Medway Picturesque Venues that allow own catering?

choo_choo_2

Hello forum-ers,

We're (me and OH) at the very initial planning stages: we don't have much money but do have a dad that owns a restaurant. For me the important bit are the pictures that you have forever and kids having fun, for OH it's about a Beautiful day, in an emotional sense.

I found a venue I like from the medway council page, 10 min drive from parents house and restaurant, Beautiful but they don't accept outside catering, just called . I'd got this image in my head (danger of weddings alert! I'm the anti wedding one!) Of the venue, setting up a sweet bar and balloon area, dad doing all the food (his idea so not me assuming), getting ready at parents.

Any ideas for a picturesque venue that will let food in in Rochester/Strood? Will need ample parking.!availability weekdays (perk of everyone working in services has to be a weekday).


I did forsee having the legal bit done on the day at the venue but I guess could pop to office next day or something.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated x

jenhug

Little hermitage?
http://www.little-hermitage.co.uk/

fort amherst
commisioners house?
not actually medway, but museum of kent life in maidstone do wedding receptions, they have the village hall that was used in Darling buds of May.

jenhug

Hartlip place looks just the job, and is the teeniest smidge out of Medway,
http://www.hartlipplace.co.uk/Civil%20Ceremonies%20&%20Receptions.html

http://wardroomchatham.co.uk/weddings-celebrations

choo_choo_2

Hello jenhug! Thank you for the suggestions, I guess all there is now is to have a look at these venues.

I called "Corn Exchange" in Rochester. They do 9am til 6pm inc use of 2 kitchens for £480 (£530 for 6pm til late so approx a grand for whole day but we probably won't need it past 6) plus £100 corkage, which is achievable for me, made me feel much better! Was just panicking a lot at beginning of week.

Has anyone got experiences of weddings at these venues they can share? I've had a Google on wedding forums etc already wondering if anyone here has anecdotes.

Or advice on things to look out for in venues when self catering?

Thanks all x

duchy

The University has some nice function rooms (as you probably know some of the buildings are part of the Dockyard ). They set their own prices so may be more (or less) sensible than the Dockyard itself.

duchy

Hayne Barn do outside caterers
http://www.haynebarnhouse.co.uk/weddings

duchy

choo_choo wrote: »

I did forsee having the legal bit done on the day at the venue but I guess could pop to office next day or something.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated x

Why not have the ceremony in Rochester that morning - it's a skip over to the Cathedral for photos after (just don't get married Sweep's weekend ) If you are planning a Saturday celebration you'd have to wait til Monday if you did it after . The registry office option is a heck of a lot cheaper than all the extra fees to have celebrant come to your venue -especially on a weekend. I think for me I'd probably want to ceremony before the reception otherwise what are you actually celebrating but I know some people do it after .

Fort Amhurst have reopened the grand magazine building for weddings if you don't fancy the caves btw. I believe it has views over the river and of course lots of green space for photos.

Great Higham Barn looks amazing if you want a Barn style place for sole use-even has a swimming pool and hot tub

choo_choo_2

Hi Duchy thanks for your replies! It would definitely be a week day.

Not sure what's happening now just found out from future MIL that there'll be lots of family from their side. Will need a rethink (don't worry she also said she'd contribute as only child).

This was all great for info finding and sussing out the area so thank you very much.