For couples who are looking to tie the knot in Kent, The Historic Dockyard Chatham makes a unique wedding venue.
We offer a choice of 4 exclusive ceremony venues and a spectacular reception setting.
The Commissioner’s House, Britain’s oldest naval building, is an elegant Georgian-style house with a choice of stylish rooms to suit all party themes and sizes. The surrounding Commissioner’s Garden provides the perfect setting for drinks receptions and photographs.
Not many people can boast they were married on a ship! If you’re looking for a venue with a difference, at The Historic Dockyard Chatham you can say your vows aboard the magnificent and romantic Victorian sloop, HMS Gannet. Choose from the Commander’s Cabin, the Quarterdeck or the main deck for you and your guests.
Planning starts here
… your day at a glance
For 2020 we are pleased to offer couples intimate, ceremony-only packages that comply with the latest COVID-19 government guidelines.
Viewings can be arranged virtually (via Zoom) or in-person (within social distancing rules).
We have four stunning historic venues, for you to say ‘I do’. A selection of both indoor and outdoor spaces to suit all party sizes means we have your perfect spot to tie the knot.
“One of Kent’s Top 10 stunning venues”– Kent Life
There are a range of local churches in the area, for those wishing to have a church ceremony.
With breath-taking views over the landscaped Commissioner’s Garden and a balcony perfect for your bouquet toss, this beautiful Georgian room is a wonderful inside ceremony space. The Sunne Room is suitable for ceremonies seating around 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, ideal for a warm day. The Ballroom is perfect for ceremonies seating around 70 guests.
This beautiful Victorian sloop is the most unique ceremony venue in Kent. The Captain’s Cabin, seating up to 40 guests for intimate ceremonies or the main deck, perfect for up to 100 guests.
Combine with drinks on board before your party makes its way to Commissioner’s House to enjoy the rest of your big day. Need we say more?
If you want that idyllic summer setting, this may be the space for you. The patio soaks up the sunshine and boasts two options for your all important walk down the aisle. The Patio can seat around 80 guests for your ceremony.
Mentioned by Wedding Ideas Magazine, in the top ’16 Britain’s Best Wedding Venues’
With two fantastic caterers to choose from, you have plenty of options to consider for your wedding breakfast – from a traditional three course sit down meal to grazing tables and nibbles, the choices are endless.
Why not try a BBQ or Hog Roast? A perfect choice for the patio.
“The UK is home to some seriously unique wedding venues”– Guides for Brides
And so, the party begins, it’s time for evening guests to arrive and party with you until Midnight! From bands to DJ’s, your evening entertainment can be anything you like.
If you’re able to leave your guests for a short time, the 400 year history of the Historic Dockyard makes for some unique and spectacular backdrops for your wedding photos. What will be your ‘perfect shot’ …
We will be on hand every step of the way, from the moment you enquire until you leave at the end of your wedding night. Your wedding co-coordinator will work with you during the planning process, to make sure it is stress-free and fun. On the day of the wedding, you will be in the safe hands of our Event Manager, who will be on hand to assist with anything you may need, including calming nerves.
Thank you so much for all your hard work towards our wedding. We had the most brilliant day and it all ran so smoothly thanks to all your help! From the planning to the day itself, nothing was too much trouble, right through to the most perfect day of our lives! We truly cannot thank you enough. The venue is truly stunning and gave us the one-of-a-kind Kent wedding day we were looking for! Your future couples are very lucky indeed!
Thank you so much for making Friday such an amazing day. Throughout the process you have been kind, patient, supportive and above all, so professional. Nothing was too much trouble. We wanted a unique Kent wedding day that allowed us to celebrate and bring together a wide range of friends and family. You listened carefully to our needs, make suggestions and helped us to have a day ever more amazing than we could ever had imagined.
Our experience of booking our wedding reception at The Dockyard was positive and straightforward from start to finish. During the build up to the wedding, it was so nice to be in safe and experienced hands. On the day, we couldn’t have asked for better support, just the right balance of being there for us but not intrusive. All our guests had a great time and having the garden so close, gave the children a safe place to play. Being able to use both Commissioner’s House and areas around the Dockyard allowed for some wonderful photos!
01634 823846
Please give us a call to discuss any queries you may have or to book a viewing. We are here in the office between 9am-5pm Monday – Friday. If you do miss us, please leave a voicemail and we’ll call you back.
ch-events@chdt.org.uk
Get in touch, with all of your ideas! Don’t forget to include the special dates that you are hoping for as well as party size and venue. We can then respond with all the details.
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Please use the form below to tell us as much as you can about your wedding requirements and a member of our hospitality team will contact you to discuss your plans in more detail. If you would rather speak to us directly, please call us on 01634 823846.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is now open to visitors.
For your safety, and in line with the latest government guidelines, things will be different from your last visit and there will be a few changes to how you’ll explore our 80-acre site. Please take a moment to read our ‘KNOW BEFORE YOU GO‘ information.
If you have any queries that are not answered on this page, please contact us via info@chdt.org.uk
If you are trying to contact us via telephone, we are experiencing a high volume of calls and we ask for your patience during this time.
