Medway's Breathtaking Wedding Venues

From ships and Napoleonic forts to castles and houses of history, Medway is blessed with some spectacular wedding venues.

From ships and Napoleonic forts to castles and houses of history, Medway is blessed with some truly breathtaking wedding venues.

So whether you’re looking for something intimate or grand, historic or contemporary, there are plenty of inspiring venues to choose from. Here's our guide to some of the amazing attractions where you can celebrate your historic day in our historic settings.

Upnor Castle

The ceremony room at Upnor

Upnor Castle

Set in a picturesque riverside village, and steeped in centuries of history, Upnor Castle is an Elizabethan artillery fort dating back to 1559. Surrounded by beautiful Kentish countryside in a stunning location overlooking the River Medway, this venue offers a unique opportunity to get married in a castle worthy of a king and queen and is guaranteed to impress.

Step back in time and walk along the enchanting cobbled high street towards Upnor Castle’s studded oak doors beyond which you’ll find the inner courtyard. Entering the castle itself, the former munitions store on the upper floor is where your ceremony will take place, with distinctive powder barrel seating as a nod to the building’s almost 500 year history. It is a truly memorable setting to exchange your vows in front of your loved ones.

After the ceremony you’ll be able to enjoy an alfresco drinks reception in the castle’s beautiful grounds, allowing you to sip on champagne and hold court with your guests. With panoramic views of the river this timeless and historic venue, also provides the picture perfect backdrop for wedding photos to be treasured forever.

Accommodates: 80 people seated and 20 standing.

See website

Eastgate House

Built in 1590, Eastgate House is a Grade I listed Elizabethan town house and is one of the most impressive and distinctive buildings on Rochester’s High Street.

The building has many stories to tell, having been a family home, a Victorian School and a museum. In fact, it provided inspiration for one of the area’s most famous authors, Charles Dickens, featuring in The Pickwick Papers and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. As one of Medway’s heritage wedding venues, Eastgate House can also be part of your story and mark this very historic moment in your lives.

Imagine stepping through the stone archway at the front of the building and making your way up the wooden staircase to the oak-panelled ceremony room, which features an original tiled fireplace. Greeted by your nearest and dearest, what a place this could be to exchange your vows.

Full of herbaceous lavender and vibrant pelargoniums, the landscaped gardens are a wonderful place to congregate after the ceremony and mingle with your guests. It also provides the opportunity to get a closer look at Charles Dickens’ famous Swiss Chalet and a romantic backdrop for those all-important photos.

Accommodates: 40 seated guests

See venue website

Eastgate staircase

Eastgate House ceremony room

The Queens Hall

The romantic sweeping staircase

The Princes Hall

Rochester Corn Exchange

Built in 1706, The Rochester Corn Exchange is a Grade I listed building which blends historic architecture with contemporary facilities, providing you with everything you could possibly need for the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.

The Rochester Corn Exchange is available for intimate wedding celebrations as well as private exclusive hire of the whole venue.

The Queens Hall was so called to commemorate a visit from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1961. The name couldn’t be more appropriate. It is a venue fit for royalty, full of character and dazzling original features including intricate high ceilings and period columns, the grandest of spaces to enjoy your unforgettable day. With an abundance of natural light and ornate chandeliers, the majestic hall transforms seamlessly from day to night giving you a space that can make your dream day a reality.

Meanwhile, The Princes Hall doesn’t compromise on historic charm and leads out onto the Corn Exchange’s iconic sweeping staircase, for more photo opportunities.

This flexible venue can take you from the ceremony, wedding breakfast and speeches right through to showing off those signature moves on the dancefloor at your evening reception.

The Rochester Corn Exchange’s dedicated wedding planning team provides a personal service bespoke to your individual needs. They will guide you through every stage of planning your big day so that you can enjoy every moment with your family and friends. .

Accommodates: The Queens Hall (up to 300 guests) and The Princes Hall (up to 100 guests)

Visit venue website

The Guildhall, Rochester

Located in the heart of Rochester, The Guildhall is bursting with character and charm, creating a truly captivating setting for your wedding. Built in 1687, it has been a town hall, entertainment venue, court and a council chamber. Now a museum, it displays more than 250,000 years of Medway’s history, making it an ideal option if you’re looking for something truly unique.

The historic building is a fine example of 17th century interior design, with its ornate painted plaster ceilings and large decorative oil paintings. You will enjoy a sense of luxury with a stunning sweeping staircase as you enter and chandeliers to give a soft ambience for the ceremony.

Accommodates: 70 people seated and 20 standing

See venue website

Main Chamber at The Guildhall, Rochester

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Places to Stay

From hotels and B&Bs to award-winning glamping sites and self-catering holiday lets, check out the accommodation options for your stay in Medway.