numbers and ceremony through to celebrations, The Grand Quee Suite can host 500 people. The space features a large silk-lined indoor marquee and there’s an option for a matching divider to be placed in the room. This is ideal if you want to make the space smaller or partition off an area for use later in the day. Inside, there’s an integrated bar for you and your guests to enjoy.

The Quee Suite can accommodate up to 150 guests. A smaller alternative to The Grand Quee, it too features a silk-lined indoor marquee and bar. Also fitted inside is coloured mood lighting that can be set to suit your theme or palette.

Finally, The Martin Grove Suite boasts modern, neutral décor allowing you to take the blank canvas and create your own theme. Located on the first floor with its own bar, it’s separate from the other function suites and can be hung with silk lining for an additional fee. It can host 150 loved ones.