A timeless kent wedding
This summer we begin a new chapter at The Historic Dockyard, reopening a spectacular venue for your Kent wedding from July 2026.
Restored, Renewed. Ready for the love stories yet to be told.
The Commissioner’s House
Embodying the quiet grace of its Georgian roots, every room, hallway and corner has been lovingly restored to warmly welcome new beginnings to live alongside centuries of love stories written here in Kent.
Weddings
Tell your story
At the heart of our historic estate The CommissionerтАЩs House has held centuries of celebrations, laughter and love stories, and it will be reopening its doors this summer for you to tell yours. Our meticulously restored house becomes your home for the day, offering an elegant canvas for each chapter of your wedding- whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony, or a reception fit for a commissioner.
Combining the timeless character of our heritage venue with modern hospitality, catering and service, weтАЩll ensure your day feels effortless. Before the guests arrive you can make yourself comfortable in our bridal suite, while our in house team get to work delivering on the details.
From the moment you book your first viewing to the last goodbye at the bar, you can plan your day knowing you’ve got a renewed venue, with years of experience.
Your ceremony
When it’s time to tie the knot
You can choose from a range of ceremony venues, from warm and intimate, to grand and luxurious. Our wedding ceremony venues give you the space needed to tell your love story your way.
The Ballroom
Capturing the grandeur of its lively past, step inside our Ballroom to say тАШI doтАЩ in style. Just across the hallway you’ll find our warm and welcoming Garden Room with a cosy bar where your guests can toast the happy couple. The ballroom offers an elegant option at the heart of Commissioner’s House. More…
- Seats 70 for your ceremony
- Seats 40 for dining
- located on the ground floor for ease of access
The Sunne Room
With a soft light that dances through floor to ceiling sash windows and elegant heritage decor, The Sunne Room offers understated luxury. More…
- Seats 70 for your ceremony
- Seats 40 for dining
- Located just across the hallway from our luxurious bridal suite
new The orangery
Flooded with natural light and overlooking our exquisite secret garden, our brand new Orangery is our largest venue. After vows are exchanged step outside for drinks on the lawn, or quietly escape into the serene greenery to enjoy a quick moment for just the two of you. More…
- Seats 120 for both your ceremony and dining
- Located on the ground floor for ease of access
The Commissioner’s Courtyard
For a romantic backdrop to your ceremony, enjoy the tranquil beauty of The Commissioner’s Garden as you recite your vows. More…
- Seats 70 for your ceremony
- The Orangery, The Sunne Room, or The Ballroom can be selected as alternative venues in poor weather
HMS GANNET
For a unique ceremony venue, step aboard HMS GANNET. Built right here in Kent, our striking Victorian sloop offers both The CaptainтАЩs Cabin for intimate ceremonies or the main deck. Invite your guests to get comfortable on board for a drinks and canapes reception before heading home to The CommissionerтАЩs House to continue your celebration. More…
- Seats 40 in the Captains Cabin for an intimate ceremony
- Seats 100 on the main deck
- Located just a short walk from the rest of the festivities at The Commissioner’s House.
Your wedding breakfast & reception
Make yourself at home
dine like an admiral
When it’s time to take your seats in The Orangery, you can settle in and enjoy the moment knowing that our team are on hand to deliver an outstanding menu.
dance like a sailor
The Commissioner’s House has always known how to host a party; a high society hub from the first day it threw open it’s doors in 1703. Add to it’s legacy by dancing the night away, getting lost conversation, and celebrating in style.
Your Perfect Backdrop
Memories that last a lifetime
With centuries of rich architectural and naval heritage, The Historic Dockyard Chatham offers striking┬аbackdrops for wedding photos. ┬аFrom sumptuous Georgian interiors and impressive Victorian buildings to historic ships, slips and even a submarine, a wedding here can provide photographs that feel authentically you.┬а
award winning & recommended by our couples
The Historic Dockyard Chatham was named as one of the winners of the annual Hitched Wedding Awards 2024.
Overall we had the best wedding day we could have hoped for. It was stress free and we were able to enjoy every moment of the day. I would highly recommend the venue to anyone else. ItтАЩs such a beautiful venue but also you could decorate it (within reason) with whatever we wanted and were continually told it was our day we do with it what we want.
Quite simply the best day of our lives. Unique location steeped in Naval history offering an authentic unique wedding venue. Staff are very friendly and relaxed and extremely helpful. No pressure and they go above and beyond to make your day special and hassle free. Thank you so much to Chloe & Lisa and the rest of the team to making our day simply the best ever.
Chloe was wonderful and made everything simple, she kept in regular contact and was happy to answer any question. We had the best celebration of our marriage with so many happy memories- thank you.
Many thanks to both of you for giving us the info, and then getting everything in place for our wedding last Saturday, especially to everyone involved in setting up HMS Gannet тАУ and for arranging the good weather ! It was a great day for us, and this very special setting in such beautiful weather was just the icing on the cake! We have to make a special mention of Lisa, Alison and everyone else involved on the day. One of our guests said they would rate your guys as 10 stars out of 5!
Key details at a glance
Your planning starts here
Stunning maritime location
With over 80 acres to choose from, we offer incredible backdrops for your wedding photos.
Make yourself at home
Our exclusive use venue can accommodate 15 тАУ 250 guests.
Licensed for ceremonies
Skip the registry office and say I do (officially) on site.
Meet your new best friend
WeтАЩre with you every step of the way, offering a personalised service with a dedicated wedding coordinator.
Get ready in style
Relax before the big moment in our luxurious bridal suite, offering all the amenities needed to prepare for your day.
We’ve got it covered
Our in-house catering team provide an effortlessly smooth day, offering both flexibility and┬аrich menu options to delight your guests.
Getting here
The Historic Dockyard
Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TZ
There is free, onsite parking for all guests.
Need to know
- Child Friendly: Yes
- Late License: 12AM
- Disabled Facilities: Yes
Accommodation
Although there is no on-site accommodation, we have great relationships with local hotels and can help to arrange rooms for you and your guests.
RECOMMENDED SUPPLIERS
ONLY THE BEST
If you need some advice on who to choose to help with your day, then weтАЩve listed our recommended Kent wedding suppliers. WeтАЩve worked with them over the years and these are honest recommendations from previous couples, with our seal of approval too.
Type
Location
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