The Historic Dockyard Chatham

(17)
£2,150 - £5,000 for Venue Hire
Up to 120
Bedrooms
Exclusive Use
Wedding Licence
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Receive it immediately

Description

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. All weddings are bespoke, from an intimate wedding in one of the private dining rooms, to a wedding breakfast for 120 people in the garden marquee. The special touches we provide with each wedding means no two are the same. Immaculate detail and pure care come across as you and your partner venture into the future.

Personal Message from the Manager

Name of Wedding Contact: Chloe Wilson
Congratulations on your engagement! My name is Chloe and I am the Wedding Coordinator here, dedicated to making your wedding day perfect, and taking away any stress you may have! My job is to make sure your wedding day runs smoothly, from your initial viewing, to making your booking, to the day itself. I am here to answer questions and be a constant support at all times. I look forward to hopefully meeting you soon to show you around our wonderful venue.

Experience

Year Business Was Established
1995
No. of Weddings Hosted
More than 50
Public Liability Insurance
Yes
No. of People In Team
2

Overview of The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Venue Type
Event Venue
Dining Capacity
120
Reception Capacity
250
Usual Access Time
06:00 AM
Usual Finish Time
12:00 AM

Ceremony & Reception

Sound System Available
Dancefloor Available
Outdoor Ceremony Available
Confetti Permitted
Wedding Licence
Church Within Walking Distance

Venue

Landscaped Gardens
Exclusive Use
Marquee Permitted
Bridal Changing Facilities
Disabled Access
On-Site Parking
Ballroom
Outdoor Reception Space
In-House Wedding Coordinator
Grade I/II Listed Building
Water View

Food and Drink

In-House Wine List
In-house Catering
Alcohol Licence
External Catering Permitted
Asian Catering
Halal Catering
Kosher Catering

Pricing for The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Venue Hire Only

Prices Start At
£2,150
Maximum Price
£5,000
Nestled within our private estate we have 4 timeless ceremony venues and a breathtaking reception setting, complete with its own secret garden. The Commissioner’s House, Britain’s oldest naval building, is an elegant Georgian-style house with a choice of beautifully restored rooms to suit all party themes and sizes. The surrounding Commissioner’s Garden provides an unforgettable 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 elegant and romantic, HMS GANNET, a sloop of the Victorian Royal Navy. If you’re seeking a venue that combines historical significance, elegant surroundings, and impeccable service The Historic Dockyard Chatham is an amazing choice of venue.
What is included in this pricing:
Exclusive use
Non consumables (e.g. linen, lights etc.)
Day before set up available
Furniture included
Choice of preferred caterers
Wedding coordinator available on the day
Multiple course wedding breakfast

Reviews for The Historic Dockyard Chatham
(17)

Mr & Mrs Burrows
Happy couple married in October
November 2023
It's a day that we will never forget!

We highly recommend having a wedding at the Historic Dockyard. We were married on HMS Gannett in August and from the start of our initial contact, through every step of the way, we were so happy with every staff members professionalism and nothing was too much trouble for anyone. We were looked after so well and our wedding day was enjoyed so much by all our guests and ourselves and it’s a day that we will never forget.

Natasha & Chris
Happy couple married in October
November 2023
We had the perfect day!

We had the perfect day, all our guest were wowed by the venue. The staff could not do enough to help in every way, they helped us set up and clear down afterwards and made sure we had everything we needed. Between booking and the day we were allowed to look around as often as we wanted which really helped throughout planning. We would highly recommend this venue, it's great value for money and they can recommend suppliers for you as well.

Tracy & Chris
Happy couple married in October
November 2023
A fantastic day from start to finish!

We had a fantastic day and from start to finish, I can’t praise enough, from our initial contact to every step of the way in our wedding process, all the great staff that supported us and were there for us all the time. Our guests and ourselves had a wonderful day, that we won’t ever forget.

Mr & Mrs Crane
Happy couple married in April
April 2023
Hi Chloe, Thank you so much it was the most amazing day

Hi Chloe, Thank you so much it was the most amazing day. Absolutely perfect! The team and especially Lisa were absolutely fantastic please pass on our thanks to her, she was amazing. I can't believe we did it and looks like in the nick of time. We really can't thank you and the dockyard enough, it really was just the most perfect day. Stay safe and keep well, And hopefully next year maybe around our anniversary we can book our big party! All the best.

Mr and Mrs Gardiner
Happy couple married in December
April 2023
Just writing to say a massive thank you for everything you did before the wedding and to the amazing staff that were working on Saturday

Just writing to say a massive thank you for everything you did before the wedding and to the amazing staff that were working on Saturday. From booking to the wedding it's self the service we have received has been exceptional. The venue is outstanding and absolutely beautiful. The photos that our photographer took look like something from a magazine. The amount of comments we have had and people cannot believe it was in the dockyard. I especially love the photos in the hanger they come out absolutely beautiful. Once again we would both like to thank you all so much for everything you did to make our day as special as it was. Many thanks.

Louise & Rob
Happy couple married in September
November 2020
Brilliant experience from start to finish!

It really was the best day of our lives. Everything from our initial meeting with Chloe right up until we went back the day after to collect our things was fantastic. The care, the attention to detail, the support and the welcoming and friendly attitude to all of our family and guests was first class. A special mention must go to Lisa who couldn’t do enough for me or for my family, she’s wonderful and a credit to the venue. Thank you for making our day so special.

Catherine & Steven
Happy couple married in August
November 2020
Our experience was amazing!

Our experience with the Dockyard, when you consider how difficult this year has been was amazing from beginning to end. When we first visited the Dockyard in November 2018 as a potential venue, we were very impressed. Chloe was just so nice and helpful and I think the thought of getting married on a ship won my husband over. When news of the pandemic hit, we had just posted our day invitations and quickly realised we were probably going to have to send out follow up cancellations. Although Chloe had the awful task of informing us that the Dockyard was closing and so our May wedding couldn’t go ahead, she just continued to be helpful in making alternative suggestions and generally being very accommodating. We actually cancelled altogether, intending to have a very small ceremony at the registry office when weddings were allowed again. This didn’t last long, as when weddings were given the green light to go ahead we knew we were in love with the Dockyard so arranged with Olivia to hold it on the 2nd anniversary of our engagement. The build up to that day was pretty tense, as the Government postponed receptions going ahead so we didn’t actually know until about 5 days before the wedding whether we could have any sort of reception. Once again, Olivia was just fantastic and was happy to organise whatever we wanted with whatever notice we could give. Same as the caterers who were prepared to cancel or deliver with 24 hours notice!!! The day was the best day ever. Apart from the fact I married the love of my life (and him his), the highlight was seeing our families together for what was going to be the last time in a number of months and getting married on the ship. Our guest list went down from about 80 to well under 30 but it just didn’t matter. From the moment I arrived in the morning, Olivia and her team were on hand, making sure everyone had a great (and safe) time. We were really worried that the several previous days of rain would continue, but the sun came out before the ceremony and stayed out for the duration. We’ll be forever grateful to everyone at the Dockyard for making our wedding day happen, and for making it so special too.

Sam & Phil
Happy couple married in October
November 2020
The most perfect day!

Thank you so much it was the most amazing day. Absolutely perfect! The team and especially Lisa were absolutely fantastic please pass on our thanks to her, she was amazing. We really can’t thank you and the dockyard enough, it really was just the most perfect day.

Claire & Jim
Happy couple married in August
November 2020
We had an amazing day!

Thank you so much for all of your help with the planning and running of our special day. Massive thanks to Lisa for making everything run so smoothly - she was a star! We had an amazing day and are so glad that we choose The Dockyard as our wedding venue!

Vikki & Lawrence
Happy couple married in April
November 2020
The most perfect day of our lives!

Thank you so so much for all of your hard work and effort 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 day we were looking for. All of your future couples are very lucky indeed!

Location & Contact Details for The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Wedding Venue Address
Chatham, Kent, England, United Kingdom
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Gallery
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FAQs
Find out a bit more from our FAQs

What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Don't stress! Planning your wedding should be fun and easy. We are here to take the pressure away from you, so sit back, relax and let us do the hard work for you!

What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?

We once had a Father of the Bride who put a special video together showing the couple over all the years they had been together - there wasn't a dry eye in the room!

Describe The Historic Dockyard Chatham in 5 adjectives

Stunning, Historic, Unique, Bespoke, Interesting

Where’s the best photo spot at The Historic Dockyard Chatham?

Infront of HMS Gannet or the Commissioner's House Gardens

Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at The Historic Dockyard Chatham?

We often have celebrities coming by to use our venue as a film location! From Ed Sheeran to Tom Cruise - we've seen plenty here!

What’s your favourite canapé?

Oh, Brie & Cranberry mini tarts!

What’s your favourite midnight treat?

It has to be a bacon roll at Midnight for sure!

What is The Historic Dockyard Chatham most unique feature?

Our venue is Britain's Oldest Naval building, so is full of stunning architecture but we have a beautiful painted ceiling above the grand staircase so do make sure you look up when you come for a viewing.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

It has to be getting to be a part of so many couples special days. I love getting to know our couples and their families as we plan the day together.
Press & Awards
All our awards & press mentions