A guide to ceremonies in Medway
Transcription
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: [email protected] www.eventswithelegance.co.uk Roundabout,Walderslade Woods, Chatham, Kent ME5 9AX Phone: 01634 201333 Fax: 01634 201330 Email: [email protected] 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: [email protected] www.coolingcastlebarn.com Commissioner's House, The Historic Dockyard, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TZ Phone: 01634 823846 Email:[email protected] www.commissionershouse.com Corn Exchange, High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LX Phone: 01634 338112 Fax: 01634 338913 Email: [email protected] www.medway.gov.uk/cornexchange Eastgate House, High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1EW Phone: 01634 311708 Email: [email protected] www.eventswithelegance.co.uk 6 Franklin Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 4DG Phone: 01634 851203/852559 Email: [email protected] Gainsborough House, 254 St Margaret’s Bank, Rochester, Kent ME1 1HY Phone: 01634 838691 Fax: 01634 838691 Email: [email protected] www.gainsborough-weddings.com George Vaults, 35 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LN Phone: 01634 817165 Fax: 01634 880814 Email: [email protected] www.georgevaults.com Gillingham Football Club, Redfern Avenue, Gillingham, Kent ME7 4DD Phone: 01634 300000 Fax: 01634 287148 Email: [email protected] www.priestfield.com Gordon House Hotel, 91 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LX Phone: 01634 831000 Fax: 01634 814769 Email: [email protected] www.gordonhousehotel.net HMS Gannet, The Historic Dockyard, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TZ Phone: 01634 823846 Fax: 01634 823801 Email: [email protected] www.commissionershouse.com St George Hotel, 7/8 New Road Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6BB Phone: 01634 841012 Fax: 01634 812109 Email: [email protected] www.george-hotel.co.uk The Guildhall, High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1PY Phone: 01634 848717 Fax: 01634 832919 Email: [email protected] www.medway.gov.uk/guildhallceremonies The Roffen, 41 New Road, Rochester, Kent ME1 1DX Phone: 01634 404770 Fax: 01634 817664 Email: [email protected] www.roffen.co.uk Holiday Inn, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent ME5 9SF Phone: 0870 4009069 Fax: 01634 673674 Email: [email protected] www.holidayinn.com/rochesterchath Upnor Castle, Upper Upnor, Rochester, Kent ME2 4XG Phone: 01634 338106 Fax: 01634 332862 Email: [email protected] www.medway.gov.uk/upnorcastleceremonies King Charles Hotel, Brompton Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5QT Phone: 01634 830303 Fax: 01634 829430 Email: [email protected] www.kingcharleshotel.co.uk Ward Room, Pembroke, The University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME3 8DT Phone: 01732 872020 Fax: 01732 872955E Email: [email protected]: [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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. 10 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. ADVERTISEMENT 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] www.commissionershouse.com 17 Approved venues ADVERTISEMENT Eastgate House Make-up artist Tracy Mead is now offering a bespoke service for future brides on their Wedding Day. She utilises her years of top flight experience to create a stunning yet natural look. To discuss arranging a trial email or call Tracy direct t: 0845 388 5789, m: 07810 033 438 e: [email protected] www.tracymead.com ADVERTISEMENT 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: [email protected] www.eventswithelegance.co.uk 59-61 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LX t: 01634 846244 • e: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Gainsborough House, 254 St Margarets Bank, Rochester ME1 1HY. Phone: 01634 838691 Email: [email protected] 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: [email protected] www.georgevaults.com Gillingham Football Club, Redfern Avenue, Gillingham ME7 4DD. Phone: 01634 300000 Email: [email protected] 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: [email protected] www.gordonhousehotel.net yes Holiday Inn, Maidstone Road, Chatham ME5 9SF Phone: 0870 400 9069 Email: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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 ADVERTISEMENT 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: [email protected] www.medway.gov.uk/weddings Designed by Medway Council Communications Team. www.medway.gov.uk/communications G3306