The iconic Guildhall stands in the very heart of Faversham, the Market Town of Kings. This stunning and unique building, is symbolic of what is so special about this ancient port and town in North Kent.
Located in the Market Place, it was originally built as a market hall in 1574 by the people of the town and the nearby parishes. The ground floor with its timber arcades and octagonal columns bulging out at the bottom has been used by market traders for more than 500 years. Now couples looking for something a little special and niche for their wedding day, can become a part of this historic building’s history.
The Guildhall is a licensed venue for civil marriages and partnerships to take place in the Council Chamber, providing a historic backdrop steeped in history for your special day. The room can accommodate up to 50 guests, including the wedding couple, and we can supply a list of local wedding hire suppliers and florists whose services can further enhance the decor of this very unique venue.
Market day weddings
Available 7 days a week, you can even have your wedding on a market day in Faversham, admidst the hustle and bustle of our thriving town market.
After the ceremony
Faversham boasts a host of local venues close by for your wedding breakfast and reception, together with local suppliers for all your wedding requirements. We can supply couples with a list of these on request, so that you have everything you need for your perfect day in this beautiful and historic market town.
Venue details
The Guildhall is situated in the town centre of Faversham in a semi pedestrianised area, with the Council Chamber situated up a short flight of stairs on the first floor.
Facilities include:
- Separate room for couple to meet the Registrar
- Disabled lift
- Disabled toilet
- Local pay and display car parks close by
- WiFi and Bluetooth enabled Bose Wave SoundTouch system for music streaming from your device
Booking information
Maximum number of guests (including wedding couple) 50
Ceremony venue hire prices* (2023-2024):
Monday to Friday: £300
Saturdays: £400
Sundays, Bank Holidays & Easter Saturday: £450
A 50% non refundable deposit is required to secure your booking, the balance being payable in full six weeks before your wedding day. The town market takes place in Faversham under the Guildhall in Market Place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The introduction of the marriage schedule system
The Marriages, Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration Etc.) Act 2019
The Act will modernise how marriages are registered for the first time since 1837, through issue of a marriage schedule system and registration in an electronic register. It will move away from the current paper register creating a more secure system for keeping marriage records, that is also more efficient and far simpler to administer and amend, if necessary, in the future.
The electronic register will also allow for the names of parents of the couple (mother / father / parent) to be included in the marriage entry and on marriage certificates, instead of only their fathers’ names as is currently the case.
This will be implemented from 4 May 2021.
What will change?
- Couples will not be invited to sign a marriage register but will be invited to sign a marriage schedule which is an A4 document.
- Couples will have the option to include up to 4x parents in the schedule and subsequently their marriage certificate i.e. Mother, Father, Stepmother and Stepfather (Step parent).
- Couples will not receive marriage certificates on the day of the marriage these will be processed in a specified timescale by the Registration Office in business hours for collecting/posting in line with customer choice.
All other processes as required by legislation, such as notice of marriage, the requirement of a Registrar and Celebrant and 2 witnesses remain the same.
For further information & booking enquiries, contact: Rob Gibbs
T: 01795 503286
E: rob.gibbs@favershamtowncouncil.gov.uk
*Registrar Fees are extra and payable direct to the Registry Office
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