Planning the perfect wedding in Rochester! (Part One!)

It should be one of the best days of your life and you want it to be perfect, so here’s the first part of a handy guide to wedding services in Rochester.

The venue is the backdrop to your photographic or video memories and Rochester gives you many beautiful locations to choose from. Top of your list may be the Cathedral  – how magnificent would that be? But you do need special permission; this you will only get if you have a connection with the cathedral itself. (It’s got to be worth a try though, yes?)

Failing the Cathedral, you can be married in the Guildhall Museum, amidst the rich tapestry of history in the Main Chamber or in one of the most widely recognised of all Rochester’s historic buildings, Eastgate House, with its lovely garden housing the Dickens Chalet. For somewhere a little more contemporary, The Roffen Suite is widely regarded as a top class venue at very reasonable prices – having attended a wedding there myself, I can vouch for that!

Or how do you fancy being married in a castle? Oh, yes – the wonderful Cooling Castle Barn can be yours, as can the beautiful 16th Elizabethan riverside fort, Upnor Castle, situated next to the picturesque village of the same name. There’s a wedding fair at Cooling Castle tomorrow – why not head over there and check it out? Bookings will be open for 2013 and you’ll be able to see to see for yourself the beauty of the 16th century Tithe Barn. With exposed beams, rafters and red Kent bricks enhanced by atmospheric lighting designed to highlight the features of the building, it’s a truly gorgeous venue.

And talking of wedding fairs, another historic Rochester wedding venue, The Corn Exchange, is holding one on Sunday 3rd October between 10am – 4pm and entry is free! See here for on-line discounts and further details.  

But maybe you’re looking for something with a little less grandeur but no less quirky? In which case, The George Vaults can cater for up to 60 people, with the ceremony taking place in their 13th century vault!

Knowle Country House is a stunning Victorian Gothic Mansion in Higham, set in fourteen acres of orchards and old English gardens. Exclusivity on the big day, coupled with their fine food and attentiveness to your every need, ensure that the venue is extremely popular and therefore needs to be booked early!

You may prefer a more traditional church ceremony closer to home, and follow up with the wedding breakfast in a local restaurant. The Atrium’s old English exterior masks a contemporary and stylish setting for your reception, in a wonderfully central area in the historic high street of Rochester. Alternatively, why not have a wedding breakfast at The Cumin Club for something a little different?

I’m not sure what’s worse, too little or too much choice – every venue I looked at I thought: That one! No, that one ... I don’t envy you having to choose at all! A word of advice though - do view the venue you want before booking, don't just take my word for it! Quaint and beautiful for you may be someone else's twee!

Check back with us soon for Part 2, for details on dresses, photographers and not forgetting that all important cake!